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('••iilniiiiiii; a HiMloiy nf l^>- Aiip-li-x Couiilv ln>iii tli«- Karlii*»t l'i-ri>M| 

i.f iC'. 0«vii|»aiifV to the IVi-sH-m Tiiiif. loifcihrr \\illi (iliiii|iM-« nt' 

il- Pr.wjHvtivr Fiituri': with l*n>luM llliiMration. .•! ii« 

Itniitifiil S-.iu-n. Full Pap- r..rlrait- of Smif »i' 

it* iii«Mt KiiiiiK-iil M«-ii. aimI Hioifraphii-al 

M<-ntion <i|* Maii\ of itx IMoiM*«-r< aii<l 

•'' f Proiiiiiinit • ••• • — 

of To..Uv 



• II K A(.0: 
IHh l.i.Ui.- I'UBLISHINC; COM 
1 H 8 •• . 






7 



^^^i^. 



err 



«^.. 

* 







X this \vurl< the j.uhli^liers li;ivf endeiivored to give ;i t'aitliful hit^tory of Los Aiio-eles County 
y IVoin the earliest times tn the present, and believe that it eniitains an account of all the ini- 
"^ portant events, and many of less note. They have taken nnusnal pains and incurred many 
unexpectedly heavy expenses in the search for material and its compilation into a symmetrical 
furni; and the \vi)rk is cei-tninly more correct than standard general histories. Ten to twenty per 
cent, of the latter kind of literature may lie erroneous and still appear straight and veritahle; 
while if even only one statement in a hundred in local liistory is found to he erroneous, it will 
cause some persons to use extravagant language concerning it. 

As to the projiortion of space allotted to each topic, especially in modern ati'airs, it is not 
expected that tlie compilers could satisfy all parties, as individual tastes and self-interest are more 
or less involved in them. The histurical material in the biographical sketches were obtained with 
great ditiicnlty. and therehuc none of that matter is supposed to i)e dictated by those interviewed, 
for the purpose of ailvertising themselves or their business. Two or three citizens absoliitely re- 
fused to give any dates with reference to their public career. 

\'i>v the carliei- recurils the magnificent histories of Hubert Howe Uancroft have been largely 
drawn upon, by s]ii'ci:il ]iermis>iiin of the author, who, more than any other man having access tc 
the archives, deserve- special acknowledgment for his peerless work. The extensive collection of 
I!. .\. Stephens, which he has been making for years, has largely been utilized. Due acknowledg- 
ment is also made to such writers .ms .1. J. Warner. Dr. J. P. Widney, Dr. Walter Lindley. llenja- 
min Hayes, II. D. Harrcw.-. (i. V. I'arsuns, Hugo lieid, A. k. Cun.ncl. Kev. .I.ksc Adam, kred 
Hall. W. Ilam. Hall. (;e,,rge Hutler (irittin. J. Albert Wilsci, W. Mci'her.-nn, .1. .M. (ininii, H. 
Wellington I'.rook, .1. D. Lynch. J. U. IJrierly, Alice P. .\dams, \l. \V . C. kaniswortli. (.corge 
Pice. D. M. llerry, Mrs. Jeanne C. Carr, and many other.-. 

Special thanks are hereby givi'U to the Historical Society of Southern California, and to their 
cmmittee, Messrs. J. .M. Cuiiin, Ira >rore. I!. I ). I'.arrows and Dr. W. F. Ivlgar. f.r their faith- 
fid labors in ri'viewini;- the nianuscrii.t. 




^■T^ \^' 



iN^EMfS. 




^=^^ '.V.^ "-s^ 



CHAPTER I. 
Physical Features — 

Geology 2 

Mineralogy 2 

Topography 5 

Climate • 6 

CHAPTEH II. 
Aborigines — 

Origin of the ludism 10 

Reid's Account of the luiiiaiis 11 

CHAPTER III. 

Early Voyages and Spanish Occiji'ation— 

Voyage of Cabrillo, 1542 3;5 

Voyage of Vizcayno, 1603 33 

Spanish Occupation, 1700-1822 24 

tilAPTEK IV. 

The Missions— 

Mission of San Galjiiel 27 

Mission Annals 30 

Rule of Zalvadea 34 

CHAPTER V. 

The Missions, Continued- 
Mission of San Fernando 40 

CHAPTER VI. 

SECULARIZ.VnoN OF THE MISSIONS 44 

CHAPTER VII. 

City of Los Angeles 40 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Mexk AN War— 

Capture of Los Angeles Oil 

Mexican Revolt 70 

Battle of Dominguez Ranch 73 

Battle of San Galjriel 75 

Battle of the Mesa 78 

Capitulation of Cahuenga 78 

Stevenson's Regiment 82 

The Four Cannon , S5 

CHAPTER IX. 
The County 87 

CIIAPTKK X. 
State Division 1'4 



CHAPTER XI. 

Annals— 1849-1889 97 

First Events 110 

Floods Ill 

Earthquakes Ill 

CHAPTER XII. 
Pioneers 114 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Railroads 134 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The Press 140 

CHAPTER XV. 
Bench and Bar— 

Pioneer Attorneys 1 (>0 

The Los Angeles Bar Association 195 

The Law Library 190 

CHAPTER XVI. 

The Medical Profession 197 

The Southern California Medical Society 236 

Los Angeles County Medical Association 237 

Los Angeles Homeopathic Society 238 

The Dental Profession 240 

Southern California Odontological Society 244 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Crimes and Criminals 245 

The Chinese Massacre 249 

Tiburico Vasquez 250 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Los Angklks City— 

Popnlalion and (Jrowth 253 

Businpss Interests 255 

Banks 257 

L.xpress Business 261 

Postotlice 201 

Telephone and Telegraph Lines 2G2 

The Water System 202 

The Water. Works 204 

The Citizens' Water Company 265 

The East-Side Spring Water Company 260 

The Big Tunnel 266 

Electric-Light System 267 

Los Angeles Ice and Cold-Slorage Company 268 

Public Library 268 

Public Parks , . .. , 208 



Places of Amusement 

Fire Department 


269 

2fi9 


San Gabriel 






837 


Alhambra 

Lamanila Park. 
Sierra Madre 






337 

337 


Cemeteries... . 
Educational. . 
Los Angeles F 
unuic les... . 


urnilure Company 


2(i9 

270 

289 

•'90 






337 


El Monte 






339 

...339 


Arcadia 






....339 






305 


Monrovia 






339 






308 


Glendale 

Newhall 

San Fernando. 

Glendora 

Alosta 

Azusa 






340 




CII.VPTEK XIX. 


313 


340 

340 

341 




C'lIAPTEK XX. 




342 

343 

844 




CHAPTER XXI. 


332 


Lancaster 

Wilson's Trail.. 

CI 
Miscellaneous— 
Spanish Land G 
The Great Boon 


lAPTEP 


XXIII. 


34.5 

34.1 


Wilmington.. 




334 

334 






CHAPTEU XXII. 


335 

336 

336 

336 


346 


Other Towns— 
Santa Monica 
Complou ... 

Downey 

Whittier. ... 
Santa F6 Spri 
Norwalk .... 


of 1S86- 


'87 


347 

350 


s.n','k.n!i~'i„.,::: 






354 


Military 

The Colored People 

Police Reports 

Legislative and County Officers 


357 

358 

359 

360 




337 



BIOGI^APHIGAL SP^ETGHES. 



Adam, J... 392 

Adams Bros 367 

Adams, S.M 367 

Addis, Y. H 366 

Aeuirre, M. G 701 

Aiken, George 368 

Alexander, Hamoo 368 

Allen, J. C 700 

Allen, O. H 365 

Allin, John 699 

Amar, Auguste 698 

Ambrose, C. D 370 

Anderson, Chris 700 

Anderson, J. A 194 

Ardis, John C. 366 

Arevalo, M. S 287 

Armour, J. M 371 

Arnelt, K. S 369 

Arnold, W S 700 

Ashman, James 697 

Atlas Milling Company < 97 

Ayers, J. J 147 

Babcock, W. D 233 

Badeau, W. C 381 

Baer, Edw. A 702 

Bailey, Jonathan 714 

Baker, Francis 392 

Baker, Fred L 398 

Baker, M. S 394 

Baker, U. S 701 

Baldridge. Michael 400 

Baldwin, C. W 709 



Ball, A. L 380 

Ball, B. F 413 

Ball, G. A 710 

Ballade, P 389 

Bandini, Juan 368 

Bangle, John 379 

Banning, Phineas 127 

Banla, Isaac 410 

Barber, D. C 215 

Barbour, W. K 706 

Barclay, H. A 174 

Barnard, W. H 386 

Barnard & Benedict 386 

Barnes, Leonidas 706 

Barnes, T. F 398 

Barnes, W. P 708 

Barnelt, E. E 711 

Barrows, H.D 411 

Bartle, J. H 408 

Bassett, K. S 385 

Basye, Rafael 705 

Bates, S.T 705 

Baxter, Edwin 193 

Baxter, W. O .371 

Bayer, Joseph 388 

Bayly, R. J 404 

Beardslee. J. B 405 

Beaudry, Prudeut 372' 

Bedwell, K. D 393 

Bell, Alex 384 

Bell, A. T 713 

Bell, C. M 381 

Bell, W. C 40(i 



Bender, John 398 

Benner, John 709 

Bent, H. K. W 391 

Bentley, A. P 178 

Bernard, Juan 707 

Bevan, P. R ...268 

Bickuell, F.T 236 

Bicknell, J.D 171 

Bird, W. R 243 

Birdsall Elias 298 

Bishop, R.B 711 

Bixby,Jotham 792 

Blackman, H 384 

Bloeser,John 385 

Blumer, J. G 704 

Boal, J. M 231 

Boal, R. II 240 

Boardman, AV. F 383 

Boddy, Andrew 408 

Boehme, George 387 

Bonebrake, G. H 716 

Bornemann, F 285 

Bowen, S. P 389 

Boyce, M. B 390 

Boyd, W. M 336 

Boyle, A. A 126 

Bradtield, Mrs. C. P 283 

Bradley, B 399 

Brady,J. M 710 

Bransby, Carlos 278 

Braun, F. W 388 

Breed, L X 409 

Brierlv, J.U 703 



CONTENTS. 



Brigdeu, Albert 407 

Brinkerhoff, J. 11 3-34 

Brodersen, A. C 194 

Bropliy, Michael 378 

Brophy, W. A 37!) 

Brosseau, Louis 712 

Brousseau, Julius 174 

Brown, C. W 383 

Brown, E. M 714 

Brown, Milton 377 

Brown, W. A 204 

Bruce, T. P 406 

Brunson, Ansou 190 

Brunson, K. A 230 

Bryson, C. W 232 

Bryson, John 2 i7 

Buchanan, C. W 385 

Buell, E. C 236 

BuUis, Omri 390 

Burdick, Cyrus 402 

Burdick,E."L 229 

Burke, A. W 708 

Burlingame, H. P 710 

Burns, J. F 713 

Burr, W. O 387 

Burritt, D. N 403 

Buster, F.M 397 

Butler, P. G 392 

Cambell, J. H 435 

Cameron, Wm 418 

Campbell, Alex 193 

CamptoD, George 429 

Carrell, F. 437 

Carsou, George 726 

Carson, J. K 2.2 

Carter, A. F .■ 414 

Carter, N. C 432 

Carutbers, Wm 419 

Case, J. 1 420 

Casey, John 7 ! !) 

Casey, J. W 7.0 

Ca-^sBros 431 

Castrucio, James 437 

Caswell, 8. B 431 

Cate, J. W 722 

C;ates, H.G 227 

Cathcart, Robert 417 

Chadsey, Benjamin 4.>4 

Chapman, A. B 4:,0 

Chapman & Heudrick 180 

Chapman ifc Paul 43'i 

Chappelow, Wm 434 

Charnock, Charles 423 

Cheney, Wm. A 169 

Cheney, W. W 429 

Chick, Hiram 718 

Childress Safe Deposit Bank 43.") 

Childress, A. D 435 

Childs, O. W 433 

Choatp, J.J 236 

Clark, E. A 234 

Clark, G. W 721 

Clark, W. K 170 

Clement, C. W 718 

t'leniinson, James 440 

Cleveland, E. K 145 

Cochran, W. G 234 

Cohn, I. E 724 

Cohn, Kaspare 430 

Colburn, J. U 234 

Cole, C 179 

Cole, G. L 236 

Cole, G. W 420 

Collins, D. U 721 





428 


Colver, J. 1' 


724 


Compton,G. D 


715 


Conner, L. D 


419 


Cook, James 






. ...414 


Cook, John W 


116 


Copley, Thomas 


. ...726 


Coronel, A. F 


425 


(Jorouel. Senora M. W. cle. 


426 


Coxhead, E. A 


725 






Craia;, Michael 


720 


Crawford, J. S 


2411 


Cronenwett, A. E 


.. ..422 


CuUen, W. B 


422 


Culver, F.F 


441 






Currier, A. T 


415 


Curtis, CD 


439 


Dalton.E. H 


446 


Dalton, Sr., Geor-e 


453 


Dalton, W. T 


455 


Damrnn, J. .M 


177 


Darlin-, A. F 


.. ..214 


Daubeiisptck, W. S 


443 


Davidson. G. C 


455 


Davis, C. W 


730 


Davis, G. H 


728 


Davis, J. L 


. . . 2y2 


Davis, Mrs. .Mauiic IVnv.. 


729 


DaviMm, .1. I, 


.7''.1 


Daviss...n, J. I 


7S0 


Dawson, ClKirles 


45:; 


Dawson, K. W 


. ...451 


DeGanno, II 


454 


DeGear, J. D 


732 


DeLano, C. S 


280 


Delano, T. A 


444 






Del Valle, K. F 


189 


Del Yalle, Y-nacio 


442 


Den, K. S 


197 


Denis, G.J 


i;3 


Denman, J. (i 


448 


Deut.-^ili, Emile 


. ...444 


Dillon, U. 1-: 


449 


Dillon, Hichard 


449 


Dod^e, S- C 


709 






Dodson, W. U 


449 


Dohs, Fred 


734 




445 


Dorman, Alanson 


455 


Dorsey,K. H 


451 


Dorsey, Miss R. L 


232 


Dougherty, J. L 


4.50 


Downey, J. G 


447 


Downs, J. M 


.... 215 


Dozier, Melville 


. ...283 




309 


Duukelberger, I. R 


454 


Dunlap, A. 11 




Dunn, J. T 


447 


Dunn, T. S 


733 


Dunsmoor, C. H 


443 


Durfee, J. D 


727 


Durrell, J. F 


733 


Dye, G. W 


.... 731 


Earle, W. Y 


457 




456 


Eaton. Fred '. . . . 


462 


Eberle, F. X 


45.) 



Eckler, J. P 




Edelman, A. M 


4.59 


Edo-ar \V F . .. . 


. 216 


Eddy Amos 


456 










Embody, Uri 


7H(> 






Engelhardi, A. K 


400 




. 458 


Erhardt, C. A 


458 


Erwin, F. M 




Ewing, 1!. S 


459 


Fairchild, I?. 11 


226 


Fannini;. F. B 


474 


Faulweller, Val 


735 


Fears, J. M 




Fellows, Is.i.-ic 


23!) 


Fer-us..n, Win 


466 


Ferniuidr/, .ManiP 1 


211 


FerrbM-, Fi.iir,, 


. . . 469 


Fitch, (ie.n-e 


475 


Fitzgerald, W. F 


737 


Flatt, C.J 


282 


Flora, A. W 


468 


Flory, J. S 


468 


Floyd, K. J 

Follansbee, Elizabela A.. 


467 


325 


Forbes, C. II 


471 


Forbes, Wm 


733 


Forsler, Juan 


47(1 


Forster, J. F 


473 


Forster.M. A 


472 


Fosmire, J. F 


464 


Foster, ^i. (.■ 


121 


Foy S C . 


465 


Fraisher, W. W 


469 


Franck, A 


7.-:5 


Freeman, Daniel 




Freeman, J. B 


7:!6 


Freer, W. II 


474 


French, L. W 


243 


Frick, J. E 


738 


Frick W A 


738 


Frost, F. R 


235 


Fruhling Bros 


465 


Fryer. J. M 


464 


Fryer, R. C 


463 


Fullerton, G. E 


469 


Gage, H. T 


175 


Gaines, J. W 


495 


Garber F J 


491 


Gard. 6. E 


487 


Garden, Miss L. E 


288 


Gardiner, AV P 


194 


Gardner, A. (J 


286 


Gardner. Hen.y 


476 


Garibaldi, C 


478 


Garthside, J. K 


488 


Garey, T. A 


746 


Garvev, Richard 


740 


Gassen, Charles 


744 


Gerkens, J F 


746 


Germain, Ed 


484 


Germain, Eugene 


753 


Gerson, Charles 


743 


Gibson, F. A. 


491 


Gibson, F. W 


489 


Gillespie John . 


485 


Gillette, J. W 




Gillmore, F.J 


484 


Giroux, L G 


477 


Glassell, Andrew 


187 



GoldswortLy, J. C 744 

GoUmer, Charles 745 

GoUmer, Robert 491 

Goodall, Frank 493 

Goodman, B. J 745 

Goodwin, H.F 483 

Goodwin, L. C 483 

Goodwin, Patrick 483 

Gosper, J.J 490 

Goucher, C. 1 495 

Gourley, Fred 476 

Graham, Angus 485 

Grant, E. G 553 

Grant, John 745 

Graves, O'Melveny & Shankland.183 

Graves, L. T 483 

Green, E. K 475 

Green, F. E 476 

Green,P.M 477 

Greene, Wm. D 210 

Greminger, George 485 

Gresham, F. C 476 

Griffin, G. B 479 

Griffin, J. 8 306 

Griffith, G.J 493 

Griswold, L. D 494 

Guess, John 486 

Guinn, J. M 481 

Guone, C. R 283 

Guthrie, F. B 193 

Gwin, J.H 739 

Haben, C 755 

Haddox, J. T 516 

Hagan, Martin 203 

Hamilton, E. M 513 

Hamilton, Henry oil 

Hamilton, J. A 512 

Haramerton, H. W 511 

Hancock, Henry 496 

Hanlon, John 509 

Hanna, D. W ., 277 

HannoD, J. C 751 

Hansen, George 498 

Hansen, Henry 751 

Harmon, J 233 

Harper, A. C 758 

Harps, Jacob 497 

Harrington, E 494 

Harris, J. M 231 

Harris, R. B 513 

Harrison, Wm. C 211 

Hart, J. J 500 

Haskell, E. 31 514 

Haskin, Henry 512 

Hatch, D. P 181 

Hathern, J. G 496 

Hauser, Julius 758 

Haven, G. S 755 

Havens. E. M 757 

Haver, Fred 757 

Hawk, J. F 758 

Hawks, A. D 499 

Hawks, Frances H 750 

Hay, James 760 

Hayden & Lewis Co 509 

Hayman, Benj 509 

Haynes, F. L 233 

Haynes, John 173 

Hazard, G. W 499 

Hazard, H. T 747 

Hazzard, A. C 498 

Heinsch,H.W 755 

Heinzeman, C. F 508 

Hellman, H. W 506 



CONTENTS. 

Hellman, I. W 510 

Henderson, Miss Janet 285 

Hersee, G. W 287 

Hewitt, E.E 756 

Higgins, Harmon 759 

Hinds, George 496 

Hitchcock, W. W 236 

Hogan, J. F • ■ • 748 

Holbrook, J. F 508 

Holder, C. F 503 

Holgate, S 761 

HoUenbeck, J. E 504 

Holman, W. C 759 

Home, Wm. A 753 

Hopkins, G. C 747 

Hosmer, N. II 749 

Houghton, E. W 748 

House, L. T 338 

House, R. F 516 

Howard, J. E 754 

Howard,F.H 193 

Howe, Con vers 514 

Howland, G. D 284 

Howland, J. L 753 

Howry, CD 501 

Hoyt, A. H 507 

Huckins, P. T.... 209 

Hudson, J. W 763 

Hughes, West 230 

Hunter, Wm. A 755 

Hurlbut, W. S 495 

Hutton, A.W 177 

Jenifer, J. M 766 

Jenison, J. E 520 

Jenkins, CM 523 

Jenks, Albert 518 

Jevne, Hans 530 

Johnson, G. R 517 

Johnson, Irvine 521 

Johnston, D. D^ 519 

Johnston, W. V 761 

Jones, E. W 519 

Jones, M. G 766 

Jones, J. A 518 

Jones, John 764 

Judson, A. H 532 

Juenger, Wm. H 531 

Kannon, M.M 213 

Keir, John 380 

Keller, Miss L. F 285 

Keller, Matthew 130 

Kelly, F. P 184 

Kendrick, Carroll 228 

Kenealy, John 524 

Kennedy, John 765 

Kercheval, A. F 531 

Kern, Paul 527 

Kerns, T.J 530 

Kiefer, P. P 527 

King, A.J 194 

King,Henrv 766 

King, E. R". 767 

King, James M 534 

King, John M 531 

Kingsley, J. A 526 

Kinney, Abbot 535 

Ktister, Mrs. E. A 765 

Kremer, Maurice 536 

Kubach, C J 539 

Kuhrts, Jacob 530 

Lacey, Sidney 544 

Lacy, Ward & Co 537 



Lacy, Jr., Wm 537 

Lacy, Sr., Wm 770 

La Dow, S. W 540 

La Fetra, L. M 533 

LaFetra, M. H 473 

Lambouru, Fred 548 

Lang, John 539 

Lankershim, Isaac 541 

Large, E. P 544 

Lasher, G. W 335 

Lassere, Eugene 765 

Laubersheimer, A 533 - 

Laux, Carl 545 

Lazard, Solomon 534 

Leahy, Thomas 539 

Lecouvreur, Frank 549 

Lee, A. W 543 

Lee, H. T 194 

Lee, J. H 158 

Legs;, James 767 

Levy, Michel 539 

Lewis, A. A 805 

Lewis, David 535 

Lewis, R. D 770 

Lewis, S. B 509 

Lewis, W. B. S 533 

Lichtenberger, L 768 

Lindley, Hervey 547 

Lindley, Milton 546 

Lindley, Walter 305 

Little, E.W 543 

Littleboy, Wm 549 

Livingston, Richard 536 

Llewellyn, L.J 538 

Loew,J 768 

Logan, Mrs. Anna E 537 

Loney, James 778 

Long, G. E 564 

Loop, C F 333 

Los Angeles Cracker Company. .693 
Los Angeles Planing Mill Com- 
pany.' 769 

Los Angeles Windmill Company . 675 

Lossing,S. E 767 

Loucks, R. N 507 

Lowe, W. W 760 

Ludlam, Henry 287 

Lugo, A. M 548 

i Luitweiler, S. W 538 

Lummis, M. Dorothea 224 

Lunt, H. L 388 

Luper, Martin 034 

Lynch, J. D 146 

Lyster, B. J 768 

MacGowan, Granville 207 

MacKay, A. F 569 

Macv, Oscar 554 

Magee, H. W: 556 

Maier, S 784 

Maier, Joseph 697 

Maier & Zobeleiu 697 

Malott, Wm. M 775 

Mann, Wm 785 

Manning:, E. C 222 

Mansfield, John 193 

Mappa, A. G 568 

Marleau, M. M 777 

Markham, H. H 570 

Marsden, H. L 775 

Marshall, Wm 553 

Martin, C. S 559 

Martin, W. C 558 

Martin, W. T 563 

Masters, W. V "7 



Malbes, S. J 573 

Mathis, E. N 219 

Matthew, W. 8 783 

Maynard, H. II 203 

McCarty, T.J 235 

McComas, J. K 780 

McDauiel, A. G 770 

McDonald, E.'N 551 

JIcDonald, Gregor 573 

McDonell, C. A 314 

McFarland, A 32!) 

McGairy, D. M 554 

McGarvin, F. G 553 

McGarvin, II 552 

McGaugh, J. W 559 

McGregor, Duncan 561 

McKinley, J. W 170 

JIcLain, Idonia 562 

IMcLaugblin, John 785 

McLeau, Alex 564 

McManis, J. K 780 

McMenomy, J. C; 784 

McNally, A 783 

Mentry, C. A 569 

Meiz, Henry 784 

Jteschendorf, H. H 697 

Mesmer, Louis 779 

Messer, K 568 

Meyer, A. J 292 

Meyer, H. E 783 

Jleyer. Samuel 571 

Michelsou, Julius 774 

Middletou, G. W 783 

Miles, B. E 774 

Miller, K. T 558 

Mills, J. S 503 

Mitchell, H. M 571 

Mitchell, Thos 173 

Mitchell, T. F 777 

Modini, Carlo 287 

^Molony, Kichard 553 

Monroe, CO 778 

Monroe, AV. N ■ 779 

Montano, A. A 571 

Montgomery, Grant & Co 553 

Moore, M.L 220 

Moores, \Vm 551 

Mora, Francis 291 

More, Ira 281 

Moreno, J. F 550 

Morf'ord, W. E 507 

Morgan, G. W 555 

Morgan, Jolin C 195 

Morgan, J. T 235 

Morgan, Oclavius 566 

Morrison, N. H 23() 

ilorscli, Fred 774 

Morton, W'm 393 

Moss, Win 556 

MotI, S. n 771 

.MotI, T. 1) 565 

Moulton, Elijah 557 

Mudge, M :549 

Slullally, Joseph 573 

Mullen. Josei.h .560 

Muicli. .\. \V 288 

."Munln. ii. Ml- .M. E 384 

Muiiav, .Mi-- A. C 384 

Myri.k. Mi-- K I' 384 

Xadeau, Hurbert 221 

Needham, H. C 575 

Neighbors, A. AV 577 

Newhall, J. O 576 

Xewmark, Harris 573 



..576 

.. 785 
..576 



Newnuuk & Co., M. A 

Newmark, M. N 

Newton, Willis 

Nicol, Wm '. . . . . 

Norman, J. F 

Norman, A\'. A 

Nuelle, A. A 

Nuelle it Nicol Planing Mill. 



j O'(,'ounor. AV'm 578 

' Olmstead, Miss Vesta 284 

Olsen, Martin 582 

O'Mel veny, H. K. S .583 

O'Melveny, H. W 183 

Orme, H. S oyj j 

Orr, B. F 789 i 

Orr, James 786 ' 

Orr, W. W 578 . 

j Osborn, Wm 786 ' 

i Osborne, George 788 

Osborne, H. Z 144 , 

Osgoodliy, George 580 j 

Osgoodby, John" 579 j 

O'Shea, T 786 ' 

Otis, H. G 151 

Overholtzer, S. A ,583 f 

Owens, J. S 213' | 

Packard, J. A .595 

Page, Sherman 798 

Palmer, F. L .593 | 

Palmer, F. M 242 

Palmer, H. A 594 ' 

Parker, M. M 601 

Parker, P. W 586 

Parker, W. E 791 

Pascoe, Thomas 604 

Pattee, F. A 603 

Payne, W. H ." 601 

Pearce, Francis 590 

Peck, A. M... 607 

Peck, G. H .584 ] 

Pedgrlft, James 603 t 

Pesg, E. N 797 

Pendleton, Wm. H 797 

Pepper, C. T '. 230 

Perkins, F. 11 000 

Perry, S. M 7H9 

Perry, W. H .587 

Pe.sc"hUe. F. W 598 

Phelps, W. R 796 

Philippi, Jacob 605 j 

Phillips, Louis 590 

Phillips, J. S 792 

Philp. H. 15 789 

Pico, Pio 5B!) 

Pierce. E. T 796 

Pile, W. A 793 

Plater, J. E 2.59 

Pleasants, J. E 597 

Pollard, L. C .591 

Ponet, Victor 612 

Porter, G. K (!()() 

Potts, A. W .599 

Potts, J. W 131 

Powell, J. F 600 I 

Preston. J. C .592 I 

Preston, J. N .591 

Preston, S. A. J .593 

Preuss, E. A 795 | 

Pridham, Wm 603 

Prieto, J. D 596 

Prosise, J. R 797 | 

Pnrdy, V. K 588 



Purkins, J. H 790 

Putnam, T. H 580 

Quesnel, O. 15 008 

Kawson, A. M 799 

Haynal. Alfred 799 

Heed, P. T 800 

Heeve, U. J 619 

Keichard, J. B 617 

Ueider, J. H 379 

Kelyea, C. B 610 

Kendall, S. A 613 

Hequeua, Manuel 36« 

Reynolds, S. G 608 

Rhyne, I. N 613 

Rice, George 155 

Richards, Miss Kiltie 288 

Richards, Peter 020 

Richardson, Solomon 615 

Rigg, Thomas 227 

Rinaldi, C. R 611 

Robbins, G. W , 634 

Roberts, C. li 614 

Roberts. Henry C 010 

Roberts, John 613 

Robinson, J. W 010 

Robinson, Wm. H 803 

Rogers, A. C 209 

Rogers, J. M 801 

Rogers, Sylvester 014 

Rommel, Wm 620 

Rose, Andrew 798 

Rose, L. J 621 

Ross, E. jM 683 

Ross, Miss Jeanne 284 

Ross, Mrs. R. E 799 

Rowland, Albert 763 

Rowland, John 701 

Rowland, Thomas 703 

Rowland, Wm. R 762 

Ruddock, T. S 618 

Ruf, Oito 017 

Ruggles, Austin 009 

Ruth, P. S 326 

Sabichi.F 811 

Saenz, J 810 

Sainsevain, J. L 814 

Salc^Oir 043 

Salisbury, S. S 334 

Sanders, N. U 639 

Sanford, E. M 809 

San Jacinto Lime and Lumber 

Company 786 

Sartori. J."F 201 

Saum, 1). A 641 

Saunders. L 633 . 

Sa.\on,T. A ....647 

.Schenck, J. H 031 

Schieck, Daniel (i46 

Schloss, Aaron 204 

Si lineider, George. . : 805 

Silim'ider, John 645 

Sihreiher, E 304 

Schumacher, John 048 

Scott, John 640 

Scott, J. K 194 

Seaman, W. W 028 

Sells, G. W 817 

Settle, M. G 807 

Severance, M. S 020 

Sexton, L.C 034 

Shankland, J. H 183 

Shaw. Joseph 027 



Shaw, Lucien 193 

Shawg, W. B U34 

Shoemaker, E. T 221 

Shorb, A.S 205 

Shoib, .). DeBarlh 813 

Shore)-, V. II (i;t() 

Shorev, Philip 043 

Shorting, H. F 033 

Shrn.ler, E. R 283 

Shn.de, D.S 812 

Slu-o.le, W. J C3.-. 

Sikes, Thomas 800 

Silent, Charles 170 

Slack, W'm 810 

Sliiuson, J. S 051 

Small, H. E 243 

Smith, (;. E 213 

Smith, E. B 818 

Smith, E. H 235 

Smith, F. 1 441 

Smith, G.H 193 

Smith, II. E 81!) 

Smith, H. M 193 

Smith, James 808 

Smith, J. A 639 

Smith, L. D 288 

Smith, Nicholas 815 

Smith, Nelson 037 

Smith, T. A 036 

Smith, \V. n 038 

SnoiUiv, W. M 042 

Snviler, Amlrew 041 

Soi-aliiee, Eihiljee 029 

Souther, VV. M 810 

Spahlins;, W. A 030 

Spear, W. II 815 

Speuce, E. F 028 

Spencer, A. J 031 

Spencer, A. 803 

StatTord, H. F 044 

Stamm, A. J 285 

Stearns, Abel 3(i9 

Steele, C.V 035 

Steere, John 809 

Stengel, L.J 803 

Stephens, A .M 170 

Stephens, B. A 0J7 

Stephens, C. (^ 048 

Stephens, T.J 803 

Stewart, J. H 807 

Stewart, J. T 220 

Slocktcm, I. n 230 

Stock well, S. J 025 

Stoll, II. W 0-.'5 

Stoll.P. C f<00 

Stombs,T. A 804 

Stone, Jordan 041 

Stone, W. C 041 

Stovell, Thomas 8(j5 

Siowell, N. W 800 

Stratton, J. M 093 

Slralton, S. M 803 

Stratton, \V. A 804 

Sire-shlv, O 044 

Strohm", Thomas 1808 

Stuhr, II. J. A 035 

SutclilVe, John 697 

Swain, W F 808 

SwanleUlt, A. W 040 

Swii/.er, C. I' 626 

Symes, John 324 

Taber, A. G 0.52 

Talbot, M.W 814 

Tanner, li. U 179 



Taylor, A. T S23 

Taylor, Eli 6.1 

Taylor, J. T 0,53 

Temple, F. P. F 055 

Temple, John 055 

Temple, J. II 057 

Templeton, W. A 820 

Thorn, C. E ...., 194 

Thomas, Albert 835 

Thomas, ('. A 080 

Thomas, J. M 823 

Thompson, Frederick 053 

Thompson, L. S 310 

Thompson, S. G 053 

Throop, A. G 059 

Thurman, A. L 651 

Thurman, H. M (i49 

Thurman, S. D 650 

Tibbet, J 821 

Tibbetis, J. M 820 

Todd, r. S. (J 059 

Todhunter, All'red (iOl 

Townsend, E. I> 241 

Townsend, Stephen 821 

Treat, C. H 052 

Treat, R. B 180 

Trussell, A. D 054 

Tungate, G. W 6.58 

Turner, W. F 061 

Ulyard, Augustus 602 

Union Iron "Works 825 

Valenzuela, Ramon 063 

Van der LecU, Lorenz 837 

Van Dyke, Waller 167 

VanNuys, I. N 666 

Van Tassel, N 0(i3 

Van Valkenburg. II 063 

Vaughn, Claiborne 664 

Vawter, E. J 065 

Vawter, W. D 006 

Velsir, James 836 

Venable, J. W N35 

Verdaguer, Peter 290 

Vickrey, AVm 7-s7 

Viereck, J. L 607 

Vignes, Louis l:i0 

Villinger, John 824 

Voigt, A. H 008 

Wack, Paul Ofll 

Wackenhuth, Robeit 6;»3 

Wade, W. L 333 

Wade, W. P 166 

Wahlenmaier, H 075 

Waldron, S. A 679 

Walker, G. M 829 

Wallace, J. C 086 

Walter, G. B 830 

Ward & Clark 731 

Ward, W. B 721 

Ward, W. E 158 

Warner, J. T 072 

Warren, J. W 833. 

Washburn, Sherman .833 

Watkins, E. L 009 

Watts, C. H 830 

Weaver, Joseph 691 

Weber, Henry 833 

Webster, 6. l") 0"03 

Weil. Jacob 833 

Weimer, C. B 832 

Weinshank, F. A 675 

WeinsUank, G. S 693 



Weldon, T.J 673 

Weller, S. H 278 

Wells, G W 190 

Werner, Miss A 384 

West, J. C 684 

West, J. J 069 

West, J. P 668 

Westervelt, J. n 695 

Westlake, H. W 310 

Weston, B. S 829 

Weston, H. 834 

Wheeler, A. E 333 

Wheeler, J. O 694 

Whltcorab, G. D 678 

White, C. E 689 

White, E. E 691 

White, I A 838 

White, J.M 344 

White, S. M 173 

White, S.W 681 

Wickersham, Isaac. . 682 

Wicks, M. L 687 

Widney, J. P :.300 

Widney, R. M 1()2 

Wilder, D. R 243 

Wiley, Wm 676 

Wilkinson, Wo,Hls(m 83) 

AVillanl.Cvius 835 

Wimaiii^, 'i; avne 832 

Willis, K. I! 188 

Wills, W. L 234 

Wilson, Mrs. Brid!,',-t 691 

Wilson, C. N ISO 

Wilson, J. B 0;o 

Wilson, J. T 829 

Wilson, M. S 671 

Wilson, R. H OoO 

Wilson, Wm. A 676 

Wing, H. B 235 

Winston, W. II 8J7 

Winter, L 693 

Wise, K. n .....223 

AVchl-Miiann, i;. C 6S0 

Woirskill, Will 121 

Wolfskil). .1 W 528 

W.illskill. Mr-. J. W 529 

Wood, J. B 333 

Wood, J. E 690 

Wood, M. E 077 

W.mihvarcl,.!. F 831 

Wo,„lw:ll.l, S. k- 834 

Wn,„lw.irth, Wallace 680 

Wo.ulv, W. M 684 

Wo.illac.lt, II .1 692 

Wcioster, P. (1 674 

Workman, .1. M 683 

Wnrkmar.! W. II .."..'. '. '. '.SiO 

Worlhinmoi,, Henry 208 

Wrisht, ('. M ■ 685 

Wyatt, II C 682 

Wyman, Gritendyke A: Co 743 

Yeary, A. C 000 

Young, Andrew 6!I5 

Zobelein, George 6!)7 

PORTRAITS. 

Aguirre, M.G 701 

Barrows, H. D 411 

Beaudry, P 372 

Bernard, J 707 

Bicknell, J. D 171 



CONTENTS. 



Hi,\Iiy, Jotham 7U2 

Boal.J. Mills 231 

Bonebrake, (i. II 716 

Colonel, A. V 425 

Coronel, Sefioia M. W. de 426 

Dallon, Sr., George 453 

Damrou, J. M 177 

Davis, Mrs. Mamie Perry 729 

Den. R. S 197 

Doiuiniruez, Manuel 445 

Downev, J. G 447 

Edgar, Wm. F 216 

Fellows, Isaac 239 

Fitzgerald, W. F 737 

Forster, Juan 470 

Garey, T. A 746 

Garvey, Hichard 740 

Germain, Eugene 753 

Goodwin, L. C ...483 

Griffin, J. S 206 

Hatch, D. I' 181 

Ilollenbeck.J. E T)U 



Jenkins, C. JI 533 

Jones, John 704 

Kelly, F. 1' 184 

Lankersliini, Isaac 541 

Lindley, Millon 546 

Long, G. E 564 

Mora, Francis 2:n 

More, Ira 2«1 

Mott, S. H 771 

Mullally, Joseph 572 

Perry, W. H 587 

Ponet, Victor 612 

Potts, A. W 599 

Polls, J. W 131 

Hose, L.J 621 

Ross, E. M 633 

Rowland, John 761 

Schumacher, John 618 

Vickrey, William 7?7 

Warner, J. J Frontispiece. 

Wells, G. W 190 

Wicks, M. L 687 



Widn 162 

WiM-, 223 

Wnir.kii 114 

Wollski' 528 

Wolfskin, ..irs. J. \V 529 

Wyati, II. C 682 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

A Bird's-eye View of the City of 

Los Angeles... 2.56 

An Ocean View from Santa Mon- 
ica Reach 335 

Los Angeles in 1854 253 

Old Baldy in Winter 87 

Residence of A. J. Spencer, Esq. 631 
The Old Mission Building at Sun 

Gabriel 27 

View from the Ranch of Richard 

Garvey 740 

View of" Santa Cataliua Island.. 




*lr INTRODUCTORY. % 






t HISTORY of Los Angeles County in- 
cludes not only a narration of the acts of 
-o«o.. mankind and nature which have occurred 
within its boundaries, but also a relation of those 
events which, happening elsewhere, have here 
had results. A complete history would naturally 
go back to the time when the dry land first rose 
above the waters, but as there has never been a 
geological survey of the county, this part of its 
history remains to be written. Enough is known, 
however, to say that the Sierra Madre, Ihat chain 
of mountains which crosses the county in au 
easterly and westerly direction, are as old as, and 
in fact are a part of, the Sierra Nevada. And 
that after these mountains were raised to their 
present altitude, the gods of air, water and fire 
have created the topographical face that is now 
beheld. The whale, whose skeleton was found 
on the summit of the Santa Monica Mountains, 
tells of a time whon he lived in the waters 
above. Then came the recedence of the water 
and the elevation of the land. In the asphaltum 
springs, west of Los Angeles, the finding of a 
saber-shaped tooth of a tiger, long extinct, tells 
of the ferocious animals which once lived here. 
The discoveries of the remains of mastodons 
at Tejunga, Los Angeles, Puente and San Juan 



By-the-Sea, at a depth of from five to twenty 
feet below the surface of tJie ground, are the 
records of a period when the valleys were deeper 
than they now are, and had a vegetation of 
snfiicientgrovvth to have sustained these animals. 

That the Indian made his appearance during 
the age of the mastodons is proved by the fact 
that in the bones of these extinct animals found 
in Missouri are imbedded Indian arrow-heads. 
After the Indian the white man appeared upon 
the scene with his written records, and history 
becomes more certain. 

It has, therefore, been convenient to divide 
the history of Los Angeles County into difl^erent 
epochs. The first natural division gives the 
pre-historic and historic periods. The pre-his- 
toric includes accounts of the geological for- 
mation, and the origin and description of the 
Indian. The historic embraces the accounts of 
the white man. In Los Angeles County, as in 
all California, this last period has three subdi- 
visions, running from the times of Spanish 
exploration and occupancy, down through the 
brief period of Mexican independence, to Amer- 
ican conquest and development. The following 
chapters are, therefore, divided as they include 
respectively the foregoing subjects. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 




CHAPTER I. 



GEOLOGY. 

fS no full, systematic geologi(ral survey lias 
ever been made of the southern portion of 
California, we are unable to compile a sat- 
isfactory account under this head. 

MINERALOGICAL NOTES. 

The following miscellaneous notes are from 
the last State lieport: 

San Gabriel Cailon has som.e auriferous gravel 
scattered about high up on the spurs of the 
range, similar in its general character to that 
which ibrnis the great hydraulic mines of more 
northern counties. There is every reason to 
believe that these high and ancient auriferous 
gravels of the San Gabriel Range, and also the 
great mass of the whole range itself, from the 
Cajon Pass west nearly or quite to the Los An- 
geles River, belong to the same geological 
ages, and derived their origin from the same 
causes, as those of the western slope of the 
Sierra Kevada. The amount of denudation 
which has taken place since these ancient 
gravels were deposited has, of course, been 
something enormous, and no man can meas- 
ure it. 

To the west of the point where the Santa 
Ana River issues from the San Bernardino 
Range, the southern flanks of that range, so far 



west as the Cajon Pass, are not flanked on the 
south by any heav}^ body of unaltered tertiary 
strata, while the southern flanks of Mount San 
Rernardino itself, to the east of the Santa Ana 
River, bear very heavy masses of such strata, 
which rise high against the mountain. Again, 
from the Cajon Pass west, nearly to the Los 
Angeles River, the San Gabriel Range itself is 
not flanked on the south by any such accumu- 
lations of tertiary rocks. These facts would 
seem to indicate either that the date of up- 
heaval of the great mass of the range from 
the Santa Ana River west to the Los Angeles 
River was somewhat earlier than that of the 
upheaval of Mount San Bernardino itself, or 
else that the amount of denudation which has 
taken place since the upheaval of these mount- 
ains has been vastly greater to the west of the 
Santa Ana River than it has bceti for a great 
many miles to the east of it. 

In the Pacoima Canon, on the northeastern 
side of the San Fernando Valley, some three and 
a half miles from San Fernando Station, and 
800 to 1,000 feet above the valley,' Dr. J. S. 
Turner has a limestone quarry in the granite. 
The lower foot-hills here are unaltered shales 
and sandstones, dipping northerly. The lime- 
stone itself, at the quarry, is highly crystalline. 
It seems to vary much in purity, containing 



UIsrORY OF LO.S ANGELES COUNTY. 



in places considerate disseminated epidote, and 
being also here and there irregularly and capri- 
ciously intermixed with granite. The granite, 
too, varies much in charactei". Some of it is 
very feldspathic and contains very little mica, 
while some of it is full of black mica aud con- 
tains much magnetic iron. 

At a point about twelve miles west of San 
Fernando, Mr. Gilbert has a quarry of sand- 
stone, which is being used to some extent for 
building purposes in Los Angeles. It is a 
medium-grained, light-colored, yellowish sand- 
stone, of pretty unitorm texture, but too soft to 
be first-class stone. From San Fernando up the 
valley of the Arroyo de las Palomas, to within 
about a mile of the San Fernando Railroad 
tunnel, all the rocks are unaltered sand stones and 
shales, the dip in the lower foot-hills being seven- 
ty-five or eighty degrees to the north; but farther 
up the rocks are in places greatly disturbed, and 
heavy bodies of them here dip to the southeast. 

In a cailon on the northern slope of the range 
of mountains northeast of the San Fernando 
Railroad tunnel, and five or six miles south- 
east of Newhall, there are a number of locali- 
ties of asphaltum, with more or less seepage-of 
petroleum in two diiferent gulches; and in the 
eastern gulch, some 400 or 500 feet above the 
valley, a large accumulation of asphaltum ex- 
tends for about a quarter of a mile along tlie 
bed of the gulch. The seeping oil is black and 
heavy. The prevailing dip of the rocks here is 
northwesterly, but some of them dip south or 
southwest. They occasionally contain pectens 
and other shells. The bed of the gulch is 
strewn with granite bowlders from the mount- 
ains further east. 

On the south side of this range, and a short 
distance southeast of the railroad tunnel, a small 
canon, called Grapevine Canon, runs southerly 
to the San Fernando Valley. At a point in 
this cauon, well up toward the head of it, a 
well was drilled by Mr. Mentey, in 1875, to 
the depth of 417 feet. Above this well for 
about a quarter of a mile there is a heavy de- 
posit of asphaltum, with a very little seepage 



of heavy black bitumen. The well developed 
some gas and a considerable stream of water, 
probably five or six miner's inches, containing 
a variety of soluble sulphates, but no oil. Three 
or four miles southeast of this place, and about 
two miles northw'est of Paeoima Canon, are the 
limestone quarries of Mr. Wilson, who has been 
burning more or less lime here for a number of 
years. The limestone burned here is all crystal- 
line, and a heavy body of it is enclosed in mica 
schist and gneissoid rocks. The latter are often 
curiously intermixed with the Hmestone itself 
in ways not easily explicable, the whole being 
very highly metamorphosed. No epidote or 
graphite was found here during the last survey. 
Some limestone bowlders here are filled with 
fossils, not well preserved, and the rock is so 
compact and hard that it is difticult to obtain 
good specimens of the fossils. 

The Padre Mine is situated on the eastern 
spur of Gleason Mountain, in the Gleason 
Mountain mining district, about six miles south 
of Acton Station, on the Southern Pacific Rail- 
road, and is 6,000 feet above the sea level. The 
ledge runs northwest and southeast, cropping 
out for 2,000 feet, and dips northeast into the 
hill at an angle of about eighty degi'ees. The 
hanging wall and the foot wall are clay schists. 

The New York Mine, in the Cedar mining 
district, is 4,000 feet above the level of the 
sea. The ledge runs northeast and southwest, 
and dips to the east. A 200-foot tunnel run- 
ning in from the west taps the ledge at a depth 
of 300 feet below the surface, at the extreme 
northwest end of the claim. At this point the 
ledge is broken up, and the ore channel filled 
with conglomerate ledge material. The average 
width of the ledge is about two and a half feet. 

The Red Rover Mine, about fifty-five miles 
north of Los Angeles, is 4,000 feet above the 
sea. The ledge runs northwest and southeast, 
and dips to the southwest at an angle of about 
forty degrees. This mine lies in the center of 
the Sierra Madre Range, in the low hills, and in 
the same belt as the New York Mine, being 
one-fourth ofa mile west of it. 



HISTORY OP LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



The Silver Mountain mining district is twenty- 
two miles north of JSIewhall, on the Southern 
Pacific Railroad, and has an elevation of 3,200 
feet above the level of the sea. There is here 
a large belt of quartzite extending northeast 
and southwest for several miles in length by 
two in width. By running cuts and tunnels 
upon this quartzite a large body of ore was dis- 
covered, containing silver and lead. Timber is 
plentiful on the property, and an abundance of 
water two miles south. 

The Casteca placer diggings are about forty 
miles northwest of Los Angeles, ten miles north 
of Kewhall Station on the Southern Pacilic 
Railroad, and four miles north of Casteca Station 
on the branch railroad extending from New- 
liall to Santa Barbara. The average elevation 
of this placer area is 1,455 feet. This gold belt 
lies on the southern slope of the Siei-ra Madre, 
and extends southeast and northwest for ten 
miles, and is eight miles in width. The 
gravel averages ninety feet in depth. The 
inclination from the highest to the lowest point 
of gravel averages 150 feet to the mile. The 
gravel dips to the south, with the bed-rock. 
This deposit is cut through by numerous small 
gulches running in all directions, each gulch 
having been worked in a small way off and on 
for the last thirty years. The preliminary tests 
gave an average gold yield of thirty-six cents 
per cubic yard. These tests were made by a 
dry washer, which of course does not separate 
the gold from the clay and lumpy portion of 
the gravel. Elizal)etli Lake, not far distant, 
aflbrds an abundant source of water high enough 
for the highest point of gravel. 

The San Feliciana placer diggings, between 
Casteca diggings and Piru Creek, twelve miles 
northwest of Newhall, are 2,100 feet above 
sea level. This deposit of gravel, for an ai-ea 
of four by eight miles in extent, is supposed to 
average fifteen feet in depth, and is cut through 
by gulches and canons. Each caiion through- 
out this area has been more or less worked for 
the last twelve years. 

During the period from 1810 to 1840 Jose 



Bermudes and Francisco Lopez superintended 
the Mission Lidians in working these gravel 
deposits. In 1842, finding that these deposits, 
though worked in a crude manner, paid ex- 
ceedingly well, the Mexican government was 
petitioned to consider the territory between Piru 
Creek and the Soledad Canon, and extending 
west of the Mojave Desert, mineral land; and 
that no grant be extended taking in that terri- 
tory. This petition was granted by the govern- 
ment. The most extensive mining operations 
cai'ried on in this belt of gravel were in 1854, 
when Francisco Garcia took out of the San 
Feliciana Gulch in one season $65,000 in gold. 

The reason why this canon was worked more 
than the others is, that at its head there is a 
spring that Hows one and a half inches of 
water. This water M'as used at intervals until 
twelve years sitice, when W. W. Jenkins se- 
cured the right of its use, and afier conducting 
it to a reservoir, employs it for hydraulic pur- 
poses. It is stated that the yield is sixty- 
five cents per cubic yard for gravel washed. 
At the juncture of Palomas Canon and Sheep 
Creek, behind a bowlder extending out from a 
belt, a prospector found one piece of gold that 
was worth $1,900. Every rainy season Mexi- 
cans can be seen in Palomas Canon prospecting 
for gold. 

In 1882 J. R. Holmes placered in Cave 
Canon, which connects with the San Feliciana, 
and wcrked 200 cubic yards of gravel, which 
yielded $1 per cubic yard. So far as this gravel 
belt has been examined, both on the high hills 
and down in the canons, the gravel seems to 
be free from large bowlders. The black sand 
containing the gold is composed of magnetic 
iron and iron oxide. The bed-rock is slate. 

Besides many substances which are of special 
scientific interest to the chemist and the min- 
eralogist, the following is a list of the useful 
substances properly classed as mineral products, 
found in the county: Gold, silver, copper, coal, 
asphaltum, graphite, iron, tin, limestone, build- 
ing stone, clay, mineral paint, gypsum, borate 
of lime, silica, kaolin, petroleum, borax, epsom 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



salts, nitrate of soda and salt. Mineral waters 
of various kinds arre plentiful, including hot, 
cold and sulphur waters. Near Lang's Station, 
in the northern part of tlie county, there is a 
large deposit of chrome iron, free from sulphur, 
which is considered valuable for the manufact- 
ure of paint. 

Large deposits of malachite, or carbonate of 
copjjer, have been found in the San Fernando 
Mountains and along the Arroyo Seco. 

Gjpsnm exists within twenty miles of Los 
Angeles. The varieties known as alabaster and 
selinite are found. This mineral is said to be 
very useful in reclaiming alkali land. The water 
which flows from the San Fernando tunnel con- 
tains, l>y analysis, 30.6 per cent of gypsum. 

A salt lake, fed by salt springs, is located 
near the sea, between San Pedro and Santa 
Monica, and can be utilized in the manufacture 
of salt of excellent quality. 

The San Gabriel Silver Mines in the canon of 
that name, twenty-live miles from Los Angeles, 
have produced as rich silver ore as has ever 
been found in the State. 

Clay for brick is plentiful. Large tracts of 
the lowlands abound in soda. There are traces 
of quicksilver in the San Fernando Valley, but 
no ledge of the metal has yet been discovered. 
There is a ledge of sulphide of antimony seven 
miles northwest of Los Angeles. There are 
deposits of mineral paint of several colors on 
the seashore near Santa Monica. 

The coal oil properties of Newhall and Puente 
will be noticed subsequently. 



The topography of Los Angeles County 
might be likened to a terraced mountain, upon 
which are three grand benches or planes, 
slightly inclined of course, the foot of the lower 
one being washed by the ocean. From the 
northern boundary of the county rise the Sierra 
Nevada, which, though they are not the snowy 
mountains here that they are further north, 
attain the respectable elevation of 7,000 feet. 

The flrst grand terrace is Antelope Valley, 



which has a general elevation of 2,000 feet, 
and is about fifty miles long east and west, and 
some thirty miles wide north and south. This 
valley was undoubtedly at one time an inland 
lake, whose waters held in solution the borax 
and soda that are now deposited on a consid- 
erable portion of its soil. The valley is shut 
in on tlie east from the Mojave Desert by a low 
line of hills known as the Lovejoy Buttes. 
Portions of the valley have a dense growth of 
yucca and cactus. The western part is very fer- 
tile. On its southern side is a high range of 
mountains, known as the Sierra Madre, which 
traverse the county east and west at an ele- 
vation of about 6,000 feet. These mountains 
are often called by a variety of local names, 
such as San Fernando, San Gabriel, or San 
Bernardino, according to the residence of the 
speaker. Their geological formation and gen- 
eral configuration show them to be of the same 
range as the Sierra Nevada, though not so high, 
and a part of the same range which constitutes 
the backbone of the California Peninsula, and 
are properly the Sierra Madre or mother mount- 
ains. Old Baldy, one of the highest peaks of 
this range, is partly in Los Angeles County, 
and has an altitude of about 9,000 feet, and has 
snow on its summit during the rain season. 

South of the Sierra Madre is the middle of 
these three grand terraces, and has an elevation 
from 500 to 1,000 feet above the sea level. 

From its location close beside these mount- 
ains and its elevation above the range of ocean 
fogs, it enjoys a particularly fine climate. Three 
spurs of hills from the mountains enclose and 
divide it into grand valleys. On the west are 
the Santa Susanna Hills; on the east are the 
Puente Hills, while the San Rafael Spur cuts 
it in two, leaving the San Fernando Valley on 
the west and the San Gabriel Valley on the east. 
On the southern edge of this grand middle terrace 
is a range of hills, quite low, east of Los Angeles 
City, but attaining a respectable eminence on 
the west, where they are known as the Santa 
Monica Mountains. These last constitute the 
s(Mithern border of San Fernando Valley. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT Y. 



The lower terrace, which runs down to the 
sea, is also divided into valleys. The one to the 
north is known as the Santa Monica Valley, and 
is triangnlar-shaped, the base of which may be 
said to lie along the ocean front about ten 
miles, while the apex is about fifteen miles east, 
among the Los Angeles Hills. To itsnorth is, 
the San Fernando Valley, while on the south 
between it and the Los Angeles Valley, is at 
first a low divide, which culminates in the 
Palos Verdes Hills of the San Pedro Peninsuhi. 

The Los Angeles Valley is a plain that is 
about twenty miles wide and forty miles long, 
extending over into Orange County. 

Santa Catalina Island, thii-ty-fivc to forty miles 
southwest of Los Angeles, is twenty- three miles 
long, and two to four wide, and is almost in two 
sections, a depression only thirty feet high con- 
necting them. They are 3,000 feet high. Nice 
little harbors exist around the island, and upon it 
are beautiful valleys, mineral springs, wells of 
good water, etc. "Wild goats are still here, and fish 
and natural curiosities abound along the shore, 
and the island is a popular summer resort. It 
is eighteen miles from shore, and is now the 
property of an English syndicate. 

There are several sections which are denomi- 
nated as valleys and have separate names. The 
" Pomona Valley " is that portion of the great 
San Bernardino Valley lying within the eastern 
boundary line of Los Angeles County. The 
"Cahuenga Valley" is that portion of the Santa 
Monica Valley immediately sheltered by the hills 
of Cahuenga Pass. 

The Los Angeles River rises about twelve 
miles northwest of the city of Los Angeles 
and flows easterly to the city, turning thence to 
the south; the remaining waters, after supplying 
the irrigating ditches, sink inside the city limits. 
In time of high water, however, the stream flows 
farther, joining the old San Gabriel River seven 
miles from the ocean. Its ancient course to the 
sea was via the Cienega and La Ballona. 

Tlie San Gabriel River has two principal 
sources in the Sierra Madre Mountains, the 
North Fork and the East Fork. The former 



rises in township 2 north, range 12 west, and 
flows easterly through three townships into range 
9 west, where it forms a junction with the latter, 
flowing south through three townships from its 
head, in township 3 north, range 9 west. From 
thence its main channel is south to the ocean. 
Draining a greater mountain area, its stream is 
much larger and longer, and also more constant 
than the Los Angeles River. 

Numerous other streams exist in the county, 
wliich, though quite small and apparently in- 
significant, are nevertheless valuable contributors 
to the value of the land. 

The coast line of Los Angeles County ex- 
hibits two large indentations, geographically de- 
fined as bays, and designated on the map as 
Santa Monica and San Pedro. One of them 
(San Pedro) has for years ranked as the leading 
port of California, outside of San Francisco, and 
with the completion of the harbor improve- 
ments now in progress and contemplated, its 
possibilities will be greatly augmented. The 
inner bay of San Pedro, better known as Wil- 
mington Slough, with an area of between 1,100 
and 1,200 acres, had a narrow entrance at La 
Goleta, between the main land and Rattlesnake 
Island. From Rattlesnake Island to Dead Man's 
Island, about one mile and one-fourth, the Bay 
of San Pedro had but little depth, except in a 
narrow channel near to and north of Dead 
Man's Island. Timms' Point, one-half mile from 
Dead Man's Island, was the nearest mainland. 



The facts in the ibllowing paragraphs are 
mainly compiled from D.r. J. P." Widney's 
article in the book entitled "The California of 
the South:" 

While the Pacific Coast, in respect to some 
climatic features, is somewhat uniform througli- 
out its extent, the climate of Southern California 
has some marked difl'erences from that of the 
other sections. As one comes by sea from the 
northwest and turns into the Santa Barbara 
Channel he suddenly emerges from a region of 
ehillv fog into one of sunshine. The direction 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



of the currents in the ocean and the mountain 
ranges on land is snch as to cause a striking 
change in climate as one approaches this part 
of the country from tlie north. Tiie Sierra, 
which from Alaska south follows the general 
trend of the coast, turns eastward, walling in the 
country from the north, and then turning south- 
ward again with a great curve, walls it in again 
on the inclement east side. The land which 
in Northern California faced off westward to 
tlie sea now faces southward toward the sun. 
On the part of the sea, the current from the 
north is left far to the westward by the eastward 
turn of the coast, and even kept still farther out 
by a chain of islands, while a warm current 
emerges from the south near the shore, within 
the islands. 

The interior plain of Southern California thus 
affected comprises the long reach which includes 
the San Fernando Valley, the Pasadena country, 
the valley of the San Gabriel River, the Pomona 
and Ontario uplands, the valley of the Santa Ana 
River, in which lie Colton, the San Bernardino 
country and Riverside, and the long plains of 
San Jacinto River southward. Unlike the in- 
ward plain of Central California, it is very 
irregular in outline, branching out in many 
directions, and often merging, almost insensibly, 
into rolling upland mesas. This plain, with its 
irregular windings, is abo\:t 200 miles in length, 
with a width averaging from thirty to fifty 
miles. The whole country is therefore a great 
Ojjen coastland facing the south, and with the 
high Sierra for a background. 

The Sierra, which north of the so-called Mo- 
jave Desert makes a great curve westward 
around the south end of the San Joaquin Plain, 
turns southward again opposite Santa Barbara 
and Ventura counties, and, doubling back upon 
its course, walls in the west end of the desert, 
then, turning directly eastward, separates the 
desert from the Los Angeles and San Bernardino 
plains. Turning southward again, it stands as 
a wall between the Colorado desert and the west 
part of San Diego County. The range varies 
in height from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, witii peaks 



reaching from 8,000 to 13,000 feet. There are 
several })asses in these Sierra which are less 
than 3,000 feet in altitude; and this feature has 
a perceptible influence upon the climate in tliis 
portion of the State. The Mojave Desert, with 
an area of several thousand square miles, aver- 
ages about 2,000 feet above sea level, while the 
Colorado Desert, with a less area and lying op- 
posite the passes leading eastward, has some of 
its 8iirf\ice'350 feet below the level of the sea. 

The term "winter," with the associations it 
has in the minds of the eastern people, is not 
applicable in California. Even the term "rainy 
season" conveys the idea of too much rain; the 
phrase " rain season " might be better, signifying 
that portion of the year during which there is 
some rain. The cause of the "dry season" is evi- 
dently the excessively heated air of the interior 
plains, which absorb and carry away all the 
moisture brought thither from the sea, while the 
current from the sea meets with no cold air to 
condense its freight of moisture until the sun 
has nearly reached its southern tropic, in No- 
vember. 

The counter- trades of the North Pacific Coast, 
following the sun southward during the autumn, 
reach the coast of Southern California shortly 
after the rains have begun in the northern por- 



tion of the State. The first 



rain may come 



anywhere from the middle of October until the 
middle of Noveml»er. A south wind conies in 
fi'oin the sea; clouds bank up along the southern 
horizon, and then about the mountain tops, and 
broken, rainy weather lasting for several days 
follows, during which time the precipitation 
amounts to from two to three inches. The first 
rain may also give snow in the mountains, but 
not always, nor to any great depth. 

After three or four weeks ot clear, pleasant 
weather comes another rain, much like the first, 
and this time generally with a decided snowfall 
in the mountains, as the temperature is con- 
siderably lower. These rains clear the atmos- 
phere of much of its dust, so that mountains 
many miles away seem near enough to approach 
in a morning's drive. With the coniino- of the 



HISTOBT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



rains the land begins to turn green from the 
sj)ringing grasses. 

About the latter part of December may be 
expected one of the heavy winter storms. Set- 
ting in with a strong south wind from the sea, 
laden with moisture, this is condensed by the 
cooler air of the mountains and uplands, and 
rains fall for a week or more, in almost daily 
showers, which come mainly during the after- 
noon and night. The precipitation may amount 
to six or eight inches. On the mountains it 
will be snow. 

January is often a month of clear skies, and 
to many the pleasantest portion of the year, as 
the air seems to be fresher and more bracing. 

In February another storm, like that of De- 
cember, may be expected; then scattering rains, 
of two or three days' duration, at intervals of 
several weeks, through March and April, and 
then the " rain season " is over. 

The annual average precipitation at Los An- 
geles is eighteen inches, while along the base 
of the mountains back of the plains it is thirty 
to forty inches. The amount of rain per year 
therefore varies greatly, from almost noTie on 
the plains in the interior to forty inches or 
more about the coast mountains, whose cold 
summits iirst capture the moisture from the 
warm currents fresh from the sea. Northward, 
the rainfall at Visalia averages only lOi inches; 
at Stockton, 15; Sacramento, 19; San Francisco, 
24; Portland, Oregon, 53; and Sitka, 110. _ To 
compare with principal States in the east, we 
will mention that the average precipitation in 
Lake States is about 30 inches, and at Mobile 
and Pensacola about 60 inches. The reason 
that Los Angeles County has more rain than 
the counties just north is the peculiar configura- 
tion of the coast line and the mountain ranges. 
But here there are only about forty rainy days 
in the year. 

In common with the whole Pacific Coast, the 
shore line of Southern California has, from 
May to September, the night fog, •which comes 
rolling down from the sea in the evening, and 
remains in the form of clouds just overhead 



until nine or ten o'clock the next morning. 
This fog, as such, however, does not always 
come from the sea; for often it is formed from 
the cold air above coming down in masses amid 
the moist warm air upon the ground. This fog 
is not so chilly and disagreeable as that further 
north, while it in a manner serves instead 
of the rain season, as to its effect upon vegeta- 
tion. 

The "percentage" of humidity (invisible 
moisture) in the atmosphere at Los Angeles is 
68, San Diego 71 San Francisco 76, Mojave 
and Colorado deserts probably 60 or below, 
Yuma 43, Salt Lake 44, New Orleans 79, 
Florida 75, and New York 72. 

Following the same lines across the continent 
for comjiarison, the average number of cloudy 
days per year is found to be at New York 119, 
Salt Lake 88, San Francisco 79; on the more 
southern line, Florida 51, New Orleans 97, 
Yuma 14, Los Angeles 51, and San Diego 85. 

On the Pacific Coast the winds are more reg- 
ular than in any region east of the Sierra. The 
winds here are never as violent as they often 
are at every point in the east, but neither is 
there so great an extent of dead calm. Nearly 
always there is a gentle current, never a de- 
parture from this. The sea breeze starts in 
upon the land about the middle of the day, 
and the land breeze sets in to sea during the 
night and continues until nine or ten o'clock 
the next morning. The northeast trade wind 
is an upper dry current, off-shore, dropping 
down at night to become the oft'-shore land 
breeze. While it is on high, the sea breeze is 
coming in landward. Thus the stagnant, life- 
less air of the heated spells of the Atlantic 
Slope and of the Mississippi Valley is here an 
impossibility. 

From a table of observations taken during 
the last twelve years, it is found that the lowest 
temperatures for the winter months were from 
28° to 42°, and the highest, for the warmer 
months, 81° to 105°; but during that period 
the thermometer rose above 100° only 12 days, 
and above 90° 168 days. Half of those days, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



however, were in September and October! It 
was below 32° only seven days. 

The maximum velocity of the wind ranged 
from seventeen to forty-six miles per hour, but 
was over twenty-five miles per liour only forty- 



three times. The daily movement ranged from 
100 to 183 miles — that is, the average move- 
ment just over the tops of buildings ranged 
from a slow walk, by a man or horse, to a fair 
trot. 



^^ 




HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



^'^^^'^^^^f^^^ff^^^lf^ 






^^&@##=>^ 






ir THE ABORIGINES. "| 

Ik' . 'M t 




chaptp:r II, 



THE ORIGIN OF THE INDIAN. 

|ID the Indian originate on the continent of 
Linerica, or did he come from the great 
tic home of the race? There are 
facts which seem to point to the latter question 
as the one that should be answered in the 
affirmative. Four hundred years ago both of 
the continental Americas were thickly inhabited 
by them, from the British possessions on the 
north to Tierra del Fuego on the south. Mexico 
and Peru were even the seats of an advanced 
civilization, and they themselves had been pre- 
ceded by other civilizations so remote that they 
rival . the most ancient of Greece or Egypt. 
They are to be read in the mounds of the Missis- 
sippi Valley, the ruins of Arizona, Mexico, 
Central America, and further south. These 
objects carry the mind back of the ei-a of the 
white man, with his written records, back of the 
time of the Montezuma, with his painting and 
his priests, back and beyond the time when even 
the foundations of the Oasa Granda were not yet 
laid nor the mounds were surveyed. There 
is even sugi^ested to the mind a time when 
the whole country was without a soul living in 
all the broad space from Behring's Strait to Cape 
Horn. How, then, came the Indian to people 
all this vast waste? The following facts are sub- 
mitted for what they arc worth, as perhaps 
throwing some light upon the question. 



1. Numerous instances are extant of the ship- 
wrecks of Chinese and Japanese junks upon the 
Pacific Coast. Washington Irving in his Astoria, 
mentions the circumstance of a Chinese junk 
having been wrecked near the mouth of the 
Columbia River jn-ior to the year 1812, part of 
the crew of which was living. The Fiat-head 
Indians killed all the men and appropriated the 
women for wives, so at least a part of the Indian 
race in that section are of Asiatic origin. Titus 
Fej Cronise, in his Natural Wealth of California, 
records a similar instance. The Chinamen said 
that their vessel had been dismasted in a 
typhoon off the Chinese Coast, and that they had 
drifted for seventeen months on the water, sub- 
sisting on their cargo of rice and what fish they 
could catch and what rain water they could save. 
J. Ross Browne notes the wreck of a Japanese 
junk that was found on the coast of Lower Cali- 
fornia. 

2. In the Pacific Ocean there is a great "gulf 
stream," so to speak, that flows around from the 
Asiatic Coast to America, a stream that is much 
greater than the one in the Atlantic, and as fully 
defined in power. It was in this stream that 
the wrecks above noticed floated to America, and 
actually added to its population. The query 
may now be put. How long have these additions 
been going on ? If the answer be, as long as China- 
men have had boatF, then there is a f;ict number. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



3. "Very old is the Chinese civilization, defi- 
nitely known at least for 3,000 years. Long ago 
they had not only boats but the mariner's com- 
pass; it was possible for them to have navigated 
the peaceful ocean. If, in the inexorable law of 
change, civilization never stands still, then dur- 
ing the great Chinese civilization that was, it 
is not only possible but probable that the Chinese 
did navigate the Pacific. Let there be no 
begging of the question; identical languages 
would not be spoken by autocthons on opposite 
sides of unnavigable waters. 

4. Several vocabularies which have been 
compiled show the identity of some of the Indian 
languages of California with the Chinese. On 
no stronger argument than the sirailiarity of 
languages is the kinship claimed of the difl'erent 
Indo-European races. It is not asserted that 
all Indians are dt Asiatic origin. Strong claims 
are made by the Welsh and Norwegians that 
they had American colonies in pre-Columbian 
times, while in the theories of some the island of 
Atlantis also plays a prominent part. The in- 
fusion of the blood of thesepre-historicEuropean 
immigrants, if there were such, into the truly 
aboriginal stock, may account for the superiority 
of the eastern and southern Indians over those 
of the Pacific Coast. 

Be all that as it may, when the Spaniard 
came, the valleys of California were filled with 
Indians. Most that is known of the Los Angeles 
County Indians comes from the pen of Perfecto 
Hugo Reid, a Scotchman, who spent many years 
among them. It has been thought best to give 
his writings in full. 

His letters were first published in the Los 
Angeles <SYar in 1852. The following has been 
carefully compared with the original manu- 
script in the possession of Don A. F. Coronel. 

LETTEK I. 

"The following are the rancheri'as, with the 
corresponding present names: 

Yang-na, Los Angeles. 

Sibag-na, San Gabriel. 

Isanthcog-na, Mission Vieja. 



Sisit Canog-na, Pear Orchard. 

Sonag-na, Mr. White's place. 

Acurag-na, The Presa. 

Azucsag-na, Azusa. 

Cucomog-na, Cucamonga. 

Pasinog-na, Rancho del Chino. 

Pimocag-na, Rancho de Ybarra. 

Awig-na, La Puente. 

Chokishg-na, La Jaboneria. 

Pimng-na, Isl. of S. Catalina. 

Toybipet, San Jose. 

Ilutucg-na, Santa Ana (Yorbas). 

Ahupquig-na, Santa Anita. 

Mang-na, Rancho Feliz. 

Ilahamog-na, Rancho Yerdugos. 

Cabueg-na, Cahuenga. 

Pasecg-na, San Fernando. 

Suang-na, Suanga (Wilmington). 

Pubug-na, Alamitos. 

Tibahag-na, Cerritos. 

Chowig-na, Palos Verdes. 

Nacaug-na, Carpenter's farm. 

Kinkipar, Isl. of S. Cleniente. 

Houtg-na, Rancho Lugo. 

" Imp and San Bernardino, etc., belonged to 
another distinct tribe possessing a language not 
at all understood by the above lodges; and, 
although reduced by the Spanish missionaries to 
the same labor and religion, they never amalga- 
mated their blood, they being considered as much 
inferior, and named Serranos (Mountaineers). 

" The captains, or chiefs, of each lodge took 
its name followed by ic, with sometimes the 
alteration of one or more final letters. For in- 
stance, the chief of Azucsag-na was called 
Azucsavic; that of Sibag-na, Sibapic. The title 
of a chief's eldest son was Tomear; of his eld- 
est daughter, Manisar. 

" Suanga was the most populous village. 

" The Cahuillas were named by the Spanish 
missionaries, thus misnamed as a tribal name, 
the word cahuilla signifying master. 

LKTTER II. 

" They have a great many liquid sounds, and 
their gutturals are even softened down so as to 



EISTOSr OF LOS AN&SUtS GOUIitTT. 



become agreeable to the ear. ^_H.ere follows a 
vooabularv of about titly words, atid an example 
of the verb as coiij ugatet.1, as follows:) 
Nahacua, to hear. 

^onim nahacuti, 1 hear. 

0-a iiahacua. Thou hearest. 

Maue uahacua. He or she hears. 

>iou him nahacua, 1 heard. 

0-a him uahacua. Thou heardest. 

Maiie him uahacua. He or sJie heard. 

Nop uom uahacua, I shall hear. 

O-pam uahacua. Thou shalt hear. 

Maue-pom uahacua. He or she shall hear. 

UsriTEK in. 
" The Santa Inez tongue is undei"stoovl by 
the ludiaus of the Furissima, Santa Barbara* 
and Sau Buenaveutura, with this difference, 
that the two latter !4,>lutter their words a little 
more, which almost seems impossible. The 
I is used in this tongue, although not iu the 
Gabrielino, which is strange. The only word 
in the Gabriel tongue which has au Zis au in- 
terjection, aiala^ eq^ual to our <.^A<.>.' The Ser- 
ranos have no I either, in use, and their language 
is as ea<sy as that of San Gabriel. The Serranos 
generally employ a *, when the Gabrielinos 
would use an r. 

LKTTKK IV. — (iABKlKLlSO. 

" Father, mother, husband, son, daughter, 
face, hair, ear. tongue, mouth and friend are 
words never used without a jHjrsonal pronoun; 
asx father. iuu:k: my ftither. /** tiuck: thy father, 
i»u> tuick: his or her father, a nuck. If they 
had children, instead of saying ut asum^ my 
husband, they otten say /** ttiliai^uiiu which 
may be translated 'part of my body." All 
brothers older than the speaker are styled ajta; 
»M apa^ my brother; all younger, by ap^Usy my 
younger brother. Thev have no word to ex- 



press Indian. Taftat signifies people. The 
whites are termed cAu-hi/m^ro. reasonable be- 
ings. Face and eyes are e.xpressed by the same 
word. Ear. nanah: rhe leaves of a tree are 
called its ears. Snow and ice are the same*. 
Tobuynar, the whole earth ; lahur^ a portion of 
it, a piece of land. Caller^ forest. No word 
to signity tree; all varieties have their special 
names. Cadittcho. good-looking. Zi^ii, devil, 
an evil spirit. Qtttt-o-ar. God. Held in great 
reverence, and the name was seldom pronounced 
among tliem. They generally used the term 
i'-yt>-/«a-r*iV(/»««a, that which gives us life. 

LETTKK V. GOVEKSXBST, I^WS- A>"D PlSISHMBjrT. 

" The goveniment of the people was in the 
hands of the chiefs, each captain cv)mmauding 
his own lodge. The command was hereditary 
in a family, descending from tather to son, and 
from brother to brother. If the right line of 
descent ran out, they immediately elected one 
of the same kin nearest in blood. Laws in 
general were made as they vrere required, with 
the exception of some few standing ones. Rob- 
bery and thieving were unknown among them; 
and murder, which was of rare occurrence, was 
punished by shooting the delinquent with 
arrows until dead. Incest wats held in d©^ 
abhorrence and punished with death; even mar- 
riages between kinsfolk were not alloMwd. The 
manner of death Mfas by shooting with arrows, 

"■ All pris<.>uers of war were invariably put to 
death, atler being tormented in a most cruel 
manner. This was done in presence oi" all the 
chiefs; for as war was declared and conducted 
by a council of the whole> so they had to attend 
to the e.xecution of enemies in commou. A 
war dance on such an occasion was tlierefore 
g^r&ud, solemn and maddening. The war-clubs 
were all made ot' hard, heavy wood, and some 
of them were siigiitiy ornamented.' 

" If a quarrel ensued between two parties, 
the chiefs of the lodge cook c<^nizauce iu the 
case .-uhi decided according to the teistimoay 
produced. But if a quarrel resulted bet«reen 

• TtM wool M ;be praMot :ibw is Hi u- 



iiisroin or i.< 



jiiirtios of tlistunt l<»l,i;cs. oiuOi cUwf lioaid llio 
vvitiicssos pioil 1100(1 hy Iii8 own ]uojilc, riiid 
tlien, in oouiu'il with tlie diiefs of tlif otlior 
side, tlioy jmssod si'titiMU-o. Slioiilti tlioy disa- 
gri'o, iinollicr cliiof, iinpaitinl, was called in, who 
hoard tho statonienis inado by tho two captains, 
and he docidod alono. There was no appeal 
from his decision. Whippinj; was never re- 
sorted lo as a punishntont, restitution being 
invarialily niaiie for damages sustained in 
money, food and skins. 

" If a woman proved nnf.'iillil'iil to her hus- 
band and lie eaiij;ht lier in the aet, he had a 
ri-rht lo put her to death, if he chose, without 
any interference by any of the tri!>e. 15ut what 
was more j;enerally practictd, lie iiiliM'inecl the 
]iaraniour he was at liberty to ktcp her, and 
then he look possession of the other's spouse. 
The exchange was admitted as legal by all con- 
cerned, and the paramour would not object. 

" .MthoUirh they counted by n\oons, still they 
had ai\other mode for long periods, which was 
to reckon fidin the lime the sun was farthest 
north till lie was at his southern extremity, 
and then back again. Summer was counted 
from the time frog.^ were first heard to croak. 
This W!>s used to count war scrapes by, and 
under the recolleclion t)f the chief. When 
other tribes had to be chastised, the chief sent 
an exjiress to all other lodges. The}' brought 
up from children a number of males, who were 
taught to hear !on<j stories by the chief and to 
repeat them word for word. In tiiis manner 
they became so perfect as to be able to recite 
the longest oration any one could produce. 

"They were not much given to travel, for 
they only relate of on<' who left his people and 
proceeded north till he came to the land where 
the geese bred; and even he appears to have 
possessed that property ascribed to his race; for 
on his return he informed them of having 
fallen in with people whose ears reached down 
to the hips; others of a small stature; and 
finally people so perfect that they would lay 
hold of a rabbit or other animal, put it near the 
mouth, draw a lomj breath and then throw the 



rest away, which on examination was nothing 
but excrement! They sucked with their breath 
the essence of the food and so lived without any 
calls of nature! 

I.KTTKU VI. — lOOn AN'I> KAIMKNT. 

"Tlic animal food used by the Gabrielinos 
consisted of deer meat, young coyotes, squirrels, 
badgers, rats, gophers, skunks, raccoons, wild- 
cats, small crow, blackbirds, hawks and snakes, 
with the excej)tion of the rattlesnake. A 
few ate of the bear, but in general it was re- 
jected, on superstitious grounds. A large lo- 
cust or a grasshopper was a fav<)rite morsel, 
roasted on a stick at the lire. Fish, ijuails, 
seals, sea otter and shell-lish formed the prin- 
cipal subsistence of tho immediate coast range 
lodges and islanders. Acorns, after being di- 
vested of the shell, were dried and pounded in 
stone mortars, put into lilterers of willow- twigs, 
worked into a conical form and raised on little 
sand mounds, which were lined inside with two 
inches of sand; water added and mixed up, 
filled up again and again with more water, at 
first hot and then cold until all the bitter prin- 
ciple was extracted; the residue was then col- 
lected and washed free of any sandy particle it 
might contain; on settling, the water was 
poured ofl"; on being boiled it became a sort of 
mush, and was eaten when cold. Tlie next 
favorite food was the kernel of a species of 
plum, which grows in the mountains and isl- 
ands. It is sometimes called the mountain 
cherry, although it partook little of either, 
having a large stone wrapped in liber and pos- 
sessing little pulp. This, cooked, formed a very 
nutritious, rich, sweet aliment, and looked much 
! like dry frijoles. Chia, which is a small, gray, 
I oblong seed, was procured from a plant ap- 
I parently of the thistle kind, having a number of 
I seed vessels on a straight stalk, one above the 
other, like sage. This, roasted and ground, 
made a meal which was eaten, mixed with cold 
water, being of a glutinous consistence and very 
j cooling. Pepper seeds were also much used; 
I likewise the tender tops of wild s^\ge. Salt was 



HISTOBY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



used sparingly, as they considered it having a 
tendency to turn tlie hair gray. All their food 
was eaten cold or nearly so. 

"The men wore no clothing. The women of 
the interior wore a short waist skirt of deer- 
skin, while those of the coast had otter-skin. 
Covering for sleeping consisted of rabbit-skin 
quilts. The women wore earrings, the men 
passing a piece of cane or reed through the ear 
lobe. The earrings of the women were com- 
posed of four long pieces of whale's tooth, 
ground smooth and round, about eight inches in 
length, and hung, with hawks' feathers, from a 
ring of abalone sliell. Their necklaces were 
very large and heavy, and consisted of their 
money beads, of beads made of black stone, 
and pieces of whale's teeth, ground round and 
pierced. They used bracelets of very small 
shell-beads on both wrists." 

[The black beads referred to are made of 
dark, greenish black serpentine, some specimens 
resembling diorite excepting as to hardness. They 
vary in size, the smallest one measuring about 
one-fourth of au inch in diameter, and one- 
eighth in thickness, and the largest known to 
the writer measures seven-eighths of an inch 
in diameter and one and a half inches in length. 
The perforation in this specimen is one-fourth 
of an inch in diameter, and presents transverse 
stria3 caused by the sand used in drilling. The 
shell beads were usually made of Haliotis and 
Trivola. Shell money-beads were flat, and about 
one-third of an inch in diameter. Other beads 
used for necklaces were cylindrical or sub- 
cylindrical, larger in the middle than to>\ard 
either end. Many of them, found in graves, 
present the same style of delicate perforations 
as we find in the beads from Santa Cruz Island. 
The writer is of the opinion that these narrow 
perforations were made by njeans of sea-lion's 
whiskers as drills, and extremely tine silicious 
dust. The channels are scarcely large enough 
to admita good-sized thread, and in several beads 
which have split lengthwise it is apparent that 
drilling was done at both ends, as the perfora- 
tions cease a short distance beyond the middle 



of the bead, thus passing one another, perhaps 
less than the tenth of an inch. It is evident, 
from the appearance of other unfinished speci- 
mens, that the boring was begun by using a 
stone drill, — of which many and various forms 
occur, — after which the bristle was applied. 
The channels are slightly conical toward the outer 
end, and at about one-fourth the length of the 
shell there is a constriction beyond which and 
near the middle of the bead the channel again 
becomes wider, assuming an elliptical form. 
* * * A body was recently discovered on 
Santa Cruz Island, with wiiich was obtained a 
bunch of these bristles carefully wrapped from 
end to end. Furthermore, it is well known that 
Chinamen on the Pacific Coast purchase all the 
bristles of the sea-lion that can be obtained, pay- 
ing twenty-five cents apiece therefor, to be pre- 
pared and sold as toothpicks. 

Most of the shells required for iise were ob- 
tained at the Santa Catalina Islands. These, as 
well as the islands opposite Santa Barbara, are 
fine localities for Haliotis shells even at this 
time. The serpentine used in making beads, 
ollas and large rings was also obtained at the 
islands first named.] 

LETTER VII. MAREIAGES. 

"Chiefs or captains had one, two or three 
wives, as their inclinations dictated: their sub- 
jects only one. When a person wished to marry, 
and had selected a suitable partner, he advertised 
the same to his relations. On the day ap- 
pointed, the male portion of the lodge and 
male relations living at other lodges brought 
in their contributions of shell-bead money, gen- 
erally to the value of twenty-five cents each. 
The contribution ready, tiey proceeded in a body 
to the residence of the bride, where all her 
relations were assembled. The money was then 
divided equally among them, the bride receiving 
nothing, as it was a purchase. After a few 
days, the bride's female relations returned the 
compliment- in taking to the bridegroom's dwell- 
ing baskets of meal made of chia, which was 
distributed among his malee rlations. Tliese 



IIISrOBT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



preliminaries over, a day was fixed for the 
ceremony, wliicli consisted in decking out tlie 
bride witii innumerable strings of beads, paint 
and skins. Being ready, she was taken up in 
the arms of one of the strongest of the tribe 
who carried her, dancing, toward lier sweetheart's 
habitation, all htr family connections dancing 
round and throwing food and edible seeds at 
her feet at every step, which were collected by 
the spectators as best they could in a scramble. 
The relations of the groom came and met them, 
taking away tlie bride from the carrier, and 
doing the duty themselves as likewise joining in 
the ceremonious walking dance. On arriving 
at the bridegroom's lodge, who was within wait- 
ing, the bride was inducted into her new resi- 
dence, placed beside her husband, and baskets 
of seeds emptied on them to denote blessing 
and plenty. These were likewise scrambled for 
by the spectators, who, in gathering up all the 
'•seed-cake" departed, leaving them to enjoy 
their honeymoon according to usage. The bride 
never visited her relations from that day forth, 
but was at liberty to receive their visits. 

"Should the husband beat the wife and ill- 
treat her, she gave advice of it to her lodge, 
when her relations collected all the money which 
had been paid at her marriage, took it in depu- 
tation to the husband's lodge, left it with him 
and 'led off the wife, whom they married im- 
mediately to anothei-. 

LETTER VIIl. HIKTU AND BDKIAL. 

"Immediately on ihe birth of a child, the 
mother and infant were purified, in the follow- 
ing manner: In the center of a hut a large hole 
was dug, and an immense fire was kindled in 
which large stones were heated until red-hot. 
When nothing remained but hot Cmbers and 
the stones, bundles of wild tansy were heaped on 
the same and covered all over with earth, with 
the exception of a small chimney or aperture. 
The mother had then to stand over the aperture 
with her child wrapped up in a mat, flannel fash- 
ion. Water was tiien poured by degrees in at 
the opening, which caused immense quantities 



of steam or vapor, causing the patient to hop 
and skip a little at first and provoked profuse 
perspiration afterward. When no more steam 
was procurable, the mother and child lay down 
on the heap, covered up, until the steaming 
was renewed again. Three days was the term 
of purification, morning and evening being the 
times of sweating. No food was allowed the 
mother during that time, and her drink (water) 
was warmed. She was now allowed to eat of 
everything at discretion, with the exception of 
animal food, which was debarred her for two 
months. Her diet at length complete, three 
pills were prepared of the size of a musket-ball, 
composed of one part of meat and one part of 
wild tobacco. These swallowed, she was allowed 
to eat meat; but she was not permitted to share 
her husband's bed until the child was able to 
run. 

"When a person died, all the kin cullected 
to lament and mourn his or her loss. Each one 
had his own peculiar mode of crying or howling, 
and one co.uld be as easily distinguished from 
the other as one song from another. After 
lamenting awhile, a mourning dirge was sung 
in a very low tone, accompanied by a shrill 
whistling, by blowing into deers' bones. Danc- 
ing can hardly be said to have formed a part of 
their rites, as it was merely a monotonous action 
of the foot by stamping on the ground. This 
was continued until the body showed signs of 
decay, when it was wrapped up in its covering 
with the hands across the breast and tied from 
hand to foot. A grave having been dug in their 
burial place, the body was interred according to 
the means of the family, by throwing in seeds, 
etc. If deceased was the head of the family, or 
a favorite son, the hut was set fire to, in which 
he died, and all of his goods and chattels burned 
with it, reserving only some article with which 
to make a feast at the end of twelve months." 

[Between Los Angeles and the coast, near 
San Pedro, gravestones were erected to the mem- 
ory of the deceased, or perhaps simply to identify 
the location of the bod}', so that his friends 
might come to offer food, and to mourn. On 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



oue specimen are etchings resembliiif^ the figure 
of a whale, evidently carved there to show that 
the deceased had been a fisherman or a whale- 
hunter. Among the Innuits of Southern Alaska 
a similar custom prevails.] 

LETTER IX. MEDICINE AND DISE.-VSICS. 

[In the following letter the terra "shaman" 
would be more appropriate than " medicine 
man." The seer was an individual whose pro- 
fession was distinct from that of the shaman. 
In some tribes there are rain -makers, etc. Dur- 
ing the performance of religious or professional 
ceremonies the shaman resorts to many and 
various utterances and movements not under- 
stood by the uninitiated. Rattlers, small dried 
animals or skins, curiously shaped vegetable 
growths, rare sparkling minerals and wrought 
stones of odd forms are employed as fetiches. 
Among the last named the writer found both 
oblong and pyriform polished stones, sucli as 
have hitherto been considered and described as 
"plummets, plumb-bobs, sinkers and weights." 
An old Tobikhar said that such stones would 
rec^uire too much time and labor to be used only 
to be cast into the sea. The Indians term them 
" medicine stones," and consider them as pos- 
sessing medical properties. 

That the shaman also prepared arrow poison, 
there is no doubt. Nearly all the tribes be- 
tween the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mount- 
ains had more or less knowledge of plants, 
insects or other materials, which rendered it 
capable of producing septicaemia in any person 
or animal wounded thereby.] 

" Medicine men were esteemed as wizards or 
seers; for they not only cured disease, but caused 
disease and poisoned people, made it rain when 
required, consulted the Great Spirit and received 
answers, changed themselves into the form of 
diverse animals and foretold coming events. 
The medicine man collected the poison for dip- 
ping the heads of arrows. Fire was supposed to 
destroy its hurtful properties; consequently the 
flesh of animals so killed were eaten without any 
misgivings. The seers pretended not only to 



know poisons whicli destroyed life by giving it 
internally, but also others which the simple 
touch was sufficient to produce the desired effect; 
and that some were instantaneous, and that 
others required one, two or even twelve months 
before action took effect. 

" Rhenmatisra comprised nearly all the general 
complaints. Syphilis was unknown. [It must, 
however, have made its appearance among them 
at a very early day. | Toothache seldom troubled 
them. Rheumatism was treated by applying a 
string of blisters, each the size of a dime, to 
the affected part. The fur off the dry stalks of 
nettles was used for blistering. This was rolled 
up, compressed and applied with saliva; then 
fire was applied, when it burned like punk. 
As one was extinguished another was lit. For 
lumbago, they drank of a sweating herb and lay 
down for twenty or thirty hours in hot ashes. 
Fever was treated by giving a large bolus of 
wild tobacco mixed with lime of shells, causing 
vomiting, besides other herbs and manipulations 
of the seer. 

" Local inflammation was scarified with pieces 
of sharp flint and procuring as much blood as 
possible from the part. Paralysis, stagnation 
of the blood, etc., was treated by whipping the 
part or limb with bunches of nettles for an hour 
or two, likewise drinking the juice of thorn- 
apple, which caused ebriety for two or three days. 
Decline (of rare occurrence) was treated by giv- 
ing the cooked meat of the mud turtle for a period 
of time. 

"Shell lime wus well known, but none made 
from limestone. For an emetic, it was mixed 
with wild tobacco and taken immediately in 
liohis; but in a more agreeable form it was 
])ininded up and formed into a cake, and used in 
fragments as required. 

"Strangury was treated by sweating, as in 
the lying-in woman, only marsh mallows were 
employed instead of tansy; then a large bolus 
of chewed tobacco produced general laxation and 
prostration, which often produced relief at once. 
If this failed, drawing blood by sucking the 
abdomen immediately above the bladder hardly 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ever failed to give relief. Tliis operation was 
performed with a great many rites prior to the 
suction, such as smoking to the Great Spirit, 
pressure and frotation [sicj of the abdomen with 
the hands, and a song at the end of every verse, 
concluded with the words. 



Nod 


im ma 


noc 


ni mainoc, 


Won 


im mainoc 


ni mainoc, 








Yobare ; 


I do 


what I 


am 


doing, 


I do 


wliat I 


am 


doing, 

O Church ! 



" Bites of snakes were cured by the applica- 
tion of ashes and herbs to the wound, and the 
same, with tine dust found at the bottom of 
ants' nests, given internallj'. lied clay was 
sometimes applied to the hair, covering it all 
over and allowing it to remain for twenty-four 
hours, when it was washed off, to prevent the 
hair from splitting. Chilicotes were burnt to 
charcoal and applied morning and evening to 
cure baldness. 

LErXEE X. TRADITION. 

" There were seven brothers who married 
seven sisters, — according to their respective 
ages, — who lived in a large hut together. The 
husbands went daily to hunt rabbits, and the 
wives to gather flag-roots, for food. The 
husbands invariably returned first, and on the 
wives' arrival reported always bad luck in hunt- 
ing, with the exception of the youngest brother, 
who invariably handed his wife a rabbit. 
Consequently the poor women fared badly in 
regard to animal food. This continued as a 
daily occurrence for a length of time, until 
in a conference held by the women they ex- 
pressed a conviction of being cheated by their 
husbands, declaring it strange that with the 
sole exception of the youngest husband nothing 
was ever killed. At the same time, to find 
out the truth, they agreed that tlie youngest 
should remain at home the following day under 
pretense of toothaclie and watcii the return of 
the party. Next day tiio men as usual took 
their bows and arrows and set forth. Tlie six 



sisters then departed, leaving the other hidden 
among flags and rushes at the back of the house, 
in such a position as to command a view of 
everything transacted within. Several hours 
before sunset the hunting party returned laden 
with rabbits, which they commenced roasting 
and eating, with the exception of one, which the 
youngest put apart. The others called him a 
fool, telling him to eat the rabbit, which, how- 
ever, he refu.-*ed to do, saying he esteemed his 
wife a little and always intended to reserve one 
for lier. ' More fool yon,' said the others; ' we 
care more for ourselves than for them.' 

" The feast concluded, the bones were carefully 
gathered together and concealed in a suitable 
place outside. After some time, the youngest 
wife arose and presented herself in the hut, to 
the surprise of the males, who asked her where 
she came from. ' I have been asleep at the back 
of the house,' answered she, ' and I have only 
this minute awoke, having had to remain behind 
from toothache.' After a while the women 
came home, who ran to their sister asking for 
her health. They soon found opportunity to 
leave the hut and learn the results of the espion- 
age, besides visiting the place where the bones 
were deposited. They cried very much, and 
talked over what they should do. ' Let us turn 
to water,' said the eldest. This was objected to 
by all the rest, saying that their husbands would 
then drink them, which would never do. The 
second proposed that they should turn into 
stones, which was likewise rejected, because they 
would be trod upon. The third wanted them 
to turn into trees; rejected, as their husbands 
would use them for fire- wood; and so on until 
it came to the turn of the youngest, who pro- 
posed that they should change tiiemselves into 
stars; an objection was made on the ground that 
their husbands would always see them, which 
was at length overruled from the circumstance 
of being out of reach. They accordingly went 
to the lagoon where they procured flag-roots, 
and making an engine (flying concern) out of 
reeds they ascended to the sky and located them- 
selves as the seven stars. 



HISTOliY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



" Only tlie youngest brother appeared to be 
vexed at the loss ot his wife, and sought her 
daily. One day, having wandered to the edge 
of the lagoon, his wife had compassion on liim 
and spoke directing his attention to the machine 
they had made, telling liim to ascend. He did 
60 ; but, not wishing him in their immediate 
vicinity, they placed him a little way off. 

" A song survives, having reference to the 
seven stars. 

LETTER XI. SPORTS AND GAMES. 

" Few games, and those of a gambling nature. 
The ])i'incipal one was called churchurkl (or 
peon, Spanish). It consists in guessing in which 
hand a small piece of stick was held concealed, 
by one of the four persons who composed aside 
who sat opposite to each other. They had their 
singers, who were paid by the victorious party 
at the end of the game. Fifteen pieces of stick 
were laid on each side, as counters, and a per- 
son named as umpire, who, besides keeping 
account, settled the debts and prevented cheat- 
ing, and iield the stakes. Each person had two 
pieces of wood, one black and one white. The 
white one alone counted, the black being to pre- 
vent fraud, as they had to change and show one 
in each hand. The arms crossed and the hands 
hidden in the lap, they kept changing the pieces 
from one hand to the other. Should they fail 
to guess right, he lost his peon, and counters 
allotted to the others, and so on iintil the 
counters were gone, or all tlie peons killed, when 
the others had a trial. They bet almost every- 
thing they possessed. The umpire provided the 
fine and was paid by the nii^ht. 

"Another game, called duircJiarake, was 
played between two, each taking a turn to throw 
with the points down eight pieces of split reed, 
eight or ten inches long and black one side. 

" Another game, called Intra ric'uar, consisted 
in throwing rods or canes of the length of 
a lance, at a ring put in motion, and see who 
could insert it. The ring was made of buck- 
skin M'ith a twig of willow inside, and four 
inches in diameter. This is nut played now. 



[It is however, played by other tribes of Indians. 
The Indians at Santa Barbara also played a 
similar game, using a barrel-shaped stone ring 
three inches in diameter and four in length at 
which the players shot arrows, the idea being to 
penetrate the hole while the ring was in motion. 
The players stood up on either side of the course.] 
"Football was played by children and by 
those swift of foot. Betting was indulged in 
by the spectators. 

LETTER XII. A LEGEND. 

[Muhuvit, referred to below, was probably 
the country of the Mojaves, the tribal name of 
which was A moqawi, or Amoqami, pronouncing 
the <2 like the German ch. The western range 
of their territory formerly extended along the 
northern slope of the San Fernando Range, but 
flow far westward is not known.] 

" Iti Muhuvit, which lies behind the hills of 
San P'ernando, a woman married a captain of 
Verdngos. The woman was very stingy and 
seltish, and when the people brought them roast 
rabbit, shedevoured it alone and never invited any 
one to eat with her. The young chiefs would 
surround her, hut she never invited any of them. 
They returned to their houses, and when their 
mothers inquired if they luid partaken of the 
feast, said, No. Then the people got angry 
about it and asked the husband to send her 
lionie again to her mother. She by this time 
had a daughter. Old men spoke with him ; 
' Do what you like,' said the husband. 

" The old men accordingly ordered the ]jeople 
to hunt rabbits as usual, but to stuff them, 
before roasting, with pieces of wet buckskin, 
lizards and other unpalatable reptiles. They did 
so, before giving the repast. The old men asked 
of the chief what was to be done witli the 
daughter, whether to take her away or not. 
' Leave her,' said he, ' to die with her mothei-.' 
This day, liowever, she invited her spectators; 
for, on taking out the leg of a toad, she in- 
quired what it was. ' It is a quail,' she was 
answered. ' Eat it thou, then,' said she; and 
so she proceeded, taking out strange substances 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and giving them away. An order was likewise 
given to refuse her water, and being very lazy 
it was presumed she would not go to the spring. 
The repast gave her great thirst. ' Give nie 
water; ' but none was procurable. She proceeded 
from hut to but, with like success, until she 
arrived at the last where a large basket of 
urine was prepared for her; she nearly finished it 
at three sups, only leaving a little for her daugh- 
ter. This occurred every day; at the end of 
ten days all her hair fell out, and from being 
very pretty she became old and wrinkled. 

" Seeing herself in sucli a state, she deter- 
mined to return to her father, and taking her 
daughter in her arms she left; but on the 
road she repented having taken her daughter, 
and said, ' What a fool 1 am to be carrying this 
load, as if they liked me so much!' So she 
threw it away. After going some little dis- 
tance she looked back and seeing her little 
i-nfant stretch out its little arms to her, iier 
heart softened, and she exclaimed, 'What fault 
has it committed?' and she turned back and 
took it up again. She went on and on until 
she got so weak she could go no further. 
At last she was at a great rock, when she took 
tlie child by the heels and dashed its brains out, 
the blood of which is still visible at this day! 
Many affirm the child did not die, but turned 
into a squirrel. 

'> Then the mother went on alone until slie 
came to the place where her mother usually 
kept her seeds and acorns, and lay down with 
the Charnuca. At length her mother came tg 
take out food and on putting in her hand gave 
a loud cry and jumped back. ' Yes, be afraid 
of me,' said the daughter, ' after all the injury 
you liave heaped upon me by marrying me to a 
man who did not care for me.' The mother 
then heard the story, and left to inform the 
fatlier, tukini;- bini out of the hut so no one 
might he,ar it. 

" The father proceeded with his wife to take 
food to their daughter, and every day they 
brought lier the same, and herbs to drink, so as 
to restore her to health and purge her of tlie 



filth she had eaten; also to restore her hair and 
eyebrows, which she iiad lost, they applied tiie 
fat or oil of the hamisar, a black berry. In three 
moons she was well again, fat, young and beau- 
tiful, hair nearly equal to her father's and 
brother's, which reached to the ground. She 
was commanded then by her father to go and 
bathe herself daily in her brother's bathing 
place. She did so, and the brother, from see- 
ing the water when became not limpid as usual, 
suspected sonietliing. At last, coming one day 
shortly after the other liad done, he was con- 
vinced, and more so on finding a half the 
length of his own. This troubled him much, 
tliat others were bathing in his well, and he be- 
came sad. At last, arriving one day, he caught 
her in the bath, atul saying, ' So it is you who 
daily dirty the water of my well,' caught her by 
the leg and threw her out. She fell back, and 
he beheld her nakedness. This caused her so 
great grief and shame that she left, and pro- 
ceeded to the seashore to drown herself. She 
made a run twice to throw herself into the sea, 
but eacii time turned back; but the third time 
she accomplished it. 

''The brother returned to the house and told 
his mother of having found an unknown woman 
in his bath, and threw her out of it and saw her 
nakedness. The father and mother left the hut 
together, and on seeking their daughter could 
not find her. ' She has gone from shame,' said 
the mother; 'where shall we And her?' The 
father took the twig of a willow, made a ring of 
it, and covered it with buckskin. This was 
thrown to the uorth; it returned again. He 
threw it to the south, and the same result. He 
then threw it east, then west, the ring follow- 
ing ail the turnings and windings of the daugh- 
ter. The father followed the ring until it came 
to the seashore. 'She has drowned herself,' 
said he, when he saw the ring enter the ocean. 
He returned, debating with himself whether it 
was better to punish his son first, or the chief 
of Verdugos; he determined on the former 
first. 

'• (^n arriving iionu; he tohl his wife, who 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



cried bitterly, which amazed the people much. 
Calling together all his people he told them 
they must take his son witii them on a huntina: 
excursion, and let him be killed by -wild beasts. 
His son was accordingly decked out in all liis 
ornaments and money beads, and told to go 
with the people hunting, when they were to 
stay out all night. He w^ent, and they slept 
out, and tlie next morning a lire was kindled, 
at wliich all were warming themselves. One 
of the old seers had brought a screech-owl with 
him, liidden, wliich was no other than the father 
of theboy, wliich he let out and frightened all the 
people, who ran off, leaving the boy alone, when 
a large bird, the cuwot (cry cu, nothing of 
which save its shadow had ever been seen), said 
to be the boy's father in another form, came 
and took him up. Then the people came back, 
crying, ' The cuwot has carried off the chief's 
son!' As they came lip the bones came tum- 
bling down from above. The bones were then 
buried, and the people returned to their huts. 

" Shortly afterward the chief saw some one 
coming, and went to meet him. ' Where are 
you going? where are you from? ' ' From Ver- 
duga.' 'Oh! ' said the chief, ' how are you get- 
ting on there? ' ' Very well ; the chief is getting 
another wife and a great feast is preparing.' 
' Be it so,' said he; ' they have laughed much at 
me, wovtwe shall laugh and all perish together. 
"What were they doing when you left this morn- 
ing? ' 'The women had all gone to gather 
prickly pears.' Hearing this he went to where 
the women were gathered, and said : ' What 
are you gathering so many prickly pears for?' 
' For the feast,' said they, ' as the captain is to 
be married.' ' Take a sieve,' said he to an old 
woman, ' and fill it with tunas,* and sift the 
fine thorns into my eyes.' She refused; he in- 



leaved cat 


tus. 'llu-r 


meal of e 


eedeor «v,.,, 


falifurni. 





sisted, and others told her to do as he com- 
manded. Fie opened his eyes wide and she com- 
menced, when all the -women set up a wail 
at once. They were blind. Tie burst out 
laughing, and said: 'Now 1 huigh; it is my 
turn now.' 

" He left them and went to where the feast 
was prepared, and going around to the west side 
changed himself into a huge eagle, and went, 
low down, to where the feast was. On seeing 
an eagle come they cried out, 'Catch it! catch 
it!' with the exception of an old woman who 
was taking care of her grandchildren during 
her daughter's absence, who immediately cov- 
ered the children with a blanket, and cried out 
to the people not to touch the eagle, as it was a 
human being and not a bird. The people only 
called her an old liar, and proceeded to catch it. 
' Let us pull its wings oif,' said they; and they 
did so. Blood gushed out from one side and green 
matter from the other. Fever and bilious voim 
iting commenced among them, and killed all 
the people but the old woman and her two 
grandchildren. The old woman had to bury 
the dead the best way she could, and to burn 
the things. The eagle soared up above and 
never more was heard of. 



The old woman brought up the 



youiu 



roughed by pecking it with a sharp piece of quartz or chalcedony, 
botli of which are abundant. 



and when old enough she constructed a bow 
with an arrow for the boy, and a batea for the 
girl, teaching the one how to shoot and the 
other to clean seed. The boy at last killed iirst a 
lizard, then a mouse, then a gopher. Wlien 
old enough she married them, but shortly after- 
ward the girl turned out bad. At iirst she gave 
the old woman to eat, but afterward she refused 
to give her any meat brought by the husband. 
The old woman, to be revenged, took an awl 
made of deer's bone, and placing it where the 
other sat, she hurt herself. She put it into the 
bath, and again hurt herself. When her hus- 
band came liome she acquainted him, saying: 
' I have injury done me twice, and know I have 
to die. At any time you are out in the hills 
and I die you will know it by feeling some drops 
of water falling on your left shoulder.' Not 



HI STOUT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



long after, when out hunting, he felt the drops, 
as he had been told he would. He threw the 
bow and arrow away and hastened home. In the 
meantime the old woman had burned and buried 
the body. ' Where is my wife? ' ' I have bur- 
ied her.' ' Thou hast done this and shalt die for 
it,' taking up a billet of wood to knock her 
brains out, when she changed into a gopher and 
hid in the ground. The husband remained 
three days and nights by his wife's grave. On 
the third day he saw a small wliirlwind arise, 
and followed it. After going a long distance 
he perceived footprints on the ground where it 
passed over. ' This is my wife's,' said he, and 
he followed an immense distance, and a voice 
from the whirlwind addressed him, and said: 
' Return to your hut.' ' No,' said he, ' I intend 
going with thee forward.' ' That caimot be.' 
said the spirit, ' for I am not as formerly; I am 
dead to the world, and you cannot go, for no 
human being can go where I am going, nor can 
earthly eyes behold our figures; therefore re- 
turn.' He would not. ' Well,' said the voice, 
'how can I take thee? there is an immense sea 
to pass.' 

"At last finding him positive, she bound him 
to her waist with her sash, telling him to hold 
his breath as they went through the air. They 
arrived at last in the laud of spirits, where he 
could see nothing like human forms, and only 
heard innumerable voices exclaiming, 'What a 
stench of something earthly! You must have 
brought that.' The wife acknowledged she had, 
but exculpated herself on the ground that the 
being she brought was a superior one, being not 
only a great hunter, but could do anything. 
* Return him to the earth again; take him away,' 
exclaimed the voices. But one voice at length 
said, 'Let us try him first and see Vvhat he can 
do.' He was ordered to climb a pole of great 
length, and bring down a feather from the top. 
He felt afraid to ascend, but his wife told him 
to try, but not to look down while doing so. 
He accomplished the feat and there was great 
applause, when the voices cried out, 'Our broth- 
er-in-law is good at climbing.' Ih; was then 



given a long hair and told to split it from end to 
end. This again made his courage fail; but his 
wife told him to do it and to have faith. He had 
faith in her word, and the hair split from end to 
end with ease. 'Well done, our brother-in-law!' 
exclaimed the voices-. He was told to make a 
map of the constellation of Ursa Major, and 
show the position of the north star. He felt 
great fear to attempt this, as he had seen the 
seers do this but had never learned it himself. 
H s wife again aided him and he catne out tri- 
umphant. They then wanted him to test his 
hunting powers, and four of them were dis- 
patched to drive the deer into his range. He 
soon heard loud cries of ' Brother-in-law, there 
go the deer!' but no deer could he see. The 
spirits ridiculed his hunting. Another trial was 
made, with the same result. At last his wife 
told him he would be given a third trial, and 
that he must kill this time. 'How can I kill 
deer if there be none? ' he said. ' Did you not 
perceive black beetles?' said his wife. ' Yes.' 
'Well, those are deer; things are different here 
to what they are on earth; kill them.' 

" They went on their third hunt, and hearing 
the cry of ' There they go!' he saw black beetles 
coming on the sands. He drew his bow, shot 
at and killed one. It was converted immediately 
into a fine fat buck. This encouraged him, 
and he slew right and left, until the spirits told 
him to desist. The game was carried home. 
He saw the deer lifted tVom the ground and car- 
ried in the air, though he could not see the car- 
riei's, although he could perceive their shadows. 
Great joy was manifested by all at his success. 
' Sister,' said the other spirits to his wife, ' no 
one has ever been permitted to return to earth, 
as thou knowest; but as our brother-in-law is so 
good and he cannot participate in onr company 
of those joys and pleasures we partake, and on 
account of the gross materials of which he is 
formed, out of compassion to him, return again 
to earth.' And addressing him they said: 
'Brother-in-law, return again to the earth with 
thy wife; but for three days tiiou art not per- 
mitted to cohabit with her; after that time thou 



HISTORY OF LOS AN0ELE8 COUNTY. 



art free; but a non-compliance will be attended 
witli disappointment.' 

"They left the spirit realms and traveled 
on earth toward their home, the wife still invisi- 
ble. At night he built a large fii'e and lay down ; 
on awakening before daylight he saw his wife 
lying at a short distance. They traveled the 
second day as before, and at night he again 
made a fire; on awakening he again beheld her, 
and although he had rebellious thoughts, still 
he restrained himself, for he thought that only 
one day more and he should triumph. The third 
day also passed in travel, and on awakening 
that third night he saw his wife more distinctly 
than ever. Love for her this time was more 
powerful than reason. The three days are as- 
suredly expired by this time, and he crept 



toward her. He laid hold of the figure and 
found an old rotten trunk of a tree in his arms. 
He remained a sorrowful wanderer on earth till 
his death. 

" Whenever this legend is to be told, the 
hearers first bathed and washed themselves, then 
came to listen. 

"The bird cuwot is still believed in. It is 
nocturnal in its habits, never seen, but some- 
times heard. Its ci-y was simply Cu. It is 
said that a man was once carried away by it 
from the lodge of Yang (Los Angeles). 

" Some state that the return of the woman to 
life after the soul had fled could not have hap- 
pened, it being only a compassionate ruse to get 
the husband to earth, to return again at a proper 
time in the form of a celestial being." 




HISTORY OF LOS ANUELKS COUNTY. 




CHAPTER III 



VOYAGE OF CABKILLO- 



-15i2. 



fHE first white man whoever looked upon, 
if he did not tread, the soil of Los Angeles 
County was a Portuguese navigator and 
explorer — Don Juat Rodriguez Cabrillo, who in 
the year 1542 sailed up along the coast of Cali- 
fornia as far north as latitude 40°, and, return- 
ing, died and was buried January 3, 1543, on the 
island of San Miguel, in tiie Santa Barbara Chan- 
nel. He was in the Spanisli service on this 
voyage. He had arrived at San Diego Bay Sep- 
tember 28, 1542, from which place he continued 
his northern trip on the 3d of the next month. 
On October 6 he discovered the islands of San 
Clemente and Santa Catalina, which he named 
for his two vessels, the San Salvador and the 
Vitoria respectively. From Santa Catalina he 
sailed over to San Pedro, which he called Bahia 
de los Fumos or Fuegos (the Bay of Smokes or 
Fires), from the smokes and tires he saw there. 
He described it as a good port with good lands, 
valleys, plains and groves. On the 9th he anch- 
ored in the bay of Santa Monica, and the next 
day sailed onward to his late. Bartolome Fer- 
relo, who succeeded him in command of the 
expedition, after reaching latitude 42° north, 
returned to Mexico. As meager in details as 
is the account of this voyage about what is now 
the ocean shore of Los Angeles (Jounty, yet 
Cabrillo and his party were the lirst white men 



kno^n to have been here. It is j)robal)le that 
at Santa Monica Bay, where they anchored for 
a day, they went ashore; if so, that is the first 
point in the county trod by white men. 

VIZCAYNO'S VOYAGE —1603. 

The next voyager to sail along the coast was 
Sebastian Vizcayno, who commanded a Spanish 
exjiloring fleet of three vessels. Yizcayno was 
in search of a suitable harbor, where the Manilla 
galleons might repair and rest their crews after 
their long voyages across the Pacific Ocean. He 
had other objects, such as the discovery of the 
mythical Strait of Anian, which was supposed 
to cross the American Continent, and would, if 
found, give direct passage-way between Europe 
and Asia. He had sailed from Acapulco in 
May, 1602. After staying ten days in San 
Diego Bay he continued his northern trip on 
November 20, 1603. . A strong northwest wind 
was blowing, and it was not till the 28th that 
he anchored at the island of Santa Catalina, also 
sighting the same day the island of San Clem- 
ente. These names, given by Vizcaj'iio, have 
ever since been retained. Before arriving at 
Santa Catalina, they had visited San Pedro Bay, 
where, like Cabrillo, they saw plenty of smoke 
and some green vegetation, but as the bay had 
no protection from the winds they sailed over 
under the lee of the island. Vizcayno gave San 
Pedro its name for the bishop of Alexandria. 



HISTOBT OF LOB ANGELES COUNTY. 



Catalina Island then Lad a large Indian pop- 
ulation, who subsisted by fishing and trading. 
They had well-built canoes and houses, as well 
as a temple, wherein they sacrificed birds to an 
idol. They received the Spaniards in a friendly 
manner, and proved to be experts in the art of 
thievery. It does not appear that the Spaniards 
came again over to the mainland. About De- 
cember 1, Yizcayno continued on his northern 
trip, but after discovering Monterey Bay, he did 
not get much further north than did Ferrelo. 

SPANISH OCCUPATION — 1769-1822. 

Whether Cabrillo in 1542 or Vizcayno in 1603 
did set their feet on the soil of Los Angeles 
County is not positively known. If they did 
not, then to Governor Gaspar de Portola and 
his party must be accorded the honor of being 
the first white men within the present bound- 
aries of Los Angeles County, the date of their 
arrival being July 30, 1769. 

Fearing the encroachments of the Russians 
on the north, and the possible occupation of 
Alta California by the English, and, believing 
that the welfare of the church would be greatly 
advanced by the spiritual conquest of the na- 
tives, the Spanish Government finally decided 
to occupy the Upper California. Accordingly, 
in 1768, King Csirlos III. gave orders to the 
Marques de Croix, Viceroy of New Spain, to 
the efl'ect that in connection with other precau- 
tions against the Russians on the northwest 
coast, San Diego and Monterey should be occu- 
pied. Croix turned over to Don Jose de Gal- 
vez, the Visitador General, the management of 
the whole matter, and, in July, Galvez arrived 
at Santa Ana on the peninsula of California. 
He arranged for two expeditions to Monterey — 
one by sea and one by land. 

For the sea expedition there were three small 
vessels prepared — the San Cdrlos, the San An- 
tonio and the San Jose. The last-named vessel 
was lost at sea. The other two arrived at San 
Diego in April, 1769. The land expedition was 
divided into two parties. The first was com- 



manded by Captain Fernando Rivera y Moncada, 
while Portola personally commanded the second 
party, and was accompanied by the famous Juni- 
pero Serra, President of the Franciscan missions. 
Their rendezvous was at the Indian village of 
Velicata, in latitude 29° 30' north, on the pen- 
insula. Here Serra founded the last Franciscan 
mission on the peninsula while on his way to 
San Diego with PortoLi. By July the sea and 
land expeditions were united at San Diego; and, 
while Serra stopped there to found a mission, 
Portola pnshed forward with a party by land to 
re-discover, if possible, the bay of Monterey 
described by Vizcayno one hundred and sixty- 
six years before. It was M'hile he was on this 
trip that he passed through what is now Los 
Angeles County. He was accompanied by two 
Franciscan priests, Juan Crespi and Francisco 
Gomez. Crespi kept a diary, and to him be- 
longs the honor of having named Los Angeles. 
Portola's party consisted of twenty-seven sol- 
diers wearing leather jackets, commanded by 
Rivera; six Catalan volunteers, commanded by 
Lieutenant Pedro Fages, afterward Governor of 
California; seven muleteers and fifteen Lower 
California Indians. With the party was also 
an engineer, Miguel Costanso, and two personal 
servants of Portola, making sixty-four persons 
in all. 

From San Diego their route was along the 
ocean shore to San Juan By-the-Sea, thence 
along about the line of the Santa Fe Railroad 
to Los Angeles. 

On July 28 they were at the Santa Ana 
River, at which place they felt four sharp shocks 
of earthquake, and in consequence named the 
place El Rio Jesus de los Temblores. Because 
it was first intended to establish the mission of 
San Gabriel at this point, it being then men- 
tioned as the "Mission San Gabriel de los Tem- 
blores," and it was afterward established at 
another point near by, some confusion has 
arisen in the minds of several translators and 
authors whereby the San Gabriel River was 
called Los Temblores. But it is clear from the 
original records, according to Bancroft, that the 



HISTORY OP LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



Santa Ana Eiver was the one rightfully entitled 
to this earthquake name. 

On the 29th they camped at some little 
springs ahont six miles from the river, the 
identity of which is now lost. They came 
eighteen miles on the 30th, or twenty-four 
miles from the Santa Ana River, camping in 
the neighborhood of the Nadean Vineyard. 
They were now within what is now the present 
boundary of Los Angeles County. 

Along here they feasted on antelope, which 
were numerous and easily hunted. On the 31st 
they were in the Los Angeles region. August 1 
they reached the place where now stands the 
city of Los Angeles. They gave the river the 
name of Porciiincula, after the famous Francis- 
can convent of Assisi in Italy. The next day, 
August 2, is an important date in local history, 
for that was the day when the name of Los An- 
geles was conferred upon the place where the 
city was afterward built. Governor Portola 
and party were presumably camped on the 
bluff overlooking the river, about where is now 
"Sonoratown." This day being the feast of 
"Nuestra Seiiora, la Reyna de los Angeles" 
(Our Lady, the Queen of the Angels), it was 
solemnly celebrated, mass being said by the two 
priests, Crespi and Gomez. It was a custom of 
Spanish explorers to generally name places 
where they camped, or any important geograph- 
ical feature they discovered, after the saint in 
the church calendar of the day the}' were there. 
In this manner it is nearly possible, with maps 
and a Catholic calendar, to trace the exact course 
of the explorers up the coast. Thus were named 
San Quintin and Ensenada de los Todos Santos 
in Lower California, San Diego and Los An- 
geles, and scores of places in Upper California. 
Of course this custom was not adhered to 
rigidly, as Monterey Bay and Cape Mendocino 
were named for viceroys, and Pajaro River and 
Gaviota Pass, for local reasons; but it was in 
this manner that Los Angeles was named, and 
not, as has often been published by many emi- 
nent writers, for the "angelic" climate or ap- 
pearance of the localitv, for it mi"jlit have been 



anything but angelic in August, when Portola 
and Crespi wei-e here, the very middle of the 
heated term, when the highest temperature of 
the season prevails; neither could it have pre- 
sented a very angelic appearance at that period 
of the year, when the grass was all brown and 
dried, and the only verdure was the foliage of a 
few cottonwoods and sycamores along the river 
bottom. The orange groves and blue-gum 
forests, vast vineyards, cool gardens and wide- 
spreading alfalfa fields that now give a peren- 
nial green, were not then in existence, and it is 
very doubtful if the Spanish priests and soldiers, 
fresh from the groves of the Alhambra and the 
bowers of Castile, then sweltering under an 
August sun, thought that this then undeveloped 
land was fit for the abode of angels. The place 
took its name from the fact that the feast of 
"Our Lady, the Queen of the Angels," was 
here celebrated on August 2, 1769, and not 
from any climatic advantage, of which it indeed 
has many, or from an}' appearance which it then 
presented. The queen of the angels, according 
to the Franciscans, being Mary, the mother of 
Christ, the words "Santa Maria" (Holy or Saint 
Mary) were frequently added to the already long 
title of the town, even in official documents, in 
later years, as appears in the records pertaining 
to the city; but even this was too long for the 
sentimental Latins. The brevity-loving Yankee 
has' "boiled it down" to "Los Angeles;" bet- 
ter still would it have been translated "The 
Angels." 

The next day, August 3, Portohi continued 
his journey, passing around the southern base 
of the western hills, whereon a considerable 
part of the citj' is now built, and camped at the 
asphalturn springs, which they called the spring 
of the sycamores of St. Stephen, and going 
through the Cahuenga Pass and the Encinos 
Ranch, passed out of the county over the Santa 
Susanna Mountains, on their way to Monterey. 
They failed to find the port of Monterey, and 
on their return to San Diego reported that it 
must have been filled up with sand! But they 
did better, they discovered San Francisco Bay. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



On the return of the party the. next January 
(1770) they came into the present county by 
way of the Simi Ranch, and, coining down the 
San Fernando Valley, crossed over directly into 
the San Gabriel Valley, and followed a river 
which they called the San Miguel,* through the 
Paso de Bartdlo, and tlience by the old Anaheim 

* Afterward changed to San Gabriel. 



stage route to the Santa Ana River, on their 
way to San Diego. 

In April, 1770, Portola again traversed the 
county, going north on a second search for 
Monterey Bay, with a party of nearly thirty 
persons. Nothing of any importance occurred 
here again till the founding of San Gabriel 
Mission. 




UISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



^^I^^^^PIH^^ 



ff^ 






CHAPTER IV. 



SAN OABRIEL. 

fllE iiewsof the successful extension of Span- 
ish and Catholic dominion in Alta Cali- 
fornia was the occasion of an ontburst of 
enthusiasm and great joy in Mexico, and gave no 
little impetus to the northern cause. It was im- 
mediately determined that five new iiiissions, in 
addition to the three originally proposed, should 
be established. The first three missions deter- 
mined ujwn had been one each at San Diego 
and Monterey bays, and one midway between 
the two, to be named San Buenaventura. The 
missions at San Diego and Monterey had now 
been established, but for one cause and another 
the founding of San Buenaventura was delayed 
for several years. The College of San Fernando 
furnished ten new priests for the five additional 
missions, and May 21, 1771, they arrived at 
Monterey on board the ship San Antonio. The 
five proposed missions were: San Gabriel, San 
Luis Obispo, San Antonio, Santa Clara and San 
Francisco. For San Gabriel Mission President 
JunfperoSerra appointed the friars Angel Somera 
and Pedro Benito Carabon, who sailed June 7 
in the San Antonio for San Diego accompanied 
by Pedro Pages, the military commander. There 
was some delay at San Diego on account of sick- 
ness among the priests and desertions among the 
soldiers. Finally, on August 6, Somera and 
Cambon, with a guard of ten soldiers and a 
supply train of mules under four muleteers and 



four soldiers — there being twenty persons in all 
in the party — left San Diego for the purpose of 
founding the mission of San Gabriel. They 
followed the old route of Portola, which in more 
recent times was exactly that of the stage line 
between San Diego and Los Angeles and is now 
that of the Santa Fe Railroad. It had been the 
intention to locate the mission on the Santa Ana 
River which Crespi had called El Rio Jesus de 
los Temblores, on account of the earthquakes 
felt there, but as no suitable place was found, 
they went about twenty-five miles further north 
on the river San Miguel, which was thenceforth 
called the San Gabriel for the mission. Here 
they chose a site still known as the Old Mission, 
where some adobe ruins yet stand, near what 
was then the Indian village of Sibag-na, about 
eleven miles east of Los Angeles City, on land 
now owned by Richard Garvey. They were 
surrounded by a multitude of Indians, headed 
by two chiefs, shouting and making threatening 
signs. Just then a divine miracle was inter- 
posed, so the story goes, saving the lives of the 
Spaniards, favoring the establishment of the 
mission. One of the priests unfurled a banner on 
which was painted a picture of the Virgin Mary 
in sorrow for the death of her Son. The effect 
was instantaneous and wonderful. The hosts 
of Hell were routed horse, foot and dragoons. 
The evil spirits in the simple aborigines were 
immediately cast out and gave way to good ones 



HISTOBT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



who prompted the Indians, beginning with their 
chiefs, to drop their arrows and lay tlieir neck- 
laces at the feet of the beautiful queen, while 
the women brought pine-nuts and other seeds 
for her to eat ! 

Hugo Reid, who lived many years among the 
San Gabriel Indians, learned from them their 
first impressions of the Spaniards. He says : 

" The Indians were sadly afraid when they 
saw the Spaniards coming on horseback. Think- 
ing them gods, the women ran to the brush, and 
hid themselves, while the men put out the fires 
in their huts. They remained still more im- 
pressed with this idea, when they saw one of 
their guests take a flint, strike fire and com- 
mence smoking, having never seen it produced 
in this simple manner before. An occurrence, 
however, soon convinced them that their strange 
visitors were, like themselves, mortals, for one 
of the Spaniards leveled his musket at a bird 
and killed it. Although greatly terrified at the 
report of the piece, yet the effect it produced of 
taking life led them to reason, and deduced the 
impossibility of the 'Giver of Life' to murder 
animals, as they themselves did, with bows and 
arrows. They consequently put them down as 
human beings, ' of a nasty white color, and 
having ugly blue eyes/' This party was a 
small one, and soon left. Having offered no 
violence, they were in consequence not disliked. 
They gave them the name of Vhichinabros or 
reasonable beings. It is a fact worthy of notice 
that on becoming acquainted with the tools and 
instruments of steel used by the Spaniards, they 
were likewise named C hicbinabros, ■v/h'iah. shows 
the estimation in which they held their con- 
querors. 

" Another event soon convinced them of their 
visitors mortality, for shortly afterward they 
received another visit from a larger party, who 
commenced tying the hands of the adult males 
behind their backs; and making signs of their 
wish to procure women — these having again fled 
to the thicket on the first appearance of their 
coming. Harsh measures obtained for them 
what they sought, but the women were consid- 



ered contaminated, and were put through a long 
course of sweating, drinking of herbs, etc. The 
natives necessarily became accustomed to these 
things, but their disgust and abhorrence never 
left them till many years after. In fact every 
white child born among them for a long period 
was secretly strangled and buried ! 

" The whites made them a number of presents 
prior to' using any means to convert them; the 
presents were never refused, but only those con - 
sisting of goods were put to any use whatever. 
All kinds and classes of foods and eatables were 
rejected and held in abhorrence. Instead, there- 
fore, of partaking of them, they were buried 
secretly in the woods. Two old Indians, not 
long since dead, related to me the circumstance 
of having once assisted when boys to inter a 
quantity of frijol and Indian corn just received 
from the whites. Some length of time after- 
ward, being out in the woods amusing them- 
selves, they came where these articles had been 
deposited. Their surprise knew no bounds to 
now behold an infinity of stalks and plants un- 
known to them, protruding through the earth 
which covered the seed. Tiiey communicated 
the fact at home; their story was verified by 
others, and the wizards duly pronounced the 
whites ^witchcrafts!'' Even panocha (coarse 
brown sugar), of which they are now so fond, 
was declared to be the exorement of their new 
neighbors." 

On September 8, 1771, the cross was raised 
and the regular ceremonies were performed 
which constituted the founding of the mission 
of " San Gabriel Arcangel." The Indians helped 
in the construction of the mission buildings, 
which consisted of the usual square stockade, 
with tule-roofed wooden houses inside. Fear- 
ing an attack similar to the one on the San 
Diego Mission, Somera left, October 1, for San 
Diego, and returned on the 9th wiili two more 
soldiers. In the meantime one of the soldiers 
had outraged the wife of a chief, and the next 
day after Somera's return the chief undertook 
to get his revenge by shooting the guilty soldier. 
The latter stopped the arrow with his shield, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQBLES COUNTY. 



and shot the chief dead with his musket. This 
was the signal for a creneral outbreak by the In- 
dians, but the alarm was sutBcient to allow the 
soldiers to buckle on their leather jackets, and 
place themselves on the defensive. Frightened, 
however, by the report of the musket and the 
instant death of the chief, the Indians fled. 
The Christian soldiers then cut off the heathen's 
head, and stuck it up on top of a pole at the 
gate of the stockade. In a few days the Indians 
returned to beg for the head of their chief, but 
it was some time before friendly relations were 
resumed. Thus ended their tirst lesson in the 
new religion. 

Governor Fages arrived a few days later with 
two priests, sixteen soldiers and four muleteers 
in charge of a mule train, on his way to estab- 
lish the mission of San Buenaventura. The 
recent Indian trouble decided him to postpone 
founding the new mission, and to add six 
soldiers to the force at San Gabriel. Antonio 
Paterna and Antonio Cruzado, the two priests, 
also remained, and they next succeeded Somera 
and Cambon as the regular mission ministers, 
who retired on account of their poor health. 
J. Albert Wilson, a historian who devoted con- 
siderable study to the mission work, says of this 
period: 

"The priests brought with them a number of 
vagabonds in the various characters of soldiers, 
masons, carpenters, etc. Having '■converted^ 
a few Indians by presents of cloth and ribbons, 
and taught them to say '■Amara Dlos'' (Love to 
God), they baptized them, and set them to work 
under direction of their 'Christian' assistants. 
Once baptized, the poor natives lost caste with 
their people, and became to them as Pariahs. 
The ceremony was called by the natives '■soyna,'' 
'beii.g Ijathed,' and was regarded as both igno- 
minious and degrading. Unable to revisit their 
tribe, they remained at the mission, and their 
hopeless submissiveness to their new masters 
•was duly accredited to a miraculous change of 
heart, brought about by direct interposition of 
the blessed Virgin. Vet, in the ceremonies 
they were compelled to pass through, these poor 



creatures '■had no more idea they were wor- 
shiping God than an unborn child has of 
astronomy !^ 

"The principal uses of the soldiers were, first, 
to capture new converts, and, second, to awe 
them into submission. Upon their expeditions 
of conversion, however, the priests themselves 
not infrequently assisted. There is a tradition 
extant concerning one worthy father who was 
an expert with the lasso, as well as a fearless 
horseman. Eiding at full gallop into a village, 
he would select his man (as an old-time slaver 
selected his 'nigger' in the slave market, for 
his hraton), lasso him, drag him to the mission, 
tie him up and whip him into subjection, bap- 
tize him, Christianize him, and set him to work 
all within the space of one hour; then away for 
another, without rest; '■such was his zeal for the 
co7iversion of infidels!'' 

" On one occasion an expedition went as far 
as the present Rancho del Chino, where they 
tied and whipped every man, woman and child 
in the lodge, and drove part back with them. 
On the way home they did likewise to the lodge 
at San Jose (now Spadra). Upon arrival, the 
men were directed to throw their bows and 
arrows at the feet of the priest in token of sub- 
mission. The infants were then baptized, as 
also were all children u!ider eight years of age. 
The first were (per force) left with their 
mothers, but the latter were kept apart, until 
maternal instinct compelled the poor women to 
submit to the indignity of baptism, in order to 
see their loved ones again. In time the men 
gave way also, and this contaminated race, both 
in their own sight and in that of their kindred, 
became 'followers of Christ,' and laborers in 
the vineyards of the priests! Strange to say, 
these Indians, though lamous in warfare with 
other tribes, resisted not their oppressors. Filled 
with astonishment and fear, they sought only to 
hide from them; all of which was duly accred- 
ited to the good offices of 'Our Sovereign 
Lady!' 

" For several years no attempt appears to 
have been made by 'the missionaries,' either to 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGBLES COUNTY. 



learn the Indian tongue or to teacli the natives 
Spanish. The soldiers learned enough of the 
former, the better to gratify their lusts; and the 
Indians were instructed in the latter to say, 
^Amar a Dios' (Love to God), without under- 
standing the plirase any more than if it had 
been ' Tic douloureux,' or 'Jack the Giant 
Killer P'' 

While Wilson only speaks of individual in- 
stances, there is no doubt the instances were too 
numerous. There were many noble exceptions, 
however, among the priests, and many of the 
old missionaries are remembered with affection. 
Some justify the harsh treatment the priests 
dealt out to the Indians, because of the savage 
character of the lattei-, and that kind treatment 
was always wasted upon them. Not everybody 
will accept this view, and even a poet has been 
constrained to write: 

They were merry old fellows in cassock and gown, 
Those jolly old knights of the smooth-shaven crown, 
Those liou-soiiled. eagle-eyed Padres of Spain, 
Who liirdfil ii ^|■:ln^lly o'er mouutain and plain; 

As r.':i(l\- Willi mil- s.-uorita to dance 

Asm-.-.ni :,li„.|iii, .rlKilancealaiice; 

Whns.. rliiiir niiil missi.ms impreauable stood. 

Ami .li.i lo 111.' li.'iilh.Mi what sppiiied to thcni good; 

Thpy l.i.iiioii, ,||, |,,,,,i,l siniifrs with nIihi'ii, sudden pulls, 

Aud la-.o,.,l i|,,.,r iMiiveiis like lir^ -ih'Ikks and bulls, 

Or galhurfd cuiilessioiis I'lom red, rosy lips, 

To hoard as the treasure the lione}'-bee sips. 

With liands that were ready and hearts that were bold: 

Jlow I envy those cleanshaven Padres of old! 

AVith fair purple vineyards and wide-spreading flocks, 
They sighed not for riches, they cared not for '■'stocks"— 
Not "Comstocks" at least, though bellowed and gored. 
And fought for a "rise" at the Devil's " Big Board," 
With a genuine reckless "bonanza king's" greed, 
And cornered the stock in eternity's " lead," 
Uefusing all offers of Satan to sell 

"Salvation's" sure stock, Iho' they "shorted" on Hell, 
And played for the kingdom with Satan and sin, 
Where souls were the "divvys," and gathered them in; 
With stores of " frijoles " and flajons of wine, 
They craved not the treasures of city or mine; 
With princely possessions to have and to hold. 
They were bully old fellows— those Padres of old. 

— A. F. KBKcnEVAi,. 

MISSION ANNALS. 

The first Indian child was baptized Novem- 
ber 27. He was a son of the chief that had 
been killed; but in two years the whole number 
of converts was seventy-three, and in 1784 there 
were 1,01'J enrolled on the baptismal register. 

The first attempts at farming at the mission 



were not successful. The first year's crop was 
drowned. The second was not entirely lost, but 
yielded 208 bushels of maize, or 195 fold! and 
eleven bushels of beans, or twenty-one fold! and 
in 1773 the mission had 200 head of horned 
cattle. 

On the 22d of March, 1774, there arrived at 
the mission an exploring party, of thirty-four 
persons, commanded by Captain Juan Bantista 
Anza. They had left Tubac, Arizona, on the 
8th of January, with 140 horses and sixty-five 
head of cattle, for the purpose of exploring a 
land route between Sonora and California. 
Their route from Tubac, on the Santa Cruz 
River above Tucson, was westerly by way of the 
Sonoita Valley and through the Papago country. 
They forded the Colorado Kiver at Yuma and 
crossed tlie desert to its west side, and kept up 
along on the eastern slope of tlie San Jacinto 
Mountains, and came around through the San 
Gorgonio Pass. At the San Gabriel Mission 
they found the supply of provisions short, be- 
cause of the failure of the transport ships to 
arrive from Mexico. Anza sent back a part of 
his company to tiie Colorado River, and went on 
to Monterey and was back at the mission again 
by May 1, and two days later started for 
Tubac. These were the principal events this 
year at the mission. Anza deserves to be called 
a " pathfinder," for he was the first white man 
who c:ime overland to California! 

The date of the removal of the mission from 
the old site, now on Mr. Garvey's ranch, to the 
present one, some nine miles east of Los Angeles 
City, is unknown; but it must have been about 
1775, for in 1774, in his second annual report, 
Serra mentiuns the proposition to move the San 
Gabriel Mission a short distance, and says that 
for that reason no permanent improvements had 
been made on tlie old site. In the same report 
he says tlie San Diego Mission liad been moved. 
So it must have been about that time that the 
site was changed. 

In 1797 the present stone church was half 
completed, though it was uiitinished in 1800. 
At any rate the removal was made sometime 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



between 1774 and 1797. The new site is much 
more eligible than the old. The ground is 
higher and drier, there is better drainage, and 
no danger from frost and flood as on the low land 
where the mission was first located. The new 
site is in the midst of a belt of live oaks, and 
the scenery is charming. A few miles to the 
north the Sierra Madre rise abruptly to a height 
of over 5,000 feet, with peaks having an alti- 
tude 6,000 and 8,000 feet, while west and east, 
and south, is the valley, some twenty miles 
wide and long, surrounded by low hills. 

Although the records are silent as to the first 
work done at San Gabriel, there are some yet 
living who are conversant with the facts as 
learned from the old missionaries. Don Juan 
Warner, a native of Connecticut, who arrived in 
Los Angeles in 1831, thus wrote in the His- 
torical Sketch of Los Angeles County, published 
in 1876: 

" In less than sixty years from the founding 
of the mission of San Gabriel, the herds of neat 
cattle, bands of horses, and flocks of sheep and 
goats, of the three missions of this county, cov- 
ered the m;ijor part of the land in Los Angeles 
County, and all that part of San Bernardino 
County lying south and west of the San Bernar- 
dino Mountain Kange. The number of Indian 
converts in these three missions was, in 1802, 
2,674. In 1831, when these missions had 
reached their highest prosperity, the number 
of neophytes was more than 4,000. By the 
labor of the subjugated and converted Indians 
the missionaries planted orchards and vineyards, 
and cultivated large fields of corn, wheat, barley, 
beans and other food vegetables. As soon after 
the founding of a mission as its circumstances 
would permit, a large pile of buildings in the 
form of a quadrangle, composed in part of burnt 
brick, but chiefly of sun-dried ones, was erected 
around a spacious court. A large and capacious 
church, which usually occu])ied one of the outer 
corners of the quadrangle, was a necessary and 
conspicuous part of the pile. 

"In this massive liuilding, covered with red 
tile, was the habitation of the friar, rooms for 



and for the major-domos and their fami- 
lies, hospital wards, store-houses and granaries, 
rooms for the carding, spinning, and weaving 
of woolen fabrics, shops for blacksmiths, joiners 
and carpenters, saddlers, shoemakers, and soap- 
boilers, and cellars for storing the product (wine 
and brandy) of the vineyards. Near the habi- 
tation of the friar, and in front of the large 
building, another building of similar materials 
was placed and used as quarters for a small 
number — about a corporal's guard — of soldiers, 
under command of a non commissioned oflicer, 
to hold the Indian neophytes in check, as well 
as to protect the mission from the attacks of 
hostile Indians. The soldiers at each mission 
also acted as couriers, carrying from mission to 
mission the correspondence of the government 
oflicers and the friars. These small detachments 
of soldiers, which were stationed at each mis- 
sion, were furnished by one or the other of the 
military posts at San Diego or Santa Barbara, 
both of which were military, garrisons. At an 
early period in the history of San Gabriel, a 
water-power mill, for grinding wheat, was con- 
structed and put in operation in front of and 
near the mission building. At a later period, 
a new grist-mill was built by the mission, and 
placed about two miles west of the mission 
proper. This was also operated by water-power. 
The building in which was placed this mill now 
forms a part of the residence of E. J. C. Kewen, 
Esq.* A water-power saw-mill was also built 
by this missiop, and was located near the last 
mentioned grist-mill. These were the only mills 
made or used in California, either for grinding 
or sawing, in which water was the motive power, 
or in which a wheel was used, for more than half 
a century after the founding of the first mission 
in continental California. In these two grist- 
mills the revolving millstone was upon the 
upper end of a vertical shaft, and the water- 
wheel upon the lower end, so that the revolution 
of the stone was no more frequent than that of 
the water-wheel. 

"In 1831 the minister at San Gabriel, Friar 

• In 1689 the place is the property of E. L. Mayberry. 



BISTORT OH- LOS ANGELES COUNT Y. 



Sanchez, aided and encouraged William Wolt- 
skill, Nathaniel Prior, Richard Langhlin, Sam- 
uel Prentice and George Yount (all Americans) 
to build a schooner at San Pedro, which was 
employed, by the Americans named, in the 
hunting of sea otter. The same year, or in the 
preceding year, Friar Sanchez purchased a brig 
which was employed in commerce between 
this coast and the ports of Mexico and South 
America. 

" Of the products or manufactures of those 
missions, during the sovereignty of Spain over 
California, very little was exported, being mostly 
consumed by those who belonged to the mission, 
or by the inhabitants of the town of Los An- 
geles, and the stock-breeders in the country 
adjacent. 

" Such was the patience, the energy, the busi- 
ness capacity and tact with which the friars 
controlled and managed the Indians, and the 
general affairs of the missions, that in a few 
years, with some supplies which — while the 
power of Spain was undisturbed in Mexico — 
were annually sent them from the port of San 
Bias, by their convent in the City of Mexico, 
their granaries and store-houses were filled to 
overflowing, and the intervening country from 
mission to mission was covered wit!) live-stock, 
and their shepherds and herders were counted 
by hundreds. Although in the annual lists of 
stock and of agricultural products made out by 
the friars the number was much less, it was 
estimated by the most competent judges that 
the number of neat cattle belonging to the three 
missions, in 1831, exceeded 100,000, with sheep 
and horse kind in full proportion." 

Resuming the annals of the missions, Anza, 
the Spanish patiitinder, arrived at San Gabriel 
again January 4, 1776, from the State of Sina- 
loa. He had started with a party of 285 per- 
sons, composed of soldiers and their families, 
recruited for the presidios (forts) of Monterey 
and San Francisco. They had 165 mules, 340 
horses, and 320 head of cattle. Commandante 
Rivera had arrived the day before from Monterey 
en route to San Diego to punish the Indians who 



had burned the San Diego Mission on the 4th 
of the last November, and among others had 
killed one of the resident ministers. Friar Luis 
Jaume. Anza decided to let his immigrants 
enjoy a needed rest after their wearisome jour- 
ney across the deserts, and accompany Rivera. 
Nothing came of the trip to San Diego beyond 
flogging a few Indians. The immigrants made 
heavy inroads upon the meagre supplies of pro- 
visions at San Gabriel, and the missionaries 
were not sorry when Anza returned. On Feb- 
ruary 21 he took his party and left for Mon- 
terey, where they arrived on the 10th of March. 
On the 24th of March, 1776, there arrived at 
San Gabriel a remarkable man. Father Fran- 
cisco Garces, who, more than any other of early 
missionaries, explored the country and visited 
the native tribes. The story of his life would 
fill a large-sized volume, and would be full 
of interest from beginning to end. He had 
accompanied Anza as far as the junction of the 
Gila and Colorado rivers, and while the latter 
with his large party came straight on to San 
Gabriel, Garces explored the California coun- 
try to the gulf. Then turning north he went as 
far as the vicinity of The Needles, and then 
struck out across the Mojave Desert to the west- 
ward, following almost exactly the present course 
of the Santa Fe Railroad: up the Mojave River, 
passed unwittingly the argentiferous riches of 
the Calico Mountain, and. coming through the 
Cajon Pass, arrived at San Gabriel. Fremont 
explored the same route seventy years after- 
ward. Everywhere Garces went he distributed 
little metallic medals among the Indians. As 
late as 1854 one of these medals was recovered 
by A. A. Humphries, of the United States Sur- 
vey, from an Indian on the Colorado River. 
Garces also would unfurl a banner, on one side 
of which was painted a picture of the Virgin 
Mary and on the other side a picture of a lost 
soul suffering in the flames of an eternal hell. 
When the Indians looked on the pretty virgin 
they gave away to exclamations of delight, thus 
evincing good taste, and when they saw the 
man in a irreat lake of fire, even tlieir barbaric 



HISTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



and savage natures, degraded and uncultivated 
as tliey had been for untold generations, could 
not help expressing tiicir horror, thus showing 
still better taste. 

Garces received a cordial welcome at the 
hands of his fellow friars at San Gabriel,* whom 
he had met two years before wlien with Anza 
on the pioneer overland expedition to California. 
After a fortnight's rest Garces set out to renew 
his explorations. Rivera, who from the first 
did all he could to anuDj the missionaries, 
refused Garces an escort, but the priests sup- 
plied him with provisions sufficient for his jour- 
ney into the interior. Rivera had early quarreled 
with President Serra, but, on the latter appeal- 
ing to the Viceroy, had been obliged to submit 
to Serra's plans. JMotably was this so at San 
Diego in regard to the distribution of troops at 
the missions. It was Rivera that plainly told 
Garces that communication with the Rio Colorado 
was undesirable. Five years laterboth River a 
and Gai'ces were massacred by the Yuma Indians. 

Garces lei't San Gabriel April 9, 1776, and 
went out through the San Fernando, Santa 
Clara and Antelope valleys, and, crossing the 
Sierra Nevada Mountains through Tejon Pass, 
went into the Tulare Valley as far north as 
about where V^isalia now is, without seeing 
Tnhire Lake, and, turning soutii, re-crossed the 
mountains through Walker's Pass, being the 
first white man to visit that section. From 
there he went to Northern Arizona, and thence 
back to Mexico. 



aimer in which hiBtorians differ 
is taken from Wilson^s History 
Diirint; thr jf^n 177',, n M.^xiciin 



Wilson was a <;.., 
lot enjoy acccB- 
nt, therefore 



probably" 
tween Riv 



vhich is stnted in the 



A second miracle was wrought at Sun Gabriel 
in 1777, when there was an uprising among the 
Indians. The revolt was caused by outrages 
committed upon them by the soldiers; but a 
shining image of the Virgin was held up before 
them, which caused them, it is sairl, to lay down 
their arms, kneel and weep, and even embrace 
the missionaries. 

There was continual friction between the sol- 
diers and the priests from the Governor and 
President at the head of each side down all 
along both lines. The numerous causes of this 
controversy are minutely and accurately set 
forth in Bancroft's voluminous history of Cali- 
fornia, and it is not necessary to reproduce them 
here, any more than the quarrels which especially 
affected San Gabriel. In the first place Pedro 
Pages, the military commandant, had the mis- 
sion founded without Serra being present, the 
first one he had missed, and he was not at San 
Gabriel for a full year after its establishment. 
Governor Portola and Serra had disagreed, and 
the latter had an open quarrel with Rivera at 
San Diego, over the disposition of troops, and 
when Governor de Neve came in 1774 he agreed 
no better with the friars, who seemed to want 
the entire control of the soldiers to use as they 
deemed best, not only in the protection of the 
missions, but in the capture of fugitive neo- 
phytes, who were becoming numerous. 

In October, 1785, an aboriginal Eve played 
her part in tempting the neophytes into a revolt, 
assisted by the "gentiles." The corporal in 
command averted all danger by promptly ar- 
resting some twenty of the conspirators. The 
woman, by order of General Ugarte, was sent 
into perpetual exile. One Indian, Nicolas, was 
sentenced to six years' work at a presidio, to be 
followed by exile, and two other Indians were 
imprisoned for two years. The remainder of 
the conspirators were flogged and released. 
This severe punishment deterred any furtlier 
outbreaks for several years. In 1810 there was 
a threatened attack of Mojave Indians, but it 
was suppressed by a company of military artil- 



lery fi 



Los Angeles, under Cap 



Zui 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



and it is recorded that so wisely did he act in 
his proceedings with the hostile Indians that 
upward of 400 of them were "converted." In 
spite of this wonderful extension of the king- 
dom of peace, the missionaries lived in constant 
alarm of Indian troubles all the next year. 

The great earthquake of Sunday, December 
8, 1812, which overthrew the church at San 
Juan Capistrano, was also lelt at San Gabriel. 
The church was cracked, the steeple fell and 
images inside were broken; the friars' residence 
was also injured. 

RULE OF ZALVADEA. 

It was under Jos(^ Maria Zalvadea, who came 
irom San Fernando in 1806, that the mission 
of San Gabriel attained its ma.ximum of pros- 
perity. He is described as having been "a man 
of powerful mind, ambitious as powerful, and 
cruel as ambitious." When he arrived, the mis- 
sion already owned an abundance of cattle, 
horses, mares, sheep, and hogs; but, in his 
opinion, only a beginning had been made. Ac- 
cording to Hugo Reid : 

" He it was who planted the large vineyards, 
intersected with fine walks, shaded by fruit 
trees of every description, and rendered still 
more lovely by shrubs interspej-sed between; 
who laid out the orange garden, fruit and olive 
orchards; built the mill and dam; made fences 
of tunas (cactus oj^iuntia") round the tields; 
made hedges of rose-bushes; planted trees in 
the mission square, with a flower garden and 
hour-dial in the center; brought water from 
long distances, etc. He aho remodeled the ex- 
istent system of government. Every article 
must henceforth be in place, and every man at 
his station. EverytJdng under him was organ- 
ized and that organization I'ejit tij) with the 
UkK! 

" The peojile were now divided into classes and 
vocations. These included vaqueros, soap- 
makers, tanners, shoemakers, carpenters, black- 
smiths, bakers, cooks, general bcrvants, pages, 
tishermen, agriculturists, horticulturists, brick 



and tile makers, musicians, singers, tallow melt- 
ers, vignerons, carters, cart-makers, shepherd, s 
poultry-keepers, pigeon-tenders, weavers, spin- 
ners, saddle-makers, store and key-keepers, deer 
hunters, deer and sheep-skin dressmakers, ma- 
sons, plasterers, people of all work — ^everything 
but coopers, these were foreign; all the rest 
were native Indians. 

" Large soap works were erected, tanning yards 
established, tallow works, bakery, cooper, black- 
smith, carpenter and other shops. Large spin- 
ning rooms, where might be seen lifty or sixty 
women turning their spindles merrily, and 
looms for weaving wool, flax, and CL>tton. Then 
large store-rooms were allotted to the various 
articles, which were kept separate. For in- 
stance, wheat, barley, peas, beans, lentils, chick, 
peas, butter and clieese, soap, candles, wool, 
leather, flour, lime, salt, horse-hair, wine and 
spirits, fruit stores, etc., etc. Sugar-cane, flax- 
and hemp were added to the other articles cul- 
tivated, but cotton wool was imported. 

"The principal ranchos belonging at that time 
to San Gabriel were San Pasqual, Santa Anita, 
Azusa, San Francisquito, Cacumongo, San An- 
tonio, San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, Yucaipa, 
Jurupa, Guapa, Rincon, Chino, San Jose, Ybar- 
ras, Puente, Mission Vieja, Serranos, Rosa Cas- 
tillo, Coyotes, Jaboneria, Las liolsas, Alamitos, 
and Serritos." 

A principal head (Major-domo) commanded 
and superintended over all. Claudio Lopez 
was the famed one during Padre Salvadea's ad- 
ministration, and altiiough only executing the 
priest's plans, in the minds of the people he is 
the real hero. Ask any one who made this, or 
who did that, and the answer on all sides is the 
same, '•'■El difunto Claudia!'''' and great 
credit is due him for carrying out withont flog- 
ging the numerous works entrusted to him. 
There were a great many other major-domos 
under him for all kinds of work, from tending 
of horses down to those superintending crops, 
and in charge of vineyards and gardens. 

Indian alcaldes were appointed annually by 
the padre, and chosen from among the very 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



laziest of the coininutiity, he being of tlie opin- 
ion that they took more pleasure in making the 
others woriv than vvonkl industrious one-, and 
from my own observation tliis is correct. Tliey 
carried a wand to denote their autliority, and 
what was more terrible, an immense scourge of 
raw-liide, about ten feet in length, jilaited to 
the thickness of an ordinary man's wrist! They 
did a great deal of chastisement, both by and 
without orders. One of them always acted as 
overseer on work done in gangs, and accompa- 
nied carts when on service. 

The unmarried women and young girls were 
kept as nuns, under the supervision of au abbess, 
who slept with them in a large room. Their 
occupations were various; sometimes they sewed 
or spun, at others they cleaned weeds out of the 
gardens with hoes, worked at the ditches, or 
gathered in the crops. In fact, they were jacks 
or jennies of no trade in particular. 

The best looking youths were kept as pages 
to attend at table, and those of most musical 
talent were reserved for church service. The 
number of hogs was great; they were princi- 
pally used for making soap. (The Indians, 
with some few exceptions, refuse to eat pork, 
alleging the whole family to be transformed 
Spaniards! I lind this belief current through 
every nation of Indians in Mexico. Why 
should they, without being aware of it, have 
each selected the hog more than any other ani- 
mal to fix a stigma upon? It probably may be 
from its filthy habits, or can something apper- 
taining to the Jews be innate in them?) Near 
the mission at San Francisquito were kept the 
turkeys, of which they had a large quantity. 
Tlie dove- cote was alongside of the soap works, 
in an upper story, affording plenty of dung to 
cure leather and skins Avith. 

The padre had an idea that finery led Indians 
to run away, for wliicli reason he never gave 
either men or women any other clothing (in- 
cluding shirts and petticoats) than coarse frieze 
{xe?-ga) made by tliemselves, which kept tlie 
poor wretches all the time diseased with the 
itch. If any liandk(;rchief8 oi' cotton goods were 



discovered among them the same were immedi- 
ately committed to the flames. 

He was an inveterate enemy to drunkenness, 
and did all in his power to prevent it, but to no 
purpose. He never flogged, however, while the 
influence of the liquor lasted, but put them into 
the stocks, under care of the guard, until sober. 
Finding the lash alone was of no avail, he added 
warm water and salt to the dose, which was 
given until it ran out of the mouth again! It 
was of 111) use, the disease was as incurable as 
consumption. 

Having found out the game practiced in re- 
gard to destroying the children born by Indian 
women to whites, he put down all miscarriages 
to the same cause. Therefore, when a woman 
had the misfortune to bring forth a still-born 
child, she was punished. The penalty inflicted 
was shaving the head, flogging for fifteen sub- 
sequent days, iron on the feet for three months, 
and having to appear every Sunday in church, 
on the steps leading up to the altar, with a hide- 
ous painted wooden child in her arms! 

He had no predilections for wizards, and gen- 
erally (as some one or other was always report- 
ing evil of them) kept them chained together in 
couples and well flogged. There were, at that 
period, no small number of old men rejoicing in 
the fame of witchcraft, so he made sawyers of 
them all, keeping them like hounds in couples; 
and so they worked, two above and two below, 
in the pit. 

On a breach occurring between man and wife 
they were fastened together by the leg until 
they agreed to live again in harmony. 

He was not only severe, but he was in his 
chastisements most cruel. So as not to make 
a revolting picture I shall bury acts of barbar- 
ity known to me through good authority, by 
merely saying that he must assuredly have con- 
sidered whipping as meat and drink to them, 
fur they had it morning, noon and night. 

Although so severe to the Indians he was 
kind in the extreme to travelers and others. 
There being so much beef, mutton, pork and 
poultry, with fruits, vegetables and wine, a 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



splendid public table was spread daily, at which 
he presided. Horses to ride were ever at their 
service, and a good bed to sleep on at night. 
Whenever ready to start, either up or down the 
coast, horses and a servant were at command to 
go as far as the nest mission. 

Having brought the establishment and every- 
thing connected with it to the climax ofperfec- 
tit)n, he had still calculated on doing more. 
He purchased large quantities of iron, with the 
intention of railing in all the vineyards and 
gardens. Eut, alas! even Catholic societies are 
not proof against the '• capital sins" they so 
strongly condemn. Envy and jealousy stepped 
in and prevailed. He was ordered by his supe- 
rior to the mission of San Juan Capistrano. 
The loss of his favorite hobby capsized his 
r< ai-dii, and alter lingering for many years in a 
disturbed religious state of mind he at length 
expired, regretted by all who knew his worth 
and gigantic intellect. 

During his pastorate, Zalvadea also mastered 
the Indian language, and reduced it to gram- 
matical rules, being the first padre in this sec- 
ti(m having either the ability or energy neces- 
sary for such a task. He translated the church 
service, and preached each Sabbath in the native 
tongue. His translation of the Lord's Prayer, 
commencing " Ayoinac,^'' " Our Father," is said 
by Mr. Keid to be " a grand specimen of his 
eloquence and ability." He thus gave the 
natives an insight into the Catholic faith, but 
did not alter their own one iota. Those wlio 
came after liim were too indolent to keep up the 
reforms he had inaugurated. For a time ser- 
mons were translated sentence by sentence, to 
the congregation; but this was soon discon- 
tinued, probably to the great relief of the un- 
fortunate listeners. 

Zalvadea was succeeded by Padre Jose Ber- 
nardo Sanchez, his former colleague and assistant. 
Padre Sanchez is described as having been "of 
a cheerful disposition, and a frank and generous 
natui-e." He was also a great sportsman and 
capital shot. "In ecclesiastical afiairs, solemn; 
in trade, formal; in government ot the mission. 



active, lively, and strict; in social intercourse, 
friendly, full of anecdote, and fond of jokes; even 
to those of a practical nature." Apropos of this 
last phase of his chai-acter, Mr. Reid relates the 
following as having actually occurred at one of 
the weekly picnic parties given by this mirth- 
loving priest: — 

" Don J. M. M. (an old Spaniard, having ex- 
tensive commerical relations with the mission) 
had a negro servant named Francisco, who was 
exceedingly skillful in all matters of cookery. 
"While preparing for one of the weekly picnics, 
(wliether tempted of the devil orMomus, does not 
appear) M. and the good priest agreed to carry 
out a rare joke at the expense of their guests. 
Procuring a fine fat little puppy, they had him 
stuffed and roasted by Francisco in a manner 
which would surely tempt the most fastidious 
epicure;and this was brought on as a last course 
under the name of lamb, along with an excellent 
salad to correspond. 

" All present (with the exception of the two 
concerned in the joke) ate of it and praised it 
much. After concluding witli a glass of wine, 
the old man inquired of his guests how they rel- 
ished dog ! JS'o one would believe the assertion 
that this was what they had just eaten, until the 
negro made his appearance with the head and 
paws on a plate. Then a mixed scene ensued 
which caused the old priest to nearly kill himself 
with laughter. While tlie quiet portion of his 
guests quickly retired to ease themselves, and 
get rid of the detested food' those of more pug- 
nacious disposition i-emained to fight M. first, 
intending to do the other afterward. The padre 
finally procured harmony, but for many a day 
after, roast lamb and salad were looked upon 
with suspicion by the former partakers of his 
cheer." 

J. J. Warner furnishes the following, as set- 
ting forth the usual dinner served daily at San 
Gabriel Mission during the years of its pros- 
perity: — First course: Oaldo — Plain broth, in 
which meat and vegetables had been boiled; 
second course: La Olia — Meat boiled with vege- 
tables, and served separately ; third course: 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



37 



Al Bondigas — Forced meat balls — in gravy; 
fourth course: Guisados — Stews, generally two; 
fifth course: Azado — Roast — beef, mutton, 
game, fowls; sixth course: Fruit and sweetmeat; 
seventh course: Tea, coffee, eigarritos. Pork was 
also eaten sparingly at every meal. Wine was 
served ad lihitum. On Fridays, fish followed 
the caldo, and the meats were dispensed with. 

It behooved the guests, however, who sat 
dowy to such a dinner not to overeat, for medi- 
cal men were scarce in those days. Mr. Reid 
says:— 

" It is strange no medical man was kept on 
the establishment, as the number of people was 
great and the stock of medicines very large. 
They were provided not by the pound, but by 
the quintal! Not in gallons, but in barrelfuls! 
Still tdl the dependence for medical aid (with 
the exception of midwives) was either on a 
casual foreigner passing, or on the stupidity of 
some foreigner employed on the premises. I 
know not why, but an Anglo-Saxon, in those 
days, was synonymous with an M. J ). Many an 
' Estrangero^ who never before possessed suf- 
ficient confidence in himself to administer even 
a dose of Epsom, after killing, God knows how 
many, has at length become a tolerable empiric. 
One thing in favor of the sick was, that after a 
lapse of years the greater part of the drugs lost 
their virtue." 

The regulations enforced by his predecessor 
were still observed under Sanchez; but while the 
lash was still ever ready, yet other modes of 
punishment were generally adopted for minor 
offences. Nor was such leniency barren of good 
results, for many Indians who had formerly 
proved insubordinate from mere vindictiveness 
of spirit now refrained from the love and good- 
will whicli all bore toward tlieir spiritual and 
temporal ruler. 

Supplies for the mission were purchased in 
large quantities, frequently amounting to $30,- 
000 at one time. Tiiese consisted of domestics 
(brown, bleached and printed), flannels, cloths, 
rebosos, silks, hosiery, sugar, panocha, rice, etc., 
etc. These articles were distributed in two 



stores, from whence they were dealt out to the 
natives, or sold to the public. The people were 
now better dressed than formerly. Tlie coarse 
frieze {xergd) of the women was used only as 
sweat-cloths for horses; and the native ladies 
appeared at church in full-blown glory of fancy 
petticoats, clean white chemises, variegated 
kerchiefs on their head, and rebosos around their 
shoulders. The men iiad pants, jackets, hats, 
and fancy silk sashes. Even the children 
plumed themselves in gay colors, and sported 
shirts and kerchiefs. 

Married people were provided with sheets for 
their beds, and even curtains. The major-domo 
visited each house weekly to see that all was 
kept clean, and tiie priest made a similar round 
in person once a month. Rations, with wine 
and spirits (and occasionally a few dollars in 
money) were distributed once a week; but in 
addition to this, daily food was provided ready 
cooked, for the laborers. We quote further 
further from Mr. Raid's letters: 

'• The mission bell, on being rung, aroused 
the Alcaldes from their slumbers, and these with 
loud voice soon set all the world agog. Mass 
was now heard, and again the bell rang to work. 
At eleven its notes proclaimed dinner, when in 
all flocked, basket in hand, to receive. 2>osale and 
a piece of beef. (Posale consisted of beans 
boiled with corn or wheat). At twelve o'clock 
they were again warned to their labors, which 
concluded a little before sundown, to afford 
them time to receive supper, which consisted of 
'■ atola'' or mush. If a gang were at a distance, 
a copper kettle and attendant accompanied them 
and provided food on the spot. 

"After twelve o'clock on Saturdays soa]) was 
distributed, and all the world went a washing of 
clothes and persons, to make a decent appear- 
ance at church on Sunday. Saturday night was 
devoted to playing peon, and, with few excep- 
tions, none slept; for whites and Indians, men, 
women and children, were all generally present. 

" After service on Sunday, foot-l)all and races 
took place, and in the afternoon a game called 



Shindy' by the Scotc 



d ' P.andy' l.y the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



English, was played, with men and women on 
opposing sides. People flocked in from all parts 
to see the sport, and heavy bets were made. 
The priest took great interest in the game, and 
as the women seldom had less than half a dozen 
(jiiarrels among them, in which hair fiew by the 
handful, he was the more ])leased. The game 
being concluded, all went to prayers and so ended 
the Sabbath." 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The stone church that is now the admiration 
of visitors was half finished in 1794, and had not 
been completed in 1800, but was shortly after- 
ward. It was first built with an arched roof, in 
which cracks soon appeared. . \Vhen these were 
ref,aired an earthquake re-opened them. The 
arched roof was then taken down, and a new 
roof of timbers and tiles was substituted in 1804, 
and this date is usually taken as the year in 
which tlie church was finished. 

Francisco Dumetz,Serra's only surviving com- 
panion, died at the mission January 14, 1811. 
His name was perpetuated by Vancouver, the 
English navigator, who applied it to the north 
point of Santa Monica Bay. 

The first party of Americans to arrive in 
California overland was that one headed by 
Jedediah S. Smith, in 1826. Heleft Salt take 
in August, and came by way of the Virgin and 
Colorado rivers, and up the Mojave Kiver, and 
through the Cajon Pass. The exact date of his 
arrival is unknown, but in December Smith 
had obtained from the Americans at San Diego 
a certificate that he was a good citizen, and was 
given supplies by the missionaries, and per- 
mission to depart from the country, which he 
did not do. He and his party of trappers were 
near San Bernardino as late as the next Feb- 
ruary, when Smith sent back to the mission one 
of his men who was sick. He subsequently 
went up north through the San Joaquin Valley, 
and crossing the Sierra Nevada returned to Salt 
Lake. 

In December, 1830, the trial of Henry D. 
Fitch, of San Diego, took place at San Gabriel 



before Friar Sancliez There docs not ajipear 
to have been any written charge distinctly 
specifying a crime, any m.ore than it M-as loosely 
alleged that Fitch had greatly scandalized the 
church (?) by running away with a sefiorita of 
San Diego. The facts of the case are as follows: 
The young lady, who had captured the affec- 
tions of the American sailor, was Josefa Car- 
rillo, a niece of Don Pio Pico. Her parents 
were willing, and Fitch himself was so anxious 
to have her that he joined the Catholic church, 
but during the marriage ceremony a message 
from Governor Echeandia stopped further pro- 
ceedings. His Excellency was a rejected suitor 
of the young lady! She thereupon counseled 
an elopement, which the parents approved, and 
Don Pio Pico himself carried her aboard a 
vessel. M'here Fitch was already waiting for her, 
and sailed for Chili, where they were married, 
and returned to California the next year with 
an addition to the family in the shape of a small 
Ixiy. They were arrested at Monterey, and 
taken to San Gabriel. The offended dignitaries 
of tiie church could not evade the force of 
Fitch's marriage certificate, but "considering 
the great scandal Fitch had caused the province, 
he was condemned to give as penance a bell of 
at least fifty pounds weight for the church at 
Los Angeles," which he never did; at least there 
is no record to that effect. 

The general statistics of the Mission of San 
Gabriel for the whole period of its existence of 
sixty-three years (from 1771 to 1834) are thus 
given by Bancroft: Total number of baptisms, 
7,854, of which 4,355 were Indian adults, 2,459 
Indian children, and 1 adult and 1,039 children 
of " gente de razon," which may mean tiie Span- 
iards and their mixed-blooded descendants. 
Total marriages, 1,955 ; of which 241 were " gente 
de razon." Total deaths, 5,656; of which 2,896 
were Indian adults, 2,363 Indian children, 211 
adults and 186 children " de razon." Annual 
average, 88; annual average death rate, 7.61 
per cent, of population. Largest population, 
1,701, in 1817. There was a slight excess of 
males down to 1803, and a greater excess later. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNT T. 



The proportion of children varied from one- 
eighth per cent, at first to one-tenth per cent, at 
the last. Largest number of cattle, 26,300, in 
1828; horses, 2,-iOO, in 1827; mules, 205, in 
1814; asses, 6, in 1794; sheep, 15,000, in 1829; 
goats, 1,380, in 1785; swine, 300, in 1802,1803 
and 1822; all kinds, 40,360 animals, in 1830. 
Total product of wheat, 225,942 bushels; yield, 



16 fold. Barley (for only eleven years), 1,250 
bushels; yield, 10 fold. Maize, 154,820 bush- 
els; yield, 145 fold. Beans, 14,467 bushels; 
yield, 28 fold. In the year 1834, at the time 
of secularization, there were 163,579 vines in 
four vineyards, and 2,333 fruit trees. 

All statistics stop witli tlie attempted secular- 
ization of the mission ia 1834. 




HISTOIiY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 




CHAPTER V. 



fHE mission of San Fernando was tiie 
second to be established within the present 
c limits of Los Angeles County, and was 
founded September 8, 1797, under the general 
plan for the establishment of missions in Alta 
California, by President Lasuen, assisted by 
Francisco Dumetz, at a site called by the natives 
Acliois Comiliavit, on the lands claimed by a 

Spaniard named Keyes, who quarreled 

witii tlie friars respecting the ownership of the 
land. The priests appropriated Reyes' ranch 
house for their dwelling. The mission was 
established with the usual religious ceremonies, 
in the presence of the troops and a great crowd 
of natives, and dedicated as required by in- 
structions fronj Mexico to San Fernando, King 
of Spain. St. Ferdinand was Fernando III., 
King of Spain, who reigned in 1217-'51, and 
under whose rule the crowns of Castile and 
Leon were united. He was the founder of the 
Spanish Inquisition, and was canonized in 1671 
by Pope Clement X. This mission was never 
so important as that of San Gabriel, and hence 
its history is necessarily much shorter. 

Francisco Javier Uria was associate ])riest i 
with Dumetz, and lioth served till the year 1800 
and later. Ten children were baptized the first 
diiy, and thirteen adults had been added to the 
list early in October. In 1797 there were fifty- 



live neophytes on the baptismal register; in 
ISOO there were 310, there having been to that 
date 352 baptisms and seventy deaths. The 
number of cattle (including mules and horses) 
in 1800 was 526, and of sheep 600. In 1799 
there were 1,200 bushels of wheat, corn and 
barley raised, and the total yield for the three 
years 1798-1800 was 4,700 bushels. 

The adobe church with a tile roof, the ruins 
of which yet remain, was completed and con- 
secrated in December, 1806. Francisco Dumetz, 
one of the founders, left in"l802, but was back 
again in 1804-'05. Uria left the country in 
1805. In that year Nicolas Lazaro and Jose 
Maria Zalvidea (the latter was the priest wlio 
subsequently acquired such fame at San Gabriel) 
arrived at the mission, and served as ministers 
until their transference to otiiei- places. In 
1806 Zalvidea was transferred to San Gabriel, 
wliich he ruled with great success for twenty 
years, and Lazaro died at San Diego in August, 
1807. In that year Jose Antonio Uria and 
Pedro Mufioz arrived at the mission as regular 
ministers. Uria retired in November, 1808, 
and was succeeded by Martin Landeata, who 
served until his death in 1810. Jose Antonio 
Urresti came in 1809. The number of neo- 
phytes in 1810 was 955, and the deaths amounted 
to a little over fifty per cent, of the baptisms. 



UISTORT OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



In 1804 tlie mission friars were successful in 
protesting against the granting of Cainulos 
Hanch to Francisco Avila. 

In August, 1808, a gentile Indian from the 
region of Tulare Lake arrived at San Fernando, 
with a flag which the priests could not identify. 
He said it " came through a space of ten cap 
tains;" that is, through a chain of ten tribes by 
a captain, whose name he did not know, and 
who wanted to know if it were true that there 
were civilized people west of the Sierra. The 
flag was Anally pronounced to be English; but 
of this there is no certainty. 

Urresti died in 1812, and Pedro Mufioz left 
the country in 1817. The history of this priest 
is worthy of some attention. He was born in 
Spain in 1733, and came to America in 1803, 
arriving in California the next year (1804), and 
served at the mission of San Miguel until he 
came to San Fernando in 1807, where he served 
as minister for ten years. During this time he 
made several expeditions into the interior, the 
most important being with Moraga, in 1806, 
going as far north as the Tulare Valley. lie 
left a diary of this trip. On account of an in- 
discretion committed on the way to Califoi-nia 
he excited the suspicion of his inferiors, and 
instructions came from the President that his 
conduct should be watched. A scandal con- 
cerning his relations with the wife of a certain 
major-domo gained some currency, which Mniioz 
sensibly denied, and left the statement that the 
charge was investigated by his superiors and 
])roven false. He retired l)y reason of his 
ill health. 

Marcus Antonio de Vitoria succeeded Mufioz, 
serving from 1818 to 1820, and Urresti was 
succeeded by Joaquin Pascnal Nuez, who served 
from 1812-'14, and by Vincente Pascual Oliva, 
who served from 1812-'14. Roman Ullibarri 
came in January, and Francisco Gonzales de 
Ybarracamein October, 1820. Vitoria appears 
to be the only minister from 1815 to 1820, a 
period of five j-ears. 

An earthquake occurred December 21, 1812, 
that did some slight damage to the churcli build- 



ing, necessitating the introduction of thirty new 
beams to support the wall. In 1813 a neophyte 
was killed by the Indian alcalde, who threw a 
club at him from a distance of some sixty feet 
with a view to hasten his work. The killing 
was deemed accidental, and the penalty imposed 
was two months' imprisonment in the presidio. 
During 1816-'18 a large number of neophytes 
deserted, and before 1818 a new chapel was 
completed. The greatest population of this 
mission was 1,080, in 1819, and then began its 
decline. Ybarra was minister in 1821, in which 
year Ullibarri died, and was buried Santa Gabriel. 

Captain de la Guerra, in 1821, applied for a 
grant of the Pirn Rancho, which Father Ybarra 
was already using to some extent for the mis- 
sion herds. The controversj' resulted in de la 
Guerra failing to obtain the rancho; but it was 
not secured for the mission. About this time 
complaint was made that the soldiers behaved 
badly, selling liquor to the Indians. The mis- 
sion was no longer prosperous in any respect, 
showing a decline in live-stock and agriculture. 
The amount of supplies furnished by this mis- 
sion to the soldiers in 1822-'27 was 821,203. 

J. J. Warner tells the following interesting 
story : 

"In the early part of the autumn of 1833, a 
little before midday, two American trappers, 
clothed in buckskin garments, the one feeble 
and emaciated by disease, the other his attent- 
ive assistant and companion, arrived at the 
mission upon jaded mules, coming thither by 
the mountain path leading from the San Fran- 
cisco Ranch. They dismounted, and the sick 
man, aided by his companion, laid himself 
down upon his blanket under the porch of the 
mission. The mules were unsaddled and pick- 
eted out to feed upon the grass. Neither of 
the two strange travelers had sufficient knowl- 
edge of the Spanish language to make them- 
selves understood by those they found at the 
mission, nor could they comprehend what was 
said to them. The travelers attempted to sup- 
ply this lack of intelligible words by signs 
which were understood to mean that tliev de- 



HISTOMY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



sired to spend the remainder of the day and the 
succeeding night in tliat locality. By words, 
of which they did not understand the meaning, 
and by signs which were sufficiently plain to be 
understood by men who had spent years in the 
mountains among many tribes of Indians (with 
whom the usual means of interconrse was by 
signs), they were given to understand that they 
could not be permitted to remain at San Fer- 
nando over nigiit; that the pueblo of Los An- 
geles was near at hand, where they must go to 
lind a sleeping place. 

" When it was intimated, by signs, to those 
of the mission that the sick man could not con- 
tinue his journey, but that he could sleep under 
any of the trees about the premises, an emphatic 
negative was given. 

" Soon after the church bells had announced 
the culmination of the sun, pages carried a 
bountiful repast to the way-worn travelers. For 
the sick man was brought chicken broth and 
soups, and also a plentiful supply of excellent 
wine for both. A desert of fruits and a cup of 
tea for the invalid concluded the repast. 

"As the day began to wear away and the 
priest had arisen from his after-dinner nap, a 
cup of chocolate and a small piece of sponge 
cake were taken to the sick man, neither he nor 
his companion having as yet manifested any in- 
tention of taking tlieir departure. It was not 
long after the sending of the chocolate that the 
priest made his ap])earance in the portico of the 
building. Keeping himself at a safe distance 
from where the invalid was lying he talked and 
gesticulated in so excited a manner, accompanied 
with such emphatic signs, that the weary trav- 
elers concluded that their safety would be secured 
only by a prompt departure. When aliout mid- 
way across the plain, a man coming from the 
opposite direction, mounted upon a reeking 
horse, steered out from the path, and, passing 
the travelers at a respectable distance, sped on 
his way toward the mission. The two travelers 
immediately recognized the horseman as the 
one who had left the mission while they were 
preparing to depart therefrom. On thoir arrival 



at Cahuenga Eancli, the travelers could not find 
a living soul about the premises, but unmistak- 
able signs of a recent utter and precipitate 
abandonment by the occupants were plainly to 
be seen. The fire in the kitchen (which was a 
shed or out house) had been but recently extin- 
guished with water, and not a stick of fire-wood 
was to be seen about the place. In short, it was 
evident that everything about the house that 
might have encouraged the travelers to remain 
there over night, instead of continuing their 
march on to Los Angeles, and which could be 
suddenly removed, had been carried away out of 
sight. The conclusion was that the horseman 
had been hurried away from the mission with 
orders from the priest to the occupants of the 
ranch to abandon the house and leave nothing to 
induce them to remain. 

" Years afterward, this strange treatment of 
the travelers was explained by the priest who 
had refused to entertain them. The summer 
preceding this event a most fearful epidemic had 
swept off the Indian population of the Sacra- 
mento and San Joaquin valleys. Vague rumors 
of this pestilence had reached the ears of this 
priest, and when he discovered that there were 
two strangers at his mission who had come from 
that direction, and that one of them was but the 
shadow of a man and suffering from disease, 
he was seized with fear that this fatal malady 
might be introduced among the thousands be- 
longing to the mission, and all his powers were 
aroused to relieve the place from the presence 
of such unwelcome guests. In after years, when 
the priest and the once frightfully sick man had 
become sufficiently acquainted with each other 
to spend evenings over a social game oiconqtiien, 
the respective sensations of each at their first 
meeting were matters of frequent comment and 
mutual raillery.'' 

In 1834, with others, the mission of San 
Fernando was secularized; and Lieutenant An- 
tonio Del Valle was the commissioner in charge 
Ybarra continued his ministry until the middle 
of the year 1835, when he temporarily retired 
to Mexico. His successor was Cabot, who 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



served until his death, in October, 1886. Bias 
Ordez came in 1838 and served two 3'ears. 

In 1840 there were still about 400 Indians in 
the ex-mission community. Del Valle, who sec- 
ularized the mission in 1834, became its major- 
domo the nextyeai", which position he held until 
the year 1837, when he was succeeded by Anas- 
tasio Carrillo. Captain Jose M. Villavicencio 
served as administrator from the middle of the 
year 1838. 

At one period of its history there were nearly 
one and a half miles of buildings connected with 
this mission, these including residences, work- 
shops, schools and store-houses, all of which are 
now in ruins. The edifice erected especially as 
an abode for the padres and rejjuted to be the 
finest of its kind in Alta California, is, however, 
still standing in a fair state of preservation. It 
is principally interesting as having been the 
abode of the Mexican General, Andres Pico, 
and was his headquarters during the war of 
occupation. It is two-story, nearly 300 feet 
in length by eighty feet in width, inside meas- 
urements; and the walls — of brick and adobe — 
are four feet thick. The rafters, after being cut 
in the mountain forests many miles away, were 
dragged here by Indians and oxen, each log 
being occasionally turned upon the way, " that 
all sides might be planed alike." They are as 
smooth as though really planed. The long cor- 
ridor of this building is paved with brick, and 
the heavy tile roof is supported by arches an d 
columns of masonry. Many of the windows 



are protected by iron bars, giving it a somewhat 
prison-like appearance. 

The church building — in all the tottering 
decrepitude of venerable decay — measures 45 x 
150 feet within walls. It is entirely dismantled, 
and no service has been held therein for years. 

The general statistics of the San Fernando 
Mission from the date of its foundation in the 
year 1797 till its secularization in 1834, are as 
follows: Total number of baptisms, 2,839, of 
which 1,415 were Indian adults, 1,367 Indian 
children, 57 children de razon. Total marriages, 
849; of which 15 were gente de razon. Deaths, 
2,028; 1,036 were Indian adults, 965 Indian 
children, 12 white adults and 15 white children. 
The largest population was 1,080 in 1819. The 
sexes were nearly equal; children from one 
fourth to one-third. Largest number of cattle, 
12,800 in 1819; horses, 1,320 in 1820; mules, 
340 in 1812; sheep 7,800 in 1819; goats, 600 in 
1816; swine, 250 in 1814; all kinds, 21,745 
animals in 1819. Total product of wheat, 
119,000 bushels, yield nineteen fold; barley, 
(only raised six years) 3,070 bushels, fourteen 
fold; maize, 27,750 bushels, eighty-three fold; 
beans, 3,624 bushels, fourteen fold. 

The church is 40x60 varas, tiled roofetl, 
board ceiling, brick floor, adobe walls, three 
doors, seven windows with wooden bars; sacristy, 
eight varas square, with one door and window. 
The mission also had 32,000 vines, 1,600 fruit 
trees; this in the year 1835. 



UISTOBT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 




t^atg^'^'^'Sgi'^'^^i^' 



agtgji^g^:-?^: 



(^iSf'(g?»;s%^(^«ss^f." 




ft THE SECULARIZATION OF THE MISSIONS. "^ 



r^p^^"^^ 



CHAPTER VI. 



fllE secularization of tlie niissions had been 
a great political question in Mexico for 
many 3'ears, extending even back into the 
days of Spanish domination. To " secularize the 
missions" meant not to destroy them, as the at- 
tempt resulted in California, but to take them 
from thecontrolof the missionaries, makecitizens 
of the converts, and place the missions and the 
new-made citizens thereafter under the spiritual 
guidance of the regular clergy. It was at first 
thought that the missions would l)e ready in ten 
years after tlieir founding to convert into pueb- 
los, the christianized Indian by that time being 
supposed to be ready to be clothed with civil 
rights. The theory was pretty but not practical. 
The fact was, the Indian, with rare exception, 
was never anything more than a brute in human 
form, and all the prayers and chants he could 
learn to repeat by rote never made him anything 
else than a child in mind that he was. In the 
hands of the priest he practically became a slave, 
building churches and toiling in the fields, 
flogged when lazy, or otherwise punished se- 
verely when he attempted to renew his wild 
freedom, or was hunted like a wild beast if he 
did escape. The priest stood to him in loco 
paretitis; indeed, in the nature of the native it 
never could be otherwise. Again, the mission- 
ary found in the unrequited labor of the Indian 
a source of rapidly increasing wealth. The im- 
mense riches of the missions were all created by 
Indian labor. The priests, notwithstanding 



their vows of " chastity, poverty and obedience," 
are only human, and when once tliis wealth and 
its mode of acquirement was within tiieir grasp, 
it is no wonder they were loth to let it go. It 
is also no wonder tiiat the " regular clergy " were 
anxious to get a bite of the missionary pie. To 
such a crisis did the controversy come in 
South America, that, at the solicitation of the 
Bishop of Guiana, the Cortes of Spain, in 1813, 
passed a decree fixing the limit of the life of 
missions at ten years; but, with the struggle for 
independence in Mexico, the question did not 
come prominently to the. front for several years. 
After independence had been secured the ques- 
tion again came up. The clergy urged the 
execution of the plan; but the missionaries pro- 
tested that the Indians were not ready to become 
citizens, being incapable of self-government, 
which was true. In California a stronger argu- 
ment still was urged by the people, and that was 
that the missions were monopolizing all the good 
land to the exclusion of the settlers. And still 
another argument in favor of secularization was 
that of the politician, who ever hopes for more 
spoils of office. Finally the Mexican Congress, 
anxious to fill its depleted treasury, enacted a 
law to that end, which was supplemented at 
once by similar legislation in California. Says 
Warner, in the Flistorical Sketch: 

" It was not contemplated, either by the Gov- 
ernment of New Spain or the Directory of tiie 
College of San Fernando, that the missions to 



HISTORY OF LOS AN0ELE8 COUNTY. 



be established should remain permanently as 
missions, but that at the expiration of ten years 
from the founding of each and every mission, it 
should be converted into a municipal organiza- 
tion, known as a pueblo, and that the property 
created and acquired by the mission during the 
term of its continuance should vest in the in- 
habitants of the political organization. It soon 
became evident, to both the ecclesiastic and po- 
litical authorities, that at the end of the ten 
years the neophytes of a mission — the converted 
Indians — would be incompetent to ibrm a po- 
litical organization or to riglitly use and man- 
age the property accumulated by the mission; 
and consequently no steps were taken while Cali- 
fornia wassubject to Spain, nor for more than lifty 
years after the establishment of the first mission 
in California, to convert them into pueblos. 

" After the independence of Mexico, 1821, the 
discharged soldiers and their offspring, who de- 
sired to obtain land upon which to breed cattle, 
began to agitate the matter of the conversion of 
the missions into towns, and in 1824 the Mexi- 
can Congress enacted a law under which, in 
1828, the Executive of the Mexican Government 
issued regulations for the disposal of the public 
lands. The conversion of the missions into 
towns did not meet with the approbation and 
hearty ajtproval of the friars in charge of the 
missions, and the transition was so slow, and 
attended with so many obstacles, that only the 
mission of San Juan Capistrano reached the 
condition of being dressed in the swaddling 
clothes of a political organization. The control 
and management of the neophytes and the tem- 
poralities of the missions were taken from the 
friars about 1835 and given to secular officers, 
called administrators, who were appointed by 
the Governor of California. 

" When the friars became convinced that the 
conversion of the missions into towns was de- 
termined upon by the Mexican Government, the 
prudent and economical management of the 
missions, which hitherto had been the practice, 
became, during the last few years in which they 
were under their control, wasteful. Under the 



far more improvident management of the secular 
officers, the personal effects of the missions 
rapidly diminislied, and those buildings which 
had been reared by the toil and labor of thou- 
sands of Indian converts, and which had so 
heavily taxed the powers of the friars, and had 
been their pride and their glory, were not long 
in giving evidence of neglect. The artificial 
watercourses, which had been constructed under 
the direction of the friars, to conduct water to 
the gardens, orchards, fields and vineyards for 
irrigation, were neglected, their banks broken 
and rendered useless for the conveyance of water. 
The orchards and vineyards were left without 
irrigation or proper cultivation. Groves of 
olives were barbarously felled and converted into 
firewood. Fruit orchards and vineyards were 
left unprotected by fence from the inroads of 
cattle, until in 1846 hardly a vestige of the vines, 
which had covered scores of acres of land, was 
left remaining. The orange orchard of San 
Gabriel, and a fragment of the vineyard and 
olive grove of San Fernando, still remain, as 
living witnesses of the energy and untiring in- 
dustry of those zealous friars who, coming into 
a country full to overflowing with ignorant, 
savage barbarians, changed them into patient, 
docile laborers, and in less than fifty years tilled 
the country with fruitfulness." 

In 1846 Governor Pio Pico was autiiorized by 
the California Legislature to sell the mission es- 
tates at auction, distributing among the Indians 
any surplus of funds that might exist, and in 
any case providing for the maintenance of the 
priests and the expenses of public worship. 
Before the decree was carried into effect there 
arrived an order from Mexico suspending all 
proceedings in the sale of mission property.. 
Pico, however, had sold Sau Luis Rey to Reid 
& Workman. The San Fernando Mission was 
sold to Celis, for $14,000. In the case of the 
San Gabriel Mission, after American occupation, 
the Supreme Court decided that Pico had no 
right to make the sale; but the title of the San 
Fernando Mission was confirmed by the United 
States Land Commission. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 




HE CITY OF LOS ANGELES FROM THE 
FOUNDING UNTIL THE MEXICAN WAR. 




CHAPTER VII. 



^^IIE town of Los Angeles was founded by 
HWi Grovernor Felipe de Neve, September 4, 
^3 1781. The town was made a city and 
capital of Alta California on May 23, 1835, by 
the Mexican Congress, but it did not actually 
become the capital until ten years later. April 
4, 1850, the city was incorporated by the Legis- 
lature of the American State of California. 
The I'easons why it was named Los Angeles 
have been already given. Tiie causes which led 
to the selection of the site and the founding of 
the town will now be told. 

Supplies for the missions and presidios were 
yearly shipped from San Bias. It often hap- 
pened that these supplies were deficient in 
quality or quantity. Once they entirely failed 
to reach their destination, and the priests and 
soldiers were compelled for the time to live on 
in ilk and what few herbs tiiey could gather. If 
California could raise its own grains, fruits and 
vegetables these troubles would not again occur. 
JN'ot only would it reduce the expense of main- 
taining the northern establishments, but it 
would render them more self-reliant. Captain 
Anza had brought back the report from Cali- 
fornia in 1774 that there were good agricultural 
lands on the Colorado Eiver; and Governor 
Felipe de Neve, who received the appointment 
of his office that same year, was directed by the 
Viceroy of New Spain to look out for similar 
lands near and convenient to the missions. Pie 
arrived at Loreto in March, 1775, and at once 



assumed his office. Loreto is situated on the 
eastern side of the peninsula of California like 
its namesake on the Adriatic side of Italy. It 
is in about latitude 25° 29' north, and was the 
first mission on the peninsula, having been 
founded in 1697. 

In August, 1775, Governor de Neve was or- 
dered to transfer the capital to Monterey, but 
he did not receive his final orders till July of 
the next year, just sixteen days after American 
Independence had been declared. Nothing much 
is known of De Neve's journey to Monterey, ex- 
cept that he went overland, and arrived there 
February 3, 1777. He kept the matter in 
mind to look out for suitable sites for agricult- 
ural colonies, and finally reported that he had 
selected two sucii places as fit for experiment. 
One was on the Rio de Porciiacula in the south, 
and the other was on the Rio de Gaudalupe in 
the north. He also determined to found two 
pueblos (or towns), one on eacli of these rivers, 
and asked the Viceroy for four laborers and 
other necessary assistance. Before ho received 
a reply he made up his mind to at once estab- 
lish tlie northern pueblo; and, accordingly, he 
took nine of the soldiers from the fort at Mon- 
terey, who knew something of farming, and five 
settlers, who had come to California with Anza, 
making about sixty-six persons in all, and on 
November 7, 1777, founded the pueblo or town 
of San Jose. 

Echeveste's regulations for the government of 



HISTORY OF LOS -ANGELES COUNTY. 



California, whicli had been prepared, as tlie re- 
sult of Junipero Serra's visit to Mexico in 1773, 
were next revised by De Neve, and published in 
1779, and became of effect as law, with the ap- 
jiroval of King Carlos III., from thebe ginning 
of the year 1781. 

A.n important feature of this new law was in 
reference to the founding of a pueblo on the Rio 
Porcilncula, at the liistoric camping spot of Gov- 
ernor Portohl in 1769, and was therefore to be 
called "Nuestra Seiicra de los Angeles." The 
pueblo was to have a guard of four soldiers for 
two years. Settlers were to be obtained from 
the older provinces; to be granted each a house- 
lot and a tract of land for cultivation; to be 
supplied at the beginning with the necessary 
live-stock, implements and seed, which advance 
was to be gradually repaid within five years 
from the produce of the land; to be paid eacli an 
annual sum of §116.50 for two years, and $60 
for the next three years, the payment to be in 
clothing and other necessary articles at cost 
prices; to have as communities tiie use of Gov- 
ernment lands for pasturage and for wood and 
water; and filially to be free from church tithes 
or State taxes for five years. Government aid 
in the way of money and cattle was to be given 
only to colonists who left tlieir own country to 
come to Calilbrnia; but in respect of lands, 
other colonists, sucli as discharged soldiers, were 
entitled to equal privileges. In return for aid 
thus received the colonists were simply re 
quired to sell to the jiresidios exclusively the 
surplus products of their lands, at fair prices to 
be fi.xed from time to time by the Government, 
in accordance with tlie market rates in the 
southern ]irovinces. Each settler must keep 
himself and liorses and muskets in readiness for 
military service in an emergency. They must 
take their farms togetlier within the pueblo 
limits of four square leagues, according to 
Spanish law; they could not alienate their lands 
nor in any way encumber them with mortgages 
or otherwise; tliey must build houses, dig irri- 
gating ditclies, cultivate, own and keep in re- 
pair certain implements and maintain a certain 



number of animals. They could not kill or 
otherwise dispose of their live-stock, except 
under certain regulations to insure its increase; 
neither could one person own more than fifty 
animals of a kind (!). Certain community 
work must be done in the construction of dams 
and irrigating canals, on roads and streets, 
church and necessary town buildings, and in 
tilling the propios (or pueblo lands), from the 
product of which the municipal expenses were 
to be paid. The municipal ofiicers at first were 
to be appointed by the Governor but afterward 
chosen by the people. 

In December, 1779, Governor De Neve sent 
Lieutenant-Governor Don Fernando Ilivera y 
Moncada to Sinaloa and Sonora for the purpose 
of recruiting soldiers for the Santa Barbara pre- 
sidio and missions and settlers for the new pueblo 
on the Rio Porciuncula. He does not appear 
to have had an easy time in enlisting soldiers 
and settlers for California; for by August 1, 
1780, he had recruited only forty-five soldiers 
and seven settlers. But by the 25th he had 
nearly completed his number at Rosario, in 
Sinaloa. According to instructions he was to 
recruit twenty-four settlers and fifty-nine sol- 
diers. He obtained, however, but little more 
than half the number of settlers. The soldiers 
were to march to California overland from 
Alamos, in Sonora, by way of Tucson and the 
Colorado Rive'r, and were commanded by Rivera 
in person. Leaving Alamos in April, 1781, 
they arrived in July, at the junction of the Gila 
and Colorado rivers, where Rivera sent on the 
most of his troops to San Gabriel Mission, while 
he remained to recruit the live-stock before 
attempting to cross the Colorado Desert. Here 
he was massacred by the Yuma Indians, who at 
the same time burned the two missions and 
massacred the priests on the opposite side of the 
river in California from where he was camping. 

The remainder of the recruits crossed the Gulf 
of (California from Guaymas to Loreto, under 
command of Lieutena>it Jose Ziiniga. In this 
party were the eleven settlers and their families 
who had been enlisted for the pueblo on the 



HIsrORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Porciiincula. All were en route for the north 
bj May 16, coming up overland on tlie penin- 
sula, and all arrived August 18 at San Gabriel, 
where they were kept in quarantine three miles 
from the mission for a few days, as some of the 
children were recovering from the small-pox. 

On the 26th of August, Governor De JS^eve 
issued his proclamation containing instructions 
for the foundation of the pueblo Nuestra Seiiora 
de los Angeles, which, besides reciting the 
general provisions of the law for the establish- 
ment of pueblos, contained many additional 
particulars respecting the survey and the dis- 
tribution of lots. The site selected for tlie new 
pueblo was on the bench of land where that part 
of the city now called " Sonoratown " stands, 
overlooking the Eio Porciiincula, which name 
was then changed for that of the town. Here, 
in a quiet manner, with little or no ceremony, 
was founded, September 4, 1781, the pueblo of 
Los Angeles. There can be no doubt as to the 
exactness of this date; although by a strange 
error, when the centennial anniversary of tlie 
founding was celebrated, the 5th was chosen for 
the date. II. H. Bancroft, who more tlian any 
person has had access to the original records in 
the archives of Mexico, hints at no other date; 
hence the date of September 5 as given by 
Don Juan de Toro, in his » Autlientic History," 
and Major Ben. C. Truman in his writings on 
Soutliern California, must be erroneous, as they 
do not agree with the original records. 

The founders of the pueblo, who had been 
enlisted in Sinaloa, were as follows: 

1. Jose de Lara, a Spaniard fifty years old; 
had an Indian wife and three children. 

2. Jose Antonio Navarro, a mestizo forty-two 
years old, whose wife was a mulattress, and had 
three children. 

3. Basilic Eosas, an Indian sixty-eight years 
old; had a mulatto wife and six children. 

4. Antonio Mesa, a negro thirty-eight years 
old; had a mulatto wife and two children. 

5. Antonio Felix Villaviceneio, a Spaniard 
thirty years old; liad an Indian wife and one 
child. 



6. Jose Vanegas, an Indian twenty-eight 
years old; had an Indian wife and one child. 

7. Alejandro Rosas, an Indian nineteen years 
old, and had an Indian wife. 

8. Pablo Rodriguez, an Indian twenty-five 
years old, and had an Indian wife and one child. 

9. Manuel Camero, a mulatto thirty years 
old, and had a mulatto wife. 

10. Luis Quintero, a negro fifty-five years 
old, and liad a mulatto wife and five children. 

11. Jose Moreno, a mulatto twenty-two years 
old, and had a mulatto wife. 

Thus there were eleven families, consisting of 
forty-fo\ir persons, and no more, who constituted 
the founders of Los Angeles. Not counting 
the children, there were two Spaniards, nine 
Indians, one mestizo, eight mulattoes and two 
negroes, truly "a mixtie, maxtie, motley squad," 
as Burns would say. Not one of them could 
read or write, and only one of them, Navarro, 
had a trade; he was a tailor. They were very 
poor, or else they would never have come so far 
for such low wages. Poor in purse, poor in 
learning and poor in blood, the founders of Los 
Angeles were cei-tainly among the scum of 
Mexico. As to the number, Bancroft himself 
strangely contradicts the original records, which 
he gives in a foot-note, from which the above is 
taken, for in the body of his subject-matter he 
says there were " twelve settlers with their 
families, forty-six persons in all," and then re- 
fers directly to the foot-note, which contains the 
names as above given. The name of a twelfth 
settler does indeed appear, that of Antonio 
Miranda, but Bancroft immediately says he was 
then absent at Loreto, and on the next page 
says, " The record does not show that Miranda, 
the chino, ever came to Los Angeles at all," so 
he could not have been one of the founders. 

They were engaged at |110 per month for three 
years, and rations of one " real " (12^ cts.) per 
day for ten years, though this did not agree with 
De Neve's law, which had probably been modi- 
fied ; $2,546 was furnished them in Sonora, and 
$500 in California, and there was due to them 
December 31, 1781, $2,303. Two of the origi- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



nal recruits bad deserted before reaching the 
country, and tiiree of the " founders," Lara, 
Mesa andQuiutero, the first was a Spaniard and 
the two last wore negroes, were sent away in 
1782 as " useless to the town and to thetuseives." 
But the rest went to work, and soon the Gov- 
ernor reported satisfactory progress in their irri- 
gating ditch and mud-roofed huts of palisades, 
the latter before the end of 1784 being replaced 
by adobe houses, the needed public buildings 
having also been erected, and a church begun of 
the same material. 

It would be an interesting and perhaps not 
unprofitable task for some historian to trace out 
the subsequent life of these founders, humble 
though they were, and their genealogical lines 
of descent. It is also interesting to here note 
the popular errors which exist and flourish 
vigorously in the annual editions of local news- 
papers, in the writings of eastern correspond- 
ents, and in various ephemeral pamphlets about 
the early history of the city. 

1. That the name of Los Angeles — the 
angels — was given on account of the climate. 
It was so given because a religious ceremony 
was here celebrated on the day of the first 
arrival of white men, August 2, 1769, the fes- 
tival of '• Our Lady of the Angels." 

2. That the founders were soldiers, or had 
been soldiers. Generally the fancy is here 
greatly drawn upon by various writers, in de- 
scribing how the old soldiers of the king started 
the town. It is true there was a guard of four 
soldiers at first provided for the town. It is 
also true that many discharged soldiers settled 
in Los Angeles after it was founded. The 
founders themselves were also required to bear 
arms in any emergency that might arise; but it 
is not true that any of them at the time of their 
enlistment as colonists, or previous thereto, 
were soldiers.^ Indeed their enlistment was. 
almost in the nature of a draft, for Rivera was 
nearly eight months in securing them in a 
populous part of Mexico. The record is very 
clear that they were enlisted as pobladores 
(town settlers), and not as solados (or soldiers). 



The very first idea of the founding of Los 
Angeles was that of an agricultural colony, to 
help supply the northern establishments, and 
not as a soldiers' home, as is often pictured. 
It was a pueblo (town), and not a presidio (fort). 
The discrepancies in the number of settlers, as 
given by various writers, have already been 
mentioned. 

3. The statement that a Chinaman was one 
of the founders is generally made by the same 
writers, who claim the founders were all sol- 
diers! It would be interesting to know how a 
long-tailed, ahnond-eyed denizen of the Orient 
came to be in the military service of the house 
of Bourbon! It is true there was a "chino" 
enlisted, as has been already stated, but he 
never came to Los Angeles, at least so far as is 
known. While the Spanish word "chino" 
may ordinarily mean a Chinaman, some scholars 
claim it is also used in Spanish America for 
persons of difterent blood, as a child of mixed 
Spanish and negro blood, or it is applied to a 
person or animal having curly hair. 

J. J. Warner, of Connecticut, arrived in Los 
Angeles in the year 1831, being then twenty - 
four years old. He undoubtedly conversed with 
some of the founders and other early settlers of 
the city. Forty-five years later he wrote an 
important chapter in " An Historical Sketch of 
Los Angeles County," from which is taken the 
following: 

" For the center of the town a parallelogram, 
100 varas* long and seventy-five wide, was 
laid out as a public square. Twelve house- 
lots fronting on the square occupied three sides 
of it, and one-half of the remaining side of 
seventy-five varas was destined for public build- 
ings, and the other half an open space. Tiie 
location of the public square would nearly cor- 
respond to the following lines: The southeast 
corner of Upper Main and Marchessault streets 
for the southern or southeastern corner of the 
square; the east line of LTpper Main street, 
from the above-named corner 100 varas in a 
northerly direction, for the east line of the 



HISTORY OP LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



square; the eastern line of New High street for 
the western line of the square; and the northern 
line of Marchessault street for the southern line 
of the square.* At a short distance from tlie 
public square, and upon the alluvial bottom 
land of the river, upon whicli the water of tlie 
river for irrigation could be easily conducted, 
tliere were laid out thirty fields for cultivation. 
The fields contained 40,000 square varas each, 
and were mostly laid out in tlie form of a 
square, and separated from each other by nar- 
row lanes. In accord with the paternal idea of 
the Spanish Government the head of each family 
was furnished from the royal treasury with two 
oxen, two inules, two mares, two sheep, two 
goats, two cows with one calf, one ass and one 
hoe, and to the settlers in common the tools for 
a cart-maker. These articles, as well as the 
live-stock, were all charged to the individuals 
respectively, or to the community, at a price 
fixed by tlie Government, and the amount was to 
be deducted insmall installments from their pay. 

" As the Government of California was a 
combination of military and ecclesiastical powers, 
so the municipal government devised for the 
settlers of Los Angeles was a compound of 
political and military government, in which the 
latter largely predominated. All the municipal 
power was vested in one officer, called alcalde, 
who was appointed by the Governor, who was 
himself the military commander of the country, 
or by a military officer who commanded the 
military district in wliich the town was situated. 
The territory of Upper California was divided 
into military districts corresponding in number 
with the military posts, which were four, and 
the jurisdiction of the commanding officer of 
the post extended over the district, and civil as 
well as military matters came under liis cog- 
nizance. 

" The adult males and those over eighteen 
years were enrolled, and were subject to the 
performance of guard duty, both by day and 
night, at the guard-house, wliich was located on 
the public square. * * * * 



" "We find a military officer, one whose juris- 
diction was co-extensive with that of the com- 
manding officer of the garrison of Santa Bar- 
bara, granting a house-lot in the town of Los 
Angeles, on the 2dd of June, 1821. This lot, 
upon which the Pico House stands, was granted 
to Jose Antonio Carrillo by his brother Anas- 
tacio Carrillo, a military officer, who styled him- 
self commissioner. The exclusive jurisdiction 
of tlie alcalde, the chief officer of Los Angeles, 
was extremely limited, even if in practice it was 
known to exist. Cases of all kinds, except such 
as could be heard by ecclesiastical authorities, 
both civil and criminal, and of trivial character, 
went from the alcalde and beyond the territorial 
jurisdiction of Los Angeles, to be heard and de- 
termined by the military commandant of a gar- 
rison more than a hundred miles distant. 

" The absence of municipal records for the 
first half century after the founding of Los 
Angeles of itself raises the presumption that 
the municipal officers exercised but little au- 
thority during that time. After the allotment 
of house lots and fields for cultivation to the 
original twelve [only nine received land grants 
— Ed. I settlers, there does not appear to have 
been any record kept of the grants of either 
house-lots or farming lands until as late as 
1836. 

"The system adopted by the Government for 
the formation of pueblos, and the granting of 
building lots and farming lands to settlers 
within the limits of a pueblo, did not require a 
record of the grant. In conferring upon a set- 
tler the right to acquire and occupy a lot upon 
which to build a dwelling-house and land to 
cultivate, the Government did not absolutely 
divest itself of its title to and control over the 
soil. The settler who erected a house upon a 
lot assigned to him, or lenced and cultivated a 
field which had been set off to him, did not be- 
come vested with the unconditional title of own- 
ership to either. If he, without justifiable 
cause, suffered his house to remain unoccupied, 
or to fall into decay, or his field to remain un- 
cultivated for two consecutive years, it became 



HI STOUT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



subject to denouncement by any other person 
legally competent to take by grant, and the 
granting authorities could and were by law re- 
quired, upon a proper showing of the abandon- 
ment, to grant the property to the informant, 
■who then acquired the same and no better rights 
than tiiose possessed by his predecessor." 

From the iirst directory publislied in Los 
Angeles in 1872, by Messrs. A. J. King and A. 
Waite, the following account is taken: 

" For the town site a parallelogram 100 varas 
long by seventy five in width was laid out. 
Upon three sides of this were house-lots, each 
40 X 20 varas, excepting the two corner lots, 
which, fronting in part on two sides of the 
square, were of a different figure. One-half 
the remaining side of the parallelogram was 
open, and the other half was for the guard- 
house, royal officers and a granary. The loca- 
tion of this town site was above or northeast of 
the present Catholic church. The guard-house 
and royal building, which occupied the west 
half of the southwestern side of tlie parallelo- 
gram, were on the opposite of [Upper] Main 
street, from Campbell's store [then at the soutii 
junction of Upper and North Main streets]. The 
four lines of the parallelogram, instead of run- 
ning toward tiie four cardinal points, were about 
cqui-distant between them. An irrigating ditch, 
bringing the water from the river, passed along 
to the east, and close to those lots, on the south- 
east corner of the square. Thirty fields for 
cultivation were also laid out. Twenty-six of 
these fields contained each 40,000 square varas. 
Tiiey were, with the exception of four, which 
were 300 varas by 100, 200 varas square, and 
separated by lanes three varas wide. Tiie fields 
were located between the irrigating ditch and 
the river, and mostly above a line running 
direct and nearly east from tiie town site to the 
river. The distance from the irrigating ditch 
to the river, across these fields, was upward of 
1,200 varas. At that time the river ran 
along where now [1872] stand the houses of 
Julian Chavez and Elijah Moulton. It was 
evident that when the town was laid out the 



bluff bank, which in modern times extended 
from Aliso street up by the Stearns [the Capitol 
in 1889], mill to the toraa did not exist, but 
was made when the river ran near the town. 
* * * Subsequent to the settlement 
of the town the river abandoned its bed, and 
fiowed to the west side of all the fields along 
where the Eagle Mill [Lankershim's mill in 
1889] now stands, and where Alameda street is 
now located. The old fields were either washed 
away or covered up with sand by the change in 
the river's bed. In 1825 the river again left its 
bed and made a new one nearly intermediate 
between the two preceding ones. * * * 

"The public square and the houses around it 
fell into decay and ruins, while the growth of 
the town was mostly on the southwest of the 
original site. This might have been, and 
probably was, caused by the change in the bed 
of the river, the destruction of the agricultural 
fields and the washing out and leaving the bed 
of the river so much where the water was taken 
out, that the water could not be brought into 
the original ditch, and the inhabitants were 
forced to make new fields in the neighborhood 
of what is now San Pedro street." 

Jose Francisco Sinova, who had lived some 
time in California as a laborer, was the first to 
apply to for admission as a settler in the pueblo 
in 1785. 

In September of the next year, Jose Argiiello, 
an ensign in the Spanish army, received a com- 
mission from Governor Pedro Fages, the suc- 
cessor of De Neve, to survey the pueblo and 
put the settlers in possession of their lands. 
He took Corporal Vicente Felix and Private 
Eoque de Cota, of the pueblo guard, as legal 
witnesses. In the performance of his duty Ar- 
giiella summoned each of the settlers, whose 
numbers had by this time been reduced to nine, 
and in the presence of them all granted first the 
house-lot, then the four fields, and finally the 
branding iron by which the live-stock of each 
was to be distinguished from that of his neigh- 
bors. In botii house-lots and fields the pretense 
of a measurement was made. In each case the 



UISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



nature of the grant was fully explained, the 
grantee assented to the conditions involved, and 
for each of the twenty-seven grants a separate 
document was drawn up, each bearing, besides 
the signature of Argiiello and his witnesses, a 
cross, for not one of the settlers could write his 
name. The nine settlers included eight of the 
founders of the pueblo: Pablo Rodriguez, Jose 
Vanegas, Jose Moreno, Felix Villavicencio, Ba- 
silio Eosas, Antonio Navarro, Manuel Caraero 
and Alejandro Eosas; and Jose Francisco 
Sinova, the new-comer, made the ninth. 

The population of the pueblo grew quite 
rapidly in the next four years, being recruited 
chiefly from soldiers who had served out their 
time, the increase being from nine to twenty- 
eight iamilies, making a total population of 
141.* 

The twenty new settlers were Domingo Aruz, 
Juan Alvarez, Joaquin Armenta, Juan Kamirez 
Arellano, Sebastian Alvitre, Roque Cota, Faus- 
tino Jose Criiz, Juan Jose Domingnez, Manuel 
Figueroa, Felipe Santiago Garcia, Joaquin 
Iliguera, Juan Jose Lobo, Jose Ontiveros, San- 
tiago de la Cruz Pico, Francisco Reyes, Pedro 
Jose Romero, Eiigenio Ruiz, Mariano Verdugo 
and Jose Villa, besides Vicente Felix, the cor- 
poral and commissioner of the pueblo. 

In 1789 there were Ave new settlers: Jose 
Silvas, Rejis Soto, Francisco Lugo, Melecio Val- 
dez and Rafael Sepiilveda. 

In 1790 the large stock numbered 2,980 iiead ; 
small stock, 438; and the crop of that year 
amounted to 4,500 bushels. 

Jose Vanegas was the first alcalde in 1788; 
Jose Sinova the second in 1789, with Felipe 
Garcia and Manuel Caniero as regidores; and 
Mariano Verdugo was the third alcalde in 1790. 
The year 1788 appears to have been the first 
date of any municipal government. Vicente 
Felix was at first corporal of the pueblo guard, 
which was furnished by the San Diego presidio. 
He was made a kind of director before 1784, 

* A ceoBUB taken Auguet 14, 1790, is ns foUowe: Mnles, 75; females, 
no. Unmurried, 91 ; mdrried, 44; widowed, fi. Under 7 years, 47; 7 to 
IB years, 3.3; 16 to » years, IS; 29 to 40 years, 27; 40 to 90 years, U; 
over 90 years, 9. Europeans, 1; Spaniards, 72; Indians, 7; niulat- 
toes, 22; mestizos, 39. 



being responsible to the Governor through the 
commandant at Santa Barbara. In 1787 he 
received especial instructions from Governor 
Fages to see that the settlers performed their 
duties, and to co-operate generally with the 
alcalde in the administration of law. The set- 
tlers did not then have the reputation of being 
very orderly. There were in 1790 twenty-nine 
adobe residences, besides the town hall, barrack, 
guard-house and granaries; and all were enclosed 
by an adobe wall. There were also a few build- 
ings outside the wall. 

Events were common-place enough for the 
next ten years in the pueblo, which was for 
many years a genuine Mexican sleepy hollow. 
In 1800 the white population was 315, chiefly 
increased from the maturity of children and 
additions of retired soldiers. Horses and cattle 
numbered 12,500; sheep, 1,700; while the crop 
tliat year was 4,600 bushels, mostly maize. 
They offered that year to co. tract for 3,400 
bushels of wheat annually at $1.66 per bushel 
for the San Bias market, but it does not appear 
that the offer was taken. 

In 1800 Vicente Felix was still the pueblo 
commissioner, having been temporarily relieved 
in 1795-'96 by Javier Alvarado. The suc- 
cessive alcaldes were: Mariano Verdugo, elected 
in 1790; Francisco Reyes, 1793-'95; Jose Vane- 
gas, 1796; Manuel Arellano, 1797; Guillermo 
Soto, 1798; Francisco Serrano, 1799, and Joa- 
quin Higuera in 1800. 

A story illustrative of the times is told by 
Padre Salazar, that when he was here in 1795, 
a man who had 1,000 mares, and cattle in pro- 
portion, came to Sail Gabriel to beg for cloth to 
make him a shirt, fur none could be had at Los 
Angeles! 

The records for the beginning of the first 
decade in the nineteenth century are deficient, 
there being no mention of any town officials for 
the first nine years. 

In 1809 Javier Alvarado, a Sergeant in the 
Spanish army, was town commissioner, and 
the probabilities are that he had acted in that 
capacity for the preceding nine years. He was 



UrSTOBT OF LOS ANOELES VOUNTY. 



succeeded in 1810 by Guillermo Cota, who 
probably also served during the following year. 
Mariano Verdngo was again alcalde in 1802, and 
with him, as a ineinlier of the aynntamiento (or 
town council), were Fructuoso Kuiz and Ramon 
Buelna as regidores. Also Guillermo Soto 
served as alcalde probably for a part of the year 
1809, with Anastasio Avila and Teodoro Silvas 
as regidores. Francisco Avila also served as 
alcalde, probably for part of the year 1810, with 
Avila and Silvas as regidores. 

In 1810 the population was 365, to which 
should be added about fifty persons who were 
recruited from the town as soldiers for the pre- 
sidios. The number of cattle and horses had 
decreased nearly fifty per cent, by reason of 
intentional slaughter. The sheep were still less 
than 2,000 in number, and the crops of wheat 
and maize varied from 3,000 to 4,000 fanegas.* 
In 1805-'06 the crops of maize and beans were 
devoured by locusts. In 1809 drunkenness and 
other excesses were alarmingly on the increase, 
and despite the efforts of the commissioner in 
that year the stocks were always filled. 

In 1810 a quarrel arose between the people 
of Los Angeles and the mission priests. The 
latter were accused of cutting off the supply of 
water from the town by damming the Los An- 
geles River at Cahuenga; but the priests ex- 
pressed themselves willing to remove the dam 
if the town people could prove that it was a real 
injury to them. Another cause of the quarrel 
was the refusal of the priests to attend the sick 
in the town. During the first decade of this 
century there were no additions to the popula- 
tion from outside, the increase coming from 
births and retirement of soldiers. 

Guillermo Gotawas commissioner from 1810- 
'17; Juan Ortega, in 1819. Antonio Maria 
Lugo was alcalde in 1816, and again in 1818. In 
1819 Anastasio Avila was alcalde, and Tomas 
Uribes was regidor. In 1820 Anastasio Avila 
was again alcalde, and Antonio Ignacio Avila 
was regidor. 

During the decade closing with 1820 the 

* A fanega in 1.599 of an English biiBhcl. 



poinilation varied as follows: 1811, 354; 1815, 
478; 1818, 586; 1820, 650,including the ranches 
surrounding. In 1817 there were 53,186 vines 
planted in the city. 

In August, 1814, the corner-stone of the 
present church on the plaza was laid by Father 
Gil. Nothing further was done on the church 
for seven years. In January, 1818, the site of 
the church was changed in favor of a higher 
point, near the commissioner's house, probably 
the present place. At this time the citizens 
subscribed 500 cattle for the building of the 
church, and in 1819 the priests of the different 
missions subscribed seven barrels of brandy to 
the building fund. The money realized from 
the sale of the cattle and brandy enabled them 
to build the church as far up as the window 
arches before 1821. It was completed and dedi- 
cated December 8, 1832. 

The quarrel between the priests and the peo- 
ple in regard to the latter having the privilege 
of religious exercises in the city still continued, 
the priests at Saa Gabriel and San Fernando 
contending that the town people should come to 
the respective missions to have their spiritual 
interests cared for. There was also a quarrel 
between the priests and the town people in re- 
gard to the pueblo and mission limits, the priests 
contending that the town people pastured their 
stock on land belonging to the missions, and the 
town people complained that the priests wanted 
all the land. 

On April 30, 1815, the citizens of Los An- 
geles ratified the federal constitution of the 
Mexican Republic. During this month a big 
flood occurred, which turned the Los Angeles 
River into a new course, and did much damage 
to gardens and live-stock. 

The first school in Los Angeles was kept in 
1817-'18, by Maximo Pina, a retired soldier, 
who received $140 a year for his services. 

The year 1818 is famous in the history of 
California as the "Year of the Insnrgents" (EI 
Alio de los Insurgentes), when Captain Ilippo- 
lyte Bouchard, a Frenchman, appeared in No- 
vember at Monterey with two vessels, and, alter 



niBTORT OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



a battle, captured that place, with a loss of two 
of his creM' taken prisoners by the Spanish. 
One was an American named Joseph Chapman, 
afterward distinguished at Los Angeles as the 
builder of the mill at San Gabriel Mission, and 
a workman on the church at Los Angeles; the 
other was Thomas Fisher, an American negro. 
Bouchard sailed down the coast and landed at 
the Ortega Eanch, near Santa Barbara, which he 
plundered and burned the houses. At this 
place the Spaniards, December 2, captured three 
prisoners — William Tajlor, a native uf Boston, 
and a negro, and a native of South America, 
whose names are not given. Fonr days later 
Bouchard exchanged a prisoner, a Californian 
whom he liad captured at Monterey, for these 
three men. 

The appearance of Bouchard and his vessels 
created great alarm along the coast, and Los 
Angeles furnished a company of men who went 
to Santa Barbara and were present at the affair 
at Ortega Kauch. Bouchard next appeared at 
San Juan Capistrano, on December 14, where 
he plundered the mission of wines and other 
supplies, and disappeared. He was a privateer 
from the Buenos Ayres Eepublic, of South 
America, under a commission from Chili, which 
was then struggling for its independence from 
Spain. The next day after his disappearance 
from San Juan, four deserters from hira pre- 
sented themselves and asked for pardon on the 
ground that they had been forced against their 
will to enlist in the Insurgents' services. These 
four men were — John Rose, a Scotch traveler 
aged twenty-seven ; Mateo Jose Pascual, a negro; 
Pedro Zalvidar, of Buenos Ayres, and Nicholas 
Chabarria, of Bogota, South America. These 
men afterward settled in California. 

For 1821 Anastasio Carrillo was commis- 
sioner, Anastasio Avila was acalde, and Antonio 
Ignacio Avila and Jose Maria Aguilar were 
regidores. In 1822 Carrillo was again com- 
missioner, Manuel Gutierrez was alcalde, and 
Jose Palomares was a member of the Legislative 
Assembly. In November of this year, although 
the ayuntamiento had been acting, it was for- 



mally established by order of the provincial 
Legislature; but the incumbent officers continued 
their places, and the only real change was the 
addition of a sindico and a secretary, whose 
names, as indeed those of the regidores for this 
year are not given. By this act the civil au- 
thority was supposed to be fully organized, and 
the military office of commissioner no longer 
needed; but at the request of the old soldiers 
the Governor appointed GuiMermo Cota as 
commissioner, who was to have jurisdiction over 
criminal matters only. The town officers de- 
clined to recognize his authority, or any military 
authority whatever over the citizens, and were 
met with a sharp reprimand from the Governor. 
The question again came up in 1825, over Cota's 
reappointment as commissioner, and the matter 
was compromised by the. election of Cota as 
alcalde. 

In 1823 Manuel Gutierrez was alcalde, Juan 
Ballesteros was regidor, and Francisco Morales 
was secretary of the ayuntamiento, at a salary 
of $15 a month. In February of this year, 
Guillermo Cota was appointed commissioner, 
which office he held for two years. 

In 1824 Encarnacion Urguideo was alcalde, 
and Juan Ballesteros was regidor; this year is 
noted for the complaint that the town was tilled 
with vagrants. 

In 1825 Jose Maria Avila was alcalde until 
October, when he was suspended from office by 
the people. The regidores were Francisco Sep- 
lilveda and Jose Maria Aguilar. Sepulveda 
succeeded Avila as acting alcalde for the re- 
mainder of the year. One soldier was sent to 
Santa Barbara in irons for illicit relations with 
a married woman. In May, 1825, the "Yery 
Illustrious Ayuntamiento" issued a series of 
resolutions on police regulations for the preser- 
vation of morality and good order. All oflenders 
against the Roman apostolic religion were to be 
punished with the utmost severity. Failing to 
enter church, entering disrespectful!}', lounging 
at the church door, standing at the coruers, re- 
maining on horseback when processions were 
out, were all to be punished with tines and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



55 



imprisonment. Gambling, prostitution and blas- 
phemy were among the evils which the munici- 
pal Legislature proposed to exterminate. 

In 1826 the alcalde was Claudio Lopez, and 
the regidores were Desiderio Ybarra and J. M. 
Aguilar; Jose Palomares was sindico and Nar- 
cisco Botello was secretary of the ajnntainiento; 
but he was later succeeded by F. Morales. J. 
A. Carrillo had been elected alcalde for this 
year, but nine citizens protested that his election 
was illegal as he voted for himself, and also 
because he could hold office twice within two 
years; and hence a new election was ordered. 
In November of that year a man was prosecuted 
for "habitual i-ape!" 

In 1827 the alcalde was Guillermo Cota, and 
the regidores were Yicente Villa and Desiderio 
Ybarra. In the autumn of 1827, Duhaut-Cil- 
ley, a French traveler, visited the town, being 
the first foreign visitor. He found eighty-two 
houses, built of adobe and roofed with as- 
phaltum, surrounded with cultivated gardens, 
vineyards and orchards, on alluvial lands, and 
noted the inability of the authorities to keep 
the peace and preserve order. It was this year 
that Don Juan Bandini, the father of Mrs. Col- 
onel II. S. Baker, of Los Angeles, introduced a 
proposition in the provisional Legislature to 
change the name of the town to Villa Victoria 
de la Reina de los Angeles! and make it a city 
and the capital of Alta California. The matter 
was submitted to the national Government, but 
nothing was ever done with it. 

In 1828 J. A. Carrillo was alcalde, D. Ybarra 
was regidor, and Jose Palomares was secretary. 

In 1829 Guillermo Cota was alcalde, Dom- 
inguez regidor, and F. Morales, who was re- 
moved from the office of secretary in 1827 for 
incompetency, for revealing confidential busi- 
ness, and for losing papers, appears this year as 
sindico, while Jose Palomares was secretary of 
the ayuntamiento. The debt of the city council 
this year was $49. The ta.x on wine and 
brandy was §339, and vines $15S; and the ex- 
penditures for the year amounted to !t;f>12. 

In 1830 Tiburcio Tapia was alcalde, J. B. 



Alvarado, regidor, and Jose Palomares, secretary. 
A complete list of town officers is not given 
for this decade. This year the population of 
Los Angeles was 1,000 white people, beside 200 
or 300 Indians. 

In 1830 Manuel Victoria was appointed 
Governor to succeed Jose Maria Echeania, and 
assumed his office February 21, 1831. He neg- 
lected to convene the Legislature, even when 
urged to do so, to the disgust of the members 
and their friends, the most influential part of 
the population; and by many other acts also he 
succeeded in making himself very unpopular. 
He claimed that a majority of the members 
had been illegally elected, and announced the 
suspension of the Legislature, and recommended 
the abolishment of all elective bodies and the 
restoration of military rule, e.xcept that certain 
judges be appointed for Los Angeles and San 
Jose. The Californians sent a protest to Mex- 
ico against this usurpation of power by Victoria. 
The Governor further made himself unpopular 
by the infliction of severe penalties, in many 
instances where the victim was merely techni- 
cally guilty. He still further increased his un- 
popularity by banishing Don Abel Stearns, an 
American who had been naturalized, who, how- 
ever, went no further than San Diego or the 
frontier of Lower California. This Victoria 
did without trial or spsciScation of any offense 
He also had the alcalde of San Jose arrested 
for visiting the house of a woman who had 
sent him an amorous invitation, and brought in 
irons to Monterey to be tried for the off^ense 
before a military court. He also aroused the 
people of Los Angeles by ordering them to re- 
store to office Vicente Sanchez, who had been de- 
clared not competent to hold the office of alcalde, 
being already a member of the Legislature, and 
ordered that regidores Alvarado and Perez and six 
citizens should be put in prison because of their 
connection with the matter. The six citizens 
were Tomas Talamontes, Francisco Sepulveda, 
Jose Maria Avila, Maximo Alanis, and Demisio 
Dominguez and Jose Aguilar. Victoria also 
otherwise interfered in the local government of 



BISTORT OK LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Los Angeles. He bauished Jose Antonio Car- 
rillo, for what was not exactly known, but it is 
presumed that lie had taken a prominent part 
in sending memorials from the South in tlio. in- 
terest of the Legislature being convened. Car- 
rillo's exile, however, was of short duration. 
Other prominent people were exiled by him, 
the reasons for which he never assigned; in 
other words, he undertook to rule California 
with an iron hand, to which a people of free 
and independent spirit like those of California 
would not submit, and a revolution against his 
rule broke out. at San Diego, lieaded by such 
men as Carrillo, Stearns, Bandini and Pio Pico, 
who issued a proclamation against Victoria, or- 
ganized a military force and set out for the 
north for the purpose of deposing him. In 
the meantime Victoria's acts of petty tyranny 
had been on the increase; and among otlier 
prominent citizens whom he had imprisoned 
was Andres Pico, a brother of Pio. 

On arriving at Los Angeles, December 4, 
the revolutionists at once freed all the prisoners 
and in turn placed in prison Vincente Sanchez, 
the obnoxious alcalde, who had been put in office 
by Victoria. The people ot Los Angeles joined 
tlie revolution with great enthusiasm, and the 
next morning, December 5, the revolutionists 
to the number of 150 marched out of Los An- 
geles to meet Victoria, who at the same time 
left the mission of San Fernando with about 
thirty men for Los Angeles. He started from 
Monte7-ey to quell the troubles in the South 
before the proclamation of -November 29, issued 
at San Diego, had- reached the capital, and he 
had not heard of it even at Santa Barbara, which 
proljably accounts for the smallness of the force 
which he had with him. Before he reached San 
Fernando, however, messengers overtook hiui 
from Santa Barbara with definite news of the 
San Diego revolution. At San Fernando, on 
the evening of December 4, Padre Ybarra had 
not heard of the revolution, and a messenger 
arriving at that moment from Los Angeles 
brought word from Alcalde Sanchez that there 
were no signs of a revolution there. Later in 



the night, however, when the revolutionists 
arrived from San Diego, releasing the prisoners 
and locking up Sanchez, a brother of the latter 
escaped to San Fernando with the news. This 
was the first information Victoria had of the 
revolution. 

The next morning the contending forces met 
near the Caluienga- Pass, about twelve miles 
west of the city. The revolutionists wer^ com- 
manded by Pablo de la Portilla, and halted to 
await Victoria's approach. J. A. Carrillo was 
at the front; but ex-Governor Echeandia, Pio 
Pico and Juan Bandini remained behind. Vic- 
toria was accompanied by Romualdo Pacheco, 
whose son of the same name, was subsequently 
Governor of the American State of California. 
Pacheco counseled Victoria not to attack the 
enemy, on account of his insufiicient force; but 
he disregarded the counsel of his captain. Ap- 
proaching within speaking distance, Portilla 
commanded Victoria to sulnnit. The latter 
replied that he, Portilla, and the soldiers should 
come over and support the Governor and the 
legitimate authorities. Victoria, noting the re- 
fusal of the revolutionists to obey this order, 
ordered his men to iire. Portilla and a portion 
of his men now ran away, followed by the Los 
Angeles contingent, excepting two or three who 
had been imprisoned by Victoria, and had per- 
sonal grievances against him, and who made a 
charge against the foe before retiring. This 
party was headed by Jose Maria Avila, who, as 
he passed Pacheco, shot the latter in the back 
with a pistol, as the two horses were carried past 
each other by the impetus, after mutually par- 
ried sword and lance by the respective riders. 
Pacheco fell dead with a bullet through his 
heart. Avila, followed by Tomas Talamantes, 
now closed in on the Governor, when a struggle 
ensued which did not last over three minutes. 
Victoria received several lance wounds, a soldier 
was shot in the foot, Avila was unhorsed and 
killed by Victoria liimself, and Talamantes es- 
caped unhurt. The combatants then separated. 
Victoria's men made no attempt at pursuit, the 
revolutionists retired to Los Angeles, and the 



UISTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



wounded Governor was carried to San Gabi-iel by 
way of Los Feliz Rancli. The bodies of Pacheco 
and Avila were taken to Los Angeles, wliere 
they were buried the next day. 

On the 9th Victoria had an interview with 
Eclieandia at San Gabriel Mission, when he sur- 
rendered his othce to the latter, and also issued 
a proclamation ordering the-Lfgislativc Assembly 
to meet at Los Angeles, shortly afterward, left 
for Mexico. 

The Legislature met at Los Angeles January 
1, 1832, and chose Pio Pico as Governor, who 
took the oath of office on the 27th. The town 
council of Los Angeles refused to recognize Pico 
as Governor, and Echenadia openly declared him 
to be incompetent and his election was illegal. 
Pico thereupon declined to retain the office, in 
opposition to Eclieandia and the peoj)le of Los 
Angeles. 

In 1835 there was no revolution, this time, 
at Los Angeles. On the night of March 6th, 
about fifty Sonorans, who had lately come to 
California, in the Hijar colony, assembled at Los 
Nietos Eanch, and early in the morning of the 
7th entered the town, under command of Juan 
Gallardo, a shoemaker, and Felipe Castillo, a 
cigar-maker, and captured the arms of the dif- 
ferent foreign residents and then took posses- 
session of the town hall. Francisco J. Alvarado, 
the alcalde, was then summoned, and, at tiie 
command of the revolutionists, convened the 
town council in a splendid meeting. Gallardo 
then submitted to that body a proposition to 
remove Governor Figueroa and place Captain 
Pablo de la Portilla in his stead, claiming that 
Figueroa had exceeded the powers granted him 
by assuming both political and military com- 
mand, and seemingly protesting against the 
measures taken by the Legislature for the secu- 
larization of the missions, and that Figueroa 
was unworthy of public confidence, and also 
that they wished the priests to have again the 
exclusive control of the temporal affairs of the 
missions. It was generally understood, how- 
ever, that the revolt was for the purpose of ulti- 
mately making as Governor one Jose Maria 



Hijar, who had brought these people to Cali- 
fornia as colonists, and had come himself with 
a commission from President Santa Ana, of the 
Mexican Republic, as Governor of California, 
which had been revoked by Santa Ana after 
Hijar had left Mexico and before he had arived 
in California. The town council decided that 
it had no authority to act in such a matter, and 
went so far as to disapprove of the revolution, 
appointing a committee to request the revolu- 
tionists to remove their forces across the river. 
This they declined to do, but promised to preserve 
the peace and hold their position until after 
four o'clock in the afternoon, when the leaders 
respectfully informed the council that as that 
body had not approved their plan, they had de- 
cided to give up the instigators of the move- 
ment and throw themselves upon the mercy of 
the authorities. They accordingly delivered 
Antonio Apalategui, a clerk, and Dr. Francis 
Torres, who, with some twenty others, were 
finally sent back to Mexico as disturbers of the 
public peace and conspirators against legitimate 
authority. Subsequent investigations proved 
that the Sonorans had no special grievance to 
redress, but had been easily induced to join 
what they regarded as a popular movement. 

By decree of the Mexican Congress dated May 
23, 1835, Los Angeles was made a city, and 
also the capital of California, which fact was 
made public by the proclamation of Governor 
Gutierrez January 4, 1836. But Los Angeles 
did not then become the capital city from the 
fact that its inhabitants neglected to provide 
even temporary public buildings necessary for 
the occupancy of the Government officials, and 
the capital always remained at Monterey. 

The sectional feeling between Southern and 
J\orthern California which now prevails among 
Americans to such an extent as to cause a serious 
discussion of the division of the State, is one 
also that caused no little amount of contention 
among the early Mexican inhabitants. It was 
manifested as far back as 1836, wheti a revolu- 
tion deposed Governor Gutierrez and placed 
Jos(' Castro in his stead, and the ])rovincial 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Legislature at Monterey issued a decree declar- 
ing that " the constitutional congress of the free 
and sovereign State of California is declared 
hereby legitimately installed," and wound up 
with the words, '• Live tlie Free and Sovereign 
State of Alta California ! " It was a virtual 
declaration of independence from Mexico; and 
is said to have been instigated by plotting 
Americans, who had a lone-star flag prepared 
at Monterey, but were prevented by David 
Spence from raising it. Castro was soon suc- 
ceeded by J. B. Alvarado, whom the Legislature 
declared Governor ad interim of the State. The 
same Legislature divided the State temporarily 
into two "can'ons." The first, that of Mon- 
terey, included the towns of San Francisco and 
San J^ose; the second canton was that of Los 
Angeles, including Santa Barbara and San 
Diego. Each canton was to have a political 
chief, Governor Alvarado himself for the first 
canton, and for the second a man subordinate 
to the Governor, and was to be appointed by hiin 
from a trio to be elected at Los Angeles by 
commissioners named by the councils. 

While the Northern part of the State readily 
fell in and approved of this sudden action of the 
Legislature, a very strong opposition developed 
itself in the South and succeeded in strangling 
the new-born State. It is a curious fact that 
when California came to be admitted into the 
Union in 1850, there was a similar protest from 
the Southern counties, although it was not suc- 
cessful. This strong sectional feeling between 
the North and the Sq,uth had been in process of 
development as early as 1825, when Governor 
Echeandia, charmed with the Southern climate 
and the Southern ladies, had seriously wounded 
the pride of the capital, Monterey, by fixing his 
residence at San Diego. A majority of the rep- 
resentatives to the Mexican Congress had been 
from the South, which the North had always 
regarded as a slight. On the other- hand, 
Argtiello and others were Northern Governors, 
while Pico and Estudillo, Southern men, had 
failed to secure recognition. Serious quarrels 
hail existed !)ctween the custom-houses of San 



Diego and Monterey. The feeling was increased 
also by the fact that Los Angeles had gained so 
much in population that it had been made a 
city, an honor which San Jose, the older and 
northern pueblo, had not attained. Los Angeles 
had also been made a capital of the province, 
but Monterey still actually retained possession 
of the headquarters of the Government, a fact 
which did not tend to allay the bitter feeling of 
the people of Los Angeles. The division of 
the missions between the friars of the colleges 
of San Fernando and Guadalajara had also 
helped to widen the breach. It was usual for 
the South to oppose whatever the North ad- 
vocated, and vice versa, as is the case at the 
present day among the Americans. It is not 
surprising, therefore, that the people of Los 
Angeles and San Diego opposed the erection of 
the province of California into a State. Manuel 
Kequena, the alcalde of Los Angeles, called an 
extra session of the town council to consider the 
matter. The excitement was increased by 
rumors of the fact that Alvarado had raised a 
military force and was marching on Los Angeles 
to put down all opposition, and that he had 
employed a company of American riflemen, 
under the command of Isaac Graham, a famous 
hunter from Tennessee. 

The town council of San Diego also assembled 
in extra session, and Juan Bandini and Santiago 
E. Argiiello were appointed commissioners to 
proceed to Los Angeles, and take part in the 
deliberations of the town council and people of 
that place, November 25-'6, on that subject. 
At these meetings the action of Monterey was 
rejected, and the councils of other places were 
invited to send each three persons to Los 
Angeles to elect a provisional Governor; to en- 
force the law which made Los Angeles the capi- 
tal; to invite military officers not engaged in 
the Monterey movement to choose a General ; 
and to await the co-operation of San Diego and 
Santa Barbara ; and these resolutions were to 
have effect until the natural laws should again 
be enforced. 

The next dav a communication was read from 



EI STORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



59 



the alcalde at Santa Barbara declining to ap- 
prove the plan of Monterey. Meanwhile tlie 
troops at San Diego and at San Lnis Key served 
notice that they must be paid if their services 
were expected. 

Everything now seemed favoi-able in the 
South for the establishment of a separate pro- 
visional Government which should either defeat 
the plan of Monterey or exact favorable terms 
of compromise. Santa Barbara backed out and 
chose to remain neutral, taking sides neither 
with Monterey nor with Los Angeles. 

When the new council of Los Angeles was 
installed in 18B7, among its lirst acts was to 
refuse to recognize the Monterey plan, and to 
call a meeting of the electoral college at Los 
Angeles, and to assume command of the South- 
ern part of the province until the meeting of 
the new Legislature which should be elected. 
San Diego partly approved of this plan. 

Alvarado left Monterey during the latter part 
of December, 1836, with an army of sixty Cali- 
fornians and twenty-iive Americans, under com- 
mand of Isaac Graham, and was cordially re- 
ceived at Santa Barbara, which gave him its 
unqualified support. From this place he for- 
warded an address to the town council of Los 
Angeles, declaring the justice of his cause and 
protesting against the adoption of a sectional 
policy. His address was not favorably received, 
and preparations were made at once to oppose 
him with force, to which San Diego added help 
in sending twenty men, under Pio Pico, to re- 
sist the advance of Alvarado. A force of 270 
men, under Ensign Rocha as commander-in- 
chief, was stationed at San Fernando to oppose 
the advance of Alvarado, where they took their 
position January 16, 1837. Alvarado's address 
was discussed by the town council, and Alcalde 
Sepiilveda and A. M. Osio were appointed com- 
missioners to effect a settlement with Alvarado 
on the condition that the plan of independence 
from Mexico could not be accepted; that the 
llotnan Catholic religion must be the only one 
permitted; and that the revolutionists must not 
be punished. 



Osio met Alvarado at the Cayugas Rancho, 
where a conference was held on the 18th; and 
in the city he again met Osio, with Sepiilveda, 
at the Encinos Rancho, where Andres Pico 
brought the news that his brother was coming 
from San Diego with a large force. The next 
day Alvarado approved in writing the Los An- 
geles plan, which he did not regard as being in 
conflict with that of Monterey. Osio and Sepiil- 
veda then claimed that Alvarado should with- 
draw his force and retire to the North. Alvarado 
replied that if Sepiilveda did not surrender 
San Fernando he would take it by force. The 
order was at once obeyed, and late in the after- 
noon of the 21st Alvarado occupied the mission 
of San Fernando, and the Los Angeles soldiers 
marched home. 

The next day the town council disapproved 
of Alvarado's approval of their plan, and de- 
clared arrangements with him null and void; 
and that California was not a sovereign State; 
that Alvarado was not its Governor; and that 
Los Angeles was again ready to defend itself. 
All these resolutions were of no avail; for on 
the 23d Alvarado entered the city without oppo- 
sition, accompanied by Graham's company and 
the Monterey militia, while Rocha retired with 
the soldiers to San Gabriel. 

The town council met on the 26th, and was 
addressed by the Governor, who proposed a plan, 
in six articles, upon which he thought all might 
agree. This plan was submitted to a committee 
of three, of which Pio Pico was chairman, who 
reported it back with certain modifications. It 
provided that a new Legislature should assemble 
at Santa Barbara on February 25, to adopt or 
reject what had been done at Monterey, always 
supporting federalism and insisting upon a 
native ruler. Alvarado issued a proclamation 
accordingly, thus mollifying the South. The 
new Legislature did not meet until April 10, at 
Santa Barbara, when it empowered itself under 
the new organization as a constituent Congress 
of the State. Los Angeles refused to accept the 
action of the Congress, claiming that the treaty 
with Alvarado had been made under the old 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



condition of the Territorial Government. San 
Diego for the time remained non-committal. 

At a meeting of the Los Angeles council, 
however, on May 2, after much discussion, it 
again changed front and accepted the new con- 
dition of atfairs, recognizing the State Govern- 
ment. Although the South gracefully yielded 
for the present to the inevitable triumph of Al- 
varado, and went to their homes, it was not to 
remain submissive, but to plan for another 
revolution, which was manifested May 21, 1837, 
at San Diego, by the town council of that place 
adopting a plan restoring California to its terri- 
torial form of government, and raising a mili- 
tary company to enforce its proposition, which 
line of action met the speedy approval of Los 
Angeles. 

Early in July there was also a revolt at Mon- 
terey against Alvarado's authority, by the very 
ones, some of them Americans, who had put 
him in power. The result was that tiie free and 
sovereign State of California was dissolved 
almost as soon as it was created; and finally the 
news came from Mexico that California had 
been foi'ined into a department. Alvarado was 
still the Governor ad internm by virtue of his 
position as first member of the Legislature. 

The AVolfskill party arrived from Santa Fe in 
February. In the autumn of 1830 AVilliam 
Wolfskin, a Kentuckian by nativity and then 
thirty-two years of age, fitted out a company for 
trapping in California. He had been a partner 
of Ewing Young, and was assisted pecuniarily 
in this enterjirise by Hook, a Santa Fe trader. 
They left Taos in September, crossed the Colo- 
rado and the Great Basin, in a northwest course 
across the Grande, Green and Sevier rivers, then 
south to the Coloi-ado River, and west through 
Mojave Desert to Los Angeles. In this party 
were George C. Yount, Lewis Burton, Samuel 
Shields, Francis Z. Branch, John Rhea, Zacha- 
rias Hani, and several foreigners. 

In 1831 a Mr. Jackson, who had been a 
member of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company,' 
and a partner of Jedediah S. Smith, came to 
Los Angeles to l)Hy mules for the Louisiana 



market. He returned to New Mexico with the 
mules he purchased. With him was J. J. War- 
ner, yet living. The date of their arrival was 
December 5, 1831. 

Ewing Young started on his second trip to 
California from Taos in September, 1831, and 
came by way of the Gila route, reaching Los 
Angeles in April, 1832. He had with him 
seventy men, most of whom were soon sent 
back to Mexico in charge of mules and horses 
which were bought here. Eiglit or ten of his 
men remained, prominent among whom were 
Moses Carson, a brother of Kit; Isaac Williams, 
subsequently proprietor of the Chino Ranch; 
Isaac Sparks, Job F. Dye, William Day, Benja- 
min Day, Sidney Cooper, Joseph Dougherty, 
William Emerson, Joseph Gale, Joseph Dofit, 
John Higgins, James Green, Cambridge Green, 
James Anderson, Thomas Lowe, John Price, 
Pleasant Austin, Powell Weaver, James Bacey 
and James Wilkinson. Anderson was murdered 
by Cambridge Green in Arizona, for which he 
was delivered to the authorities in Los Angeles, 
but some time later he made his escape from 
prison. 

In the winter of 1832-'33 another party from 
New Mexico arrived, including Joseph Pauld- 
ing, Samuel Carpenter, William Chard and 
Daniel Sill. John Foster came up from Guay- 
mas to Los Angeles by land in 1833. This year 
there was a school in Los Angeles, kept by 
Vicente Moraga, who was paid $15 a month 
for his services. 

In September, 1835, William Day bought a 
barrel of wine from Abel Stearns, and, finding 
it sour, wished Stearns to take it back, which 
he refused to do. A quarrel ensued in which 
Stearns attacked Day with a stick. Day de- 
fended liimself by stabbing Stearns in four 
places and nearly cutting out his tongue! Day 
was arrested and kept in jail for a year. He 
was not only imprisoned, but also handcuffed; 
and certain of his Mexican friends, indignant 
at his treatment, headed by Juan Manuel Ar- 
zaga, broke into the jail and removed his hand- 
cuffs, for which they were banished. 



uisTonr OF LOS anueleu county. 



R. 11. Dana, in his book " Two Years Before 
tlie Mast," thus notices a local event that oc- 
curred about 1835: 

"A Yankee, who had been naturalized and 
become a Catholic, and had married in the 
country, was sitting in his house at the Pueblo 
de los Angeles with his wife and children, when 
a Mexican with whom he had had a difficulty 
entered the house and stabbed him to the heart 
before them all. The murderer was seized by 
some Yankees who had settled there, and was 
kept in confinement until a statement of the 
whole affair could be sent to the Governor-Gen- 
eral. The Governor-General refused to do any- 
thing about it, and the countrymen of the 
murdered man, Feeing no prospect of justice 
being administered, gave notice that if nothing 
was done tliey would try the man themselves. 
It chanced that at that time there was a com- 
pany of some thirty or forty trappers and hunt- 
ers from the Western States, with their rifles, 
who had made their headquarters at the pueblo; 
and these, together with the Americans and 
English who were in the place (who were be- 
tween twenty and thirty in number), took pos- 
session of the town, and waiting a reasonable 
time, proceeded to try the man according to the 
forms in tlieir own countr}'. A judge and jury 
were appointed, and he was tried, convicted, 
sentenced to be shot, and carried out before the 
town blindfolded. The names of all the men 
were then jiut into a hat and, each one pledging 
himself to perform his duty, twelve names were 
drawn out, the men took their stations with 
their rifles, and tiring at tlie word, laid him 
dead. He was decently buried, and the place 
was restored to the proper authorities. A 
general, with titles enough for a hidalgo, was at 
San Gabriel, and issued a proclamation as long 
as the fore top bowline, threatening destruction 
of the rebels, but never stirred from his fort, 
for forty Kentucky hunters with their rifles, 
and a dozen of Yankees and Englishmen, were 
a match for a whole regiment of hungry, drawl- 
ing, lazy half-breeds. Tliis aftair happened 
while we were at San Pedro, tlie port of the 



pueblo, and we had the particulars from those 
who were on the spot." 

Los Angeles has the distinction of producing 
the first vigilance committee iri California. 
Domingo Felix, who lived on a ranch near 
the town, was married to Maria del Rosario 
Yilla, who had abandoned her husband to enjoy 
the embraces of Gervasio Alipas. Through the 
efforts of Felix to recover his wife, he had sev- 
eral quarrels with Alipas, who murdered liiin in 
one of those fracases, March 26, 1836. The 
body was not found till three days afterward, 
and on the 1st of April the town council was 
summoned in extra session to take measures to 
preserve the peace. The ])eople, well knowing 
the law's delays, and that California was said 
to have no tribunal authorized to inflict the 
death penalty, met on the 7th of April at the 
I house of John Temple. About fifty were pres- 
I eut. Victoria Proudton was chosen chairman 
I and Manuel Arzaga, secretary. Francisco 
Araujo was put in command of an organized 
armed force. The demand was made on the 
alcalde, Manuel Requena, for the woman and 
Alipas, who were in the jail. The aynnta- 
miento in session received and considered the 
demand, which was decidedly refused, after two 
committees had been sent out to reason with 
the crowd. The refusals, however, did not seem 
to have been of a very determined character, for 
the guard was arrested, the keys were taken, 
and tlie criminals taken out of jail and shot. 

In April, 1838, a small body of men under 
the command of Clemente Epinosa, an ensign, 
was sent from Santa J3arbara by Colonel Jose 
Maria Villa, a partisan of Governor Alvarado 
and General Castro, to capture certain persons 
j suspected of being engaged in a plan to over- 
throw the Government of Alvarado, and replace 
Governor Carrillo in authority. The party of 
Espinosa entered Los Angeles in the night, and 
camped on the open space in front of the old 
Catholic church. The inhabitants discovered 
upon opening the doors of their dwellings on 
the following morning that the town had been 
captured, or rather that it was then held by 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



armed men from abroad, who soon commenced 
a general search in tlie liouses of the citizens 
for the suspected persons. Quite a number 
were arrested, among whom were Jose Antonio 
Carrillo, a brother of the deposed Governor, Pio 
Pico, Andres Pico and Gil Ybarra, the then 
alcalde of Los Angeles, together with about half 
a dozen more of the most prominent native 
citizens of the place. They were all taken 
north as prisoners of war. The only casualt 
which occurred was the breaking of the arm of 
J. J. Warner by one of Espinosa's men, in con- 
sequence of his inability to inform them where 
Don Pio Pico could be found, and his resistance 
to an order of arrest for refusing permission to 
liave his house searched for suspected persons. 

In 1838 Ignacio Coronel, the father of Don 
Antonio Y. Coronel, of this city, aided by his 
wife and daughter, opened a primary school in 
Los Angeles. 

The municipal officers of Los Angeles during 
the decade 1830-'40 were : 1831— Alcalde, Vi- 
cente Sanchez; First Regidor, Juan B. Alvarado; 
Sindico, Gil Ibarra. 1832— Alcalde, Manuel 
Dominguez; Regidores, Juan N. Alvarado, Jose 
Manuel Cota, Felipe Lugo, Ignacio Maria Alva 
rado, Juan Ballesteros; Secretary, Yiceute de la 
Ossa. 1833— Alcalde, Jose A. Carrillo; Regi- 
dores, Felipe Lugo, Ignacio M. Alvarado, Antonio 
Machado and Jose Sepiilveda; Sindico, Tiburcio 

Tapia ; Secretary, Ossa. 1834 — Alcalde, Jose 

Perez; Regidores, Jose Sepiilveda, Vicente dela 
Ossa, Januario Avila; Sindico, Vicente Moraga; 
Secretary, Moraga till May, and Manuel Arzaga 
from June. 1835 — First Alcalde, Francisco J a- 
vier Alvarado; Second, Domingo Romero; Reg- 
idores, Jauuario Avila, Vicente de la Ossa, 
Ignacio Palomares, Rafael Guirado, Juan N. 
Alvarado, Juan de Dios Bravo; Siudico, JSTar- 
ciso Botello; Secretary, Manuel Arzaga. 1836 — 
First Alcalde, Manuel Requena, Second, Tiburcio, 
Tapia; Regidores, Rafael Guirado, Juan Alvarado 
Basilio Valdes, Felipe Lugo, and Jose M. Her- 
rera; Sindico, Abel Stearns to June, Antonio M. 
Osio from July; Secretary, Narciso Botello. 
1837— First Alcalde, Gil Abarra; Second, Jose 



Sepiilveda; Regidores, Valdes, Lugo, Ilerrera, 
Francisco Pantoja and Bernardino Lopez; Sind- 
ico, Ignacio M. Alvarado; S3cretary, N. Bo- 
tello. 1838 — First Alcalde, Luis Arenas; Second, 
Jose Perez; Regidores, Ignacio Palomares, Ber- 
nardino Lopez, Juan Ballesteros, Antonio Mach- 
ado, Januario Avila, Jose del Carmen Lugo; 
Sindico, Vicente de la Ossa; Secretary, N. Bo- 
tello. 1839— First Alcalde, Tiburcio Tapia; Sec- 
ond, Manuel Dominguez; Regidores, Antonio 
Machado, Januario Avila, Jose del C. Lugo, F. 
M. Alvarado, Jose Sepiilveda, Crisostomo Ve- 
jar; Sindico, Vicente Sanchez; Secretaries in 
succession, Botello and Ignacio Coronel. 

In 1840 the city of Los Angeles had a pop- 
ulation of 1,100. January 14, 1836, the town 
council complained of an epidemic of crows, and 
called for a contribution for a slaughter of the 
birds, else a proclamation would be issued. The 
same month there was a hydrophobia scare, and 
the council solemnly decreed that no man should 
keep more than two dogs, and these must be 
securely tied, and all the rest killed; and this 
work must be done on credit, as the treasury 
was empty. In i^'ebruary, 1837, some men con- 
victed of the crime of fornication were marched 
through the streets, for humiliation.. In 1839 
Francisco Limon was sentenced to two years' 
imprisonment for committing rape on a little 
Indian girl, which resulted in her death. This 
year also California was divided into two districts, 
each one to be governed by a prefect. Cosme 
Pena was appointed prefect of the second or 
Los Angeles district. He soon afterward turned 
his office over to Alcalde Tapia, who was suc- 
ceeded by Santiago Argiiello. The prefect was 
an executive officer exercising a general au- 
thority over the town councils and all local 
officers in the district. 

In 1840 occurred the arrest and exile to Mex- 
ico of Isaac Graiiam and about fifty of his fel- 
low Americans, under orders from Governor 
Alvarado. Graham possessed the usual charac- 
ter of a frontiersman, rough but honest, illiterate 
and largely given to sensuality, warm-hearted, 
and strong in his friendships and hates, lie it 



UISTORY OF LOS AN0BLB8 COUNTY. 



was who bad befriended Alvarado and brought 
him up from the obscurity of a clerkship at 
Monterey to be Governor of California. It was 
Graham, at Alvarado's request, who raised a 
company of frontiersmen, consisting of hunters, 
trappers and settlers, all foreigners and mostly 
Americans and Englishmen, who had taken a 
leading part in deposing Gutierrez and making 
Alvarado Governor, when the latter in turn 
promised grants of land to the foreigners and 
other favors, which he immediately forgot as 
soon as he became Governor. 

Alvarado's order was that all foreigners, from 
San Francisco to San Diego, who could not 
show papers or were not married to native 
women, or engaged in some well-known and 
honorable occupation, should be arrested. It is 
not known exactly how many were arrested at 
Los Angeles, but it is supposed there were about 
eleven, whose names are thus given by Ban- 
croft: James Door, William Lunisdel (or Lums- 
den), Gabriel Pryor (supposed to be Nathan), 
William Wald, Milton White, Jacques Dufra, 
Thomas Jones, William Green, Jeffrey Brown, 
John A unti-oy and Albert Williams. Three or 
four more are reported whose names are not 
given. One, by name Johnson, a blacksmith, 
escaped. Not all of these, however, were ex- 
iled. Under an armed guard from Santa Bar- 
bara, in October, they were conducted in chains 
to Mexico, and imprisoned at Tepic, where they 
were subjected to the shameful and cruel treat- 
ment, such as bad quarters, ill-ventilated, and 
poor food. The Government of the United 
States of America, with its accustomed indiffer- 
ence, did nothing to relieve the distress of its 
citizens; but, fortunately for the Americans, 
there were some Englishmen among the exiles, 
and the English Government, witli its customary 
celerity, promptly interfered in behalf of its 
subjects, and the result was tliat the exiles were 
freed, and the men who had taken them to 
Mexico in chains were themselves arrested. An 
investigation followed, and no evidence was 
found that the exiles had been engaged in any 
plot against the Government of California; and 



they were furnished with some money and a 
passage back to their homes. 

Not all those who were arrested at Los An- 
geles were sent to Mexico; and it is not posi- 
tively known whether all returned who were 
sent, the records being very obscure on that 
matter. About twenty of them returned in 
July, 1841, and others found their way back at 
diflerent times subsequently, having been fur- 
nished money, clothes and arms by the English 
consul at Tepic on the authority of the Mexi- 
can Government, on signing a release for dam- 
ages on account of their exile. 

In 1840 Abel Stearns, of Los Angeles, was 
arraigned for continuing his smuggling opera- 
tions at San Pedro. In October a strange ves- 
sel landed goods there at night in a mysterious 
manner. On searching Stearns's warehouse a 
lot of silks and liquors was found, and condemned. 
Stearns wrote violent letters, talked loudly and 
appealed for justice, meanwhile exerting him- 
self to make false invoices and otherwise put his 
accounts in order. To what extent he suc- 
ceeded the records fail to show; but in Decem- 
ber contraband new hides were found by another 
search of his warehouse. 

American immigration began to be extensive 
in the '40?. In 1841 a party, twenty-five in 
number, arrived at Los Angeles from Santa Fe, 
known as the Workman-Rowland Comjiany, 
being headed by William Workman and John 
Rowland. The members of the company were 
— Fred. Bachelor, *Frank Bediby, *James Doke, 
Jacob Frankfort, Isaac Given, *William Gam- 
ble, William Gordon, *Frank Gwinn, *Wade 
Hampton, William Knight, Thomas Lindsay, 
*L. (or J. II.) Lyman, *John McClure, James 
D. Mead, William C. Moon, John Rowland, 
Daniel Sexton (now of Colton), Hiram Taylor, 

* . Tibault, Albert G. Toombs, Michael 

White (who had previously been in California), 
B. D. Wilson and William Workman. Those 
marked with a star did not remain in California. 
Other accounts give also the name of a Mr. 
Pickman. 

This number was ori>-anized at Santa Fe, where 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



most of the members had for a time resided. 
Starting in September, they crossed tlie t'Olo- 
rado River, and caine by the old Sante Fe trail 
(down the Colorado and across the Mojave 
Desert), and arrived at San Gabriel. Workman 
and Gordon brought their families on this trip, 
and there were three native families who came 
with them to remain. Gamble, Lyman and 
Mead were scientists and spent but a short time 
in California. David W. Alexander and Jean 
B. Rouelle arrived at Los Angeles this year from 
New Mexico. 

In February, 1841, Joseph E. Walker, who 
gave his name to Walker's Pass, with a party of 
fourteen Americans, trappers and traders, ar- 
rived in Los Angeles on a trading expedition. 

In 1842 General Manuel Micheltorena was 
appointed Governor of California, and in July of 
the same year arrived in San Diego with a bat- 
talion of troops recruited from the convicts and 
rufHans from Guadalajara. He stopped in Los 
Angeles during a portion of the months of Sep- 
tember and October with his soldiers, enjoying 
a round of fendangos, feasts and bull-fights. In 
October he started with his men for Monterey, 
and on the 24th camped at San Fernando, where 
he received the news that Commodore Thomas 
Ap Catesby Jones, of the United States Navy, 
had captured Monterey and taken possession of 
it in the name of his Government. Michelto- 
rena, who had been the veteran of five battles, 
immediately fled to Los Angeles and commenced 
preparations for the defense of the city. His 
engineers marked the outlines of a fort to be 
built on the hill, at a point near what is now the 
intersection of Reck and Fort streets, and where 
subsequently the United States did erect some 
field works. While his surveyors and soldiers 
were at work upon this fortification, they were 
personally visited by J. J. Warner, who was 
thus an eye-witness of their labors. 

In the meantime news came that Jones had 
surrendered Monterey back to Alvarado, and 
operations upon the lurt were immediately 
abandoned. Commodore Jones was cruising in 
the Pacific Ocean, and heard rnini)rs of a war 



between the United States and Mexico; and, 
fearing that the English might seize California, 
he sailed immediately for Monterey and capt- 
ured that fort October 19, 1842. Learning of 
his mistake two days later, he hauled down the 
American flag and saluted the Mexican colors, 
and sent word to Micheltorena that he would 
visit him personally at San Pedro. Commodore 
Jones sailed from Monterey on the war-ship 
Cyane, and arrived at San Pedro, January 17, 
1843, where he received an invitation to visit 
Governor Micheltorena at Los Angeles. The 
invitation was accepted, and the following morn- 
ing the Commodore and his staflF disembarked, 
and were received by an escort sent by the Gov- 
ernor and taken to Los Angeles, where they 
were honored by a ball, held in the only two- 
story adobe house in the place. (Some years 
afterward this building was partly torn down, 
and the remaining portion for a long time formed 
one of the principal buildings in Chinatown.) 

AVhile here, Micheltorena presented Jones 
with a written proposition for the payment of 
uniforms and loss of arms and ammunition oc- 
casioned by the Governor's flight from San Fer- 
nando during a rain-storm, when he heard of 
Jones's capture of Monterey. Jones returned the 
proposition without his signature or approval. 
Returning to San Pedro, he embarked with his 
officers. While in Los Angeles, Commodore 
Jones was the guest of Abel Stearns. 

During the first half of 1843 Micheltorena 
remained at Los Angeles with his battalion of 
ex-convicts, who became daily more unpopular 
on account of their continued excesses,^ and in 
July he moved his battalion to Monterey, where 
his unpopularity on account of his soldiers con- 
tinued to increase, and signs of an impending 
revolution were growing daily. 

March 29, 1843, Micheltorena issued a decree 
restoring to the priests their temporal manage- 
ment of the missions on the condition that one- 
eighth of the total products of every mission 
should be paid into the treasury. San Gabriel 
and San Fernando, the two missions in this 
cuuntv, were luimed in the decree, and the 



inSTOHY Ol<' LOS AJ\GBLES COUNTY 



changes were ett'ected in April, but practically 
amounted to notliing. 

The disiitfectioii wliich liad been manifested 
from the first appearance of Micheltorena's 
soldiers in Calilornia grew stronger in 1844. 
There were rumors of revolt in Monterey, 
which resulted in the arrest of ex-Governor J. 
1). Alvarado. The revolt finally came, which 
resulted in driving Micheltorena and liis ex- 
convicts from the country. The revolution 
commenced about the middle of November, 
1844, at Monterey, by a party of fifty Califor- 
nians, under Manuel Castro, stealing the Gov- 
ernment horses and seizing the ammunition 
stores at the mission of San Juan Bautista. The 
uprising was general throughout all California. 
In his extremity Micheltorena applied to John 
A. Sutter for aid, and he consented to espouse 
the Governor's cause provided the latter should 
assure to him and his friends certain grants of 
land which they desired. This agreed to, 
Sutter, with about seventy other foreigners, 
principally Americans, placed himself under 
Micheltorena's orders, and the latter marched 
toward Los Angeles. At this place the sympa- 
thies of the Americans were all for the South as 
against Micheltorena; and while they did not 
expect to fight their countrymen under his 
command they organized a company for their 
own protection, under James McKinley. In 
this organization William Workman was a Cap- 
tain and John Rowland a lieutenant, and among 
the private soldiers were Abel Stearns, B. D. 
Wilson, Alexander Bell, Richard Laughiin, 
Nathaniel Pryor, Alexander Sales, Michael 
White, P. Mace, James I>eekwourth, James 
Barton, William Fallon, John Reed, Louis 
Vignes, William Garner, Samuel Carpenter, 

Henry Dalton, Daniel Sexton, Callaghan, 

Cornelius Perry and William Smith. 

Governor Micheltorena and his army had left 
Monterey for the South about the middle of 
January, and on Fel)ruary It) entered the San 
Fernando Valley s<imewliere in the neighbor- 
hood of Encino Ranch. On the previous day 
Castro and Alvarado had advanced through the 



Cahuenga Pass from Los Angeles with 284 
men, and camped on the southern edge of the 
San Fernando Valley, seven or eight miles from 
the Encino Ranch. On the 19th Pico also came 
from Los Angeles with re-enforcements, so that 
the Californians had about 400 men, while 
Micheltorena had about an equal force. 

On Friday morning, February 20, 1845, the 
rival armies being only a few miles apart, ad- 
vanced toward each other, Micheltorena startino- 
from the Encino Ranch and moving eastward 
down the San Fernando Valley, and Castro from 
Cahuenga westward up the valley, both armies 
marching along the Los Angeles River toward 
each other until they approached within very 
long cannon range. The revolutionists had two 
small cannon, and Micheltorena three. It was 
probably noon before the firing began, but it 
was kept up all the afternoon, on both sides. 
Micheltorena's gunners used grape and fired 
over 100 shots, while Castro's men used balls, 
and in some cases small stones, but fired fewer 
shots. The " tide of battle" raged with vary- 
ing success throughout that eventful afternoon. 
Many trees had their limbs broken, and the 
mountain rabbits were friglitened almost to 
death by the sudden explosion of gunpowder! 
The engagement was quite as noisy as an Amer- 
ican Fourth of July! The result of the day's 
fighting was that a horse on Castro's side had 
his head blown off. Some say that two horses 
fell, and it was rumored that Micheltorena was 
slightly injured. The battle-field was at a well- 
known place called Alamo. Just before night 
Micheltorena moved his army eastward across 
the plain, with the apparent intention of ex- 
ecuting a flank movement, and, strikino- the 
river at its bend, followed it down to the city. 
Accordingly a large part of the Californian 
army withdrew from the Cahuenga Pass, and, 
proceeding to the left until they reached the 
river, ascended its course for a few miles and 
encamped for the night. 

On the morning of the 21st the two armies 
were again facing each other, on the Verdugo 
Ranch, some ten or twelve miles from the action 



IIIsruRY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



of the preceding day. There seems to have 
been more cannon firing for an hour or two, 
when Miclieltorena raised- the white flag and 
proposed a capitulation. This sudden action on 
his part was occasioned by the desertion of Sut- 
ter and his men to the otlier side. They left 
him without firing a shot, being persuaded so 
to do by their fellow-countrymen of Los An- 
geles, against whom they would not fight, many 
of thein being personal friends. They had been 
wavering before, and were not sorry for an ex- 
cuse to withdraw from a bad cause. 

During the battle they were visited by Mc- 
Kinlej' and Wilson, who argued that it was 
neither the duty nor the interest of the Amei'i- 
cans to fight for the purpose of keeping Michel- 
torena's convict army in California. Captain 
Gantt and other members of his company ad- 
mitted the force of Wilson's reasoning, but 
replied that their men were afraid of losing 
the lands which Micheltorena had granted or 
promised to them. To remove this dilRculty 
Pio Pico was sent for, and came in person, ex- 
plaining to the Americans that Micheltorena's 
grants and promises wei'e worthless, because 
lands could not be granted legally to any but 
Mexicans; and assured them that they would 
in no way be oppressed; that their present occu- 
pation of land would not be disturbed; and that 
as soon as they chose to be citizens he would 
give them legal titles. This being satisfactory, 
the Americans immediately withdrew frum the 
field and left the Mexicans to fight it out for 
themselves. 

Sutter was not in the ravine with the rifle- 
men, but came there while negotiations were in 
progress to learn why they were not obeying 
orders. On his way back to Micheltorena's 
position he and Bidwell, his aide, were captured, 
and after a brief detention were sent under a 
parole to Los Angeles. "There is room for 
suspicion," says Bancroft, "though there is no 
proof of it, that Sutter's capture was not alto- 
gether against his wiil, it being a pre-arranged 
inethod for honorably deserting Micheltorena's 
cause. It was evident from which quarter the 



winds were seen to blow, and it was high time 
for the wily Swiss to trim his sails accordingly." 

As soon as Micheltorena realized that the 
Americans under him had gone over to the 
other side, he surrendered. A treaty was made 
the next day by which Micheltorena agreed to 
return to Mexico, turn over the Government to 
Pio Pico, and for such of his troops to go with 
him as wished to, and those who did not might 
remain. Pico at once assumed command, and 
on the 23d issued a proclamation as Governor, 
congratulating the people on the return of peace. 

M'cheltorena embarked with 200 of his 
troops at San Pedro for Monterey, where they 
were not allowed to land, except the General 
himself. There they were joined by his wife, 
and on the last of March sailed away to 
Mexico. 

With Pio Pico as Governor, and a majority 
of the legislature Southern men, the old ques- 
tion of the capital was at last settled, and Los 
Angeles for the first time obtained her rights, 
and during the remainder of the period of Mexi- 
can rule, about a year and a half, was the capi- 
tal of California. Pico made Bandini his Sec- 
retary of State at first, and a little later Jose M. 
Covarrubias. 

The Legislature met at Los Angeles in regu- 
lar session on March 2. There was a notable 
absence of Northern members. The only im- 
portant action of this Legislature was the 
preparation of an extensive report of the late 
proceedings against Micheltorena. 

But the new Government did not find every- 
thing easy. In March Simplicio Valves was 
arrested on a charge of conspiring to seize the 
public funds, and proclaim Micheltorena Gov- 
ernor. At the same time Matias Moreno was 
convicted of libel committed against the Gov- 
ernment, and banished across the frontier, but a 
few months later was pardoned. On the night 
of April 8 some twenty criminals overpow- 
ered their guards and escaped from the jail, 
seized their arms, and stationed themselves 
before the church, kindled a bonfire, and cleared 
the streets with a volley of their muskets and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



the clnircli cannon, slionting, •' Down with 
I'ifo, Carrillo and Saiicliez!" As the citizens 
began to assemble in arms the enthusiasm of 
the rebels cooled, and most of them surrendered 
to the authorities. The ringleaders were sen- 
tenced to six years' imprisonment at Acapulco. 

In May Carrillo was superseded in command 
by Andres Pico. The news came this month 
of the wai- between the United States and 
Mexico, and a vessel was sent from Monterey 
to Acapulco to learn whether it were true. 

The population of Los Angeles City in 1845 
was 1,250. In the same year the town council 
presented the church with a new cemetery, on 
the condition that there should be no church 
tax on the burials, which the bishop declined. 
A prosperous school was taught by Lieutenant 
Medina. This year the town council also ap- 
pointed a committee to name the streets and 
number the houses. 

In 18-41 there arrived at Los Angeles the 
annual New Mexican caravan, under the com- 
mand of E. Vigil. There was also a party of 
tifty-tive Americans, under the command of 
'•Peg-leg" Smith. This year, January 18, 
was committed the murder of Nicholas Fink, a 
German shoemaker, who had lived in California 
live years. His shop was closed for five days, 
when an investigation showed that he had been 
murdered and the place robbed on the night of 
the 14th. The body was found in the shop, 
the skull having been broken by a blow from a 
gun-barrel. Three Mexicans, named Ascencion 
Valencia, Santiago Lenares and Jose Uuarte, 
were convicted of the crime, and shot by a de- 
tachment of eleven soldiers from Santa Bar- 
bara. The execution took place between ten 
and eleven o'clock on the 6th of April. 

In March, 1842, occurred a discovery of gold 
at the San Francisquito Ranch, thirty-live miles 
west of Los Angeles. The circumstances of the 
discovery by Francisco Lopez, a native of Cali- 
fornia, as related by him, are as follows: Lopez, 
with a companion, was out in search of some 
stray horses, and about midday they stopped 
under some trees and tied their horses out to 



feed, they resting under the shade, when Lopez 
with his sheath knife dug up some wild onions, 
and in the dirt discovered a piece of gold, and 
searching further found some more. He 
brought these to town, and showed them' to his 
friends, who at once declared there must be a 
placer of gold. This news being circulated, 
numbers of the citizens went to the place and 
commenced prospecting in the neighborhood, 
and found it to be a fact that there was a placer 
of gold. After being satisfied most persons 
returned, some remained, particularly Sonori- 
ans, who were accustomed to work in placers. 
They met with good success. From this time 
the placers were worked with more or less suc- 
cess, and principally by Sonorians, until the 
latter part of 1846, when most of them left, 
with Captain Flores, for Sonora. While worked 
there was some $6,000 or §S,000 taken out per 
annum. 

In 1846 the provincial Legislature met in 
Los Angeles. Only the Southern members 
were present. Pio Pico communicated to the 
Legislature the news of his appointment by 
President Herrera as the constitutional Gov- 
ernor of the Californias, and on April 18, be- 
fore that body and in the presence of a large 
concourse of citizens and officials, he took the 
oath of office and delivered his inaugural address. 

This closes the annals of the city prior to the 
Mexican war; but this is the most appropriate 
place for a list of the municipal officers for the 
period, 1840-'48. 

As has been before stated, the Government of 
Los Angeles was placed under a prefecture in 
1840, when Santiago Arguella was appointed 
prefect, which office he held until 1843: Manuel 
Dominguez had the office during the last seven 
mouths of 1843. In 1844 there was no prefect, 
the system being abolished by Governor Mich- 
eltorena, after whose fall it was restored by Pico, 
in July, with Los Angeles as the First District, 
and JoseSepiilveda as sub-prefect, the Governor's 
presence removing in theory the necessity of a 
prefect. 

In 1841-'43 municipal affairs were managed by 



IIISTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



two justices of the peace, the first judge being 
successively Ignacio Palomares, Manuel Domiu- 
gnez and Antonio F. Coronel. In 1844 the 
ayuntamiento was restored, and the chief 
alcaldes this year were Manuel Requena and 
Vincente Sanchez. The rural guards (jueces 
del campo) were appointed each year to watch 
over the enforcement of law in the suburbs and 
at the ranchos. The full list of officers is: — 

1841. — Prefect, Santiago Arguello; Secretary, 
Narciso Botello; Justices, Ignacio i'alouiares, 
Ignacio M. Alvarado; Tax Collector, etc., Basilio 
Valdes. 

1842. — Prefect, Santiago Arguello; Secretary, 
Jose Ramon Arguello from February 1; Jus- 
tices, Manuel Domiuguez and Jose L. Sepiilveda 
y Avila; Rural Guards, Antonio I. Avila, Mace- 
donio Aguilar, Eamon M. Lopez; Ilecaudador, 
Valdes. 

1843.— Prefect, Arguello till May 16, when 
he resigned, then Manuel Dominguez; Secretary, 
Botello; Justices, Manuel Dominguez and An- 
tonio F. Coronel till May, then Coronel and 
Rafael Gallardo; Recaudador, Tonias Sanchez. 

1844. — No prefect. Alcaldes, Manuel Re- 
quena and Tiburcio Tapia; Regidores, Luis 
Arenas, William Wolfskill, Felipe Lugo, Cristo- 
bel Aguilar; Sindico, Juan Bandini; Secretary, 
Ignacio Coronel; Rural Guards, Jose Carmen 
Lugo, Ramon Ibarra, Tomas Talamantes, Pedro 



Avila, Juan Avila, Tomas Colimaand Bernardo 
Yorba; Police Agent, Gabriel de la Torre; Com- 
missioner of the Zanjas, Vicente Sanchez from 
April; Zanjeros, Gaspar Valcnzuela, Antonio M. 
Valdes and Jose M. Lopez. 

1845. — Sub-prefect, Jose L. Sepiilveda; Al- 
caldes, Vicente Sanchez, Juan Sepiilveda; Regi- 
dores, Felipe Lugo, Christobal Aguilar, Leonardo 
Cota, Luis Jordan; Sindico, liasillio Valdes; 
Secretary, Ignacio Coronel ; Rural Guards, A. M, 
Lugo, Macedonio Aguilar, Ignacio Reyes, An- 
tonio I. Avila, Francisco Garcia at St. Feliciano. 

1846. — Sub-prefect, Abel Stearns; Alcaldes, 
Juan Gallardo and Jose L. Sepiilveda; Regidores, 
Leonardo Cota, Luis Jordan, Miguel Pryor and 
Julian Chavez; Sindico, Alexander Bell; Secre- 
tary, Ignacio Coronel. Cota was Jnez de Aguas 
and Casildo Aguilar was Celador. 



1847. 



Alcaldes, Jose Salazar and Enrique 



Avila; Regidores, Miguel N. Pryor, Julian 
Chavez, Rafael Gallardo and Jose A. Yorba; 
Sindico, Jose Vicente Guerrero; Secretary, Ig- 
nacio Coronel. 

1848. — Alealdeand Judge of the first instance, 
Stephen C. Foster; Second Alcalde.Vicente Guer- 
rero; Sindico, Abel Stearns; Rural Guards, An- 
tonio I. Avila, Augustin Machado, Tomas 
Serrano, Juan Ramirez, Antonio Salazar, P'ran- 
cisco Lopez; Sherifi", Henry Cardwell; Collector 
at San Pedro, David W. Alexander. 



^^mtmm 






HISrOBT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 




CHATTER VIII. 



fllE bei^inniiig of the Mexican war in Cali- 
fornia found J. C. Fremont in cliarge of an 
^J explorin<j expedition in the Upper Sacra- 
mento Valley, en route to Oregon, whence he was 
hastily recalled by Lieutenant A. H. Gillespie, a 
special messenger from Washington. In June, 
1846, the American settlers captured the town of 
Sonoma and raised the famous " Bear Flag." 
July 7, Commodore Sloat, of the United States 
Navy, raised the flag of the United States at 
Monterey, issuing a proclamation that Cali- 
fornia thenceforth would be a portion of the 
United States. Commodore Stockton arrived 
July 15, from Honolulu, on board the ship 
Congress, and on the 23d assumed command of 
all the United States forces on land. On the 
same day he perfected an arrangement with 
Fremont by which 160 members of the Bear- 
Flag revolution were received as a battalion of 
volunteers, and Fremont made major. On the 
26th the ship Cyane, commanded by (^aptain 
Dupont, was sent to San Diego with the Fre- 
mont battalion on board. 

July 16, Governor Pico issued a proclamation 
calling the Legislature in special session at Los 
Angeles; but nothing much was accomplished, 
although an effort was made to organize an 
With Castro in command, an encamp- 



army. 
ment was n 
of the citv. 



the mesa a short distance cast 



CAPTURE OF LOS ANGELES, AND FLIGHT OF Vicn. 

Stockton arrived at San Pedro, August 6. 
Here the flag was raised and a force landed, to 
be drilled and otherwise prepared for the march 
inland. Stockton was visited by two commis- 
sioners from General Castro. They were Pablo 
de la Guerra and Jose M. Flores. Their propo- 
sition was not intelligible, and was evidently 
made to gain time, and was rejected. August 
9, Castro, after holding a council of war with 
his officers on the mesa, resolved to leave Cali- 
fornia, and so notified Pico in writing. His 
reasons were that his force was insufficient and 
badly armed, and he was wholly unable to cope 
with the Americans, and closed by inviting the 
Governor to fly with him. On receipt of Cas- 
tro's communication Pico submitted it to the 
Legislature on August 10, and admitted the 
impossibility of a successful defense, proposing 
that the Legislature should dissolve itself in 
order that the Americans might find none of 
the authorities acting. The Legislature then 
voted to approve Pico's resolve and adjourned 
sine die. In his parting address to the people, 
Pico announced that as " between ignominy and 
emigration he chose the latter." 

Pico and Castro left Los Angeles on the night 
of the 10th, but did not flee together. Castro, 
accompanied by his secretary, Francisco Arce, 
and a small party, wont by way of San liernar- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



dino and the San Gorgonio Pass to Yuma, and 
tlience to Altar in Sonora. Pico went to 
Yorba's ranch, on the Santa Ana Piver, and 
thence to San Juan Capistratio, where he was 
concealed for about a month, and was closely 
hunted by a party under Santiago E. Argiiello, 
who had espoused the American cause. His 
efforts to capture Pico were unsuccessful. 

Fremont at San Diego in vain assured Pico 
that he would not be molested, hoping thereby 
to induce him to convoke the Legislature and go 
through the form of turning the country over 
to the United States. This Pico refused to do, 
and, being joined by his secretary, Moreno, 
escaped across the line into Lower California on 
September 7, and went on down the peninsula 
to Muleje, arriving there October 22. Cross- 
ing thence over the gulf to Guaymas, he went 
on to Hermosillo, when the former place was 
bombarded by the Americans. He did not 
return to California until about July, 1848. 

Stockton commenced his march from San 
Pedro to Los Angeles August 11. The cannon 
were drawn by oxen and sailors. Major Fremont, 
from San Diego, met the army just outside the 
town, and at four o'clock on the 13th, the com- 
bined armies of the United States entered the 
capital with a band of music playing, and raised 
the flag with the usual ceremonies. Some of 
the people had fled to the ranches, while others 
had withdrawn to the hill where Micheltorena 
had once started to build a fort, and there 
watched to see what the Americans would do 
with the town; but they could not resist the en- 
chantment of a band of music which was sta- 
tioned on the plaza, and before night it was the 
center of attention of nearly tlie whole popula- 
tion. 

A few of Castro's men were captured, and let 
out on parole. Stockton mounted a few guns 
on the hill, and, organizing a garrison under 
command of Lieutenant Archibald H. Gillespie, 
retired with his force to San Pedro, after having 
issued a proclamation to the people announcing 
that the country now belonged to the United 
States, and would be governed for a time by 



military law, though the people were invited to 
choose their civil officers, and assuring them the 
])rotection of their life and property. He 
ordered an election of alcaldes and other muni- 
cipal officers to be held in the several towns 
and districts on September 15. August 28 he 
forwarded a full report of his doings to Wash- 
ington by Kit Carson, the famous scout, who 
started out on horseback overland to carry the 
message. 

Leaving Gillespie at Los Angeles Major Fre- 
mont marched northward to the Sacramento 
Valley. 

THE MEXICAN REVOLT. 

Gillespie read and spoke Spanish well, and at 
once began issuing his decrees interfering with 
the old customs of the people and enforcing 
arl)itrary arrests. These proceedings caused 
some irritation, especially in view of the small 
force he had with which to enforce his I'egula- 
tions, who were not regular soldiers and had no 
idea of discipline, — not that they had any trou- 
ble with the people, but gave their commander 
more trouble than any one else, getting drunk 
and straggling about while he tried to enforce 
tlie same discipline on them as on his marines 
on board ship. 

Things went on this way until September 
16, the anniversary of Mexican independence. 
A number of the drinking class continued cele- 
brating on Negro alley for a week, and some of 
Gillespie's men with them, and the latter became 
drunk. Gillespie finally succeeded in getting 
all his men into the barracks and locking up the 
drunken ones in the guard-room. The barracks 
were in the Government house, a large adobe 
building fronting on Main street, from and in- 
cluding the site of the present St. Charles Hotel 
to the middle of Commercial street, and with 
his. court-yards extending back nearly to Los 
Angeles street, having a large gate in the rear. 
The Californians kept up their carousal, and 
Gillespie's decrees and innovations upon their 
old customs were daily discussed; and while 
Fremont and Stockton were absent they came 



HIHTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



to the conclusion that war had not been declared, 
and that Stockton possibly had been deceived, 
as Commodore Jones was four years before. The 
more they drank and discussed the matter the 
clearer it became; and at all events they deter- 
mined not to be domineered over by a handful 
of Americans. 

Accordingly, after midnight al)ont twenty 
men, headed by Serbulo Barelas (thus he spells 
it himself), began an attack on the barracks on 
Los Angeles street, firing at the gate from their 
horses, with cries of Viva Mejico ! (Live 
Mexico !) and Alajo los Americanos! (Down 
with the Americans!). The uproar aroused 
the whole town, and a number of American res- 
idents secured their arms and effected an en- 
trance to the barracks from Main street, and 
found Gillespie with some nine or ten men 
firing at random at the same gate. On being 
asked where the remainder of his men were, it 
turned out that he had forgotten that they were 
shut up in the guard-room ! They were im- 
mediately released, now perfectly sober, and all 
hands, mounting upon the flat roof fired a vol- 
ley into the assailants, who immediately galloped 
off, and all was quiet. 

Serbulo Barelas afterward said that it was 
a drunken frolic, and the affair would h.tve ended 
there had it not been for the ne.xt step taken by 
Gillespie. American residents kept coming in, 
and Gillespie then dispatched a party to arrest 
men who had been paroled, though warned by 
men who knew the people that he would arouse 
the whole population. About half a dozen were 
arrested without any trouble, being found where 
all honest men should have been found at that 
time of the night, — in bed at home. Among 
them were General Andres Pico, one of the 
most popular men in the country, Don Jose 
Carrillo, e.\-deputy to the Mexican congress, and 
ex-Oaptain Jose Maria Flores, who, after making 
a hasty toilet, were taken to the guard-room. 

The result predicted took place. Soon after 
daybreak the whole Mexican population was in 
arms, and seized a number of American residents 
who had been unaiiio to got into the barracks. 



Gillespie became alarmed and I'eleased his pris- 
oners, and the Californians released theirs. The 
Californians arrested were furious at their seizure 
and the attempt to hold them responsible for 
the acts of a few (Irimken vagabonds; and as 
Gillespie had violated the promise made tliem 
of personal liberty when they gave their parole 
they declared they would be no longer bound by it. 

Before night some 400 men had collected and 
formed their camp at the mill on the cast side 
of the river, near the Macy street bridge. They 
chose Flores commander. Every man was pro- 
vided with lance and sword, but they were badly 
oft' for fire-arms and had but little ammunition. 
On September 24, the day after the outbi-eak, 
Barelas issued a stereotyped proclamation to 
his people reciting the wrongs which they had 
suffered, appealing to their patriotism, and 
threatening vengeance. 

B. D. Wilson had been put in command of 
twenty Americans to protect the San Bernardino 
frontier; and while at the Jurupa Rancho. just 
west of the present town of Riverside, Septem- 
ber 26, he heard of the revolt of Barelas at 
Los Angeles, and, receiving an invitation from 
Isaac Williams for the company to go to the 
Chiiio Rancho, they went but found no powder, 
and had only little themselves, having used their 
supply in hunting. That afternoon the Califor- 
nians approached, numbering about fifty men, 
under the command of Barelas, and were joined 
by a force of about twenty Mexicans under J. 
C. Lugo, of San Bernardino. A few shots were 
exchanged that evening. The Americans were 
in a large adobe ranch house having a few win- 
dows or other openings in the wall, and was 
roofed with asphaltum, and was surrounded by 
a ditch and an adobe fence. 

At daylight on the 27th the Californians, 
many of them on horseback, made a rush for the 
house, the movement being accompanied and 
followed by a discharge of fire-arms from both 
sides. Several horses fell, either into the ditch 
or against the fence, throwing their riders, one 
of whom was killed by a rifle ball. Several 
Americans were seriously wouiidud. Tlie as- 



U I STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



sailants reached a position close under the walls 
where they could not be seen. The Mexicans 
set fire to the roof. Williams pi-esented himself 
with his small children, whose uncles, the Lngos, 
were among the assailants. Barelas appeared 
at the entrance and demanded the surrender of 
the A)nericans, promising them protection as 
prisoners of war. The terms were accepted. 
Wilson and his men then surrendered. The 
Mexicans then extinguished the fire and secured 
the plunder, and all were soon on the road to 
Los Angeles. 

Diego Sepulveda proposed to Barelas to fchoot 
the Americans in revenge for the death of their 
comrade at Chino, which Barelas refused to do. 
The pi-isoners were turned over to General 
Flores, who subsequently exchanged them. Gil- 
lespie and his men were now posted on Fort 
Hill where some guns were mounted. 

Following is a list of the members of the 
Wilson party who were captured at Chino 
Kanch: B. D. Wilson, Isaac Williams, David 
W. Alexander, John Rowland, Louis Eobdoux 
(spelled according to autograph letter in the 
possession of H. H. Bancrolt), Joseph Perdue, 
William Skene, Isaac and Evan Callaghan, 
Michael White, Mat. Harbin and George 
Walters. 

The ibllowing account of the circumstances 
attending the mounting of these guns is taken 
from G. F. Parsons's Life of J. W. Marshall, of 
gold-discovery fame. Marshall was a member 
of the company that had been left at San Diego 
by Commodore Stockton, but within a month 
was trauferred to Los Angeles. Soon after his 
arrival in Los Angeles he noticed discontent 
among the native Californians occasioned by the 
severe discipline of Gillespie. One day, while 
strolling through the town, he was attracted by 
the conversation of two Mexicans in a saloon. 
Pretending ignorance of their language he lulled 
their suspicions, and heard them talking about 
a certain six-pound brass cannon which they said 
was buried in a widow's garden near the town. 
LCe at once informed Gillespie of what he had 
heard, but the latter laughed at the story, being 



confident that Stockton had collected all the can- 
non in the neighborhood. 

On another day, on walking througli the In- 
dian quarter, Marshall came upon a group of 
Mexicans who were drinking and pledging 
toasts to " Castro and revolution." At this time 
Marshall was employed as chief carpenter, and 
had just received orders to lit up the officers' 
quarters, which were situated in the Government 
building, on what is now the site of the St. 
Charles Hotel. Feeling certain that an attack 
was contemplated by the Californians, he took 
the responsibility of using the lumber he had ob- 
tained for the purpose of making furniture, and 
spent the day in repairing and strengthening 
the gates of the building. His foresight un- 
doubtedly saved a general massacre of the 
Americans; for the portals thus strengthened 
resisted the subsequent attack of the assailants, 
who, according to Marshall's biogra])her, were 
forced to retreat, with the loss of eight killed. 
The Californians, finding it impossible to take 
the quarters by storm, retired, and having gath- 
ered a force of 500 men, prepared for a siege. 

The situation of the Government house was 
peculiarly unfortunate. Immediately in front 
of it on the west rose a hill, the summit of which 
is in the vicinity of the intersection of Pock and 
Fort streets, commanding a view of every por- 
tion of the court-yard and buildings, and it was 
at once seen that the enemy could mount a gun on 
the hill and have the Americans at their mercy. 

While they were deliberating as to the best 
course to pursue, a shout' was heard from the 
enemy, and looking out it was seen that they 
were approaching the hill, carrying with them 
a six-pound brass cannon. At this moment 
Marshall turned to Gillespie and said grimly: 
"There, Gillespie, there's my gun that you 
wouldn't believe in." The officer bit his lip, 
but made no reply. 

Marshall was equal to the emergency; and 
declared that the only chance was to get a gun 
on the crest of the hill before the Mexicans could 
reach it. Gilltspie thought that this was good 
enougli advice, but unfortunately they had no 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



serviceable artillery. It is true that two or three 
old camion lay in the court-yard, but they were 
all spiked and useless. Marshall had two or 
three days before asked Gillespie for nitric acid 
to unspike one of these guns, and had been re- 
fused. He now took a hammer and cold-chisel, 
and in live minutes had cleared the touch-hole 
of a four-pounder. In the meantime some of 
the other soldiers were employed in improv-ising 
cartridges for the gun; and this having been 
rapidly effected, a sally was made from the cita- 
del and a run for the top of the hill commenced. 
The Californians had not been idle while these 
preparations were being made; but they had 
further to go, and thus the chances were about 
even. Neither party could see the other, as 
they were ascending the hill from opposite di- 
rections, and as the Americans neai-ed the sum- 
mit the excitement became intense. If the 
enemy secured the position, they would them- 
selves reach the top just in time to receive a 
deadly discharge from the six-pounder, and they 
could not tell where their opponents were. Still 
they strained every nerve up the steep slope 
dragging the gun with them; and as they sur- 
mounted the crest a cheer burst from them as 
they saw the Californians still a considei'able 
distance off, they haiving made the ascent in a 
more leisurely manner, being unaware that they 
were engaged in a match against time. It was 
the work of but a very few minutes to plant 
their gun and point it; and before the Mexicans 
had time to realize the sitftation a rattling dis- 
charge came tearing in among them, bringing 
them to a sudden halt, which changed to a hasty 
retreat wlien they saw how they had been out- 
maneuvered. 

A.fter this the Mexicans made no more dem- 
onstrations that day; but as there was no telling 
when they would attack again, it was necessary 
to keep the position on the hill, and for this 
purpose a guard was placed over the gun and 
sentries posted about the sides and brow of the 
eminence. Marshall himself was one of the 
sentries. 

General Flures B. sent D. Wilson to Gillespie 



with the proposal that the Americans could 
march to San Pedro if they would abandon their 
post in the city. Gillespie accepted the offer, 
and September 29 marched out with all the 
honors of war, flags flying and drums beating, 
taking with him the four cannon of which an 
account is given elsewhere. At San Pedro, 
October 4, he embarked on the merchant ship 
Vandalia, accompanied by a few American citi- 
zens and twelve of the prisoners taken at the 
Chiuo Ranch, for whom lie had exchanged a 
like number of Californians. 

BATTLE OF DOMINGUEZ RANCH. 

Captain Mervin having left San Francisco on 
the Savannah, October 4, reached San Pedro on 
the 6th and immediately landed 350 men^ who 
were joined by Gillespie's men from the Van- 
dalia, and on the 7th began their march to Los 
Angeles. They took no cannon from the ship, 
and had no horses. In the afternoon they saw 
a mounted company of flfty Californians, under 
the command of Jose Antonio Carrillo, with 
whom they exchanged a few shots. At night 
the Americans occupied the buildings of the 
Dominguez Ilancho,and before midnight Flores 
joined Carrillo with sixty more men, bringing 
with him the brass four-pounder, which they 
fired on the Americans occasionally during the 
night. 

Early the next morning, October 8, Flores 
retired to Los Angeles with twenty men, leaving 
Carrillo with ninety men and the brass cannon, 
with orders not to risk a general engagement, 
but to harass the Americans as much as possi- 
ble. The American forces under Mervin were 
composed of marines and seamen, whom he 
formed into a solid square in the center, while 
Gillespie's party acted as skirmisheis on the 
right and the left. Carrillo also divided his 
force into three bodies, about forty on each 
flank, and ten with the gun in the center, with 
Ignacio Aguilar as gunner. 

The Americans advanced and were greeted 
with a discharge from the gun. The Mexicans 
immediately fell back, their guns being dragged 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



by riatas attached to the horses' saddles, to be 
reloaded at a safe distance. These movements 
were repeated a half dozen times in less than an 
hour. The first discharge did no harm, on 
account of the defect of the home-made gun- 
powder they used; but at last the gun was 
properly loaded, and the solidly advancing 
column aiforded an excellent target, each shot 
proving effective. Six Americans were killed 
and six wounded. No one was hurt on the 
Californians' side. The Americans behaved 
bravely; but Mervin, perceiving that it was 
impossible to overtake the flying artillery and 
cavalry by soldiers on foot, retreated to San 
Pedro and re-embarked. The dead were buried 
on Dead Man's Island, by which name it had 
been previously known. A company of Mexi- 
cans was kept at Temple's ranch at Cerritos, 
and at Sepulveda's ranch near San Pedro, to 
watch the movements of the American ships. 

Flores summoned the legislature, wliich met 
at Los Angeles, October 26, and reorganized. 
The members present were Figueroa, Botello, 
Guerra, Olvera and Joaquin Carrillo. Figueroa 
acted as president, and Olvera as secretary. The 
principal business at this session was the elec- 
tion of Jose Maria Flores as Commander-in- 
chief of the army and Governor ad i/tterim, thus 
uniting the two commands in one person, which 
had been made vacant by the flight of Pico and 
Castro. Flores took the oath of office about 
November 1. 

Meanwhile Commodore Stockton, having left 
Monterey October 19, arrived at San Pedro the 
23d, on the Congress, and learned from Mervin 
the story of his defeat. The Californians had 
driven otf all the horses from this section of the 
country and made it impossible for Stockton to 
carry his provisions for his march on Los An- 
geles. He, therefore, decided to attack Los 
Angeles by way of San Diego. Accordingly 
he sailed to San Diego, about November 1. 
The following sketch of the battle at Dominguez 
Panch is condensed from an account given by 
Stephen C. Foster: 

"Mervin was encamped at the Dominguez 



Ranch, expecting no resistance, when Carrillo 
before daybreak ordered the gun to be fired at 
the house. 'Let us give the morning salute, 
boys,' was his order. The ball entered the win- 
dow and sent the adobe clattering down on the 
sleepers, the roar of the gun giving them the 
unwelcome news that the enemy still had artil- 
lery. Carrillo then fell back on the road about 
half a mile, posted his gun in the road and his 
lancers in line to one side. The sailors and 
volunteers had not the least idea of forming a 
hollow square to resist cavalry, and Mervin 
ordered them to close up when the lancers 
ciiarged toward them. The sailors and marines 
obeyed orders and so formeJ a compact mass of 
250 men crowded together. Two of the crew 
dismounted, the others holding the horses, one 
maneuvering the pole up and down, right and 
left, until tlie gunner got the range, when he 
fired and at the same time the lancers charged, 
but wheeled about as soon as the gun was dis- 
charged; the gunners jumped on their horses 
and were off at full gallop until they got far 
enough ahead to reload, when the same maneu- 
vers were repeated. 

"In all, four shots were fired in this manner, 
the swarthy cannoneer depressing his piece 
every time so as to strike the ground, and the 
ball ricochetting spent its force in the solid 
mass, killing or wounding two or three every 
time. The volunteers would not obey orders to 
close up, but kept in scattered order, trusting 
to their rifles to repel the cavalry, but running 
and firing on the gunners with the hope of dis- 
abling them, but hitting neither horses nor 
riders. The running fight was kept up for 
about three miles, to the slough boundary of 
the ranch. There the gun stuck fast, and the 
Americans came near capturing it. The Cali- 
fornians plied their spurs and crouched to their 
horses' manes while a shower whistled by them, 
pulled their gun out and loaded with their last 
ball to await another attack; but Mervin had 
got enough. 

"The day was very hot, and it was still ten 
miles to town, with that gun firing at them 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



with deadly aim every half mile, and he ordered 
a retreat to the ranch. They carried their killed 
and wounded back to the house, piled their 
ghastly load on one of Dominguez' carts, made 
an old Californiaii, who was in charge of the 
house, mount his horse and hitch his riata to 
the tongue, to steer the craft, while the sailors 
hauled by hide ropes down to San Pedro, where 
they re-embarked. 

"The next day Commodore Stockton arrived 
with the remainder of his ships, and landed 
800 men and six light guns, to march on the 
town the ne.xt day; but Carrillo maneuvered his 
force of 400 men by forming them in a circle in 
columns of fours, so that some eighty men 
could be seen from the mast-heads marching 
toward the beach and disappearing in a hollow. 
The middies were in the tops with their glasses, 
counting the enemy's force, and by dark they 
had counted more than 2,000, and they were still 
marching when night fell. Stockton re-embarked 
the next day and proceeded to San Diego." 

Immediately after arriving there he searched 
the country for horses and cattle to facilitate 
his march to Los Angeles, of which he secured 
a considerable number. 

Early in December, 1846, Stockton received 
information of the approach of General Stephen 
W. Kearny, of the United States Army, with 
an armed force overland, and sent Captain Gil- 
lespie with an armed force to meet him. 

December 6 occurred the battle of San Pas- 
cual, in which Keirny gave battle to the Cal- 
ifornian forces under General Andres Pico. His 
army suffered the severe loss of eighteen men 
killed, three mortally wounded, sixteen seriously 
wounded and one missing. Stockton, on hear- 
ing of the battle, sent a force to Kearny's relief 
of about 200 marines and sailors. Kearny ar- 
rived in safety at San Diego on the 12th. 

In the meantime Fremont was busy at Mon- 
terey preparing his battalion for a march on 
Los Angeles. Having united his forces at San 
Juan on November 29, he started out to co- 
operate with Stockton in Southern California. 
December 14 they arrived at San Luis Obispo, 



wdiere they halted for several days. Here oc- 
curred the trial by court-martial of Jose de 
Jesus Pico for violating his parole. He was 
condemned to be shot; but his wife, accompa- 
nied by her fourteen children and a company of 
women of San Luis Obispo, threw herself at 
Fremont's feet; and he, unable to overcome 
their pleading, pardoned Pico, and the latter 
thereby became Fremont's life-long friend, and 
rendered him special service in the treaty of 
Gahuenga. 

. On December 27, Frumc^nt was at Santa Bar- 
bara. Ilis march south was by slow and easy 
stages. On the other hand Stockton, with an 
army of 600 men, marched out of San Diego, 
December 29, 1846, bound for Los Angeles. 
He himself was Commander-in-chief, with Gen- 
eral Kearny in command of the division. Only 
Gillespie's volunteer riflemen were mounted. 
The luggage was carried in ten ox carts. The 
route was by way of San Bernardo, Buena Vista, 
San Luis Rey and Los Flores. Soon after leaving 
the latter place, January 4, three men appeared 
— Williau Workman, Charles Fliigge and Do- 
mingo Olivas — under a flag of truce, bringing a 
letter from Flores, dated on the 1st, suggesting a 
truce, to await confirmation of a report that 
peace had been declared between the United 
States and Mexico. Stockton refused, and de- 
clared that Flores had violated his parole, and if 
caught would be shot as a rebel. The embas- 
sadors then made a plea in behalf of the people; 
but Stockton would look to no other proposition 
short of unconditional surrender. 

AVorkman accompanied the army to San Juan 
Capistrano, where on tiie 5th he induced Stock- 
ton to issue a proclamation ofi'ering amnesty to 
all Californians except Flores, on condition that 
lie should be given up as a prisoner. 

Stockton's route was by way of Santa Ana, 
and ou January 7, was on the Los Coyotes 
Rancho. 

BATTLE OF SAN GABRIEL. 

January 8, the anniversary of the battle of 
New Orleans, the advance was resumed. There 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



is no doubt that Stockton's intention was to 
proceed to Los Angeles by tiie most direct 
route, crossing the San Gabriel Kiver at the 
lower ford; but owing to the intbrination re- 
ceived from John Foster, who accompanied him, 
that the Mexicans there occupied an advan- 
tageous position, he turned to the right and 
directed his course to the upper ford, tiie Paso 
del Bartolo. He approached the river between 
two and tliree o'clock in the afternoon, and 
found the enemy in possession of the western 
bank, Mexican scouts having been seen before 
in the distance. 

The Mexican army, fearing that Fremont 
would ai-rive from the north, had been stationed 
for several days at San Fernando; but about the 
7th was moved rapidly and secretly, without 
entering Los Angeles, to La Jaboneria, at the 
San Gabriel River. But early on the morning 
of the 8th the scouts brought news that the 
plan had been revealed, and that the Americans 
were marching for the upper ford. Flores at 
once marched his army up the river and reached 
the Paso del Bartolo shortly before the Ameri- 
cans made their appearance. Flores posted his 
men, nearly 500 in number, on a bluff nearly 
forty feet high, about 400 yards from the water. 
Two nine-pound cannon were placed opposite to 
and commanding the ford. Two companies of 
cavalry under Andres Pico and Manuel Garfias 
were stationed on the right, a few hundred yards 
south, and another company, under Josd An- 
tonio Carrillo, on the left, some 600 or 700 
yards up the stream. A party of skirmishers 
was sent across the river and i-etired as the 
Americans advanced. 

Stockton's order of march was as follows: 
Center, Turner's second division, vvitii Hens- 
ley's riflemen as advance guard, and two guns 
on each flank; right, tiret division, under Zielen; 
left, third division, under lienshaw; rear, fourth 
division, under Gillespie, with two guns under 
Thompson, and a guard of forty-nine men under 
Haywood, the cattle and wagons being in the 
center. 

The army halted about a quarter of a mile 



from the river to make final preparations, and 
then again moved forward to attack the Mexi- 
cans. A detachment of marines under Lieu- 
tenant Watson was sent to strengthen the left 
flank. A party of the enemy, 150 strong, had 
now crossed the river and made several inef- 
fectual efforts to drive wild mares upon the 
advance party. The Americans moved forward 
to the ford in broken files. Captain Hensley's 
company dismounted, and acting as skirmish- 
ers, deployed to the front and crossed the 
stream, which varied from fifty to 100 yards in 
width. The soldiers waded knee-deep across 
the quicksand, driving before them a ])arty of 
the enemy, and receivin g a scattering fire from 
the enemy's sharpshooters. 

The Mexicans had now taken their posiiion 
upon the bluff several hundred yards from the 
river and forty or fifty feet above its level, where 
they were about 200 strong, and opened fire 
upon the Americans witli two pieces of artillery, 
throwing round and grape siiot, without effect. 
The American coluum halted upon the edge of 
the stream, and General Kearny ordered that 
the guns should be uidimbered before crossing, 
but Stockton immediately countermanded the 
order. Half way across Kearny sent a message 
to Stockton that it would be impossible to cross 
on account of the quicksand, but Stockton 
jumped off his horse and seized the ropes, say- 
ing, " Quicksands be damned!" Kearny sup- 
pressed his anger, and the two nine-pounders, 
drawn by ofBcers and men as well as mules, 
soon reached the opposite bank, where they 
were immediately placed in battery. 

The column now followed in order, under the 
enemy's fire, the round shot and the grape fall- 
ing thickly among the Americans, without 
doing much injury. The dragoons and 
Cyane's musketeers, occupying the center, soon 
crossed, and formed upon a bank about 400 
feet above the stream. The left advancing at 
the same time, soon occupied its position across 
tlie river. The rear was longer in getting 
across; the sand being deep, its passage was 
delayed by the baggage carts. However, in a 



UISTORY OP LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



few moments a passage of the whole force was 
eifected, with only one man killed and one 
wounded. The chief reason tliat the loss of life 
was so small appears to have been the poor 
quality of the Mexican home-made gunpowder. 
While the above was going on, the rear was 
attacked by a bold charge of the Mexicans, 
which was repulsed. 

In taking a position upon the low bank the 
right flank under Captain Zielin was ordered 
to deploy to the right. Two guns from the rear 
were immediately brought to the right, the 
four-pounder under Thompson, supported by 
riflemen under Renshaw. The left flank de- 
ployed in line in open order. During this time 
the American artillery began to tell upon the 
Mexicans, who continued their fire without in- 
terruption. The nine-pounders, standing in 
plain view upon the bank, were discharged with 
such precision, Stockton himself aiming one 
of the guns and J. W. Marshall, of gold-discov- 
ery fame, the other, that it soon became warm 
for the Mexicans upon the bluff. One shot 
knocked their nine-pound gun from its trail, 
causing the Mexicans to desert it for a few 
minutes, when some twenty of them hastily 
advanced, hitched their riatas to it, and dragged 
it to the rear. Both of the Mexican guns were 
dismounted by the Americans; their best gun 
was dismounted at the first shot. In one hour 
and twenty minutes after the American army 
had started across the river the Mexican guns 
were silenced. 

Captain Ilensley's skirmishers now ad- 
vanced and took the hill upon the right, the left 
wing of the enemy retreating before them. 
The six-pounder from the rear had now come 
up, and Captain Ilensley was ordered to sup- 
port it. This movement being observed, the 
Mexican left wing made an attempt to charge 
the two guns, but the right flank of the marines 
under Zielin being rjuickly thrown back, showed 
too steady a front, and caused the Mexicans to 
wheel to the left and dash to the rear across the 
river. At this time the Mexicans were ob- 
served collecting on the Americans' left, and 



making preparations for a charge. General 
Kearny was now ordered to form a square, with 
the ti-oops on the right flank, upon which the 
left flank, in case of being worsted, might rally. 
The Mexican right wing then made a charge 
upon the American left, but met with a warm 
reception, and changed their troops and retired, 
being saluted with a discharge from the Amer- 
ican artillery. 

The Americans then hastily arranged for 
charging the heights. The troops were brought 
into line, and the command " Forward !" was 
given. On they went, the artillery in battery, 
charging the heights, which the Mexican center 
contested for a few moments only, and then 
broke and retreated. The Mexican right wing 
came down upon the American rear under Gil- 
lespie, who was encumbered with the baggage, 
but receiving a well-directed Are from the 
guard, which rendered some of their horses 
riderless, they fled at full speed across the 
river. 

The other portion of the Mexican array re- 
treated behind their artillery, and, taking a 
position in the ravine, begau to open fire upon 
the American center. The American troops 
were ordei-ed to lie down to avoid the enemy's 
cannon balls, which passed directly over their 
heads, while the artillery was immediately 
thrown forward. Firing became general, but 
so accurate was the aim of the Americans that 
the enemy were from time to time driven from 
their guns until they finally retreated and re- 
tired from the battle-field. The band played 
" Hail Columbia," and the second battle of the 
Mexican war in Los Angeles County was ended. 
The Americans lost two men killed and eight 
wounded, one of the latter dying the next day. 
The Mexican loss was probably about the same 
number killed. The engagement lasted some- 
thing less than two hours. The Americans 
then went into camp, while the Mexican army 
repaired to the Canada de los Alisos, not far 
from the main road to Los Angeles, and posted 
themselves in a favorable position to await the 
approach of the American army. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT T. 



BATTLE OF THE MESA. 

The next morning, January 9, 1847, at nine 
o'clock, the American army resumed its march 
for the city of Los Angeles, but instead of fol- 
lowing the road, turned to the left in the open 
plain as soon as the position of the Mexicans 
was known. About noon the Mexican army 
approached, tiring their cannon, and the Amer- 
icans replied. This artillery duel at long range 
continued for several hours, as the American 
army advanced at a slow pace in a compact 
square over the mesa, with no loss on either 
side, except a few animals that were killed. 
On at least two occasions the Mexican cavalry 
charged upon the American infantry, the latter 
being formed in a square, coming within a hun- 
dred yards or less, but did not succeed in break- 
ing it, being repulsed by the musketry. The 
Mexicans in this cliarge lost one man killed 
and quite a number wounded; the number of 
Americans wounded was five. 

About four o'clock the Mexican army, real- 
izing their inability to cope with the Americans, 
retired, and the battle of the Mesa was ended. 

The American army proceeded across the 
Los Angeles River, and encamped about three 
miles below the town. The next morning, 
January 10, a flag of truce was brought to 
Stockton by Cells, Avila and Workman, who 
came to intercede in behalf of the city, prom- 
ising that no resistance should lie made to the 
Americans, and Stockton in return promised 
them kind treatment. 

At ten o'clock the army broke camp and ad- 
vanced slowly up the river. About noon the 
troops entered Hie city by the principal street, 
directing their march to the plaza, with flags 
flying and the band playing. Many families 
had retired to the ranches, but the hill was cov- 
ered with people watching tlie Americans enter. 

A fight took place between two Mexicans on 
the hill. One of them became disarmed, and, 
to avoid being killed by his adversary, rolled 
down the hill toward the American soldiers, his 
opponent following him and lancing him in the 
most cold-blooded manner. The man tumbling 



down the hill was supposed to be one of the 
American servants, andthecry of "Rescue him !" 
was raised. TliQ crew of the Cyane, nearest the 
scene, at once and without orders halted and 
gave a volley to the man with the lance. Some 
of the Mexicans on the hill then opened fire 
upon the American vaqueros, when the riflemen 
were directed to clear the hill, which they did 
with a single volley, leaving two Mexicans dead 
upon the ground. A strong detachment, with 
artillery, was then posted on the hill, and Gil- 
lespie had the pleasure of again raising the 
American flag over the old quarters where he 
had been compelled to take it down four months 
before. 

The next day, January 11, Commodore Stock- 
ton issued a proclamation congratulating the 
officers and men on their brilliant victories and 
on once more taking possession of the city of 
Los Angeles. 

THE CAPITULATION OF CATIUENGA. 

And now comes a most interesting narrative 
of the closing scenes of the American conquest 
of California. Commodore Stockton, by virtue 
of his position and rank, having conquered the 
country, was Governor and Commander-in-chief. 
An agreement had been made between him and 
Fremont whereby the latter should become Gov- 
ernor after the Mexicans had been subjugated. 
The time of Fremont's appointment as Governor 
had been set back by the revolt of Los An- 
geles, caused by Gillespie's indiscretion. In the 
meantime General Kearny had been sent from 
Santa Fe with an army of 300 men to conquer 
California and establish a civil government. 
Meeting with Kit Carson on the Rio Grande 
bearing dispatches to President Polk, containing 
information from Stockton that California had 
been conquered and was in possession of the 
Americans, Kearny sent back a large part of his 
men to Santa Fe, and, forwarding Carson's dis- 
patches by another messenger, persuaded the 
latter to return to California with him as a 
guide, and pushed on with a small portion of his 
men. Meetinar with the disaster at Pascual and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



being rescued, as it were, by Stockton, Kearny for 
tlie time made no pretensions to be Commander- 
in-chief. It is also probable that he realized that 
his opportunity to win glory by conquering 
California and being its Governor had already 
been taken by Stockton and Fremont. 

Thus a feeling of rivalry early sprung up, 
which was perhaps nurtured on both sides, and 
encouraged some sharp practice and culminated 
in Fremont's arrest and court-martial. 

While en route from San Diego to Los An- 
geles, Stockton had dispatched a messenger to 
Fremont, then marchirg south from Monterey; 
and on the 9th, the day of the battle of the Mesa, 
a messenger came into Stockton's camp with the 
news that Fremont was near San Fernando. 
This undoubtedly shows that Fremont and Stock- 
ton, the rivals of Kearny, were in communica- 
tion with each other. 

On the afternoon of the 10th, the day the 
American army entered Los Angeles, Kearny 
sent a letter to Fremont at San Fernando, only 
twenty-two miles away, announcing the arrival 
of the army in the city, which message Fremont 
received. Tlie previous day — the day of the 
battle of the Mesa — "the Mexican army under 
Flores," says Warner, " failing to make any im- 
pression upon the Americans, moved to the San 
Pascual* Rancho [where is now the city of Pas- 
adena]. On the night of the 11th, at an early 
hour. General Flores, with forty or fifty men, 
started for Sonora, going by way of San Gor- 
gonie Pass and the Colorado River, and General 
Andres Pico succeeded him in command." 

Fremont, on his way south, left Santa Bar- 
bara January 3, and on the 9th, while near 
San P'ernando, there arrived in camp the mes- 
senger whom Stockton had sent from San Luis 
Rey on the 3d. Stockton and Fremont were 
that day not over forty iniles apart, which a 
native Californian on horseback could quickly 
cover; and it was that same day, the day of the 
battle of the Mesa, a messenger arrived in Stock- 
ton's camp from Fremont. Fremont arrived at 
San Fernando on the night of the 11th, and met 



*The battle of San Pascual was fought lu San Diego County. 



a Frenchman bearing Kearny's note, informing 
him of the occupation of Los Angeles. His bat- 
talion advanced and occupied the mission build- 
ings about one o'clock p. m. the same day. Fre- 
mont had positive information therefore of the 
Mexican defeat and the American possession of 
the city. He could have come to Los Angeles 
late that night, or, at the farthest, before noon 
of the 12th. Before night, however, he sent 
Jesus Pico to a camp of the Mexican army at 
the Yerdugo Ranch. Pico was a man of some 
influence among the Mexicans, and dwelt with 
enthusiasm on the treatment he had received at 
the hands of Fremont, and urged his country- 
men to negotiate with Fremont instead of Stock- 
ton. A message was sent out to the different 
places where the Mexicans were scattered, and 
all assembled to hold a final council, in which 
it was decided to follow Pico's advice. Flores 
was present at this council, and the same night, 
upon resolving to go to Mexico, he turned the 
command over to Andres Pico. 

Then Francisco de la Guerra and Francisco 
Rico were chosen as representatives to go with 
Pic ' to San Fernando the next day (the 12th), 
where they were received by Fremont. On the 
return of Guerra and Rico, J. A. Carrillo and 
Augustin Olvera were appointed by Andres 
Pico as commissioners for the Californians, and 
the Mexican camp was removed to the region of 
Cahuenga. Fremont marched his battalion to 
the Cahuenga Ranch the same day, and the next 
morning, January 13, signed a treaty with a 
pretended army, of whose utter defeat he had 
had full knowledge for nearly forty-eight hours! 
Following is a copy of that remarkable docu- 
ment, taken verbatim from Fremont's Memoirs: 

CAPITDLATION OF COUKXGA. 

To All Whom These Presents Shall Come, 
Greeting: Know Ye, that in consequence of 
propositions of peace, or cessation of hostili- 
ties, being submitted tome, as Commandant of 
the California Battalion of the United States 
forces, which have so far been acceded to by me 
as to cause me to appoint a board of commis- 
sioners to confer with a similar board appointed 
by the Californians, and it requiring a little 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



time to close the negotiatious; it is agreed upon 
and ordered by ine that an entire cessation of 
hostilities shall take place until to-inorruw after- 
noon (January 13), and that the said Californians 
be permitted to bring in their wounded to the 
mission of San Fernando, vvliere, also, if they 
choose, they can move their camp to facilitate 
said negotiations. 

Given under my hand and seal this 12th day 
of January, 1847. 

J. C. FiieiiONT, 
Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. A., and Military 

Commandant of California. 
Aeticlks of Capitulation made and entered 
into at the Rancho of Couenga, this thirteentii 
day of January, Anno Domini, eighteen hun- 
dred and forty-seven, between P. B. Reading, 
Major; J^ouis McLane, Jr., Commanding Ar- 
tillery; Wm. H. Russell, Ordnance Officer; 
commissioners appointed by J. C. Fremont, 
Lieutenant-Colonel United States Army and 
Military Commandant of the territory of Cal- 
ifornia; and Jose Antonio Carrillo, Coin- 
mandante de Esquadron, Agnstin Olivera, 
Diputado, commissioners appointed by Don 
Andres Pico, Commander-in-chief of the Cal- 
ifornia forces under the Mexican flag. 
Article I. — The Commissioners on the part 
of the Californians agree that their entire force 
shall, on presentation of themselves to Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Fremont, deliver up their artillery 
and public arms, and they shall return peace- 
ably to their homes, conforming to the laws and 
regulations of the United States, and not again 
take up arms during the war between the United 
States and Mexico, but will assist in placing the 
country in a state of peace and tranquillity. 

Art. 11. — The Commissioners on the part of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont agree to and bind 
themselves on the fulfillment of the first article 
by the Californians, tliat they shall be guaranteed 
protection of life and property, whether on parole 
or otherwise. 

Art. III. — That until a treaty of peace be 
made and signed between the United States of 
North America and the Republic of Mexico, no 
Californian or other Mexican citizen shall be 
bound to take the oath of allegiance. 

Art. IV. — That any Californian or other citi- 
zen of Mexico desiring, is permitted by this 
capitulation to leave the country without let or 
hindrance. 

Art. V. — That in virtue of the aforesaid arti- 
cles, equal rights and privileges are vouchsafed 



to every citizen of California as are enjoyed by 
the citizens of the United States of JS'orth 
America. 

Art. VI. — All officers, citizens, foreigners or 
others shall receive the protection guaranteed 
by the second article. 

Art. VII. — This capitulation is intended to 
be no bar in effecting such arrangements as may 
in future be in justice required by both parties. 
P. B. Reading, Major California Bat- 
talion. 
Wm. H. Russell, Ordnance Officer Cali- 
fornia Battalion. 
Louis McLane, Jr., Commanding Artillery , 

California Battalion. 
Jose Antonio Carrillo, Commandante de 

Esquadron. 
A(iusTiN' Olivera, Diputado. 
Approved. 

John C. Fremont, Lie^itenant- Colonel TJ. 
8. A., and Military Commandant of 
California. 
Approbado. 

Andres Pico, Commandante de Esquadron 
y en Gfe de las Fuerzas Rationales en 
California. 

ADDITIONAL ARTICLE. 

That the paroles of all officers, citizens and 
others of the United States, and of uaturalized 
citizens of Mexico, are by this foregoing capitu- 
lation cancelled; and every condition of said 
paroles from and after tnis date are of no further 
force and effect; and all prisoners of both par- 
ties are hereby released. 
(Signed as above.) 

CiuDAD DE Los Angeles, January 16, 1847. 

Fremont then forwarded the document with 
a letter to General Kearny at Los Angeles, and 
the next morning, January 14, Fremont with 
his battalion marched into Los Angeles. In 
his report to the Government, January 15, 
Stockton wrote: "Not being able to negotiate 
with me, and having lost the battles of the 8th 
and 9th, the Californians met Fremont on the 
12th inst., on his way here, who, not knowing 
what had occurred, entered into the capitulation 
with them which I now send you; and although 
I refused to do it myself, I thought best to ap- 
prove it." 

It is probable that when Stockton wrote the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



81 



foregoing he did not know that Fremont did 
know what had occurred, having been enlight- 
ened by a special niessens^er from Kearny, and 
even knew wliere to send a niessa_<:fe to the camp 
of the defeated army. 

The qnarrel between Kearny and Stockton 
was now in progress, each claiming the right 
to organize a civil government, and each ap- 
proved Fremont's treaty of Cahuenga, and were 
friendly with Fremont, who seemed to liold a 
sort of balance of power between the rival com- 
manders. Stockton had already planned a civil 
government, the execution of which had been 
delayed by the Los Angeles revolt, although ho 
already styled himself Governor and Com- 
mander-in-chief, thus precluding the intentions 
of Kearny, who according to his instructions 
had intended to start the government with him- 
self at the head. 

While at San Diego, Kearny had refused to 
accept the offer of Stockton to take command 
of the expedition against Los Angeles, probably 
because of humiliation felt from the disastrous 
effects of the battle of San Pascual, and that 
Stockton's arrangements for the march were 
nearly completed. The war now being over in 
California, lie doubtless thought that the time 
had come for him to assert what lie thonglit 
were his rights; and this may account for his 
sending a messenger immediately on the occupa- 
tion of Los Angeles, to Fremont at San Fer- 
nando, requesting tlie latter to report to him 
for assistance when needed. When Fremont 
was at Cahuenga he sent Major Hussell to Los 
Angeles in advance to learn who was actually 
in command — Kearny or Stockton. Russell 
called first on Kearny and learned that he 
recognized Stockton as Commander-in-chief. 
Russell then reported to Stockton, and on the 
llth Stockton tendered to Fremont and Kussell 
their respective comtnissions as Governor and 
Secretary of State. 

The quarrel between Kearny and Stockton 
became open on the 16th, when the former 
ordered Stockton either to show his authority 
from the Government or take no further action 



in relation to a civil organization. Stockton 
declined to obey the General's order, on tl;e 
ground that the conquest had been completed 
and the civil government put in operation be- 
fore his arrival. lie also suspended Kearny 
from the command of troops conferred on him 
at San Diego, as he had the right to do so far 
as sailors and marines were concerned. Kearny 
then ordered Fremont to make no changes in 
his battalion, wliich order Fremont declined to 
obey, on the ground that he had received his 
appointment from Stockton, and that on his 
arrival at Los Angeles Kearny had recognized 
Stockton as the commander, and Fremont further 
advised Kearny that he would receive orders 
only from Stockton. At a private interview 
the next day Kearny offered to make Fi-emont 
Governor if he would take his side of the con- 
troversy, which offer he honorably refused to 
accept. Kearny, finding his authority ignored 
by Stockton and Fremont, and having no troops 
with which to enforce his orders, on the 18th 
started for San Diego with his dragoons. 

On the 29th Lieutenant-Colonel Philip St. 
George Cook arrived at San Diego with the 
Mormon battalion 300 strong, and reported to 
General Kearny, who stationed them at San 
Luis Rey, to await further developments. Kearny 
then sailed on the Cyane, January 31, and reached 
Monterey, February 8. Here he found Commo- 
dore W. B. Shubrick, who had arrived January 
22, in the Independence, to succeed Stockton 
in command of the Pacific squadron. Shubrick 
recognized Kearny's authority as military Com- 
mander-in-chief and disapproved of Stockton's 
act in organizing a civil government. 

February 12 positive orders were received 
from Washington that the senior officer of the 
land forces should be the civil Governor; and 
accordingly, on tlie 1st of March Shubrick 
issued a circular in which Kearny was an- 
nounced as Governor, and Monterey named as 
the capital, and Lieutenant-Colonel Cook was 
made Military Coramandante of the Southern 
District, with lieadquarters at Los Angeles. 
Fremont was ordered to deliver in person at 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Monterey all public doeiimeuts under his con- 
trol appertaining to the government of Califor- 
nia. This was when he made his famous ride 
from Los Angeles to Monterey, a distance of 
about 400 miles, March 22-25, and back to Los 
Angeles hy the 29th, traveling over 800 miles 
in eight and a half days, being continuously in 
the saddle for about 100 hnurs. He was ac- 
companied by his faitliful friend Jesus Pico, 
and Jacob Dodson. 

March 23, 1847, Lieutenant-Colonel Cook 
arrived from San Luis Rey with the dragoons 
and four companies of the Mormon l)attaiion. 

Colonel E. B. Mason arrived at Los Angeles 
April 7 from Monterey, as insjiector of troops 
and to settle any accounts against the Govern- 
ment. The feelings between Mason and Fre- 
mont were not the best; and on the 14tli, when 
they had a conversation in regard to some 
horses, Mason was offended at Fremont's lan- 
gnageand said, " None of your insolence, sir, or 
I will put you in irons." On Fremont being 
informed that Mason would hold himself re 
sponsible for these words, he sent Major Read- 
ing with a demand for. an apology, followed on 
refusal by a challenge to a duel. Mason accepted 
the same evening, and double-barreled shot-guns 
were chosen as the weapons; but the next day 
Mason announced the necessity of postponing 
the duel until they should meet at Monterey, 
for which place he started two days later. The 
intended duel, however, was prevented by 
Kearny's positive orders. 

May 9, 1847, General Kearny arrived at Los 
Angeles, having come to San Pedro from Mon- 
terey on the Lexington, and was accompanied by 
Colonel Jonathan D. Stevenson, with companies 
E and G of the New York Volunteers. Cook 
resigned as Commander of the Southern District, 
and w-as succeeded by Colonel Stevenson. Kearny 
returned to Monterey, and Fremont followed 
him. May 31 Kearny left Monterey for the 
East, taking Fremont with him, under military 
.orders. His subsequent court-martial at Wash- 
ington are matters of national history. 

March 24 the Mormon battalion was set to 



work building a fort on the hill, at a point where 
is now the intersection of Rock and Fort streets; 
and on July 15 all the Mormons were mustered 
out by Lieutenant Smith, having refused an 
ofier of discharge on condition of enlisting for 
live years as dragoons; and on the 20th one 
company of Mormon volunteers was mustered 
into the service as volunteers for the additional 
term of six months. On the 25th they started 
for San Diego, where they served tiieir time. 

An nnusual degree of interest attaches itself 
to tlie history of the New York Volunteers, 
which was organized in 1846 by Colonel Jona- 
than D. Stevenson. A part of them sailed from 
New York Harbor September 26, 1846, in three 
different ships, followed a few months later by 
the remainder of the regiment, in three more 
vessels. It required 180 days to make the 
voyage, by way of Cape Horn. Company E, 
which was stationed at Li'S Angeles, was i-e- 
cruited by Nelson Taylor, Thomas H. Ferris and 
William E. Cutrell, who were, upon its organ- 
ization, elected, and subsequently commissioned 
Captain and First and Second Lieutenants. This 
company was formed principally from the east 
side of New York City, while many came from 
the Ninth Ward on the west side. Part of the 
company canje on the ship Thomas H. Perkins 
and part on the transport Brutus. The com- 
pany remained at Los Angeles till September 
18, 1848, when it was mustered out of service. 
The following is a list of its members, as taken 
from Francis D. Clark's history of the regi- 
ment: 

COMPANY E. 

Survivoi's, 1883. 

Captain Nelson Taylor, South Norvvalk, Conn. 
Lieutenant Edward Williams, Oakland. 
Corporal William Boyers, San Francisco. 
Ezekiel Bullock, San Francisco. 
Castor Briggs, San Francisco. , 

John A. Bartlett, Cambridgeport, Mass. 
George W. Canlield, Philadelp>hia, Pa. 
George J. Graff, San Francisco. 
Isaac C. Johnson, Astoria, Oregon. 
George W. M. Leonard, New York City. 
Serjeant John M. O'Neil, San Francisco. 



UIHTOJir OF LOS ANiJELES COUNTY. 



John H. Welsh, New York City. 
Henry J. Wohlgemuth, San Francisco. 

Sujijwited to he Lii'liuj. 
Antliony W. Lowery was at San Francisco in 
1878; Elijah Snyder was at Trenton, New 
Jersey, in 1875; and Alexander Souervoit was 
in Los Angeles in 1877. 

Whereabouts Unhwwii. 

Eurnett Legare, 
, James Linton, 
James McUill, 
Wm. U. Mitchell, 
Ludlain Morrison, 
John H. Moore, 
Tiiomas Murphy, 
Wm. G. McGranaghan, 
Alexander Owens, 
Jacob Olstay, 
Charles Perkins, 
Edward Parker, 
James Plunkett, 
Wm. PIninmer, 
James Richards, 
John AV. Ramsey, 
Samuel Roberts, 
John M. Smith, 
John S. S warts, 
Lewis Snitter, 
Garrett Stack, 
Jolin Vorhees, 
William Vinson, 
Wm. Wiimie, 
Moses White, 
John Wylie, 
Archibald Waddell, 
Philip Wafenback, 
Edward Yeamans. 



Corp'l Henry Ackley, 
J. C. Eurton, Musician 
Charles D. Blair, 
William Ba.xter, 
Washington Brusle, 
Charles Brown, 
Henry Bogart, 
Robert Buckle, 
Franklin Ball, 
Benjamin Barry, 
Timothy Baldwin, 
Corporal L. M. Calder, 
George Clark, 
Henry T. Chichester, 
James Deas, 
Jacob Driehen, 
Eli B. Forbes. 
Alfred Foley, 
Edward Golden, 
Mortimer J. Hamlin, 
James Henry, 
Walter Hutcheon, 
Thomas Hearn, 
John C. Hitchcock, 
Benj. F. Humphrey, 
John Hall, 

George W. Jamieson, 
Charles M. Kintring, 
A. J. Kennersly, 
John A. Lambert, 



Deceased. 

Lieutenant William E. Cutrell, San Francisco, 
May 28, 1868. 

Lieutenant Thomas L. Vermule, San Jose. 

Jackson Brusle, Contra Costa County, Feb- 
ruary 14, 1854. 

Nicholas Blair, Los Angeles, September 26, 
1855. 

(!harles H. Bartlett, SanFrancisco, May 15, 
18S1. 

Joseph Brockee, drowned in Stanislaus River, 
March, 1849. 



Nathan B. Dey, Los Angeles, July 7, 1848. 

Peter Earle, Sacramento, January 12, 1871. 

Patrick Ford, killed by Rogue River Indians 
in 1866. 

William H. Legare, Los Angeles, December 
9, 1847. 

Louis Mark, date and place unknown. 

Thomas Meehan, killed by a steamboat ex- 
plosion on the San Joaquin River, October 19, 
1853. 

Dennis Meehan, killed at Stockton in the 
fall of 1849. 

Lewis Parker, date and place unknown. 

John Taylor, New York, April 28, 1879. 

Andrew Thafter, San Francisco, May 3, 1879. 

Jacob Yan Pelt, San Francisco, November 
15, 1849. 

James T. Campbell, San Francisco, 1853. 

John B. Kiernan, Stockton, California, 186-. 

Burnett Legare, at sea, 1866. 

George McPherson, Morrisania, New '\'ork, 
February 20, 1869. 

James McManus, San Francisco, 1852. 

Charles McMillan, San Francisco, 186-. 

Henry S. Morion, Stockton, California, 1854. 

Lieutenant Thomas L. Yermule, Stockton, 
California, May 7, 1856. 

John Milliken, Santa Clara County, about 
1878. 

Walter Hutcheon, Brooklyn, New York, 
February 15, 1880. 

Sergeant Abraham Van Riper, on the Mokel- 
urane River, in the winter of 1848-'49. 

COMPANY G. 

This company was organized under the di- 
rection of Matthew R. Stevenson, a son of the 
Colonel, to which he was subsequently elected 
Captain, and made the voyage to San Francisco 
in the ship Thomas H. Perkins. On the 3d 
of April, in company with D, E and I, he sailed 
for Monterey, in the United States store-ship, 
Lexington. In May this and Company E 
re-erabarked in the Lexington for San Pedro, 
taking post at Los Angeles, the headquarters 
of the regiment, where Company G remained 
until they were discharged from the service, 
September 18, 1848. 

Survii'ors, 1883. 
Lieutenant John McH. Hollingsworth, George- 
town, D. ('. 



HISTOMY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Lieutenant Jeremiah Sherwood, New York 
City. 

James H. Adams, San Francisco. 

Frederic Jantzen, San Francisco. 

John Kleinshooth, Germany. 

ThomasNisbitt, Scott River, Siskiyou County. 

E. D. Shirland, Auburn, Placer County. 

John Schumaker, Los Angeles. 

Cliarles Schroter, San Francisco. 

Adolph Pfiester, San Jose. 

Augustus Tierofi', San Francisco. 

Thomas J. Wells, ^ew York City. 

Robert "Wilson, Yallejo. 

Supposed to he Livliuj. 

Herman Chaqueth was at San Francisco in 
1874. 

Frederick Coyan was at Vallejo in 1874. 

Corporal James Y. Falkner was in Oregon in 
1878. 

Francis Freshe was at San Francisco in 1874. 

John 0. Stevens was at Stockton in 1874. 
Whereahouts Ual'iiowji. 



Frederic Boinger, 
Titus Bennett, 
Eniile Burgeman, 
John Connell, Sergt., 
Patrick Caultlield, 
David Caulttield, 
John Clark, 
James Cummings 
James A. Colgan, 
Charles Copenger, 
Otto Coi'uing, 
Emil Cuvellier, 
Cortey Comstock, 
John Dunne, 
Thomas Dooley, 
Augustus Diddleson, 
Alfred Edmonson, 
John Euth, 
George Eaton, 
James Fitzsimmons, 
James T. Goodwill, 
Matthew O. Han ton, 
George Jackson, Sergt., 
George Jackson, 2d " 
Fred. Johnson, Corp. 
John Jones, 
Julius Kaufman, 
William A. I'ennedy, 
Lewis Kurtz, 
Henry Lawrence, Mus. 
Augustus Lipper, 



Joseph P. Lynch, Corpl. 
Francis Linder, 
Alex. B. Malcolm. 
Herman Montriel. 
Edward Miller. 
Valentine Miller, 
Charles Miller, 
Joseph Mark, 
W^illiam McDonald, 
John Myers, 
Charles Northman, 
Charles Osborne, 
Max William Pfeiffer, 
James Phillips, 
John Ruth, 
William- Russell, 
John M. Rose, 
Jacob Reish, 
James Rowan, 
George Robinson, Sergt. 
Emanuel Swal), 
GustaftShislylind, Mus. 
Frederic Shultze, 
Henry Siltzer, 
Ernest Schimer, 
Charles Saxton, 
Walter Taylor, Sergt., 
Michael Tinkerman, 
Truman Upson, 
John Vallely, 
James Warren, 



Martin DeLong, William Wells, 

Henry Lewis, William M. Wheeler, 

Charles A. Webster (1st.) 

Deceased. 

Captain Matthew R. Stevenson, at Sackett 
Harbor, January 2, 1863. 

Allen Andrews, at Los Angeles, December 
9, 1847. 

Thomas Bosque, at Los Angeles, August 7, 
1847. . , 8 > 

Vincent Bultice, date and place unknown. 

Charles C. Grinnell, date and place unknown. 

Jerome Hart, at Shasta, February 4, 1852. 

William Hopper, at Los Angeles, July 12, 
1847. 

Robert Hammer, at Spanisli Bar, American 
River, 1849. 

James Meehan, Sergeant, killed at Los An- 
geles, 185-. 

AVilliam B. Osbourn, at Los Angeles, July 
31, 1867. 

Lieutenant Jeremiah Sherwood, New York 
City, March 14, 1883. 

John Sullivan, at San Luis Ray, August 25, 
1848. 

William B. Travers, Sergeant, at Los An- 
geles, December 10, 1847. 

Francois Thorner, at Los Angeles, July 81, 
1848. 

H. H. F. Toye, at Grenada, Nicaragua, 1856. 

Augustus Tittle, at San Francisco, February 
1, 1868. 

Henery Uhrbrook, at Santa Clara, 1875. 

James Vanderboeck, at San Francisco, Sep- 
tember 23, 1849. 

Thomas J. West, date and place unknown. 

Charles A. Webster (2d), at Los Angeles, 
August 17, 1847. 

George Wort, at San Francisco, April 5, 1847. 

Philip Farr, at Dutch Flat, California. 

The first Fourth of July celebration in Los 
Angeles was held according to the following 
order: 

Headquaeteks Sodthern Military District, 
CiuDAD DE Los Angeles, July 2, 1847. 
Order No. 1. — The anniversary of the birth- 
day of American Independence will be cele- 
brated at this port in a manner as worthy of the 
occasion as our means will admit, and if we can- 
not greet its return by a display of as much 
pomp and ceremony as will no doubt be made 
at many ports within our native land, we will 



HISTORY OF LOi ANOELBS .COUNTY. 



be unsurpassed by a proper deinonstratii)n of 
that pure, heartfelt joy which slionld animate 
tlie heart of every lover of freedom and free in- 
stitutions throughout the civilized world upon 
the happy return ot this orlorious day. 

At sunrise a Federal salute will be tired from 
the field-work on the hill which commands this 
town, and for the first time from this jioint the 
American standard will be displayed. 

At 10 o'clock every soldier at this post will 
be under arms. The detachment of tlie Seventh 
Kegiment of Xew York Volunteers and the 
First Kegiment of United States Dragoons 
(dismounted) will be marched to the field-work 
on the liill, under the command of their senior 
officers present, when, together with the Mor- 
mon battalion, the whole will be formed at 11 
o'clock, A. M. into a hollow square, wlien the 
Declaration of Independence will be read. 

At the close of this ceremony the field-works 
will be dedicated and appropriately named, and 
at 12 o'clock a national salute will be fired, 
which will close the ceremonies of the day. 

Lieutenant Smith, commanding detachment 
of United States Dragoons, will cause a proper 
detail to be made from his command to fire the 
salute. 

Tlie field-work at this post having been 
planned, and the work conducted entirely by 
Acting Assistant Quartermaster Davidson, of 
the First liegiment Dragoons, he is recpiested 
to hoist upon it, for the first tinie, on the morn- 
ing of the Fourth, the American standard. 

It is the custom of our country to confer on 
its fortifications the name of some distinguished 
individual who has rendered important services 
to his country, either in the councils of the 
nation or on the battle-field. The commandant 
has therefore determined, unless the Depart- 
ment of War shall otherwise direct, to confer 
ipon the field-work erected at the port of Los 



Angeles the name of one wl 



regar< 



all who had the pleasure of Ins acquaintance as 
a perfect specimen of an American officer, and 
whose character for the reputation he had 
acquired in the field fur his gallantry as an 
officer and soldier, and his life was sacrificed in 
the conquest of this Territory at the battle of 
San Pascjual. The commander directs that from 
and after the 4th instant it shall bear the name 
of Moore. 

Circumstances over which we hasi; no con- 
trol have prevented the command at this port 
being completely uniformed, but each otliccrand 



soldier will appear on the Fourth with the perfect 
equipments of his corps as far as he has them; 
and most perfect cleanliness, as well in arms and 
accoutrements as in person, will l)e required of 
all. Each department will be minutely in- 
spected before assembling on the hill. 
By order of 

Col. J. D. Stevknson, 

J. C. BoNNYOASTLE, 

First Lieut, and Adjt. 

Stephen C. Foster translated the Declaration 
of Independence into the Spanish language, 
and the Mexicans here thus heard it for the 
first time. 

July 17, 1848, Pio Pico arrived at San 
Gabriel, on his return from Sonora, without a 
passport. Going to San Fernando he sum- 
moned J. M. Covarrubias, his former secretary, 
and on the 22d addressed official letters to both 
Stevenson and Mason (now acting Governor) 
informing them that he came in consequence 
of t'le armistice of February 29, as the Mexican 
Governor of California, to establish in the towns 
of this Territory the benefits of said armistice, 
and ask for the issuing of corresponding orders 
to carry his tuission into effect. Colonel 
Stevenson referred the matter to Governor 
Mason, and gave him to understand that he 
must abstain from conversation tending to 
foment discontent. Pico then went to his 
ranch at Santa Margarita, to await Mason's 
reply. The reply came in the form of an order 
of arrest, and Pico was imprisoned a short time 
at Los Angeles, but was released August 8, 
when news came of the treaty of Guadalupe 
Hidalgo, which was concluded February 22 and 
ratified at Washington March 10, and at Quere- 
tero May 30, thus putting an end to the war, 
and giving California to the United States. 

TUK FOIIIJ TANNdN. 

On the soutiieast corner of Main and Com- 
mercial streets are planted two old cannon, 
mouths down, while on tlie old court-house 
stej)s arc two moi'e cannon mounted on wooden 
frames. The ij-uns were ln-ouirhl, heri' at an 



y 'l-^J' 



and were 



ittk 



UISTORT OK LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



enga by the revoUitiouary forces nnder Don Pio 
Pico, against Governor Manuel Micheltorena, 
February 7, 1845. On tlie approach of Com- 
modore Stockton from San Pedro, in August, 
1846, the Mexicans buried them on the mesa 
east of Boyle Heights when Governor Pico fled 
to Mexico. Lieutenant Archibald H. Gillespie, 
on being informed where tlie guns wei-e con- 
cealed, had them dug up and brought to his 
barracks. Subsequently came the outbreak under 
Serbulo Barelas, and Gilles])ie was besieged. 
Through Captain B. D. "Wilson, then a prisoner 
of the Mexicans, negotiations were concluded 
with Gillespie, whereby he evacuated the town, 
and took the guns with him to San Pedro, 
promising to there return thera to the Mexi- 
cans. On arriving at San Pedro, however, he 
had the guns spiked, their cascabels broken oft", 
and the guns themselves tilled with small gravel 
■well packed in, and then rolled into the sea at 
low water as far as possible. When the news 
came to Los Angeles of the manner in which 
their guns had been treated, there was great ex- 
citement, and the hotter-headed made threats 
against the lives of the American prisoners in 
retaliation, which was all prevented by General 
Andres Pico, who was reinstated in command. 
The frigate Savannah arrived at San Pedro and 
Gillespie and his men were transferred to her, 
and on his representation that the Califoinians 
had no artillery. Captain Mervin landed 250 
sailors and marines and marched on Los An- 
geles to retake the pueblo. In this matter Gil- 
lespie was mistaken, as the disastrous result to 
the Americans at the battle of Dominguez 
Ranch proved on the next day. The Mexicans 



had the famous Woman's gun, a small bronze 
cannon which had been fastened to a block, and 
used for many years at the old church at the 
plaza in Los Angeles City. Before Stockton's 
arrival this gun liad been hid in a cane patch of 
the garden of Dona Clara Cota de Reyes, on 
the east side of Alameda street, about 100 yards 
below First street. When the four old cannon 
were brought back from the mesa. Dona Clara 
and her daughter took the bronze cannon out of 
the cane patch and buried it. After this it was 
used at the battle of the Dominguez Ranch. A 
blacksmith hammered balls to lit it, and Ramon 
and Marimo Valenzuela, with riatas attached to 
the poles of the carriage and the horns of their 
saddles, pulled the gun, and Tynacio Aguilen, 
"el artillero," was gunner. The Americans 
came near effecting its capture in tiie battle. 
The Old Woman's gun was on exhibition at the 
New Orleans Exhibition in 1885, and had a 
label reading: "Trophy 53, No. 68, Class 7. 
Used by Mexico against the United States at 
the Dominguez Ranch, October 6,1846; at San 
Gabriel River and the Mesa, January. 8 and 9, 
1847. Used by the United States forces against 
Mexico at Mazatlan, November 11, 1847; Urios 
(crew all killed or wounded) Palos Prietos, De- 
cember 13, 1847, and Lower California, at San 
Jose, February 15, 1848." 

In 1849 the four guns were taken from the 
San Pedro Beach, where they had laid in the 
salt M'ater for three years, and brought to Los 
Angeles and placed at the street corners. In 
1881, when the first centennial of the city was 
celebrated, two of the guns were placed on the 
old court-house steps, where they still remain. 






¥5 




> 



niSTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 




CIIATTER IX. 



>HE history of Los Angeles County since 
the close of tlie Mexican War now covers 
a period of more than four decades, of 
which the annals of the city naturally fill the 
larger part. During the first decade begins the 
history of El Monte and San Pedro. AYith the 
civil war came the Wilmington barracks. After 
the civil war there was a large immigration, 
several large Mexican ranches were divided into 
many small farms, and such places as Compton, 
Downey, Norwalk, San Fernando, Santa Monica 
and Pasadena sprang into existence. In 1876 
the Southern Pacific Railroad came, affording 
easy communication with the outside world. 
That speculative fever known as a boom raged 
awhile, and was followed by a financial de- 
pression. About 1882 tiiere was an upward 
turn in the tide which reached its flood in 
1887. Men and money flowed in freely and 
abundantly. The excitement was increased by 
the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad system in 
1885. The city grew to astonishing propor- 
tions, the country was rapidly settled, towns 
were laid out, and enterprises were established; 
and, while the land boom died away, the spirit 
of progress still remains, and history continues 
to be rapidly made. ^ 

Three times have there been divisions of the 
county. Kern County received a large slice in 
1851; San Bernardino County was set oft" in 
1853, and Orange County in 1889. With the 



increase of population that the resources justify 
there will probably be still further divisions. 

It is now in order to rehearse the story of 
American occupation, and a glorious one it is. 
Compared with the former times under Spatiish 
and Mexican rule, it is as the strong sunlight 
which the year round floods its mountains and 
mesas, while the latter is like its own romantic 
moonlight which still lingers on its decaying 
missions and ranchos. 

Los Angeles is one of the original twenty- 
seven counties of the State of California which 
were created by an act of the first Legislature 
held at San Jose, passed February 18, 1850. 
When California was under Spanish rule it was 
simply a- northwestern frontier province of 
New Spain. In 1804 Alta (Upper) and Baja 
California were made separate provinces, the 
dividing line being that agreed upon between 
the Franciscan and Dominican orders of Cath- 
olic priests, which was an east and west line 
between the Gulf of California and the Pacific 
Ocean, marked by a cross erected about forty- 
five miles south of San Diego. After Mexican 
independence in 1822, Alta California was 
divided into two grand prefectures, those of 
Los Angeles and Monterey. Two such prefects 
were afterward established at Santa Barbara and 
San Jose, and in 1829 ayuntaniientos (city 
councils) were held at all four. From 1831 to 
1840 there existed live districts, namelv: San 



BISTORT OF LOS AlfQELES eOUNTY. 



Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Monterey 
and San Francisco; but their exact boundaries 
were never accurately defined. The only portion 
of California then settled was a narrow strip 
along the southwestern shore; everything north 
and east of this was a terra Incognita. 

One of the first duties of the first Legislature 
was the division of the State into counties. The 
task was assigned to a committee, of which Don 
Mariano Guadalupe Vallejowas chairman. The 
result of the labors of this committee is given 
in Chapter XV. of the Statutes of California, 
passed at the first session of the Legislature, 
begun September 15, 1849, and ended April 22, 
1850, at San Jose. The twenty-seven counties 
then organized were as follows: Butte, Branci- 
forte, Calaveras, Colusi, Contra Costa, El Do- 
rado, Los Angeles, Marin, Mariposa, Mendo- 
cino, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Diego, 
San Francisco, San Joaq^nin, San Luis Obispo, 
Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Shasta, Solano, 
Sonoaia, Sutter, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo and 
Yuba. The boundaries of Los Angeles C<junty 
were then defined as follows: 

Section 3. — Beginning on the coast of the 
Pacific, at the southern boundary of the farm 
called Triumfo, and running thence along the 
summit of the ridge of hills called Santa Su- 
sanna to the northwestern boundary of the farm 
called San Francisco; thence along the northern 
and northeastern boundary of said farm of San 
Francisco to the tarm called Pino; thence iu a 
line running due northeast to the sumnjit of the 
Coast Kange; thence along the summit of said 
i-ange to the western boundary of San Diego 
County; thence in a due southerly direction 
along said boundary to the source of the creek 
San Mateo; thence down said creek San Mateo 
to the coast, and three English miles into the sea; 
thence in a northwesterly direction, ])arallel 
witli the coast, to a point three miles from land, 
and opposite to the southern boundary of the 
farni called Triumfo; and thence to the shore at 
said boundary, which was tlie point of begin- 
ning, including tlie islands of Santa Oatalina 
and San Clemente. The seat of justice shall be 
Los Angeles. 

Under this act Los Angeles County eoin- 
jjrised the wiiole of what is now San Bernar- 



dino County, and also a large part of what is now 
Kern County. This act, together with several 
acts amendatory thereto, were repealed by an 
act of the second Legislature, passed Api'il 25, 
1851, which defined the boundaries of Los 
Angeles County as follows: 

Section 3. — Beginning on the coast of the 
Pacific, at a point parallel with the northern 
boundary of the rancho called Malaga; thence in 
a direction so as to include said rancho to the 
northwest corner of the rancho known as Tri- 
umfo, running on the northerly line of the 
same to the northeast corner; thence to the 
summit of the ridge of hills called Santa Su- 
sanna; thence in a direct line to the rancho of 
Casteyne and Lejon, and along their northern 
line to the northeastern corners; and from 
thence in a nortlieast line to the eastern bound- 
ary of the State, and along said boundary line 
to the junction of the northern boundary of San 
Diego County with the Colorado; thence follow- 
ing said line to the Pacific Ocean, and three 
miles therein; thence in a nortbw'esterly direc- 
tion, parallel with the coast, to a point three 
miles from land, and opposite to the southern 
boundary of the rancho called Malaga; and 
thence east to the place of beginning, including 
the islands of Santa Catalina and San Clemente. 
The seat of justice shall be at Los Angeles. 

By an act entitled " An Act for dividing the 
county of Los Angeles, and making a new 
county therefrom, to be called San Bernardino 
County," approved April 26, 1853, it was 
provided: — 

Section 3. — The county of Los Angeles is 
hereby divided as follows: Beginning at a 
point where a due south line, drawn from the 
highest peak of the Sierra de Santiago, inter- 
sects the northern boundary of San Diego 
County; thence running along the summit of 
said Sierra to the Santa Ana River, between 
the ranch of Sierra and the residence of Ber- 
nardo Yorba; thence across tlie Santa Ana 
River, along the summit of the range of hills 
that lie between the Coyote and Chino (leav- 
ing the ranches of Ontiveras and Ybana to the 
west of this line), to the southeast corner of 
tlie ranch of San .lose; thence along the eastern 
boundaries of said ranch, and of San Antonio 
and the western and northern boundaries of 
Cucaimonga Ranch, to the ravine cf Cucai- 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



monga; thence up said ravine to its source in 
the Coast Kange; thence dnenortli to the north- 
ern boundary of Los Angeles County; thence 
northeast to tlie State line; thence along the 
State line to the northern boundary Hue of San 
Diego County; thence westerly along the north- 
ern boundary of San Diego to the place of be- 
ginning. 

Sec. 4. — The eastern portion of Los Angeles 
County, so cut off, shall be called San Bernar- 
dino County, and the seat of justice thereof 
shall be at such place as the majority of voters 
shall determine at the first county election, 
hereinafter provided to be held in such county, 
and shall remain at the place so designated 
until changed by the people, as provided by 
law. 

By an act approved March 26, 1856, amend- 
ing the act of April 25, 1851, the boundaries of 
Los Angeles County were prescribed as follows: 

Section 1. Beginning on the coast of the 
Pacific at a point parallel with the northern 
boundary of the rancho called Malaga; thence 
in a direction so as to include said rancho to the 
northwest corner of the rancho called Triumfo, 
ruiming on the northerly line of the same to 
the northeast corner; thence to the summit of 
the ridge of hills called Santa Susanna; thence 
in a direct line to the uorthwestermost corner 
of the tract of land called Qastec, where it ap- 
proaches nearer to or touches the tract of land 
called Yejon, up and along its western line to 
the northwestern corner thereof; thence along 
the northern line of the said tract of land called 
the Tejon to its northeastermost corner; thence 
in a northeast line to the eastern boundary of 
the State; thence along said boundary line "to 
the junction of the northern boundary line of 
San Diego' County with the Colorado River; 
thence along the boundary line of San Diego 
County to the Coast Kange to the boundary line 
of San Bernardino County; thence down and 
along the bouTidary line of said San Bernardino 
County to the boundary line of San Diego 
County; thence to the Pacific Ocean; thence 
along the coast of said ocean to tlie puint of 
commencement, including the islands upon &aid 
coast. 

The easterly portion of the county, as above 
defined, would appear to have already formed 
the county of San Bernardino under the act of 
April 26, 1853. This mistake was corrected by 



an act approved April 2, 1857, which defined 
the limits of San Bernardino County, and de- 
clared the acts of the authorities of said county 
in the meantime to have the same force and 
effect as if the above amendment of 1856 had 
never been passed. (See Hittell's General 
Laws, Sec. 1,155). 

By an act approved April 2, 1866, entitled 
"An act to create the county of Ivern, to define 
its boundaries, and to provide for its organiza- 
tion," it is provided: — 

Section 1. There shall be formed out of por- 
tions of Tulare and Los Angeles counties a 
new county, to be called Kern. 

Sec. 2. The boundaries of Kern County shall 
be as follows: Commencing at a point on the 
western boundary line of Tulare County two 
miles due south of the sixth standard south of 
the Mount Diablo base line; thence due east to 
the western boundary of Inyo County; thence 
southerly and easterly following the western 
boundary of Inyo County and northern boundary 
of Los Angeles County to the northeast boundary 
of Los Angeles County; thence south along the 
eastern boundary of Los Angeles County to the 
line between townships eight and nine, north of 
the San Bernardino base line; thence due west 
to the Tulare County line; thence southerly 
along the said Tulare County line to the south- 
west corner of Tulare County; thence northerly 
following along the westerii boundary of Tulare 
County to the place of beginning. 

In June, 1869, the line between Los Angeles 
and Kern counties as now existent was agreed 
upon and run by George W. Orth, for Kern 
County, and William P. Reynolds, for Los 
Angeles County. The present boundaries of 
Los Angeles County are defined by Hittell's 
Code (1876) as follows: 

Section 3,945. Beginning at the southeast 
corner of Santa Barbara, in the Pacific Ocean, at 
a point on extension line of the northern 
boundary of the rancho called Malaga, western 
corner; thence northeasterly, so as to include 
said rancho, to the northwest corner of the 
rancho called Triumfo, running on northerly 
line of the same to the northeast corner thereof; 
thence to the summit of the ridge of hills called 
Santa Susanna; thence in a direct line north- 
westerly to the southwest corner of Kern, as 



lllSTUUY OF' LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



established in seetioii 3,941, tormiiig the north- 
west corner of Los Angeles; thence east, on 
soutliern line of Kern to the western line of San 
Jiernardino, as established in section 8,943; 
thence southerly on western line of San Bernar- 
dino to its point of intersection with northern 
line of San Diego, as established in said section; 
thence st)Uthwesterly on San Diego line, as es- 
tablished in section 3,944, to northwest corner 
of San Diego, in Pacific Ocean; thence north- 
westerly, along ocean shore to place of beginning, 
including the islands of Santa Catalina, San 
{'leinente and the islands off the coast included 
in Los Angeles County. 

County seat, Los Angeles. 

Hy an act of the Legislature of 1889, the 
county of Orange was set off from Los Angeles, 
including the southeastern part of the county. 
The hill, as introduced by Hon. E. E. Edwards, 
defines the boundaries of Orange County as 
follows: 

Beginning at a point in the Pacific Ocean 
three miles southwest of the center of ihe mouth 
of Coyote Creek, proceeding up said creek in a 
northeasterly direction, nntil it intersects the 
township line between townships three south, of 
ranges ten and eleven west; thence north on 
said township line to the northwest corner, of 
section six, township three south, range ten 
west; thence east on said township line until it 
intersects the boundary line between San Ber- 
nardino and Los Angeles counties; thence along 
said boundary southeasterly until it intersects 
the boundary line of San Diego County; thence 
along said line southwest until it reaches the 
Pacific Coast; thence in the same direction to a 
point three miles in said Pacific Ocean; thence 
in northwesterly line parallel to said coast to 

■rnK TIJANSITIIVN FROM MKXICAiN Til AMKItlCAN 



Says Benjamin Mayes: 

"A thousand things combined to smooth the 
asperities of war, Fremont had been courteous 
and gay; Mason was just and firm. The natural 
good temper of the population favored a speedy 
and perfect conciliation. The American olliecrs 



at once found themselves 



ippy in every circle. 



In suppers, balls, visiting in town and country, 
the hours glided away with pleasing reflections. 
For hospitality the families were unrivalled 
through the world, and really were ghui that it 
had not been worse ut San Gabriel. ' Men 
capable of such actions ought not to have been 
shot,' they said in softest Castilian, admiring 
the American dasii and daring displayed on that 
occasion. General Andres Pico and his com- 
jxidre Lieutenant Stoneman, made the race 
against Sutler Sam llaight and a native turf- 
man — when Old Oso of the Picos and Work- 
man, staked by the General and Lieutenant, 
beat Di. Nicolas Den's ' Champion of Santa 
Biirbara,' name forgotten, a thousand yards. 
On tlie other side a fascination seized them for 
the Queen of Angels. Army officers are be- 
lieved to be no indifferent judges of wine. Dr. 
Griffin says the day after their entry — ' It is of 
excellent flavor; as good as I ever tasted. The 
white wine is particularly fine. I ate of a fine 
orange. Taking everything into consideration 
this is decidedly one of the most desirable places 
in which I have ever been.' " 

It was the policy of the American (Govern- 
ment, after obtaining possession of California, 
to make just as few changes as possible in the 
methods by which the people had been ruled, 
and to which they had for generations been 
accustomed. Thus, after the treaty of peace had 
become operative, the laws of Mexico were re- 
tained in full force, and under these civil officers 
were appointed, having exactly the same func- 
tions and the same titles as formerly. 

The aynntamiento (town council), which had 
closed its sessions July 4, 1846, at the first 
sound of war, was restored in every detail accord- 
ing to the Mexican laws. Tin- familiar words 
^^Dioa ,j Lihcrtad'' ((J,k1 and Liberty), authen- 
ticated their official communication among them- 
selves as if the Mexican banner were Hying. 
The election took place February 10, 1847; the 
first meeting was on February 20. Its mem- 
bers were: First Alcalde and President, Don 
dose Salaz'ir; Scc,.nd Alcahle. D,.n Knnniio 



iiisTonr OF LOS anoei.es county. 



Abila; Regidores (councilmeii), Don Miguel 
N. Pryor, Don Rafael Gallardo, Don Julian 
Cliavez, Don Jose Antonio Yorba ; Sindico 
(treasurer), Don Jose Vicente Guerrero; Secre- 
tary, Don Ygnacio Coronel. 

In Decenilier, 1847, the people of Los Angeles ' 
elected a new ayuntamientd, to t;ike olUce Jan- 
uary 1, following. J5ut it was the wish „f (Colonel 
R. B. Mason, then military Governor of Califor- 
nia, that civil offices throughout the Territory 
should henceforth be tilled, at least j)artly, 
by Americans. With this view he appointed 
Stephen C. Foster (interpreter to Colonel J. 
D. Ste.venson) first alcalde, and Jose Vicente 
Guerrero, second alcalde, of Los Angeles. These 
appointments being made known to the two 
gentlemen elected to those offices they consented 
to give way, but it was understood that the reg- 
idores and syndic elected by the people should 
qualify and serve. The sec^uel is best related in 
Mr. Foster's own words (we quote from one of 
his published letters): 

"Colonel Stevenson was determined to have 
our inauguration done in style. So, on the day 
appointed, he, together with myself and col- 
league, escorted by a guard of soldiers, proceeded 
from the Colonel's quarters (which was the 
house now occupied as a stable by Ferguson & 
Rose) to the alcalde's otKce, which was where 
the City of Paris store now stamls, on Main 
street. There we found the retiring ayunta- 
miento and the new one awaiting our arrival. 
The oath of office was to be administered by the 
retiring first alcalde, as stated. We knelt to 
take the oath, when we 4bund they had changed 
their minds, and the alcalde told us that if two 
of their number were to be kicked out, they 
would all go. So they all marched out and left 
us in possession. Here was a dilemma; but 
Colonel Stevenson was equal to the emergency, 
and said he could give us a swear as well as the 
alcalde. So we stood up and he administered 
to us an oath to support the Constitution of the 
United States, and administer justice in accord- 
ance with Mexican law. I then knew as much 
about Mexican law as I did ab<.ut (Chinese, and 



my colleague knew as much as I did. Guerrero 
gathered up the books that pertained to his 
office and took them to his house, where he es- 
tablished his office, and 1 took the archives and 
records across the street to a house I had rented, 
where Perry & Riley's building now stands, and 
there 1 was duly installed for the next seventeen 
months, the first American alcalde and carpet- 
bagger in Los Angeles. 

" Thclate Abel Stearns was afterward appoitited 
Syndic. We had instructions from Governor 
Mason to make no grants of land, but to attend 
only to criminal and civil business, and the cur- 
rent municipal affairs. Criminal offenders had 
been formerly punished by being confined in 
irons in the calaboose, which then stood on the 
north side of the plaza, but I induced the Colo- 
nel to loan me balls and chains, and I had a 
chain-gang organized for labor on the public 
works, under the charge of a gigantic old Mexi- 
can soldier, armed with carbine and cutlass, 
who soon had his gang under good discipline, 
and who boasted that he could get twice as 
nmch work out of his men as could be got out 
of the soldiers in the chain-gang of the garrison." 
This office he held until May 21 of the ensuing 
year, displaying superior skill in its various and 
often difficult business. The irrigation system 
every season had been a source of perplexity to 
the officers, and inconvenience and losses to the 
people, who never could find more than some 
temporary expedient to keep up the toma (dam) 
so necessary for the cultivation of the 103 vine- 
yards and gardens then existing. In February 
after his appointment, by a measure executed at 
insignificant cost to each proprietor, he put it 
in a condition that was not disturbed until the 
great freshet of 1861~'62. This civic-military 
rule lasted from January 1, 1848, to May 21, 
1849. On the 17th of that month, under an 
-Hrder of Major Graham, Los Angeles ceased to 
be a military station of the United States. 

In December, 1848, after peace was restored, 
Mr. Foster (by order of Governor Mason) had 
called an election under Mexican law, for an 
aynntamicntu to tnkc the place of that then in 



HISTORY OF LOU ANGELES COUNTY. 



office. No attention being paid to this notice, 
tlie officers were instructed by the Governor to 
hold over until such time as the people should 
be willing to hold an election. In May, 1849, 
a second attempt proved more successful. The 
new ayuutamiento was inaugurated on the 21st. 
Its members were: First Alcalde and Presi- 
dent, Don Jose del Carmen Lugo; Second Al- 
calde, Don Juan Sepulveda; Regidores, Don 
Jose Lopez, Don Francisco Ruis, Don Francisco 
Ocampo, Don Tomiis A. Sanchez; Si'udico, Don 
Juan Temple; Secretary, Don Jesus Guirado. 
"Ord's Survey" of the city and other measures 
attest their usefulness. Their successors from 
January 2, 1850, were: First Alcalde and 
President, Abel Stearns; Second Alcalde, Igna- 
cio del Valle; Regidores, David W. Alexander, 
Benjamin D. Wilson, Jose L. Sepulveda, Man- 
uel Garfias; Sindico, Francisco Figueroa; Secre- 
tary, Jesus Guirado, who held office until the 
city and county governments were organized 
under the State law. 

December 9, 1847, a little after midnight, 
preparing to load a cannon at the guard-house, 
situated on the hillside where was the mansion 
of ex-Senator Bush, a careless soldier exploded 
a box of cartridges. Everything was thrown 
into the air — walls, soldiers; some of the tim- 
bers fell over into Main street. Not one adobe 
was left standing upon another. Four wei-e 
killed outright and twelve wounded, dragoons 
and men of Stevenson's regiment. It was im- 
mediately rebuilt of adobes. The accident grew 
out of an alarm produced by a sentinel who 
hailed a horse or cow grazing upon the hill, and 
for want of answer, fired. Carefully inquiring 
among residents of that period, and consulting 
the archives which are fully extant, not the 
slightest trace of any movement is visible 
among the (/alifornians against the existing 
authorities, nor any real ground for suspicion 
or alarm at any time after January, 1847, says 
Hayes. 

In April, 1848, a special court, consisting of 
Stephen C. Foster and Abel Stearns, was ap- 
pointed for the trial of several members of the 



Mormon Battalion at Los Angeles, on the charge 
of passing counterfeit gold coin. Each had a 
separate trial before a jury, and Lieutenant 
Ruel Barrus was found guilty, confessing that 
he played monte with counterfeit money, and 
was sentenced to five years' hard labor; but 
Governor Mason, in consideration of his youth 
and other palliating circumstances, reduced his 
term to one year. The others were acquitted. 

The discovery of the mines in the year 1848 
carried away many of tie native population; 
created a new demand for the liorses and cattle 
which the rancheros could so amply supply; 
brought a multitude of immigrants from So- 
nora, as well as from the United States, and left 
the people at home here in a state 'of perpetual 
exaltation and excitement. During the sum- 
mer of 1849 and winter and spring of 1850, 
Los Angeles was a thoroughfare of travel. Few 
could be induced to stop long. Every head 
was turned toward the noi'thern El Dorado. 
Through the summer of 1850 thirty Americans 
could be counted, and most of these without 
families. With or without means the in-comers 
had crowded forward; seldom destitute, for 
their necessities when, known had met a gener- 
ous response from the bounty of the "Lugo 
family" at San Bernardino, a Williams at Chino, 
a Rowland and a Workman at La Puente. Nor 
only from these — native Californian liberality 
cverywliere opened its full hand to the way- 
worn stranger. 

In September, 1848, Colonel Stevenson left 
for San Francisco. January, 1849, a squadron 
of Second Dragoons, Major Montgomery Pike 
Graham commanding, fresh from Mexico, was 
posted at this city. His officers were: Captain 
Kane, Quartermaster; Captain D. H. Pucker; 
Lieutenants Cave J. Couts, Giveiis, Sturgiss, 
Campbell, Evans and Wilson. Captain Rufus 
Ingalls was here in this j^ear as Quartermaster. 
The arrival of Major Graham relieved Company 
C, First Dragoons, which then marched for So- 
noma, under its officers as before mentioned, 
and the Surgeon, Dr. Griffin. 

From 1850 to 18(10, and thereabouts, the cat- 



HIsroiiY Uh' LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



tie trade and sLipment of grapes were tlie main 
reliance for money. The cattle sold to go out 
of the county in tlie former year were esti- 
mated at 15,000 head, at $15 per head. Subse- 
quent years, until 1856, show a constant demand 
for stock, if not so great; in this year it was 
considered that $500,000 had been invested in 
cattle and slieep to be taken away. In 1860 
there were still 78,000 head of cattle, three- 
fifths of which belonged to native Californians, 
and in part distributed as follows: 

Abel Stearns, 12,000; Juan Abila, 7,200; 
John Roland, 5,000; Willian Workman, 5,000; 
Williams' estate, 5,000; John Temple, 4,000; 
Eicardo Vejar, 3,500; Bernardo Yorba, 3,500; 
Ignacio del Valle, 3,500; Teodosio Yorba, 3,- 
500; Leonardo Cota. 2,500; Vicente Lugo, 2,'- 
500; Pio and Andres Pico, 2,000; Augustin 
Machado, 2,000; Nasario Dominguez's estate, 
2,000; Felipe Lugo, 1,000; Valdez family, 1,- 
000; Enrique Abila, 1,000; Fernando Sepiilveda, 
1,000. 

Making just allowance for defective assess- 
ments, the amount was probably considerably — 
one-third — beyond this estimate. The drought 
of the years 1863 and 1864, was more or less 
destructive thronghout California. In Los An- 



geles County, 1865 began with 90,450 head of 
cattle, 15,529 horses, 282,000 sheep. In earlier 
times, sheep made little figure in the annual 
calculations of gain. 

From the organization of the county in 1850 
to the creation of the board of supervisors in 
1852, the court of sessions (consisting of the 
county judge and two associate judges) ad- 
ministered the civil affairs of the county. 

The first election for supervisors was held 
June 14, 1852, and the following persons were 
duly elected: Jefferson Hunt, Julian Chavez, F. 
P. F. Temple, Manuel Eequena and Samuel Ar- 
buckle. The board organized on the first Mon- 
day in the next month; Arbnckle was chairman 
and B. D. Wilson was clerk by virtue of his 
being county clerk. 

The office of jueces del cainpos (judges of the 
plains) is a purely Mexican institution, but was 
in force several years after the conquest of Cal- 
ifornia, and in fact until the office died a natural 
death from lack of material whereon to exercise 
the official functions. Their duties were to hold 
rodeos (cattle gatherings) and recojedas (horse 
gatherings) throughout the country, to settle 
all disputes and see that justice was done 
between owners of stock. 



UISTURY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 











CHAPTP]R X. 



HIE Constitutional Convention of this State, 
adopted the constitution October 10, 1849; 
it was ratified by vote of the people, Novem- 
ber 13, and proclaimed by Governor Kiley, De- 
cember 13. Los Angeles was represented by 
Jose Antonio Carrillo, Perfecto Hugo Reid, Abel 
Stearns, Stephen C. Foster, and Alanuel Do- 
mingaez. Mr. Reid died at Los Angeles, De- 
cember 12, 1852. He was a native of Scotland, 
of great intelligence, and always held in high 
esteem. Lie wrote some essays on the history, 
customs, and legends of the Los Angeles Indians, 
and vocabularies of several Indian tongues 
spoken in this section of the State, which have 
been published. Don Jose Antonio Carrillo died 
at Santa Barbara, April 25, 1862, aged sixty- 
seven years. Don Manuel Doininguez died at 
his ranch near San Pedro in 1882. Stephen C. 
Foster is yet living. 

It was natural that Southern California should 
protest against entering Statehood with the 
North. Reference has already been made to the 
continual friction between California del Norte 
and California del Sur in Mexican times, and 
how the South prevented the North from becom- 
ing a Mexican State. This time the protest was 
unsuccessful. In February, 1850, a mass meet- 
ing was held in Los Angeles, at which a formal 
protest was made against the admission of Cali- 
fornia as a State. The grounds of protest were 
the enormous expense of a State government, 



and ruinous taxes; that a territorial form of 
government was for the time better suited for 
the Soutii, that the Legislature favored the more 
thickly populated North, disregarding the inter- 
ests of the thinly populated South, and that the 
proposed State was too large and its interests 
were too diverse. The meeting declared in 
favor of a separate Territory south of San Luis 
Obispo to be called Central California. Manuel 
Requena was president of the meeting, and 
Harry Dalton and Agustin Olvera were secre- 
taries. The protest was forwarded by Agustin 
Harazthy, of San Diego, to United States Senator 
Foote, who produced it in the Senate May 9, 1850, 
but objections being made it was. not received. 

Southern California was, however, restive 
under the newer order of tilings, feeling that 
its best development could only come with the 
stimulus and freedom of a separate politicallife. 
Aninaated by this feeling, a movement for the 
division of the State was made ten years later. 
In 1859 an act was passed by the State Legis- 
lature entitled " An Act granting the consent of 
the Legislature to tiie formation of a difl'ereut 
govei-nmeut for tlie southern counties of this 
State." The line of division, as speciiied in the 
act, embraced the counties of San Luis Obispo, 
Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, San 
Bernardino, and a portion of Buena Vista. The 
act, by order of the Legislatui-e, was put to a 
vote of the people of the counties in question: 



HISTOHY OF LUti ANOELES COUNTY. 



it was carried by au overwhelming vote. The 
returns, together with the act, were certified to 
by Governor Latham, and forwarded by him 
officially to the United States Government at 
Washington. The intense national excitement 
over the questions which led to the civil war 
delayed action, and with the breaking out of 
hostilities further action for the completion of 
the division was postponed. In the turmoil of 
war, and in the settlement of great national 
questions which agitated the country in the 
years that followed, the subject of further action 
in the matter remained in abeyance. Occasional 
allusions in the public print showed, how- 
ever, that it was only slumbering. In 1880 
Governor J. G. Downey republished, over his 
own signature, in the Los Angeles Evening 
Exj)7'ess of May 8, the original act, together 
with a statement that he believed the act to 
remain valid despite the lapse of years, and 
that only the consent of Congress was needed 
to make the action final. 

In the February number of The Cali/ornian, 
1881, a monthly periodical, printed in San 
Francisco, now the Overland Monthly., Dr. J. 
P. Widney published an article upon the divis- 
ion of the State, in which he discussed at 
length the geographical, topographical, climatic 
and commercial laws which lie back of and 
which produce this tendency to a separation, 
and stated that the natural working of these 
laws would in the end lead to a separation of 
the State into two distinct civil organizations, 
and that while it might be delayed, this division 
of the State was in the end inevitable. 

Several weeks later, at a citizens' mass meet- 
ing held in Los Angeles, February 1, 1881, 
upon the subject of Wilmington Harbor im- 
provement, favoring the movement, an execu- 
tive committee, consisting of Messrs. E. F. 
Spence, J. P. Widney, J. G. Downey, A. B. 
Moffitt, J. G. Estudillo and W. H. Perry, was 
selected to take charge of the work. This com- 
mittee selected a legal committee, to which were 
referred the following questions, in order that the 
legal status of the movement might bemadeclear. 



1. Is the Legislative act of 1859, as voted 
upon by the people and forwarded to Congress 
with the certificate of the Governor of Cali- 
fornia, still in force? 

2. If that act is still in force, what legal 
steps are necessary to complete the division and 
establish the new State of Southern California? 

3. If that act is no longer in force, what other 
course will become necessary to eflfect a division? 

The answer was as follows: 

1. The act of the Legislature of the State of 
California entitled, " An Act granting the con- 
sent of the Legislature to the formation of a 
different governinent for the southern counties 
of this State," approved April 18, 1859, page 
310, is in full force and effect. 

2. Under article IV., section 3, of the con- 
stitution of the United States, it only remains 
for Congress to admit the new State with a 
republican form of government. 

3. To secure this last action no legal forms 
are required. 

4. The mode most nearly conforming to 
precedent would be to secure the united action 
of a_ representation from each of the counties in 
the proposed new State, calling an election to 
elect delegates to a constitutional convention to 
be held at some designated time and place. 
Such a constitutional convention would then 
prepare a form of constitution for the new 
State and submit the same to a vote of the 
people, and upon its adoption and presentation 
to Congress, and the act of Congress admitting 
the new State, the work would be complete. 

5. The election should be held as nearly as 
possible in accordance with the forms of our 
present election laws. 

(Signed) Tiiom & Stp:phens, 
H. T. H.vzAKo, 
C. E. Thom, 

K. M. WiDNEV, 

A. Bkunson, 
s. c. hubbell, 
George H. Smith, 
H. A. Barclay. 

A circular letter was thereupon sent by the 



HISTOUY UF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



executive committee to the Democratic and 
Republican county committees of San Diego, 
San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa 
Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern and Inyo, 
requesting the appointment of delegates to a 
convention to be held in Los Angeles, Septem- 
ber 8, 1881, to consider the advisability of taking 
further action in the matter. 

The convention met, many of the delegates 
being present, and the question was thoroughly 
discussed. The prevailing sentiment was that 
the division of the State was a necessity; that 
only by the establishment of a separate State 
could the full development and growth of 
Southern California be brought about; but the 
feeling seemed to be that the time had as yet 
hardly arrived to take the step. With this 



understanding, and witii the farther under- 
standing tliat when a favorable time should 
occur a united movement would be made to the 
accomplishment of that end, the convention 
adjourned. 

From this time on the subject never re- 
mained quiescent, but became a topic of con- 
stant discussion in the public press and among 
the people. 

Early in the present session of Congress 
(1888-'89) General William Yandever, member 
of Congress from the Sixth California District, 
introduced a bill for the taking of steps anew 
for the division of the Slate. That bill is now 
on file, awaiting its turn, for the consideration 
in the order of business. A large mass-meeting 
in Los Angeles indorsed the bill. 




IIISTOUV OF LOS ANQELES COUNT V. 




^^mjB .^^ ^^ 



'M 



ANNALS 1849-1889 



■i^^^ ^i^^^i^f^^^i^ ^ ^li^SBS f ^ 



Oil APT Eli XI. 



tS tlie first part of the history of Los Angeles 
County naturally closes with the Mexican 
War period, the second part opens with the 
immediately succeeding; and it seems most 
convenient to give first the prominent events in 
journal form, continuing to the present, and 
then follow with special topics more elaborately 
treated. 

1849. — John Goller, blacksmith and pioneer 
wagon-maker, was of the emigrants by the Salt 
Lake route; Louis Wilhart outfitted him with 
tools and helped him to customers. Iron works, 
as to cost, the native Californians were strangers 
to. One of them, as Goller used to say, paid 
$500 for an awning for the front of his resi- 
dence. The charge for shoeing a horse was 
$16. Stores then were scarce of iron. Goller 
hunted up old tires thrown away on the plains 
to make shoes. His first wagon remained on 
hand a good while. The native people gazed 
at it with curiosity, but distrust, and went back 
to their carretas. 

1850-53.— The Indian tribes of the Mojave 
Desert give niucli trouble by stealing live-stock 
and murdering ranchers. 

1851. — John Gregg ISichols, born April 15, 
the first American child in the city. Population 
this year, 2,500. November 12, this year, late 
of a brigiit moonlight evening, standing alone 
at the door of his ottice. Main street, near Downey 



Block, Benjamin Hayes was shot at by one 
within three feet on horseback. "The ball," 
says the Sia7', " passed through the rim of his 
hat and lodged in the wall on the opposite side 
of the room, perforating in its progress the 
door, wliich is fully an inch in thickness. The 
would-be assassins then instantly galloped off, 
and were never captured. 

1852. — August 16, the United States Land 
Commission met at Los Angeles to settle private 
Uind claims. Spirit rappings create much ex- 
citement at San Gabriel. 

1853. — Tejon Reservation established. Second 
survey of the city made by Henry Hancock, 
when the tbirty-five-acre lots were surveyed 
and donated to actual settlers. 

1854. — -Average number of violent deaths in 
the city not less than one a day! — mostly of 
Mexicans and Indians — but not unfrequently 
persons in the higher walks of life. There was 
no police force. November 16, the Southern 
Californiaii complains that "only four murders 
were committed during the past week." Sep- 
tember 5, Maria Francisca Villalobos de Tavia 
died, in the 112th year of her age. In August 
the supervisors appropriate $1,000 for the 
opening of a wagon road over the mountains 
between San Fernando Mission and the San 
Francisco Ranch. 

1855.— In Ain-il fifteen ten-mule teams, be- 



IIISTiiliy Ob' I.OS ylj\(lIiJ.KS COUNTY. 



l(.nf;-in,i,' to AlcMin.l.T It^uu.iii.;- mihI W. T. Vk 
S^.nfonl, l.'ft, l,,is Anovl.'s \\>y Salt l-nkc witli 
CO, 0(10 iiDunils (if assni-li'd iiici-cliaiul isc. In 
Maivli llu'iv was a -ivat .Arilcnu'iil, ,.vrr tlic 
Kcni Kiv.T miius, and slcain.TS from San 
l''raiicisco lirought a largo nuiulior ol' passungors 
who wcvo hound for those mines. Washing- 
Icm's hirlhday was oelehnitt'd by ii parade of 
tho VWy (iuanls. (Mirislnias and Nmv Year 
festivals Nvnv a.H'onn.aniod hv Inill-liohts. Ahel 



Sti 



,1 .1. K. 



•k 11. 



ISod. -VigihuH'O cH)nnnitl('cs worr I'onnod in 
Los Angeles and at San (iahiiol. Tho prople 
wore greatly disappointed in not getlini;- the 
(iovernor's "pi-'>elaiuation of 'l'hanl<s-iviuo- Day 
mail the day IkuI -one by! 

ISoT. Oysters and i.'e were among the 

deniie of putrid sore throat jirevailed among 
tlie children. Sheriff Jvirt.ni and party were 
murdered hy Flores and liis haml near Santa 
Ana. I'ons'ideral.le uneasiness was felt in the 
city over the news of tiie M.nmtain Meadows 
massaere, whieh took place in Seplemher; a 
mass meeting was called at the ravilion at the 
IMaza to investigate the facts, and resolutions 
were passed condemning the Mormons for the 
murder of the emigrants. In December another 
public meeting protested against the sale of 
arms to the Mornu)ns, and condemned the mer- 
chants of l.os Angeles for sliippiiig arms and 
ammunition to Salt Lake. The Anaiieim 
colony was established this year. One o^ the 
Beaudrys built a brick block on Los .Vngeles 
and Aliso streets. 

1S5S. — A rise in real estate. Depredations 
and murders by Indians committed by neigh- 
boring tribes. In January 200 soldiers arrived, 
only twenty-si.\ days from New York, on the 
way to San J^crnardino. February 25, lire, 
originating in Ohilds & Hale's store and tin- 
shop, on Los Angeles street, and consuming 
$30,000 to 850,000 worth of property. In July 
150 dragoons, uniler Captain Davidson, arrived 
Ir.mi Foi't I'uchanan on the way to Fort Tejon. 



Regular terms of the United States District 
Coui-t wei-e held, commencing on the tirst 
Monday o[ March, September and December of 
each year. Captain I>anuing took a wagon train 
of seven tim-nnde teams from San Pedro to 
Fort Yuma, making the <listanc,e of 2H0 miles 
in thirteen days. In -lune the Sui'veyor- 
Ceneral of California made a d.-mand on the 
county ri'c.irder for all public ivcords of Los 



'^^ 



'.V I'^-i' 



r to its history under 
Spanish and Mexican rule. The recorder at 
tirst refused, but subsequently was obliged by 
his sureties to accede to the demand, and the 
records were removed to San Francisco. Tlie 
home papers denotmced the proceeding as an 



,h>Vr: 



outrage. In ,1 iily, workiin 
ging where a bui'lding of Mr. Child's had been 
burned a short time before, discovered $5,000 
in gold coin, which they appropriated, notwith- 
standing Mr. Childs' claim that it was his and 
had been hidden there by a dishonest clerk 
some years bt'fore. October 7, the arrival of 
the pionet'r semi-weekly overland stage, twenty 
days from the Missouri liiver, was ci'lehrated 
by the tiring of cannon. Number of voters in 
the city, GOO. 

The novel spectacle of camels as pack animals 
was tirst seen at Los Angeles January 8, 1858, 
when a drove of fourteen, umler the manage- 
ment of Lieutenant F. F. Heale. arrived from 
Fort Tejon. Kach animal carried a thousand 
pounds of provisions and military stores, traveled 
thirty to forty miles a day, and found their own 
subsistence, in the most barren country. These 
camels were Irecjuently seen in Los Angeles 
afterward. In 185(), when Pierce was ['resident 
of the United States, the (iovernment became 
possessed of that portion of .Vrizona known as 
the Gadsden Purchase, which covers large desert 
tracts. As an e.\i)erinieiit, the Co\crument 
concluded to purchase camels to be used as pack 
animals in traversing these vest wastes, and 
accordingly Commodore David D. Porter met 
Philip Tedro, popularly known as >• Hi .lolly." 
whose services were engaged ami through 
whom he bought seventv-six camels; and these 



nisrojir of j/js angklics county. 



were shipped directly to Indiuiiola, Texas, then 
across to Albiujnerqiie, wiiere the}' arrived in 
line condition, in ciuiriije of Jli Jolly. Here an 
expedition was tit'ed out, under coniinand of 
Ned iJeale, and the camels were first brought 
into active service. The objective point was 
Fort Tejon, and the route- lay alonir the thirty- 
fifth parallel? The expedition consisted of 
forty-four citizens, with an escort of twenty 
soldiers, and the camels provided tlie packing, 
in some instances carrying as much as a hundred 
gallons of water. They arrived safely at Fort 
Tejon, then made a trip back to Albuquerque, 
and again to Fort Tejon. Tii-ing of the camels, 
the Government condemned them, and they 
were sold at Eenicia to two Frenchmen, who 
took them to Reese liiver, Nevada, where they 
were used in packing salt to Virginia City. 
The animals were afterward taken to Arizona, 
and for some time used in packing ore from 
Silver King mine to Vunja down the Gila 
Iliver. For some cause the Fretichmen became 
disgusted with their property and turned the 
camels loose upon the desert near Maricopa 
Wells. Tiieir presence frightened the mules in 
the freight teams and many of them were killed 
on that account by the drivers. In the fall of 
1882 several were caught and shipped East for 
a show, and the others were wantonly killed, 
except possibly two, which were so wil(,i that 
they are seldom seen. 

1859.— In February tlie contract for the con- 
struction of a market-house and city hall was 
let to John Temple, for $30,000. Work was 
commenced in March and finished in September. 
It is the present court-house. The City Coun- 
cil borrowed $200,000 for improvements. Thirty- 
one brick buildings erected in the city this year. 
The two-story Arcadia l>lock, on the southwest 
corner of Ai'cadia and Los Angeles streets, 
with eight large stores on the ground floor, was 
built this year; as also two stories of the Temple 
Block, fronting on Main, Temple and Spring 
streets. There were eleven attorneys and seven 
physicians resident in the city. The vote was 
1.020. Utah trade active. In January about 



sixty wagons left Los Angeles for Salt Lake; 
one Mrm alone sent forty teams. April 19, a 
contract was let for the erection of a telegraph 
line from San Jose to Los Angeles. Times were 
hard. 

18()0. — (Considerable emigration from this 
county to Texas, — attributed to the difficulty 
experienced by white laborers in procuring 
work here, most of the vineyardists employing 
Indians and Chinamen. First telegraph mes- 
sage received in Los Angeles, at 8 v. m., Octo- 
ber 8. The following message was sent: 

Los Anokles, Monday Evening, October 8, 

10 o'clock p. M. 
II. F. TicscHKMACHER, EsQ., President Board 
of Suj)ervisors, San Francisco: Allow me, on 
behalf of the citizens of Los Angeles, to send 
you greeting of fellowship and good feeling on 
the completion of the line of telegraph which 
now binds the two cities together. 

Hknrv Mklf.us, Mayor Los Angeles. 

San Francisco, October 9, 1860. 

Henry Mellus, Esq., Mayor Los Angeles: 
Your dispatch has just been received. On be- 
half of the citizens of San Francisco I congrat- 
ulate Los Angeles, trusting that the benefit may 
be mutual. 
II. F. Tescuemachek, Prcn. Board Siq^ervisors. 

July 18, General Fremont visited Los An- 
geles and was greeted with a salute of fifteen 
guns. In November, Lady Franklin, widow of 
Sir John Franklin, accompanied by her niece, 
Mi's. Cracroft, visited Los Angeles. 

1861. — May 25, a grand Union demonstra- 
tion at Los Angeles. The national banner was 
presented by Phineas Banning, in behalf of the 
citizens, to the Union Club, and was accepted 
by C. Sims, the president, in an appropriate 
speech. A procession was had, in the following 
order: Band of the First Dragoons, Los Angeles 
Grays (thirty men), California Pioneers, the 
Union Club (150 members). Company K, First 
Dragoons (fifty men). City Officials, French 
Benevolent Society and the citizens on foot and 
on horseback. The procession marched around 
the Plaza, down Main and Spring streets and 
by the court-house; the national flag was un- 



iiisTiu;)' Oh' i.os JiVd'Av.A'i.' voi'iyrr 



t'iii-lf<l to tlie Ux'v7x\ tlio l>:iiul .-truck iii. the 
" Stai--Sjmui;lcil l!aiiiier," and tliirty-foiir guns 
\M>n' tiiril.-- i>ne t'tn- evory Stati> in tlie Union. 
Fiery ami patriotic specclics wore niado by 
CuMU'ral Drown, Major Carlton and Captain W. 
S. Hancock, snliscquciitly ot'natii)nal I'amo. A 
ctMUpany td" \(diintccrs wasi raiscil in I.os .\n 
-clcs, to form a ].art of tlic 5,000 ordered from 
the IState. Tho United States llolcl and tlie 
Hella Union liad been placed under a milit.-iry 
surveillance by Oajitain Oaviilsun, on account 
of secession influence; but in September a Union 
(Jernuin, obtaining possession of tiie United 
State.^^ Hotel, the Stars and Stripes were raised 
over its roof and the restriction removed, in 
October the regular troops were concentrated at 
San Pedro to take passage on a Panama steamer 
for the East. A subscription of $100 per month 
was raised by the citizens to receive daily dis- 
patches from the East concerninif the war. 

18li2.- -" Small-pox, measles and secession 
raged in Los Angeles:" several fatal cases. 
Heroic remedies resorted to, etc. In January, 
three steamers were unloading troops at one 
time at San Pedro, and on the 19th -4,000 men 
were encamped there. Also a larye number of 
soldiers were encamped at Fort Latham on the 
La Pallona Eanch, under Colonel Forman. In 
October Camp Latham was broken up and the 
troops removed to San Pedro. Li November 
the small-pox broke out among the Indians of 
Los Angeles City and spread rapidly. 

1SC3.- The small-pox prevailed extensively 
among the Mexican and Indian population; as 
many as fourteen were known to die in one day. 
In March the epidemic subsided, >• for want of 
further material to work upon." A majority of 
the Indians of the city were deaii, besides many 
throughout other portions of the county. Major 
Henry Hancock was in command at Drum Bar- 
racks. July 4 was not celebrated in the city. 
The soldiers at Camp Ballona Harbor celebrated 
it in grand style. July 31, a detachment of 
troops from Drum Parracks encamped in the 
city for the purpose of protecting the Union 
men. A Union ma.-s meeting- was held on Main 



street in front of the La Fayette Hotel, now tho 
St. Elmo, September 26. In September a great 
exodus of miners occurred to the Colorado 
River, a large number of prospectors from the 
upper country passing through the city to the 
mines at La Paz. November 9, J. J. Warner, 
who had been appointed Deputy I'rovost Mar- 
shal for Los .\ngeles, began the enrollment pre- 
paratory to the draft. His deputies were George 
I). Fisher for the southern end of tho county, 
T. H. Purke for the eastern part, and George 
E. Vertsen for the city and the northern part of 
the county. Companies of soldiers were sta- 
tioned in Los .\ngelcs all this year, to preserve 
the peace. In May the Mexican people held a 
gi'and glorification over the defeat of the French 
forces at Puelihi. Salt Lake trade continued 
good, notwithstanding the war. December 25, 
Captain 1>. K. West issued an order from Drum 
Barracks notifying all persons on Santa Cata- 
lina Island to leave before the 1st of February. 

1864. — Small pox existing again. In Febru- 
ary there was another rush of miners to the 
Colorado, occasioned by reports of fresh strikes 
in the mines. Pusiness was dull and times ex- 
ceedingly hard. May 0, J. F. liilderbeck, of 
Los Angeles, was arrested by a detachment of 
native Califoraian cavalry, commanded by Lieu- 
tenant Cox, on tho charge of disloyalty. Mr. 
Pilderbeck had said when coinersing in regard 
to the Fort Pillow massacre, that he hoped the 
Confederates would kill every negro who might 
be taken with arms in his hands, and every 
white man who might be in command of them. 
The Fourth of July was not celebrated. In 
September the troops were withdrawn from 
Santa Catalina Island, and about the same time 
Fort Tejon was abaniioned. Union rallies and 
processions were held in October ai.d November. 

1865. — Many large Mexican land grants were 
subdivided. April 19, a public funeral was 
held in respect to the death of President Lin 
coin. All business was suspended, the city was 
draped in mourning, and the various societies 
were in procession in appropriate regalia. Tho 
procession was escorted by Captain Ledyard's 



iiisroin' OF J.o.s ANaK/.KJs countv. 



military conipanj. Tlie funeral sermon was 
prcaciied by Rev. Elias I'irdsall. About tiuit 
time several arrests were made of parties who 
glorified in tlie assassination. Tiie Fourth of 
July was gloriously celel)rated, notwithstanding 
the heavy rain, by a procession, literary exer- 
cises and a dinner. Sore throat and typhoid 
imer. Business 



th 



fever prevailed ( 

prospects weru lietter, and fine orchards planted 

in every dircctidii, and \ ini-yards improved and 

enlarged. 

1866. — The Salt Lake trade became exten- 
sive, reaching as far as Bannock, Idaho, 450 
miles beyond Salt Lake, or over 1,200 miles 
from Los Angeles. lousiness generally was ex- 
ceedingly brisk, and real estate was active. The 
population of the city was about 5,000. Goods 
were shipped all the way to Helena, Montana, 
overland with teams, a distance of about 1,400 
miles. 

1867. — Major I'en. C. Truman gives this 
not very flattering picture of Los Angeles: 
"Crooked, ungraded, nnpaved streets; land 
lean; adobe houses, with flat asphaltum roofs; 
with here and there an indolent native hugging 
himself inside a blardcet or burying his head in 
the inside of a watermelon, — were then the 
notable features of this quondam Alexican' 
town." Trade witli Utah, Montana and Ari- 
zona was exceedingly brisk. June 13, fire, 
originating in I'ell's Block on Los Angeles 
street, consumed $64,000 worth of property. 
July 4 was not celebrated in Los Angeles. The 
town first lighteil by gas this year. On July 1 
a brass band was organized. August 10-11, 
the Mexicans celebrate the anniversary of the 
conclusion of the Mexican war and the surren- 
der of the City of Mexico into the hands of the 
Liberals, with speeches, procession, music, fire- 
works, etc. 

1868. — January 20, D. Marchessault, Mayor 
of the city, committed suicide by shooting him- 
self in his ofKce. The third survey of Los An- 
geles City made by George Hansen this year. 
The Los Angeles <.t San Pedro Railroad was in- 
corporateil; the stuck was owned by the county. 



I Population of the county, 25,000. Work com- 
I menced by the Canal & Reservoir Cotnpany 
j upon the canal and reservoir which now sup- 
plies the Union Ice Works, formerly the old 
woolen mill. City Water ('ompuny organized. 
First bank organized, by Alvinza llayward and 
John G. Downey, under the firm name of Hay- 
ward & Company; capital, 8100,000. Later, 
the same year, the banking house of Ilellman, 
Temple tt Co. was organized. A severe form 
of typho-malarial fever prevalent in the autumn. 
The new Masonic Hall dedicated September 29. 
The real growth of the city is said to date 
from 1868. Benjamin Hayes writes in 1876: 

"At this time, the fall of 1868, there was no 
three-story building in the town, while the only 
two-story business houses were the old Lafay- 
ette, the older jiortion of the Bella Union, with 
the stores of Barrows and Childs upon Los An- 
geles street, Stearns's Block, Bell's Block, a por- 
tion of the Lanfranco building, the older portion 
of the United States Hotel, Allen's corner, the 
Court-House with the part of Temple J51ock 
facing it, and a two-story adobe where Temple's 
Bank now stands. The portion of Downey 
Block facing toward the Temple Bank had a 
few one-story adobe rooms, with a wide gateway 
in the middle opening into a corral. This gate- 
way had connected with it somewhat of a tragic 
history, as, upon the cross-bar above, five des- 
peradoes were hanged at one time by the Vigi- 
lance Committee. The Roundhouse [a residence 
on Main street] was then upon tlie outskirts of 
the town. Captain Clark's house was fairly in 
the country, l)ut little of the property around 
being even fenced in. The hills above town 
and across the river, now dotted with houses, 
were then bleak and bare. East Los Angeles 
had not yet even been dreamed of" 

1869. — Great demand for houses. Unprec- 
edented advance in real estate. Building and 
improvements going on rapidly, but still a 
financial depression existed. October 24, the 
corner-stone of their proposed hospital was laid 
by the French Benevolent Society, with cere- 
Trionies. In the (^arly ])art of the year sma]l-{)o.\ 



JIIHTOUY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



raged in Sonorntown. October 26, free excur- 
sion to Wilmiiigtciii, of two tniins, Imtli carry- 
ing 1,500 people, over tlie newly conijileted 
road. 

1870. — Exciting minors that tlie mayor and 
council had been issuing scrip unlawfully 
caused their arrest; but the rumors were un- 
founded. In I"\'bruary the buildings in the 
business portion of the city were ordered num- 
bered, in order to facilitate the compilation of a 
city directory. St. Patrick's day was celebrated 
by the Irish citizens. Street railways talked 
of. Drunkenness and pisfol shooting rampant 
for months, especially among the Indians of the 
town. Liquor was regularly retailed at 110 
different jjlaces in the city. "Nigger alley" 
described as the vilest of resorts. January 27, 
lire, beginning in Cohn & Norton's dry-goods 
store on Aliso street, consumed a number of 
stores and other buildings. February 9, tire, 
originating in John Baker's lodging house on 
Arcadia street. There was a large amount of 
freighting to the Owens River country'. Peti- 
tions and protests were circulated to the Legis- 
lature on the question of the division of Los 
Angeles County on the line of tlic San Gabriel 
River, creating the new county of Anaheim on 
the east side. 

1871.— Downey Block erected. Thirty-live 
practicing lawyers in the city. February 10, 
A. A. Boyle died, aged fifty-five years. In 
March an ice machine was put in operation; 
price of the product, 4 cents a pound. Septem- 
ber 15, the Mexicans celebrate the independence 
of Mexico. Altliough but three were present 
at a mass meeting called to contribute for the 
destitute at Chicago, after the great fire, the 
citizens afterward raised several thousand dol- 
lars for the purpose. In October occurred the 
Chinese massacre, described elsewhere. In 
May mails three times a week were established 
between Los Angeles and San Bernardino. 
During this and the succeeding five years the 
Fourth of July was celebrated in grand style. 
October 31, opening day of the Southern Dis- 
trict Agricultural Society's fair. This society 



yef 



also held successful fairs for the several 
following. 

1872. — August 5 was celebrated as a day of 
lamentation by the Ciiinese all over the world 
for the loss of their countrymen who weie 
lynched in Los Angeles the preceding year. 
Four priests came from San Francisco to con- 
duct public services. 

October 20, that jiortjon of Los Angeles 
known as Sonoi-atuwn was entertained by a 
genuine bull-fight, one of the relics of the bar- 
barous ages that have not yet been thorougldy 
obliterated by civilization. A large number of 
persons, principally native Californians, of all 
ages and both sexes, had assembled, and occu- 
pied elevated seats in the circular arena wherein 
the bull-fight M'as to take place. At the hour 
of comnienconent three individuals dressed as 
clowns stepped into the pit, each one bearing in 
his hand a red flag attached to a small stick. 
These were the picadores. One of them was well 
advanced in years, and shortly after the first 
animal had been turned into the arena and had 
become sufficiently enraged to make it some- 
what warm for his tormentors, the old fellow, 
not having the elasticity of youth, was impaled 
by the infuriated brute against the fence, and 
finally tossed over it. Besides being badly 
gored, it transpired afterward that some of his 
I'ibs were broken. Tie did not appear again, 
however, in the pit, which was seemingly a 
source of much disafjpointment to the specta- 
tors, not in consequence of his misfortune, but 
because he was reported to be the best of tiie 
three picadores. The other two continued to 
worry the poor bull, and succeeded for some 
time to avoid all his plunges. Finally one of 
them, taking the wrong direction, was slightly 
elevated on the horns of the bull, the points of 
which had been sawed off. Nothing daunted, 
lie continued to torment the poor beast with 
increased ardor. Several brads, to which were 
affixed various appendages in the way of rib- 
bons, leaves of colored paper, etc., were then 
passed to the matadores. With a brad in one 
hand and a bannei' in the other they await the 



UISTOliY OF LOS AJSOBLEU COUNTY. 



onset of tlie hull, and as lie came within reach 
proded him in the neck, and at the same time 
darted aside. The poor hull tore the ground 
with rage, the hrad meanwhile sticking in his 
neck and a dozen various colored ribbons 
streaming in the wind as lie rushed blindly, 
foaming at the mouth, at the agile picadores, 
who would then stand aside, to receive the 
plaudits of the fair senoritas that were in at- 
tendance. The bull was then taken out and the 
band struck up a lively air. The clown, who 
had heretofore kept at a safe and respectful dis- 
tance from tlie bull, being perched on the fence, 
then danced a polka and sang a song full of 
Me.vico and "Libertad." Another bull was 
then driven into the ring, and the same per- 
formance was passed through as before, the 
bull in the present case being more successful 
than his predecessor, inasmuch as lie succeeded 
in tossing the picadores several times. What 
was considered the best sport of all, however, 
was the "Grand Hide" performed on the 
second bull. The animal being lassoed and 
thrown to the ground and a riata tied around 
his body, to this the picador was to hold to ride 
the bull; a novel crown, ornamented with fire 
crackers, and an immense Ijack-gear made of 
wires, covered also with fire-crackers, were then 
placed upon the bull, being connected together 
by means of a fuse. Tlie picador then ad- 
dressed the assemblage, and asked them to con- 
tribute their mite, as it would probably be his 
last ride. Mounting and grasping the riata the 
animal was relieved of its bonds, and the fire- 
crackers, attached to its tail ignited. Plunging 
around the ring at a breakneck speed both bull 
and rider seem enveloped in flame and smoke, 
which continued until the poor creature fell 
from sheer exhaustion. The enthusiastic de- 
light of the spectators beggars description. 
Cries were then raised for a third animal, 
which, being fresh and more furious than the 
others, soon compelled the weary picadors to 
abandon the field. The clown then e-xtended 
an invitation to anyone from among the audi- 
ence to take their jilacos. but no one felt dis- 



posed to do so, and the performance was de- 
clared at an end. 

October 29, fire, originating in the explosion 
of a coal-oil lamp, destroyed Pnckard & Co.'s 
distillery on the east bankof the river, occasion- 
ing a total loss of about §60,000. 

1874. — Population of the city estimated at 
11,000. During the summer the Spring and 
Sixth street horse railroad was completed. 
Sunday law began to be enforced. It was esti- 
mated that at least $300,000 was exjiended in 
the erection of business houses this year. 
September 14, Eagle Flouring Mills, costing 
some $40,000 eight or nine years before, totally 
destroyed by fire. 

1875. — Population of the cit}- estimated at 
about 13,000. Catholic cathedral and many 
other large buildings erected this year, amount- 
ing in total value to $260,000. May 20, at 
night, two extensive fires. In Decemljer a 
inovement was on foot among the merchants to 
have the steamers of Goodall, Nelson & Per- 
kins stop at Santa Monica. An effort was made 
by the citizens to have work resumed on the 
Los Angeles & Independence Hailroad, build- 
ing from Los Angeles by way of Cajon Pass to 
Independence. 

1876. — City still rapidly improving. During 
June anti-Chinese meetings were the order of 
the day. July 4 was celebrated with ten times 
more pomp and noise than usual; the greatest 
celebration of American independence ever had 
in the city. Phineas Banning was president of 
the day, James J. Ayers poet, and James G. 
Eastman orator. General Andres Pico and 
Manuel Requena died this year. December 
28, second burning of the Eagle Mills. 

1877. — August 4, Hon. Benjamin Hayes, for- 
merly district judge, died. He had been a 
resident of Los Angeles County twenty-seven 
years, and the author of a chapter in the Cen- 
tennial History of Los Angeles, and an inde- 
fatigable collector of historical scraps. In 
October a grand fair of the Horticultural and 
Agricultural societies was held. 

1878. — In January, a fight between the squat- 



HISTOliY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tei-s and Datives occurred at tlie Rancliito, 
resulting in the killing of two Mexicans. June 
8, there died at the San Gabriel Mission Eulalia 
Teres de Guilen, born at Loreta, Lower Califor- 
nia, and claimed by some to be over 140 years 
of age! but was probably about 110. This year 
was built the grand pavilion on Temple Street 
Hill, by the Southern California Horticultural 
Society. Tlie first fair in this pavilion was held 
in October. An area of 18,000 acres of land 
was burned over in the San Fernando Valley in 
September. February 1, the I. O. O. F. Hall 
dedicated. Binlding going on more than ever be- 
fore. In September over $D00 was raised in the 
city I'or the yellow-fever suflerers of Memphis. 

1879. — Unearthing of the successive defalca- 
tions of Treasurers Melius and Butler, and Tax 
Collector Carrillo. The deficiency was found to 
be over $17,000. Vigorous measures adopted 
for the renovation of Chinatown. Washington's 
birthday celebration by the military and fire 
companies of the city. July 4 also duly cele- 
biiited. Extensive fires in the mountain forests, 
in June. In November died E. J. C. Kewen, a 
soldier, orator and lawyer of considerable note. 

1880.— March 26, Samuel E. Hoylc, an old 
defaulting tax-collector from Georgia, was ar- 
rested in the city, and while awaiting the requi- 
sition papers sliot himself in the county jail 
April 20. During this year General B. F. But- 
ler, of Massachusetts, visited Los Angeles. Pop- 
ulation of the city, according to the census, 
11,183. 

1881. — September 5, centennial anniversary 
of the founding of the city of Los Angeles cele- 
brated. Twenty minutes' time was required for 
the procession to pass a given point. Main 
street was decorated with festoons bearing the 
dates 1781 — 1881. General George Stoneman, 
afterward Governor, was grand-mai-shal of the 
day. A prominent feature of the proiession 
was a Mexican cart drawn by oxen and contain- 
ing two Mexican women, aged respectively 103 
and 117 years! Business generally was sus- 
pended, and the people gave themselves a free 
holiday. The horticultural fair was held this 



month in the Temple Street Pavilion, and the 
attendance was very large. On the 27th the 
obsequies of the late President Garfield were 
observed l)y a large procession and literary ex- 
ercises. 

1882. 

January 10, tlie Esperanza Block, opposite 
the court-house on Main street, was burned; 
total loss, including the stores, $75,000. This 
year was commenced the construction of the 
Nadeau Block, the first tour-story building in 
the city; also the State Kornial School building; 
and the United States Magnetic Observatory 
was removed here from Madison, Wisconsin. 
April, an excursion of 150 Texan editors ar- 
rived in the city on their way to San Francisco, 
and spent several days enjoying the town and 
surrounding country. 

The principal political agitation occurred in 
the spring, when an attempt was made to enforce 
the Sunday-law, especially that part which re- 
lates to the closing of saloons. The saloon- 
keepers had a strong organization known as the 
" League of Freedom," which i-eeisted all efforts 
of an opposing organization known as the " Law 
and Order League." The courts were filled with 
litigation on this question, almost to the exclu- 
sion of other business and with great expense to 
the tax-payers. As a sequence the Sunday-law 
figured in the political campaign of the latter 
part of the year. R. R. Haines drew up a strong 
Sunday-law plank, which was incorporated in 
the Republican platform, and subsequently be- 
came a plank in the State platform of that party, 
and was squarely opposed by the Democracy. 
An immense Democratic majority throughout 
the State followed, and the next Legislature 
wiped the Sunday-law from the statute books. 

A most remarkable case was tried in the Su- 
perior Court of Los Angeles this year. Judge 
,1. D. Hiries, of Ventura, presiding. A Mormon 
named Josiah V. Smith lived with his family 
on a lonely island in an ocean slough on the 
sea-shore, about thirty miles southwest of the 
city. He gained a precarious living by fishing. 
In November he claimed to have received in a 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



vision a command from God to sacrifice his 
fourteen-year-old son. The boy was called, and, 
obedient to the parental command, kneeled be- 
fore his father, who stuck a butcher's knife into 
the son's breast and watched his life-blood flow 
out upon the ground! The father then threw 
the knife away and carried the body to the 
house, where he held funeral ceremonies and, 
buried the corpse near by. In a few days a 
hunter, who was accustomed to hire the boy to 
row a boat, came and inquired for him, when 
the father told him the awful story of the " sacri- 
fice," and indicated the place of burial. The 
body was dug up and an inquest held. The 
father was arrested and brought to the city, 
where he made the defense that he did with his 
son only what the Lord had commanded Abra- 
ham to do with his, and admitted that he ex- 
perienced great disappointment in the non- 
fulfillment of the promise of a resurrection of 
the child. He was ably defended by Walter B. 
Stephenson, now deceased, who, on the ingenious 
plea of insanity, secured for his client the lighter 
sentence of imprisonment for life. While being 
taken to San Quentin, Smith jumped from the 
cars near Tehachepi when the train was in mo- 
tion, and was run over, both legs being crushed. 
The train was stopped, and he was taken on 
board and died at Tulare. His widow and chil- 
dren now live at Santa Ana. 

December 31, the city was lighted for the first 
time by electricity. 

1883. 

January 20, terrible railroad accident in Te- 
hachepi Pass, in which over twenty persons lost 
their lives. It was about three o'clock in the 
morning and very dark, when the passenger train 
bound for Los Angeles stopped at the station of 
Tehachepi, which is just west of the summit of 
the Sierra Kevada Mountains. A very strong, 
cold wind was blowing down the snowy mount- 
ain pass; the engine was detached for the pur- 
pose of going ahead to get water; the conductor 
went into the ofiice to make his report; the brake- 
man, in his haste to accompany a young lady from 
the train to the station house, forgot to fix his 



brakes, and the cars were started by the wind 
down the heavy grade. When the conductor 
came out he saw that his train was gone, and, 
looking down the road he saw the bright light 
of the burning cars some two or three miles 
away! The cars had, of course, obtained great 
velocity before the passengers had any suspicion 
that anything was wrong, and leaped the track 
into a ravine, where they were massed in a 
crushed heap, and the lamps and stove-fires set 
the pile of splinters thus made on fire. The 
surviving passengers crawled out of the debris 
in their night-clothes and rescued whom they 
could. Among those saved was ex-Governor 
Downey, but no traces were ever found of his 
wife. The dead and wounded were brought to 
Los Angeles, where a few of the twenty-two 
corpses were identified and taken by relatives 
and friends, while the others were buried in 
Evergreen Cemetery. 

In February Miss Maggie O'Brien, of Los 
Angeles, was murdered near Colton by William 
McDowell. Miss O'Brien was living in Los 
Angeles, and had been intimate with McDowell, 
arousing the jealousy of his wife. They sent 
for her to go to Colton, where the crime was 
committed. McDowell was convicted and 
hanged at San Bernardino, March 28, 1884. 

In July and August numerous delegations of 
Knights Templar visited Los Angeles on their 
way to attend the Triennial Conclave at San 
Francisco. 

In this year (1883) Henry Amidon, a loco- 
motive engineer, was murdered at his place on 
San Fernando street. 

1884. 
January 'J, Charles Whitehead, editor of the 
JiepuMican, a daily evening paper, was shot in 
his office in the Nadcau Block, by T. S. Harris, 
the ex-foreman of the paper. Harris was con- 
victed and sentenced to imprisonment at San 
Quentin, but pardoned by Governor Stoneman 
in less than a year. 

February 18, there occurred a destructive 
flood. The river rose rapidly after several days 
of heavy rain, swept away a number of houses, 



UISTOIiT OF LOS AXGELES COUNTT. 



destroyed considerable other property and caused 
loss of life. 

May 24, the first opera house or theatre built 
in the citj, by O. W. Chikis; it was dedicated 
by Mile. Rhea, who appeared in the " School of 
Scandal.'' 

During the year the city council 'built sub- 
stantial bridges across the river on Aliso and 
First streets. Also the fine and commodious 
Sisters' Hospital on Beaudry Park Ilill was com- 
menced. The Presidential cjimpaign was par- 
ticularly lively in Los Angeles. Four parties, 
strongly organized and witli full tickets, were 
in the field, — Republiciins, Democrats, Prohi- 
bitionists and '• Greenbackers;" and for the first 
time since the formation of the county in 1850, 
the Republicans were able to elect a majority of 
the officers. In a Democratic procession cele- 
brating the election of Cleveland to the presi- 
dency, one transparency bore the significant 
inscription, " The Court-house for the White- 
house." 

In October the Chinese celebrated their great 
triennial festival. 

lu December the municipal election was 
overwhelmingly Republican. 

The population of the city this year was esti- 
mated at 31,000. This year the city purchased 
of G. J. Griflith his fractional interest in the 
title to the water of the river for §50,000. Ig- 
nacio Sepiilveda resigned his position as supe- 
rior Judge and removed to the city of Me.\ico. 

1S85. 

January 25, Jose Preciado was killed by Juan 
Pantojas on Aliso street, for alleged criminality 
with the latter's wife. Pantojas was acquitted. 

March 8, Phineas Banning died at San Fran- 
cisco, and was buried on the 12th, in Rosedale 
cemetery. 20, Adolfo Silvas and Francisco 
Martinez were hanged for murder by a sher- 
iff's guard. Silvas had murdered James A. 
Mclntyre, on New High street, July 21, 18S4. 
Martinez had killed a Mexican named Gabriel 
Chavez on June 20, 1884, in Verdugo Canon. 

April 15, death of Henry Stassforth, a well- 



known citizen. 19 death of Andre Briswalter, 
leaving a large estate. 28, E. J. Baldwin was 
sued for breach of promise by Louisa C. Perkins. 
The case came to trial in February, 1886, and 
judgment was rendered for the plaintift' in the 
sum of §75,000. This was set aside as excess- 
ive, and Mr. Baldwin finally compromised by 
paying the young lady §12,000. 21, ground 
was broken at the intersection of Fort and Second 
streets for the Second Street Cable Railway, by 
Isaac W. Lord. The cars began running in 
October. 

Early in tlie year the principal political item 
was the removal of Edward McCarty as chief of 
i police. 

j May 8, Senator John Sherman visited Los 
Angeles. 

June 5, Dr. Vincent Gelcich, a noted pioneer, 
died at the age of fifty-six years. 27, Colonel 
J. F. Godfrey, a soldier and an attorney at law, 
died, aged forty-five years. 

July 10, John Lennox, who had in cold blood 
murdered an Italian at San Fernando, and was 
tried at his own instance without a jury before 
Judge H. N. Smith, was sentenced to be hanged. 
This sentence was commuted by Governor Stone- 
man to imprisonment for life, followed subse- 
quently by pardon. 

August 8, imposing services in memory of U. 
S. Grant. 10, Father J. J. Upchurch, founder 
of the A. O. U. W., was given a reception by 
the order in Los Angeles. 17, Daniel Mooney, 
a well-known character, was accidentally shot 
and killed near Santa Monica. During this 
month. Sir Arthur Sullivan, of literary lame, 
visited Los Angeles. 

During the summer the first City Hall on 
Second street was built. 

September 2, J. E. Ilollenbeck, a noted 
pioneer, died, aged fifty-six years. ll>, the 
completion of the Los Angeles San Gabriel 
Valley Railroad to Pasadena was celebrated by 
an excursion. 18, Colonel E. S._Blasdel died 
at Florence. 

October 1, Loreto Robles was sentenced to 
ten years' iinprisonuRMit at San Qiientin for the 



II I STORY OF LOS ANUBLES COUNTY. 



107 



murder of his wife at Las Virgiuee Ranch May 
12. Same clay Charles Miles, CouDty Kecorder, 
was arrested for the einbezzleiMent of $12,000. 
Oil the subsequent payment of the money in 
court, he was discharged from Custody. lie 
was immediately succeeded in office by Frank 
A. Gibson. 9, remarkable disappearance of 
Miss Lizzie Parker from the residence of Mrs. 
Vantrees on Court-house street. 11, Duncan 
C. Koss and Captain O'Brien had a sword con- 
test at Agricultural Park, witnessed by several 
thousand people; won by Ross. 13, death of 
Al F. Scheftelin in East Los Angeles; he was 
one of the discoverers of the Tombstone mines. 
1886. 
January 19, great flood. River overflowed 
all that portion of the city lying between Wil- 
mington street and the bluff on the east side. 
A number of people were drowned, and much 
property destroyed. Levees were washed away 
and railroads washed out so extensively that 
all rail communication was cut off for about a 
week. During the day of the flood Martin 
Aguirre saved the lives of twenty persons, mostly 
children, by going to them on horseback, but 
he had a very narrow escape with his own life. 
The year opened with a strong advance in 
real estate, the sales during the year amounting 
to $28,204,759! 

In February occurred the trial of Perkins 
against Baldwin, for damages for breach of 
promise. 

In September occurred the Republican State 
Convention in Los Angeles for the flrst time, 
in Mott Hall. 

In the county the offices were nearly evenly 
divided between the Democrats and Republicans. 

In November Baynton murdered his 

wife and an old man named Kipp, on Olive 
street, in Los Angeles, and was convicted and 
hanged for his crime. 

1887. 
January. Several large excursion trains from 
the East. 5, Andres Martinez, a Mexican, was 
fatally stabbed by Marguerite Granillo, an 



Indian woman. 14, Lorena, daughter of Dr. 
T. C. Gale, was run over by the cars on Ala- 
meda street, and died three days later. 15, 
death of Remi Nadeau, builder of the Nadeau 
Block. 21, George Roberson, who kept a fur- 
niture store on Spring street, was arrested on 
the charge of arson, and while being taken to 
the city jail by a policeman committed fatal 
injuries upon himself, his death resulting in a 
few hours. 23, Samuel Keefer, a hotel man in 
Monrovia, committed suicide. 29, President 
Cleveland signed the bill appropriating $150,- 
000 for the erection of a Federal building in 
Los Angeles. 31, Well No. 6 at Puente gave 
the flrst flow of oil in the district. During this 
month was founded the town of Clearwater, on 
the lauds of a co-operative colony, who bought 
from the Cerritos Ranch. 

February. 4, Bill passed the Legislature 
providing for two superior judges, making a 
total of four. 3, corner-stone of the Baptist 
College laid. *7, A. W. Hutton and W. P. 
Gardner were appointed superior judges. Same 
day, a banquet was given to Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Nelson A. Miles, commanding the Depart- 
ment of Arizona, at the Nadeau House, for 
transferring headquarters from the Whipple 
Barracks, Arizona, to this city. 14, ship Ken- 
nebec, of 2,000 tons burden, and the Barkentine 
St. Louis, were totally wrecked in a storm at 
San Pedro. Sale announced of the Los Angeles 
& San Gabriel Railroad to the Atchison, To- 
peka & Santa Fe Company. Small-pox pre- 
vailed this month, thirteen cases proving fatal. 
A grand excursion to Ballona on the 14th, on 
the completion of the railroad to that place. 
Postoffice removed from Oxarart Block to the 
Ilellman building on Main street, opposite 
Arcadia street. 

March. 1, Woman's Home on Fourth street 
opened. This enterprise is supported from the 
proceeds of an annual flower festival, held since 
1885, for tlie benefit of women and girls out 
of employment. During this month the cele- 
brated apostle of American phrenology. Profes- 
sor O. S. Fowler, ajjpeared in Los Angeles for 



IIISrORT OF LOi ANGELES COUNTY 



the last time. Other noted visitors were Charles 
Dudley Warner and M. Capel. 26, discovery 
made that El Hammond, the County Tax- 
collector, had ahscondeil with -^12,000 of the 
public money, he having fled to liritish Co- 
lumbia. 

April. 1, the rare spectacle of 500 men 
standing in line all night long on Court-house 
street, awaiting their turn to buy lots in the 
new boom town, the sale of which commenced 
the next morning at 9 o'clock; places in this 
line sold as high as $150! The Real Estate 
Exchange was incorporated in April, and ran 
about a year. 12, the annual flower festival 
was opened in Hazard's Pavilion. Hon. J. F. 
Crank and Herman Silver paid the city $10,000 
cash for a double-track cable road franchise; in 
1889 it was transferred to a Chicago syndicate, 
headed by C. B. Holmes, and the cars were set 
running June 8, 1889. 12, Mrs. E. A. Cox 
was run over and killed by the cars at the 
Downey street crossing. 18, the University 
Bank opened its doors. 

May. 2, E. M. Ross appointed judge of the 
new United States District Court of SoutheiTi 
California. 11, Grettie Rozelle threw a cup 
of vitriol into the face of C. R. Petrie, a loco- 
motive engineer, who finally recovered; Mrs. 
Rozelle was acquitted, but her husband, who 
was not present at the commission of the crime, 
was sentenced to nine years in the State prison I 
15. death of Dr. J. S. Baker, City Health 
Officer, by heart disease. 18, the McLaughlin 
steam dummy line of cars was completed from 
Second street to Cahuenga Valley. During 
this month the National Opera Troupe of 300 
people performed at the Hazard Pavilion. 

June. 1, Santa Fe trains commenced run- 
ning overland to San Bernardino. 6, ex- 
Mayor E. F. Spence donated $50,000 for the 
establishment of an Astronomical Observatory 
on Wilson's Peak. During this month two 
brothers named Hutchinson killed in Tejunga 
Canon a grizzly bear cub weighing 700 pounds. 

July. Judge W. A. Cheney, of the Superior 
Court, sustained the prohibition ordinance of 



Pasadena City. Catalina Island was sold by 
the Lick Estate to George R. Shatto. 

August. 2, Francisco Calzado shot and 
killed his wife in Los Angeles. 13, W. F. 
Williams shot and killed his wife also in Los 
Angeles; he was imprisoned for life. l4, ct)r- 
ner-stone of the new Turnverein Hall laid. 
24, Downey street depot burned. 29, the old 
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, South, on 
Spring street, burned, li, cremation at the 
Rosedale Cemetery. 

September. 20, A large number of members 
of the Grand Army of the Republic, with fruits 
and wines, left Los Angeles for St. Louis. 

October. 7, mysterious murder of Dr. 
Charles N. Harlan, a dentist,- near Compton. 
Miss Hattie Wolfsteen was charged with the 
crime, and the case became a catisd celehre in 
the criminal annals of Los Angeles. On the 
night of the above date a barn was burned near 
Compton, and the next day the charred remains 
of a human being were found in the ashes, the 
teeth of which were identified as those of Dr. 
Harlan. He had been known to keep com- 
pany with Miss Wolfsteen. She was defended 
by G. Wiley Wells and C. C. Stephens and 
acquitted. 21, the Chinese celebrate their 
triennial festival; the programme included a 
magnificent street parade. 24, Cardinal Gib- 
bons, of the Roman Catholic Church, visited Los 
Angeles. 26, corner-stone of Los Angeles 
College laid at the corner of Eighth and Hope 
streets. 28, Santa Fe depot burned. An oil 
train, being consumed with it, prevented the 
extinguishment of the fire till it had run its 
course. During this month occurred trouble 
between the Azusa and the Covina neighbor- 
hoods over the division of water in the San 
Gabriel Canon. Both parties had armed forces 
in the canon. Further trouble was averted by 
the courts. 

November. Republicans and Democrats 
agreed upon a joint ticket of fifteen freeholders 
to draft a new city charter. A coal "famine " 
began this month, and lasted several weeks. 1, 
California Bard\ opened, on the corner of F'ort 



IIlHTOnY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and Second streets. 21, the first vestibuled 
train arrived in Los Angeles, coming direct 
from Boston. This month Genenil Franklin, 
of the Soldiers' Home Commission, arrived in 
Los Angeles, and made an examination of pro- 
posed sites for a Soldiers' Home, which re- 
sulted in the selection of the place near Santa 
Monica. 

December. The municipal election gave the 
Democrats a majority in the council. 3, liv- 
ery stable of Nicolas Covarrubias, on Los An- 
geles street, burned, resulting in the death of 
ninety-eight horses! 14, a high wind blew 
down a hotel at La Canada, resulting in the 
death of a woman, and seriously injuring sev- 
eral others. The large hotel at North Cuca- 
monga was totally demolished. The iron roof 
and upper story of a building at Ontario were 
blown down, the new hotel at Lordsburg, in 
process of construction, was destroyed at a loss 
of $20,000, and many buildings were blown 
down in Pasadena and Los Angeles. The wind 
was from the east, and the highest velocity in 
Los Angeles was forty-six miles per hour. 

1888. 

January. Los Angeles Furniture Store was 
destroyed by fire. Ground was broken for the 
new City Hall building on Fort street. Los 
Angeles street was opened from Arcadia to Ala- 
meda streets. George Parks killed Ja!nes E. 
Miles at Whittier. Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock 
were killed at Garden Grove, now in Orange 
County, by a German named Anschlag, who 
was tried in Los Angeles, convicted and sen- 
tenced to be hung; and in November, on the 
evening previous to the day fixed for the hang- 
ing, he committed suicide by taking poison. 

February. Booth and Barrett were at the 
Opera House. 

March. N. li. Vail, of Los Angeles, was 
drowned at Kedpndo Beach. The aimual flower 
festival was held in April at the Pavilion. 
"Whittier, Fuller & Co.'s oil warehouse on San 
Fernando street was destroyed by fire. 

May. The Democratic State Convention -in 



Los Angeles. The proposed new charter was 
defeated. 

July. Ellis College, on the hill, burned. 

August. The coast line of the Santa Fe sys- 
tem opened between Los Angeles and San Diego. 

September. The Sovereign Grand Lodge, L 
O. O. F., of the world, met in Los Angeles. 
Postofiice removed from its place on Main 
street, opposite Arcadia, to Fort street, between 
Sixth and Seventh. 

October. Alfred Wolf found guilty of mur- 
der in the second degree, for the killing of Wil- 
son at San Juan By-the-Sea, and sentenced to 
nine years' imprisonment. 

October 20, the new charter was adopted, 
and confirmed by the Legislature the following 
January. It was framed by a non-partisan 
board of free-holders elected May 31 preceding, 
consisting of W. H. Workman, Chairman; 
Walter S. Moore, Secretary; John Mansfield, 
C. E. Thorn, P. M. Scott, J. H. Book, Jerry 
Baldwin, Jose G. Estudillo, L R. Dunkelberger, 
Charles E. Day, Thomas B. Brown, W. W. 
Robinson, Dr. Joseph Kurtz, A. F. Mackey 
and George H. Bonebrake. By this new char- 
ter the wards were increased from five to nine, 
with one councilman from each ward on a 
salary. The Presidential campaign was very 
active on both sides, meetings, processions, etc., 
without number being held. 

November 5, National election. Brigadier- 
General Nelson A. Miles was transferred to 
San Francisco, and was succeeded here in com- 
mand of the Department of Arizona by General 
B. H. Grierson. 

Decen)ber. At the municipal election the 
Democrats elected a mayor and a majority of 
the council. As a result of the introduction of 
a bill in Congress by General William Van- 
dever. Representative of the Sixth Congressional 
District, looking to a division of the State, a 
large mass meeting was held in the Hazard 
Pavilion, which passed resolutions favoring the 
creation of the State of "South California," 
and an executive committee was elected to take 
charge of the campaign on that question. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



FIRST EVENTS. 

The first Protestant preacher in Los Angeles 
was Rev. J. W. Brier, of the Methodist Episco- 
pal church, who arrived here in 1850, his entire 
earthly possessions being contained in the ox 
team which he drove. He held the first service 
in the residence of Colonel J. G. Nichols. 

The first brick house was erected on Main 
and Third streets in 1852. A brick building 
opposite this was occupied in 1859-'60 by Cap- 
tain Winfield S. Hancock, who was a very popu- 
lar oflicer in the community. 

The first English-speaking school in Los 
Angeles was taught by Rev. Dr. Hicks in 1850. 
The first American child born in the place, as 
already mentioned, was John Gregg Nichols, 
on the 15th of April, 1851. 

The first newspaper was established in May, 
1851, and was called the Los Angeles Star. 

In 1853 the town contained three dry-goods 
stores, and one year later the place boasted of 
4,000 inhabitants. 

In 1854 the first Masonic lodge received its 
charter. 

In that year also the first hive of bees arrived, 
it having been purchased in San Francisco for 
$150, by O. W. Childs. 

During the same year a tannery was erected, 
an Odd Fellows' lodge was organized, and bull- 
fighting was legally prohibited. 

In 1856 the first legalized hanging took 
place. 

In 1860 the population of Los Angeles was 
4,500, and the first telegraph line was con- 
structed. 

In 1867 a castor-oil mill and also gas works 
were established. 

In 1868 the Los Angeles City Water Company 
obtained a franchise, and the first railroad was 
built. The road was twenty-two miles long, 
and united this city with the harbor at San 
Fedro. 

The same year the first fire company was or- 
ganized, and at once entered upon its duties. 
• The first woolen mill was established in 1872, 
and the public library was founded in 1873. 



In 1874 the first fruit-drying establishment 
was erected, on an extensive scale. The year 
following a broom factory and artificial stone 
works began operations. 

The first county election in this county was 
held April 1, 1850; 377 votes were cast in the 
county. The officers chosen were: Judge, Agns- 
tin Olvera; Clerk, Benjamin Davis Wilson; 
Attorney, Benjamin Hayes; Surveyor, J. R. 
Conway; Treasurer, Martin Gartias; Assessor, 
Antonio F. Coronel; Recorder, Ignacio del Valle; 
County Sheriff, George T. Burrill; Coroner, 
Charles B. Cullen, who failed to qualify, and 
A. P. Hodges was appointed. 

Jonathan R. Scott was the first justice of the 
peace, merely taking that ofiice in order to give 
his ability to the county organization. He soon 
tired of it and was succeeded by J. S. Mallard. 
Judge Scott had been a prominent lawyer in 
Missouri, and was in the front rank of the bar 
at Los Angeles. He was ready for any useful 
enterprise. In company with Abel Stearns he 
built the first brick flouring mill in 1855, and 
about two years before his death he planted an 
extensive vineyard. He died September 21 
1864. His eldest daughter married A. B. Chap- 
man. 

The first bricks wore made by Captain Jesse 
D. Hunter in 1852. He burnt his next kiln in 
1853. From the first kiln was built the house 
at the corner of Third and Main streets in 1853; 
from the second, in the same year, the new 
brick jail. 

Dr. Osborne, a native of New York, came to 
California in 1847, in Colonel Stevenson's regi- 
ment, and he put up the first drug store in 
1850, which was followed by that of McFarland 
& Downey in 1851. The first daguerreotypes 
here were taken by him and Moses Searles, 
August 9, 1851. 

November 1, 1851, first political procession 
(Pierce) under Nordholdt, Lecke and GoUer 
with transparencies and the Padre's little brass 
cannon: attempting to fire it off, "George the 
Baker" was badly burned. 

Peter Biggs, in 1852, was the first barlier. 



lUHTORY OF WH ANG/'JLES COUNTY. 



As a slave, he was sold to an officer at Fort 
Leavenworth. At the close of the war, left on 
California territorj', his ireedom was necessarily 
recognized. He lived here many years thereafter. 

Samuel C. Foy, February 19, 1854, started liis 
saddlery — the first to make any kind of harness. 
John Foy joined his brother in the following 
summer. 

The first hospital, "The Los Angeles Infirm- 
ary," for the sick, was opened May 31, 1858, in 
the house of Don Cristobal Aguilar, by the 
Sisters of Charity. These ladies emigrated 
from their mother house, St. Joseph's, Emmets- 
burg, Maryland, and settled at Los Angeles in 
the year 1855. Subsequently they erected an 
extensive hospital of brick, with garden and 
orchard surrounding it, in the upper part of the 
city. 

The first United States patent issued to a Los 
Angeles citizen was in 1859 to Don Manuel 
Dominguez for San Pedro Rancho. 

In the year 1867 Los Angeles was first lighted 
with gas. During this year, also. Doctor Grif- 
fin and lion. 15. I). AVilson, by means of a ditch, 
costing some $15,000, brought the water of the 
Arroyo Secos out upon the lands of the San 
Pasqual Rancho. 

In 1868 the first bank was organized in Los 
Angeles by Alvinza Hayward and John Q-. 
Downey, under the firm name of Hayward & 
Co.; capital, §100,000. 

In the spring of 1875 the "Forest Grove As- 
sociation" planled the first extensive tract of 
the eucalyptus, or blue gum, for timber. 

The city of Los Angeles was incorporated by 
act of the Legislature, approved April 4, 1850. 
The government was organized July 3. Mayor, 
A. P. Hodges; Common Council, David W. 
Alexander, President; Alexander Pell, Manuel 
Requena, John Temple, Morris L. Goodman, 
Cristobal Aguilar, Julian Chavez; Recorder, 
John G. Nichols; Treasurer, Francisco Figue- 
roa; Assessor, Antonio F. Coronel; Marshal, 
Samuel AVhiting; Attorney, Benjamin Hayes. 

The first locomotive built in Los Angeles was 
designed by Fred. L. Baker and put up at 



the Baker Iron "Works in 1889, for the Los An- 
geles & Pacific Railroad, and named the "Prov- 
idencia." Weight, fifteen tons. 

FLOODS. 

The princij)al floods aft'ecting Los Angeles 
County have been the following: 

In the winter of 1825 the channel of the Los 
Angeles River was changed from about where 
Alemeda street now is to its present course. A 
great many cattle were drowned in the San Ga- 
briel River. 

At Los Angeles, the flood of 1801-'62 began 
witli the rain on Christmas eve, 1861, and con- 
tinued without intermission until January 17, 
1862, on which last day, at 3 p. m., fell tremen- 
dous torrents of water, accompanied by loud 
claps of thunder and vivid lightning; but very 
little damage was done, however. The city dam 
was broken, some adobe houses fell, travel was 
impeded, and the southeast gales delayed the 
arrival of the Brother Jonathan at San Pedro. 
At El Monte the San Gabriel River made a new 
channel, entering near the town of Lexington, 
but the danger was soon averted by the energy 
of the inhabitants. On the Santa Ana, thirty 
miles above Anaheim, January 17, the flood de- 
stroyed the thriving New Mexican settlement 
of Agua Mansa (Gentle Water). There was no 
loss of life, but every former sign of culture 
was obliterated by the waste of sand which the 
waters spread over the whole valley, and 500 
souls, houseless, were turned out upon the sur- 
rounding hills. These rains extended to the 
rivers San Diego and Mojave. 

In 1867 a tremendous flood (for California) 
caused the San Gabriel to form a new channel, 
known since as New River, which was then a 
formidable stream. Five persons were drowned 
that winter. The Los Angeles River also flooded 
a portion of the country, and orchards, etc., 
were con8ideral)Iy damaged. 

EARTUQUAKKS. 

No permanent or serious injury has ever been 
done by earthquakes in this country since De- 
cember 8, 1812. when the great catastrophe at 



llIsruUY OF lAhS ANGELES COUNTY. 



San Juan Capistrano occurred. Tliere were 
moderate shocks in July, 1855; April 14, May 
2, and September 20, during the year 1856; 
also one on the iiioriiing of January 9, 1857. 
This was followed by others during tlie day, and 
by many more during the three succeeding days. 
The same vibrations were felt also throughout 
the other counties of Southern California, and 
many of the northern counties of the State, 
being more severe at Fort Tejon than at any 
other point. This was the greatest earthquake 
since that of 1812. Mr. Barrows, who was at 
that time I'esident correspondent of the San 
Francisco Bulletin, thus speaks of the matter 
in a letter to that paper dated January 28, 1857: 

" The great earthquake felt here on the morn- 
ing of the 8th iust. was rather more extensive 
in its operations than we at first anticipated; it 
did some appalling execution in various places. 
In the vicinity of Fort Tejon, 100 miles north 
of Los Angeles, the effects were the most vio- 
lent. The ground opened in places for thirty 
or forty miles, and from ten to twenty feet wide. 
The line of disruption runs nearly northwest 
and southeast, in an almost straight line, pass- 
ing near Lake Elizabeth. The ground appears 
to have opened in the form of a ridge and then 
to hnve fallen back, leaving the earth pulverized 
and loose about twelve feet wide generally, so 
that in many places it is almost impossible to 
pass. An eye-witness saw large trees broken 
off near the ground; he saw cattle roll down 
steep hillsides; and he himself had to hold on 
to a post in order to stand up. The people in 
the Fort were unceremoniously honored with a 
shower of plastering and a general tumbling 
down of walls and chimneys; and it seems 
providential that none of them were killed. He 
judged that it would take months to repair the 
buildings at the Fort. The ofKcers and men are 
now camping out in tents. 

" Quartermaster Wakeman reports the time 
of the shock at twenty-seven minutes previous 
to nine o'clock, which agrees very well with the 
time as noted here. The motion was preceded 
there, and accompanied here, by a heavy rum- 



bling report. At the lleservation much damage 
was done, but I have not heard the particulars. 
There are no signs of aught being thrown up 
from the openings at the Tejon. It is supposed 
that though the causes of these disturbances 
may be subterranean tires primarily, the second- 
ary and immediate causes are the escape or ex- 
plosion of gases generated by those fires. This 
we conclude from the entire absence of all signs 
of volcanic matter, although the disruptions of 
the earth and the force that caused them, in the 
movement of the earth on the 9th instant, were 
tremendous. We had at Los Angeles five or 
six shocks during the same day and night, and 
within about eight days' time we had twenty 
shocks — some violent, some light. Since that 
time we have had none to speak of.'' 

Writing since in a local journal, Mr. Barrows 
gives additional impressions and reflections: 

" Whether the ground actually opened and 
then closed, and thus formed the ridge, or 
whether this ridge was merely a wrinlde on the 
crust of the earth, caused by contraction and 
subsidence from radiation of internal heat, may 
be a moot question. At any rate, a big wrinkle 
was formed at the time, and indications of it 
remain to this day. The earth of this ridge was 
pulverized and loose, and was about twelve feet 
wide generally, and was in many places almost 
impassable. I remember I was standing at the 
time of the great shock in the yard just south 
of Wolfskin House, on Alameda street. I began 
first to stumble in a westerly direction and was 
almost thrown down; and then, after an inter- 
val, giving time for recovery, 1 began to pitch, 
not suddenly and violeiitly, but slowly toward 
the east. Others standing near me were affected 
in a similar manner. I noticed that the grapes 
that were hanging underneath the long, wide- 
porch of the house, swung backward and for- 
ward, easterly and westerly, till they almost 
came up to the rafters. If the motion of the 
earth had been short and sudden, the damage, 
as in the case of Charleston in 18S6, would 
have been appalling; for the inovtMuent of the 
earth was eertainlv trreat, but at the same time 



IIISTOIIV OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



it was comparatively slow, giving everything on 
its surface time to partake of its motion. If the 
earth in the vicinity of Foit Tfjun, where the 
ridge or wrinkle was forini'c!, \vu^ raised up on 
each side of the fracture, and then slowly settled 
back, tlie effect would have been like the raising 
of a field of ice, forming thereby two inclined 
planes and then settling back and forming a 
crushed ridge or wrinkle along the line where 
the two planes met. Such indeed was the effect 
experienced in this city from this earthquake. 
We here must have been east of the extended 
line of disruption, atid therefore on tlie easterly 
inclined plane. This would have agreed per- 
fectly with my experience. If a section of the 
earth's crust, east of the aforesaid line, on which 
the people of this city were, was raised or tilted 
up from the west, the first movement, if con- 
siderable, would have caused us to pitch or 
stumble toward the west; and the second move- 
ment, or subsidence, would have sent us to the 
opposite direction. This is precisely what did 
happen. If, on the contrary, we had been on the 
west side of the rupture, or on the inclined 
plane west of the same, the order of movement 
to which the people of this city would have been 
subjected would have been reversed, we would 
have first stumbled toward tlie east, and then 
toward the west. 

'• We ha.I a heavy shake in ISOS, aiul also 



another in 1872. With these two exceptions, 
the earthquakes we have had in Los Angeles 
since those of 1857 have been unimportant. 

" One of the serious lessons that the people 
of Los Angeles and of California, and of the 
country at large, as they have only recently been 
admonished, should learn, is that their build- 
ii}gs, especially if over one or two stories high, 
should be made, as nearly as may be, earth- 
quake-proof; that is, they should be strongly 
built, — bound or strapped together firmly with 
wood or iron, so that they cannot be easily 
shaken down. l<'or, of all the earthquakes 
which have happened in this country within 
the memory of the present generation, it is re- 
markable how few lives have been lost from this 
cause, except from man's own fault. In other 
words, his own defective structures, it is true, 
have been shaken down about his head; but the 
earth, it is believed, has swallowed up no human 
life. In the gvQ-ii temblor of 1812 many lives were 
lost in the church of San Juan Capistrano, be- 
cause the tile roof, of many tons weight, fell on 
the congregation. So of the greater disaster at 
Charleston in 1886, and of others on this coast 
at different time^^. If human lives have been 
lost from (jarthquakes in this country, it is only 
because man's own works have been thrown 
down by reason of their faulty construction, and 
for no other reason whatever." 




IITSrORY (IF I.OS ANGELES COUNTY. 




CllArTER XII. 



fOSEPII CHAPMAN, captu red at Monterey 
ill 1818, came to Los Angeles County in 
1821. 

James McKinlv, a native of Scotland, ar- 
rived in Los Angeles in 1824, being then twenty- 
one years of age, and kept a store on Commercial 
street, and afterward went to Monterey. 

Jolin Tein})le, one of the most prominent 
pioneers of Los Angeles County, arrived about 
1827, and, forming a partnership with George 
Rice, opened the first store of general merchan- 
dise in the town, on Main street, where the 
Downey Block now stands. Dissolving part- 
nership about 1831, Temple continued in the 
business till about 1846. Later he leased a mint 
in the city of Mexico tor ten years, and refused 
an offer of $1,000,000 for it. About 1830 he 
erected the nucleus of what is now the Downey 
Block, at first adobe but afterward iirick. In 
1859 he built the old court house, between 
Spring and Main streets, under contract with 
the city, for $30,000; it was first intended as a 
city market. He married Rafaela Cota, and 
died at San Francisco, May 30, 1866, aged seventy 
years. 

Jedediah S. Smith and party arrived here. 

George Rice, a native of New England, came 

to Los Angeles about 1827, from the Sandwich 

Islands, and tor a time was in partnership with 

John Temple in the mercantile business; after- 



ward he was in business in the block on Main 
street between Downey Block and the St. Elmo 
Hotel. About 1830 he married one of the Lopez 
family. He went East with his family about 
1835, and is reported to be dead. 

J. D. Leandry, irom Italy, settled in Los 
Angeles about 1827, opened a store near the 
Plaza on Nigger alley, and alterward resided 
on the San Pedro Ranch, and finally died on the 
Rancho Los Coyotes in 1842. 

Jesse Ferguson, an American, came to Los 
Angeles from New Me.xico, by way of the Gila 
River, in company with R. Laughlin and N. M. 
Pryor, about 1828. Lie conducted a store on 
Main street, near Second, for William G. Dana, 
of Santa Barbara. Married a Miss Randon in 
Los Angeles, and about 1835 went to Lower 
California, where he died a few years later. 

Richard Lauglilin, aliout 1828, came as a 
trapper from New Mexico, by way of the Gila 
River, wejit first to Lower California, and the 
next year returned to this city, where he worked 
at his trade as carpenter, and occasionally hunt- 
ing also. Finally he started a vineyard on the 
east side of Alameda street, and married a na- 
tive lady and had sevei-al children. He died 
about 1855. 

Nathaniel M. Pryor, an American, came here 
with the parties before mentioned, in 182S-'29. 
Lie divided his time between his trade as sil- 



rnrn^ 




Jy^'trrw^CAJc 



'dii 



in.STOIiY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



versmith and otter-lnuiting, siiid was for a time 
a warehouse keeper for Abel Stearns at San 
Pedro. He married Dona Sepiilveda in Los 
Angeles, purchased a large amount of property 
on Alameda street, and died in May, 1850, 
leaving several descendants. He was a promi- 
nent character. 

Abel Stearns, so often referred to in the pages 
of this history, was a native of Salem, Massa- 
chusetts, spent considerable time in Mexico, 
and settled in Los Angeles as a merchant in 
1828. He became wealthy, was a member of 
the Constitutional Convention of 1849, and of 
the State Legislatures of 1851 and 1861. He 
married Dona Arcadia, daughter of Don Juan 
Bandini, who, after his death, married Colonel 
R. S. Baker, and is still living in Los Angeles. 

Louis Bouchet, a native of France, came to 
Los Angeles about 1828 or 1829, purchased a 
small vineyard near where the Sisters' School 
now is, and cultivated it up to the time of his 
death, October 23, 1847. 

Michael White, born in England in 1801, 
emigrated to Lower California in 1817, com- 
manded a vessel for a number of years, became 
wealthy; settled in Los Angeles, lost liis wealth, 
and is now deceased. 

Juan Domingo (English, John Sunday), a 
Hollander by birth, was a carpenter on the brig 
Danube, which was wrecked in the harbor of 
San Pedro in 1829. He became a resident of 
Los Angeles, married Miss Feliz, planted a 
vineyard on Alameda street, and lived there 
until his death, December 18, 1858, leaving a 
largefamily and many warm friends. His name 
in Dutch was Johann Groningen. 

Samuel Prentiss, a native of Ilhode Island, 
was a sailor on the brig Danube, and after the 
wreck of that vessel became a i-esidcnt of this 
count}', and spent his time in fishing and hunt- 
ing, and died about 18G5, on the island of Santa 
Catalina, where he was buried. 

Ewing Young, a native of Tennessee, was a 
trapper of beaver in New Mexico. In 1828-'29 
lie visited California and trapped about Tulare 
Lake, and the San Joaquin River and its tribu- 



taries. Returning to New Mexico about 1830, 
he fitted out the AVolfskill party, with whom he 
came to Los Angeles. In 1836 he settled in 
Oregon, where he became wealthy, dealing in 
live-stock, and died about forty years ago. 

In 1831 came the Workman-Rowland party, 
and also the Jackson party, including J. J. 
Warner. 

John Rhea, a native of North Carolina, emi- 
grated to New Mexico about 1828-'29, and thence 
to California as one of Wolfskill's party. He 
kept a saloon, grocery and billiard-room in Los 
Angeles, and finally returned East. 

John Ward, who was born in Richmond, Vir- 
ginia, in 1765, took part in the battle of New 
Orleans, went to Santa Fe in the first wagon 
train to that point, was in Lus Angeles iu 
1832-'33, returned to Missouri, and in 1843 
came to California in the first eastern carriage 
ever seen in this part of the country, went to 
Chihuahua in 1846, returned to Los Angeles in 
1849, and died here in 1859. 

Joseph Paulding, a native of Maryland, en- 
tered California from New Mexico in the winter 
of 1832-33, by way of the Gila River; he was 
a carpenter, and made the first two billiard 
tables of mahogany wood ever made in Cali- 
fornia. He died at Los Angeles, June 2, 
1860. 

Isaac Williams, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came to California in 1832, owned the Chino 
Ranch, where he died September 13, 1856. He 
had a brother Hiram who lived at San Timoteo, 
San Bernardino County. 

Moses Carson, a brother of the celebrated 
scout. Kit Carson, came to Los Angeles in March, 
1832, followed tra])ping and was connected with 
the warehouse at San Pedro, he finally removed 
to Russian River. 

Lemuel Carpenter, of Missouri, came to this 
county in 1832 or 1833, by way of Sonora, in 
company with Chard, Paulding, Ward, ei al. 
He established a soap factory on the right bank 
of the San Gabriel River, not far from the 
present road to Los Nietos. He subsequently 
purchased the Santa Gertrudes Ranch, and 



j/it!roj;y of i.os A.NOh'ijcs county. 



n>si(li'(l llu'i-e until his ih'iitli, hy suicide, No- 

vrinluTi;, IS;-!). 

William Cluinl, .vforrcl t,. in tlic last pani 
ij;i-a|ili, (lid an cxtciisivi^ hiisiiicss licrc as ;i 
Inili'iicr, ami also siiww] soiiii- lunilnT. lie 
afUTwanl rcmoxcd to tlio SiUTiuniMito \'allcy. 

.hu'oh 1'. !.,-rso, an Anu-iiran. .■anio to"l.os 
Anp'l.'s iVoni Nrw Mexico in tlic xvinlrr of 
is;!;!, and remained aluMit two vears, entering 
the ovneral n,eivhan,lise Imsiness witli Wiliiani 
Keith and llll-il Kied. Then he went to Mou- 
teiev and estalilislietl ii lionse. w ith Naliian Spoiir 
and'w. S. llinekleyasparlners. in, Inly, ISiUi, 
lie ereeled the lirst hnildin-- at WM'ha" Muena, 
now San Kraiieiseo, and opened a store, lie w.-is 
tlie seeoiid while settler at that phuv. and w.'is 
for many years prominent as the leadin- hnsi- 
noss man iit that jioint. In .Vpril, ls;57, ho 
nmrried » sister of (.ienorid ^[. Ci. \'allejo, at 
that ]>lafe. and in ISH removed to iSononia. 

dames dolmson, an Englishman, came to Los 
.\noeles I'rom Soniini by water in lSo3, with a 
earoo of Chinese and Mexiean o-.hhIs. Shortly 
afterward he pnrehased (he San IVdro Kanell, 
where he w.as an extensive euttle-raiser for a 
ninnher of years; then ho ivniovod ti> i.os An- 
geles, and eii-a-ed in the waroluuiso and for- 
wardine- Iiusim>ss at San I'edro. lie died prior 
to 1S(;-J. 

lhi-1. Koid, ^or IVrfeeto Uii-o Keid). a nitive 
of Sootland, e.;vnu' to hos An>;eles in IS;^). and 



was a moreliant here 



ompany w, 



William 



Koith and -laeol. 1'. l.iese. He had formerly 
resided in New Moxieo, and disappointment in 
a lovo affair is supposed to have soured him. 
liotiriuir to San (iahriel. lie married an Indiait 
woman, and entered deej^ly into the study y^( llio 
al.orii;ines. His .leseription of the Indians and 
their numners is adopted in this work. At one 
time he owned the 8anta Anita Kaneli, and also 
other large property. Ho was a tnoniher of the 
lirst State Constitutional Convention of 1840. 
He died at Los Anoeles. Deeemher 12. 1S52. 



William K 



Amerie: 



physician, 



who eame trom Sonora ahont lS;>,'i, and entered 
partnership with Leese and Keid inthemereau- 



tilo business. Ho returned to Sonora, and to 
this phu'o again ahout lS-1-9, ami then went to 
the gold-niinini;- reoion. 

L. \. rrudliomme. a l''rt'nehman, arrived in 

Los Angeles in ls;!5. He was a eahinet-mulcer 

and eoo]H'r. He married a native lady named 

Tapia, who was at one time part owner of the 

I (^neamon-a Kaneh. He died May S, 1871. 

Henry Melius, a itative of Hoston, Massachu- 
setts, eame to this eoa^t in the brig Pilgrim, 
made famous by liiehard H. Dana in his "Two 
Years Betore the ]\Iast," 1S35-'3(L Here he 
linally settled, married a Mexican lady, and on 
Mr. l)ana"s ret nrn. twenty-four years 'later, he 

and was by him .Iriven around to view the 
nuMnorable seenes of •• hide droghiiig times." 
iMr. Melius was elected Mayor of Los Angeles 
in ALiy, IStiO, and died while holding that 
otlice, on December liili following his election. 
He was a brother of Francis Melius. 

Isaac tiraham, a native of Tennessee, in early 
life went to Now Mexico. He reached Los An- 
geles in eomjiany with Henry Nailo about 1835, 
anil remaiiu'd there until the following year, 
when he removed to the " Natividad," Monterey 
County, and (^.according to Mr. Wilson) "estab- 
lished a small distillery in a title hut, which 
soon became a nuisauce owing to the disreputa- 
ble charai'ter of those who frequented it." He 
was finally arreste.l ^ISK)-) on a charge o( con- 
spiracy against tlu' go\ernment ot' .Vlvarado, 
and in company with a nun\ber of others was 
sent to ]\lexio". to be tried. Tw,. years later 

charges not having been proven, and Mexico 
was obliged to pay some of them a small in- 
denuiity. tirahaui died at Santa Cru:^ He 
said ho came to California on the recommenda- 
tion of Daniel Roone. 

Charles Hall, a native of Massachusetts, 
canio to Los Angeles prior to 183t>. He was a 
niercliant, but failed, and was subseijuently in 
the employ of John Temple. 

John Marsh, a physician, came to Los .\u- 
geles from New Mexico about lS3ii. practiced 



UISTOUY OF LUS A^UELKS (JULWTr. 



medicine tor some years after liis arrival, and 
finally located on a ranch nuar Mount Diablo, 
where he was subso(|ncntly innnieroil. 

Juhu Heed, a native of Missouri or North 
Carolina, cani'^ to Los Angeles abont 1SB7 or 
184:1. While in New Mexico ho married a 
danghter of John Kowland, and on liis arrival 
here engaged in ranching at La Pueiite. Ilo 
enlisted in tlio American army of 18-16, and 
took part in a!l tliu battles fought on the nuirch 
from San Diego to Los Angeles. He died at 
La Puente, July 11, 1871, aged fifty-si.x years. 

William AVittle may have arrived in Califor- 
nia as early as 1810, as in 1835 he signed a 
petition to the aynntamicnto for a town lot, 
stating he had then been in the country twenty- 
five years; but Mr. J. J. Warner says he never 
knew him. 

Francis Melius, of Salem, Massachusetts, fal- 
lowed his brother Henry to Los Angeles, lie 
came here in tiie employ of Boston merchants, 
and landed at Santa Barbara, January 5, 1839. 
He was for some years a partner of David W. 
Ale.\ander in mercantile matters (1850-'56), 
and died in Los Angeles City, September 19, 
18G3. He married Miss Adelaida Johnson, 
who survived him, with seven children. 

John Rowland came to Los Angeles in the 
fall of 1841, as leader of a party from New 
Mexico. He was a partner of William Work- 
man at Santa Fe, and subsequently joint-owner 
with him of the Puente Ranch, where he died 
October 14, 1873, aged eighty-two years. 

Benjamin Davis Wilson,one of the most prom- 
inent citizens of this county from the time of 
his arrival here in 1841 to the date of his death 
in 1878, was born December 1, 1811, in Nash- 
ville, Tennessee. At the early age of fifteen 
years he went into business for himself at 
Yazoo City, above Vicksburg, Mississippi. 
Afterward he was employed in trade and in 
trapping in Arkansas, Missouri, New Mexico 
and the Apache country, and late in the fall of 
1841 he arrived in California, in company with 
John Rowland, William Workman, William 
Gordon, William Wright and oIImm'.s wilh a 



stock of goods, and a band of sheep they drove 
with them for food. 

In 1845 Mr. Wilson raised a c impaiiy to 
assist in the defense of Los .Vngeles against 
Micheltoremi, and was one of tlu two embas- 
sadors who. under a flag of truce, succeeded in 
winning Miohcltorena's American fores over to 
the side of Governor Pico, tiia result being 
Micheltorena's abandonment of hostilities and 
embarkation at San Pedro soon after. Upon 
the breaking out of w.ir with the Uniteti States, 
Mr. Wilson was ordered by Governor Pico to 
raise a company and prepare for active 
service against the Americans; but this he re- 
fused to do, on the ground that he was himself 
an American citizen. He was threatened with 
arrest, but on sending his parole, was allowed to 
remain peaceably on his ranch. He refused 
Governor Pico's friendly offer to grant him any 
large tract of land in the State he might desire, 
and bore that gentleman's parting compliments 
to Commodore Stockton. He accompanied the 
Commodore into Los Angeles (the army fol- 
lowing in the evening), and not a blow was 
struck. Commodore Stockton, some days later, 
handed hiin his commission as Captain, and 
detailed him to watch the frontier, and guard 
against a surprise from the Mexican General, 
Castro. To aid hiin in this duty, Mr. Wilson 
organized a company of twenty-two Americans. 
After some time, everything appearing to be 
safe in that neighborhood, he took his company 
into the mountains on a hunt, and on their 
return learned of the revolt by the natives 
against Lieutenant Gillespie, whom Stockton 
had left in charge of Los Angeles. Mr. Wilson 
now repaired to his Jurupa Ranch, and there 
received a letter from Isaac Williams, of the 
Chino Ranch, inviting him and his party there, 
and promising them plenty of ammunition. 
While here the Americans were surrounded by 
a native force under Barelas, who fired the 
building in which they had fortified themselves, 
and compelled a surrender of the whole ]iarty. 
From this time until the evacuation of Los 



Angeles by (iillespie, Mr. W 



>lh 



HISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Americans Avere lield prisoners. After the re- 
occTipatioii, lie peribrmed many signal services 
lor the American commanders, and aided, per- 
haps more than any other man in Southern 
California, in restoring peace and good feeling 
between the Americans and natives. 

During all this time he had heen heavily en- 
gaged in merchandising in Los Angeles, as well 
as in cattle 2-anching at Jurupa. In 1850 he 
was a delegate to a convention held at Los An- 
geles for the purpose of procuring a division of 
the State- — the southern portion to remain as a 
Territory. This project, liowever, failed. After 
organization of the State, he was elected the first 
county clerk of Los Angeles County, Dr. 
"Wilson "W. Jones acting as his deputy and re- 
ceiving all emoluments of the ofKce. Mr. "Wilson 
was also elected mayor of the city in 1851. In 
1852 he was appointed Indian agent for the 
Ecuthern district, by President Fillmore; ai.d 
assisted General Beale in forming the reserva- 
tion at FoYt Tejon. In 1854 he succeeded the 
widow of Hugh Eeid in ownei'ship of large 
landed interests at San Gabriel. In 1855, he 
was elected State Senator from Los Angeles, 
and served the ensuing term; also in 1869-'70. 
From that time until his death, March 11, 1878, 
he resided on his Lake Vineyard Ranch in San 
Gabriel Valley. His first wife having died 
March 21, 1849, he married Mrs. Margaret S. 
Hereford, February 1, 1853, who survives him, 
and still resides at Lake Vineyard witli her two 
daughters. 

"William Workman, born in England in 1800, 
and arrived with John Rowland in 1831, and was 
a partner of F. P. F. Temple in the banking busi- 
ness at Los Angeles, 1868 to 1875-'76, and the 
failure of that enterprise so preyed upon his 
mind that he committed suicide May 17, 1876. 

F. P. F. Temple, a native of Massachusetts, 
arrived in Los Angeles by water during the 
summer of 1841, and engaged in business with 
his brother, John Temple, then a leading mer- 
chant of the city. He subsequently established 
a stock-ranch near Fort Tejon, and disposed of 
this in 1868 to engage in banking at Los Angeles, 



in partnership with I. "W. Hellman and "William 
"Workman. ^ He died at his ranch April 30, 
1880. 

David "W. Alexander, an Irishman by birth, 
canje to Los Angeles from Mexico about 1841 or 
'42. He ranched at the Rincon Ranch, San 
Bernardino County, for a time; kept a store in 
Los Angeles. He was elected sheriff of the 
county September 5, 1855, served the ensuing 
term, and again filled that otfice in the years 
1876 and "77. Now deceased. 

Alexander Bell was born in Pennsylvania in 
1801, and in 1842 came to Los Angeles. In 
1844 he married Dona Nieves Guirado. They 
had no children, but, according to LI. D. Barrow-, 
sustained the relation of padrinas (godfather 
and godmother) to more children than any other 
couple in California. He was engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits in Los Angeles until 1854, and 
built the block of buildings known as "Bell's 
Row," fronting on Los Angeles and Aliso streets. 
During the war of occupation lie commanded a 
company as Captain. He died at Los Angeles 
July 24, 187L 

Henry Dalton, English, resided in Los An- 
geles prior to 1845, and was a merchant there 
at the time of the American occupation. Is 
now deceased. He was tlie owner of the Azusa 
Ranch. 

Jose Mascarel, French, arrived in Los An- 
geles in 1844, and has resided there ever since. 
He was elected mayor of the city in 1865, and 
served several terms in the common council. 
He has erected several fine blocks of l>uiidings 
in the city. Is still a resident. 

Hon. Kimball II. Dimmick was a native of 
Connecticut. At an early age his father removed 
to Mohawk, Chenango County, N. Y. He was 
a member of the" art preservative of all arts," and 
was a member of the Bar of the Sixtli Circuit 
of New York, which, under the venerable J udge 
Mosely, ranked at the head of the profession. 
Although a "Whig in politics, and having charge 
of a "Whig newspaper in that county when the 
President of the United States, James K. Polk, 
called for volunteers for the war, General Dim- 



UIlSTOUY UF LUd ANGELES COUNTY. 



inick, wlio was then in couiinaud of a brigade 
of the New York State Militia, raised a coin- 
pauy and, at its acceptance, was elected Captain. 
He was repeatedly offered a field office, which 
he reliised to accept, preferring to share the fate 
of the sons of his neighbors of the county. He 
sailed Ironi New York in September, 184G, in 
command of Company K of Colonel J. D. 
Stevenson's regiment, New York Volunteers, 
on the ship Loo Choo and landed at Yerba 
Buena, March 7, 1847, from whence he was 
ordered with his company to garrison the presi- 
dio. When peace was proclaimed he removed 
to San Jose, where he was elected alcalde, an 
office at that time of more importance than that 
of supreme judge at present. At the election 
iield in 1849, under the proclamation of General 
Riley, military Governor of California, he was 
elected judge of the Supreme Court of the 
State. He was elected to and attended the con- 
vention for framing a State constitution for the 
State of California, and several of the important 
articles of that instrument were reported by him 
and adopted witliout amendment. In 1851 he 
revisited the East and supposed himself worth a 
fortune, but by the treachery of pretended 
friends he returned here to lind himself utterly 
penniless. He then removed to this county, 
where he held successively the offices of district 
attorney, justice of the peace, notary public, 
judge of the county, and at the time of his 
death, through the partiality of his friend W. 
H. Seward, he held the important office of at- 
torney for the Southern District of the United 
States for California. He died suddenly, of 
heart disease, in Los Angeles, September 11, 
1861. 

Of the original C(.immaiid of (General Kearny, 
Lieutenant Warner was killed at Goose Lake, 
in the northern i)art of this State, in 1849, by 
Indians. Captain William Emory is Major- 
General, United States Ai-my. Lieutenant Stone- 
man is on the retired list, with the rank of 
Brevet Major-General; resides on his farm near 
Los Angeles City. Lieutenant J. B. Davidson 
is Brevet J>rigadier-tJencral. Major Thomas 



Swords, Quartermaster, is retired. Captain A. 
J. Smith was a General in and resigned after the 
civil war. Captain Turner resigned after the 
Mexica;i war. Doctor Griffin resignel in 1854. 
Captain Turner became partner in the banking 
house of Lucas, Turner & Co., San Francisco — • 
the same house with which General Sherman 
was connected. James R. Barton, Caj)tain Alex- 
ander Boll, Daniel Sexton, and John Reed were 
of the vulunteers with Kearny. Sexton resides 
at the city of San Bernardino. John Reed was 
First Sergeant of Captain Ilensly's company, 
under Fremont, at the occupation of Los An- 
geles, August, 184(); he was born in North 
Carolina; died July 13, 1875, aged fifty-seven 
years, at his farm, Puente, in this county. He 
married the only daughter of John Roland; she 
survives him. John Carl Eschrich, so famil- 
iarly known to the Californians as " Don Carlos," 
of Stevenson's regiment, died at the age of 
fifty- two years, June 10, 1874; ho was a native 
of Germany. Don Miguel de Pedrorena died 
March 30, 1850, in San Diego County. Don 
Santiago E. Arguello died in 1859, at his Rancho 
La Punta, in the same county. A soldier who 
served out of California, Andra Weinshank, 
born in Bavaria, died at this city February IG, 
1874, aged fifty-four years. He was at Vera 
Cruz, and all the battles on Scott's line. Elijah 
T. Moulton, of the Fremont battalion, resides 
at Los Angeles. Of the privates of Company 
C, First Dragoons, are resident at this city: 
George Washington Whitehorn, born at Pen- 
nington, Monroe County, New York, 1821; 
William Burden Dunne, Cork, 1818; and in this 
county, Michael Ilalpin, born at Limerick, 1823. 

The '• Veterans of the Mexican war'' were 
organized into a society, at the city of Los An ■ 
geles, September 27, 1873. The name and na- 
tivity of residents are as follows: 

Officers. — President, General George II. Stone- 
man, New York; Vice-Presidents, Peter Thomp- 
son, New York, and W. Todd, Illinois; Secretary, 
J. D. Dunlap, New Hampshire; Treasurer, G. 
W. Whitehorn, New York; Marshal, Captain 
AVilliam Turner, Isle of Wight. 



HISTOBT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



Executire Committee. — Fentoii M. Slaughter, 
Virginia; Doctor AYilliain H. Uuniie, Ireland; 
George W. Cole, Illinois; (5. W. -Whiteliorn, 
Kew York; Robert T. Johnson, Tennessee. 

ALenihers. — Province of Alaine JS'elson Will- 
iamson, Joseph li. W. Hand. Alaine — Stephen 
C. Foster, Albion C. Liliby. New llainjishire — 
David M. Main. Vermont — Mjron Norton. 
Khode Island — Lewis A. Wilmot. New York — 
Edwurd E. Ilewit, George Carson, James B. 
Caywood, Galirie! Allen, George Davis, James 
II. Stewai't, Abraham Maricole, Albert Clark, 
renns^lvania — Henry C. AViley, James F. Wil- 
son. Maryland — Jonathan Knott, Ephraim For- 
bnsli, Joshua Talbott, John J. Mills, Thomas E. 
Wade, John F. Staples. District of Columbia — 
George Smith, George Diggs. Virginia — Doctor 
John S. Griffin, Thomas Enroughty, James W. 
Spratt, Archer C. Jessie, Pleasant Eyas, Will- 
iam W. Erown. North Carolina — Robert C. 
Dobson, William C. Hughes, Lewis G. Green. 
Tennessee— Tliomas J. Ash, Robert T. Johnson, 
Joseph Eridger, John T. Davis, William T 
Henderson, F. II. Alexander, Benjamin D. Wil- 
son, James M. Smith, Anderson Wright. Ken- 
tucky — Charles M. Eenbrook, James II. Easton, 
Pinckney C. Molloy, Shapley P. Ross, James 
Thompson, James W. B. Davis. Ohio — Wilson 
Beach, Charles Chauey, Isaiah Smith, Gracia 
C. Norris, Marcus Serrott, Augustus C. Chan van. 
Illinois — Andrew J. Cole, Charles O'Niel. 
Georgia— Clement C. Goodwin, John P. H. 

Chew, Pauldo G. Rushmore. South Carolina 

Allen W. Neighbors. Mississippi — Edward J. 
C. Kewen, Edward H. Cage. Indiana— James 
W. Taggart, F. M. Matthew. Ireland— Mat- 
thew St. Clair Gardner, David W. Alexander, 
Paul Ryan, Nicholas Keating, Michael Halpin. 
Canada — Elijah T. Moulton. England — John 
Roach, John V. Moore, William O. Baxter, 
Robert W. Allen. Germany— August Eblers, 
John Shumacher, Augustus Tipple, Valentine 

Mand. Austria — Goti'ried Voight. Russia 

Alexander Saurwied. Prussia — Augu.stus W. 
Tinims. Philipine Islands— William P. Rey- 
nolds. 



Deceased members in 1876 were:Johan Carl 
Escrich, Andra Weinshank, John Reed, and 
Thomas Standifer- the last dying June, 1875. 
Of the actt)rs in scenes through which some 
yet living have traveled, some are lost to sight: 
Don Jose Sepiilveda, Don Manuel Requena, 
Don Andres Pico, Don Ignacio Alvarado, Don 
Agustin Machado, Louis Vignes, Isaac Will- 
iams, Andrew A. Boyle, John Rowland, Will- 
iam Workman; others, many, whose names are 
dear to alfection, and whose good deeds are 
treasured in universal respect. A. A. Eoyle 
died February 9, 1871, aged fifty-four years; 
Jol'.n Rowland, at the age of eighty-two years, 
August 13, 1873; William Workman, born 
with the century, died May 17, 1876. Com- 
panions of a hundred dangers and toils, Row- 
land and Workman sleep together, at La Puente, 
in the church-yard of the little chapel, which 
both designed many yeaj-s ago. Don Jose Sep- 
lilveda, born November 30, 1804, died at Mex- 
ico, April 17, 1875. Don Andres Pico, born 
November 30, 1810, died February 14, 1876. 
A brother, Don Pio Pico, was born at San Ga- 
briel May 5, 1800. Don Manuel Requena, born 
on the Peninsula of Y'ucatan, died in this city, 
aged seventy-four years, June 27, 1876. Don 
Andres Pico and Don Jose Sepiilveda were born 
at the old presidio of San Diego. Isaac AVill- 
iams, born in Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, 
September 19, 1799, died at Chino Ranelio, 
September 13, 1856; he came to California in 
the year 1832. Aged ninety-one years, Louis 
Vignes died January 17, 1862; at near the 
same age, September 25, 1858, Don Ignacio 
jVbila, and more recently Don Julio Verdugo. 
John Goller died July 7, 1874. Don Agustin 
Machado died May 17, 1865, at seventy-seven 
years of age. One of a company — the others, 
Felipe Talamantes, Tomas Talamantes, and his 
own brother, Ignacio Machado — who in 1839 
received a grant of the Rancho of La Ballona. 
Don Ignacio Palomares, born February 2, 1811, 
died November 25, 1864. 

The first three American families who perma- 
nently settled in the city, in 1850, -were those 



UISTORY OF LOS AHOELES COUNTY. 



of J. G. Nichols, J. S. Mallard, and Louis 
Granger. 

Stkimien (!. lA.sTKK is a native uf :M:icl)ias, 
Maine,- wLere he was born in the year 1820. 
He graduated from Yale College in the class of 
1840. He first engaged in teaching, after 
graduation, in Virginia, and then in Alabama. 
From thence he went to New Orleans, where, 
in 1844, he attended a course of lectures at the 
New Orleans Medical College. In 1845 he 
started for California, via Santa Fe and El 
Paso, and went as far as Oposnra, Sonora, where 
he first heard of the breaking out of the Mexi- 
can war. He returned to Santa Fe, where he 
worked awhile as a clerk in a store. In October, 
1846, he entered into a contract to serve as in- 
terpreter for Captain Cooke, commander of the 
Mormon Battalion of Missouri Volunteers, tlien 
on its way to California. After many hard- 
ships he arrived, with the liattalion, in Los 
Angelee, March 16, 1847. He was appointed 
alcalde of Los Angeles January 1, 1848, by 
Colonel R. B. Mason, and served in that 
capacity, and as interpreter, until May 17, 1849. 
Governor Riley, under instructions from 
Wasliington, on the 3d of June, this year, 
issued a proclamation to the people of Cali- 
fornia to elect delegates, to meet at Monterey, 
September 1, 1849, to form a State constitution, 
and Captain 11. AV. llulleck, Captain of En- 
gineers, U. S. A., wrote to Mr. Foster, request- 



ing 



him to use his influence to have the people 
of'tlu; Los Angeles district hold an election of 
delegates. The election was duly held, and 
Abel Stearns, Manuel Dominguez, I'edro Car- 
rillo, S. C. Foster and Hugo Reid, natives 
respectively of Massachusetts, California, Maine 
and Scotland, w^ere chosen, and at the appointed 
time they were on hand, and assisted in form- 
ing a constitution, under which California was 
rescued almost from a state of anarchy, incident 
to a change of government and the derangement 
caused by the wonderful gold discoveri 
occurred immediately thereafter, and 
which she. prospered for nearly thirty year 
Mr. Foster has held various other i: 



that 
nder 



itions i.f 



trust, including those of prefect, mayor and 
State senator. Being an accomplished Span- 
ish scholar, his services became very valuable in 
many ways, in a community where a large pro- 
portion of the people spoke only that language, 
and where the laws and ancient archives were 
wholly Spanish. His wonderfully retentive 
memory and his intimate ac(pKiintance with 
public affairs, make him a perfect cyclopedia 
of information in regard to persons and events 
of the past of our section. In 18— lie married 
DonaMerced, daughter of Antonio M. Lugo, she 
being then the widow of Juan Perez, deceased. 
From this union there are two sons, now men 
grown, who, with their families, reside near 
their parents, near San Gabriel River, on a por- 
tion of the magnificent San Antonio Kanclio of 
Mrs. Foster's father. 

William Wolfskill, the pioneer. A Doctor 
William Wolfskehl, of Germany, came to San 
P'rancisco, via Australia, on his return to Ger- 
many in 1870 or 1871. Later, his son came 
from Berlin with other scientific men, to inspect 
the Northern Pacific Railroad with Villard. 
Dr. W. said his grandfather, or great-grand- 
father, was one of seven brothers of whom 
Frederick the Great impressed six into his 
Potsdam regiment of tall men, and that he 
was the only one of the six who escaped from 
the wars, and the W^olfskehls of Germany are 
his descendants. 

Dr. W. said further that the seventh and 
youngest brother came to America, and from 
then on they (the Wolfskehls of Germany) lost 
track of iiim. Dr. W. and his son believe that 
the Wolfekills, of California, and of Missouri 
and Kentucky, are descendants of this younger 
brother. 

William Wolfskill, the early pioneer of Cali- 
fornia, and the founder of the Wolfskill family 
of this city, andof its various collaterid branches, 
now quite numerous, was born near Richmond, 
Kentucky, March 20, 1798, or two years befor6 
the commencement of the present century. 
His Grandfather Wolfskill was a native of Ger- 
maiiv. His father, with his family and a few 



IIISTOUV UJ< LUS ANOELEti COUNTY. 



neighbors, moved from Kentucky in 1809, 
whilst William was 3'et a boy, and settled in 
what is now Howard County, Missouri, then in 
the heart of the Indian country. Governor 
Clarke, of Missouri, refused to guarantee them 
protection against the hostile savages, and they 
were compelled to protect themselves. 

They built a fort, and cleared and fenced a 
small tract in common. The Indians were so 
bad during the year 1811 that the men were 
obliged to carry their arms at the plow. It was 
only by the most unceasing watchfulness that 
the brave little band of pioneers, and builders of 
a State, in fact, were able to hold their own 
against their hostile neighbors all through the 
war of 1812. But, though weak in numbers, 
they were strong in courage; though their long 
Kentucky rifles were few, they were sure and 
deadly, and they themselves, from long school- 
ing on the frontier, had come to be more wily 
then the red man. 

After the close of the war in 1815, AVilliam, 
with his two sisters, went back to Kentucky, to 
attend school. In 1817 he returned to Mis- 
souri, and remained with his father at " Boone's 
Lick " till 1822, when, at the age of twenty- 
four, he started out in the world on his own 
account to seek his fortune, to penetrate still 
farther -into the far West, and to find "a better 



ill which to build 



a lion: 



In May, 1822, with others, he set out for 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he remained till 
the following January, when he went down the 
Eio Grande to El Paso del Norte. On this 
trip down the river, accompanied by a single 
companion, a New Mexican, he trapped for 
beaver. One night whilst sleeping in their 
camp, some twenty miles from Valverde, Mr. 
Wolfskin was shot by his worthless companion, 
apparently for no cause, unless it was for the 
possession of his old rifle and a few worthless 
beaver traps, for they were about all Mr. W. 
had in the world. They had never quarreled, 
and there was no hard feeling between them. 
The rifle-ball would have entered his breast, if 
it had not been warded oft' partially by his 



blankets and his arm. The wounds on his arm 
and breast he carried till his dying day, and 
were, as he thought, the remote cause of the 
heart disease from which he suft'ered in his lat- 
ter days, and from which finally he died. 

Mr. Wolf=.kill returned to Santa Fe in Au- 
gust, and about Christmas he went to Taos. In 
February, 1824, with a large company, he fitted 
out a trapping expedition for the head-waters 
of the Colorado, or as it was then called, the 
"Rio Grande of the West." The company took 
down the San Juan and other tributaries, and 
gradually became separated till only two com- 
panions, Slover and Young, remained with Mr. 
Wolfskin, whose object was to get outside of 
where trappers had ever been. They remained 
out till the beaver season was over, and arrived 
again at Taos in June. From here Mr. Wolfs- 
kill started off south with a Captain Owens and 
party, after horses and mules to take to Louisi- 
ana. They bought up animals in Chihuahua, 
and took them as far as the Presidio del Norte, 
where they were attacked by Indians, and sev- 
eral of the men, including Captain Owens, were 
killed, and the animals stampeded. Here Mr. 
Wolfskin and a companion, Belcher, stopped 
awhile to care for another member of their 
party, Dudley, who had been wounded by the 
Indians. Meanwhile some of the mules which 
had got away from the Indians strayed back to 
the Presidio, and others were bought, and 
Mr. Wolfskin and Belcher started with them 
for home, by way of the settlements and the 
Gulf, to avoid the Indians. J3elcher promised 
to meet Mr. Wolfskill at Natchitoches with the 
animals the next Fourth of July, and so the 
latter pushed on alone, via the Mississippi 
River, etc., to his father's home, where he ar- 
rived in ill health, June, 1825. Thus ended 
his first expedition westward, he having been 
gone something over three years, and having 
penetrated as far as the tributaries of our great 
Colorado River on the Pacific Slope. 

He soon after, however, started back for 
Natchitoches to meet Belcher, where he was to 
get the mules and take them East and sell them 



IllSTOUY OF LOS ANQRLES COUNTY. 



for the benefit of Captain Owens's family, to 
wiioin they belonged, he being authorized to 
act as their agent. He found Belcher at San 
Felipe, on the Brazos. Mr. Wolfsldll took the 
animals across Louisiana and Mississippi to 
Greensboro, Alabama, where he wintered and 
disposed of them, when he returned via Mobile 
and New Orleans and the Mississippi to Mis- 
souri, where he made returns to Captain Owens's 
family, who were neighbors of his father. Here 
he found Mr. Young, with whom he first went 
to Santa Fe in 1822, and with whom he had 
trapped on the Pecos and the Kio Grande of the 
West, etc. 

After a very short stop at home, he engaged 
with him the same season (1826) to go again to 
Santa Fe. On arriving there Young was taken 
ill, and he hired Mr. Wolfskill to go with a 
party (Sublette and "Peg-Leg Smith" being of 
the number) that he (Young) had fitted out, to 



trap 



the waters of the Kio Gila of the far 



West. This expedition was unsuccessful. The 
party being only eleven men strong, was at- 
tacked by Indians and driven back to Taos. 
Soon after its return. Young started out with 
about thirty men for the saine place, where he 
chastised the Indians, and his party was enabled 
to trap unmolested. 

During this winter (1826-'27), in company 
with William and Robert Carson, Talbot and 
others, Mr. AYolfskill made a trip to Sonora, 
Mexico, to buy stock to take back to Missouri. 
He went as far as Arispe, Oposura and other 
towns in the northern part of that State, where 
he and Talbot gathered about 200 animals and 
started back with them by way of Taos, but 
they lost all but twenty-seven of them by the 
Indians. With these they finally arrived at 
Independence a little before Christmas. Most 
of this winter he spent at home, only making a 
short visit to Kentucky, on business for his 
father. 

The ne.xt spring (1828) Mr. Wolfskill left 
home finally, never after returning thither. He 
bought a team and started with goods, on his 
own account, for Santa Fe. There were about 



100 wagons (in two companies) that went out 
at the same time. He sold his goods to his old 
friend, Young, who had returned from his Gila 
expedition. Some time after. Young, with whom 
he had formed a co-partnership, made another 
trip to the Gila, whilst Mr. Wolfskill went to 
Paso del Norte after a lot of wines, brandy, 
2wnoche, etc., which he brought to Taos in the 
spring of 1829. He remained at Taos the bal- 
ance of the year, awaiting the return of Young, 
who it seems had in the meantime come on into 
California. 

In 1830, as soon as the trading companies 
from tlie States got in, which was not till July, 
he got ready himself for an expedition to Cali- 
fornia to hunt beaver, expecting to find Young 
somewhere in the country. Of the company, 
consisting of about twenty men, that started 
with Mr. Wolfskill, only himself and Branch, 
Burton, Yount, Shields, Ham and Cooper re- 
mained west of the Ilocky Mountains. Proba- 
bly not one of this company is now (1889) 
living. Yount settled in Napa, Branch in San 
Luis Obispo County, Louis 'Burton in Santa 
Barbara, and Mr. Wolfskill in Los Angeles. 
Nearly all these became large land-owners, 
married Spanish or Mexican wives, and raised 
families of children. Their descendants, of the 
same names or of other names acquired by in- 
termarriage, already, within sixty years, con- 
stitute a- great multitude. 

The expedition which left Taos in September, 
1830, with Mr. Wolfskill at its head, arrived in 
Los Angeles in February, 1831. It came by 
way of the Colorado, which it crossed at the 
head of the Great Can on and the Cajon Pass. 

Here the party broke up, being mostly with- 
out means. Very few of its members had any 
intention of stopping permanently in California. 
Mr. Wolfskill, with several others, built a 
schooner at San Pedro, which they named the 
Refugio, with which to hunt otter among the 
islands off the coast. This was one of the first 
vessels built in California. 

They only made one trip with her down the 
coast as far as Cedras Islands; aTul they after- 



UI STORY OF LOS ANGELES VOUNTT. 



ward sold her to a Captain Ilinklej, who took 
her to tlie Sandwich Islands. 

Mr. AVolfskill then directed his attention to 
vineyarding and to the cultivation of citrus and 
deciduous fruits, which, together with stock- 
raising,- he followed till his death, with great 
success. He bought and moved on to his home- 
stead, now occupied by his son, J. W. Wolfskill, 
in March, 1838, with his brother John, now of 
Yolo County, who had come to California the 
preceding year. lie married Dona Magdalena, 
daughter of Don Jose Ygnacio and Dona Ra- 
fiBla Romero Lugo, of Santa Barbara, in January, 
1841, by whom ho had six children, only three 
of whouj are now living, namely: Joseph W. 
Wolfskill, Mrs. C. J. Shepherd and Mrs. Frank 
Sabichi. His eldest daughter, Juana, who mar- 
ried H. D. Barrows, died in 1863; Luis, his 
youngest son, who married a daughter of Henry 
Dalton, of Azuza Rancho, died in March, 1884; 
and the youngest died in childhood in 1855. 
Mrs. Wolfskill died in 1862, at the age of fifty- 
eight years. 

From 1841, Mr. Wolfskill devoted himself 
mostly to improving and enlarging his vineyard 
and orchards, in the culture of which lie took 
great pride to the last. 

He planted a small orange orchard that year 
(1841), and as it came to bearing in after years 
he found what the San Gabriel Mission fathers 
and a few other parties had learned by experi- 
menting in a small way, that citrus culture was 
not only possiltle in Southern California, but 
that it could be made very profitable; so when 
Dr. Halsey raised a large orange and lime nurs- 
ery, the seed of which he planted in 1854, on 
the Rowland place (since known as the Bliss 
tract), Mr. Wolfskill bought it for $4,000, and 
planted out in 1858 the then largest orange or- 
chard in the United States. The liine trees, 
several thousand in number, he threw away, as 
they are easily frost-bitten when young, and he 
considered them of no value for that reason. 

This orange orchard, as added to and im- 
proved by his son, has jjroduced as high as 
25,000 boxes, or soniothing over 5,000,000 



oranges and lemons in a single year. But the 
rapid growth of the city, and the ravages of the 
terrible " white scale" insect, have caused it to 
give way, and it has already become a thing 
of the past. The magnificent continental 
passenger depot of the Southern Pacific Rail- 
way Company now occupies a portion of the 
estate. 

Mr. Wolfskill went north in 1841 to look for 
a ranch on the then vacant public domain. He 
selected lands lying on both sides of Puta Creek, 
(now in Yolo and Solano counties), and the next 
year obtained a grant in his own name from 
Governor Alvarado, of four square leagues. His 
brother John took up stock to putoa the ranch 
in 1842, and he still lives on the grant, having 
received one-half of the same from his brother 
William. There were three other brothers, two 
of whom are still living — Mathus, in Suisum, 
and Milton, in Los Angeles. Mr. Wolfskill in 
after years sold off his stock and eventually his 
interest in the ranch, and bought land in Los 
Angeles County. He bought and stocked the 
rancho " Lomas de Santiago," which he after- 
ward sold to Flint, Bixby & Co. He purchased 
the Santa Anita Rancho of Corbitt & Dibblee 
for $20,000, and bequeathed it to his youngest 
son, Luis, who lived on it some yeara after his 
father's death, when he sold it for $85,000. 
"Lucky" Baldwin, the present owner, paid 
$200,000 for it. Mr. Wolfskill acquired title 
to a portion of the San Francisquito Rancho, on 
which Newhall is located. He sold his interest 
to the Philadelphia Oil Company for six bits 
(75 cents) an acre. 

Mr. Wolfskill was an earnest friend of educa- 
tion. Besides aiding the public schools in early 
times when short of funds, he maintained a pri- 
vate school in his own family for many years. 
One of the first teachers he employed was Rev. 
J. W. Douglas, the founder of The Pacific 
newspaper. Besides his own children, to whom 
he gave a thorough English and Spanish as 
well as musical education, his brother Mathus's 
two sons, J. E. Pleasants, Lemuel Carpenter's 
cliildren, William and Robert Rowland and 



lUSTOUY OF LO.S ANQELES COUNTY. 



others received much, if not most, of their edu 
cation at Mr. Wolfskill's private schooh 

Before fruit was raised to any great extent in 
the central and northern part of the State, and 
even down to the '60s, Mr. Wolfskill and other 
vineyardists liere used to ship to San Francisco 
large quantities of fruit. Sometimes he shipped 
as many as 500 boxes of grapes on a single 
steamer. For a number of years after Kohler 
& Frohling started in the wine business, they 
bought the grapes of Mr. Wolfskill's vineyard. 

In 1855 Mr. Wolfskill- had brought from the 
Mediterranean, by Mr. Teschemaker, formerly 
mayor of San Francisco, sweet almonds, from 
which he planted out and successfully raised 
quite an extensive almond orchard. But though 
the soft-shelled almond of commerce grows here 
well, and the tree produces nuts that are not 
excelled in flavor anywhere, yet for some cause 
it does not [)roduce enough to make its culture 
profitable. In after years, his son Luis engaged 
extensively in raising the Languedoc variety, 
but witli similar discouraging results. 

Mr. AVolfskill died after a long and painful 
illness, on the 3d of October, 1866, at the age of 
sixty-eight years. 

During his long and useful life, he saw much 
of the world, and picked up not a little of hard, 
sound sense. He gathered an extensive and 
valuable library, he was a great reader, and 
being possessed of a wonderfully retentive mem- 
ory, he gained a store of information on most 
subjects of practical human interest, that would 
not liave shamed those who liave had a more 
liberal education, and who may have passed their 
lives with books instead of on the frontier. Mr. 
"Wolfskill was essentially a jjioneer and a man 
of great force of character. 

It is interesting in looking back, to observe 
tlie inevitable tendency westward of the early 
American frontiersmen— ever westward, till 
stopped by the barrier of the Pacific; and then, 
when they could go west no farther, they had no 
resourcebuttogonorth, up thecoast,or off south, 
unless they returned witli the refluent wave, as 
some few did; or else, as happened with stil 



fewer, become fixtures here and give over 
" pioneering." Where else now can ther estless 
" backwoodsman " go? Tliere is a little show 
yet in Oregon and Washington, and so on north- 
ward to Alaska, or perhaps in Mexico; but none 
of these present that charm of a boundless pros- 
pect ahead such as the Kentucky hunter-settler 
of three quarters of a century ago saw with half 
a continent before him yet unexplored and 



unobstructed 



;.th 



races of men save the 



savage. 

Mr. Wolfskill was a man devoid of mere pro- 
fessions; what he was, he was without any pre- 
tenses whatever. Industry and economy, honesty 
and the most transparent truthfulness and sin- 
cerity, with him were among the prime virtues 
in the conduct of life. In religion he believed 
in the teachings of the Bible, and at the last he 
received the consolations of the Roman Catholic 
church. But in all things he loved simplicity. 
He was one of tliat large number of whom there 
are some in all churches, and more in the great 
church of outsiders, who believe that a loyal 
heart and a good life are the best possible prepa- 
ration for death. 

Mr. Wolfskill had one quality that was as 
rare as it was admirable, which seemed to have 
become second nature to him, viz., a disposition 
to construe charitably the motives of everybody, 
friends and foes alike. When others' acts or 
words were criticized, he would always seek to 
suggest a charitable motive for their conduct, 
that they may have had this or that good 
motive for acting as they had. Apparently he 
had originally adopted this rule of universal 
charity from principle, and finally practiced it 
from the spontaneous promptings of a naturally 
kind heart. He believed there was no room for 
malice in this world. 

He was one of the most sociable of men, and 
in liis intercourse with others he was direct, and 
sometimes blunt and brusque; but, in the lan- 
guage of Lamartinc, " bluntness is the etiquette 
of sincere hearts." In reality he had one of the 
kindliest of natures. Finally, in honesty and 
most of the sterling qualities that are accounted 



insToin' OF i.os angeles county 



the base of true inauliood, lie had few supe- 
riors. 

Andrew A. Boyle, after whom the important 
suburb of Los Angeles, east of the river, known 
as Boyle Heights, is named, was a native of 
County Gahvaj', Ireland, where he was born in 
1818. He came to New York when fourteen 
years of age, where he worked a couple of years 
at coloring lithograph maps. The family of 
brothers and sisters went with a colony to 
Texas and settled at San Patricio, on the Nueces 
Kiver. 

On the breaking out of the Revolution he 
enlisted, January 7, lS3l), in Westover's Artil- 
lery of the Texan army, and his command was 
ordered to Goliad, where it was incorporated 
with the forces of Colonel Fanning. After 
various engagements with greatly superior 
forces, the Texans were captured, and JMr. 
Boyle, who had been wounded, expected to be 
shot, as all of his comrades were, to tlie number 
of over 400 men, notwithstanding the fact that 
by the terms of their capitulation they were 
guaranteed their lives. Mr. Boyle, who \inder- 
stood Spanish, learned that this was to be their 
fate; but before their execution an officer asked 
in English if there was any one among their 
number named Boyle, to which he answered at 
once that that was his name. He was immedi- 
atelj- taken to the officers' hospital to have his 
wound attended to, where he was kindly treated 
by the officers. Mr. Brooks, Aid to Colonel 
Fanning, who was there at the time with his 
thigh badly shattered, knew nothing of what 
had happened, and upon being informed he re- 
marked, '• I suppose it will be our turn next !" 
In less than live minutes fonr Mexicans carried 
him out, cot and all, placed him in the street 
not fifteen feet from the door, in a position in 
which Mr. Boyle could not help seeing him, 
and there shot him. His body was instantly 
rifled of a gold watch, stripped and thrown into 
a pit at the side of the street. A few hours 
after the murder of Mr. Brooks the officer, who 
bad previously- inquired for Mr. Boyle, came 
into the hospital and, addres^;ing him in Eng- 



lish said, "Make your mind easy, sir; your life 
is spared." Mr. Boyle responded, " May I 
in(piire the name of the person to whom I am 
iiulebted for my life?" "Certainly; my name 
is General Francisco Garay, second in command 
of General Urrea's division." It seems that 
when General Garay's forces had occupied San 
Patricio, that officer had been quartered at the 
house of the Boyle family, and he had been 
hospitably entertained, and Mr. Boyle's brother 
and sister had refused all remuneration from 
him, only asking that if their brother should 
ever fall into his hands he would treat him 
kindly. Afterward, by order of General Garay, 
Mr. Boyle obtained a passport and went to San 
Patricio, where he remained. 

After the battle of San Jacinto and the capt- ' 
ure of General Santa Ana, and the retreat of 
the Mexican forces. General Garay, in passing 
through San Patricio, called to see Mr. Boyle, 
who, at the General's request, accompanied the 
latter to Matamoras. The General also invited 
Mr.. Boyle to accompany him to the City of 
Mexico; but as he was anxious to see his rela- 
tives in the United States he was compelled to 
decline; and so he set out on foot for Brazos 
Santiago, at which point he took passage on a 
brig for Xew Orleans, wliere he soon after 
arrived. 

Being out of money and in rags, he engaged 
at $2.50 a day in painting St. Mary's Market, 
although he had never painted except in water 
colors. After working long enough to buy 
some clothes, he availed himself of tiie Texan 
Consul's offer of a free passage on a schooner 
to tlie mouth of the Brazos River, where Gen- 
eral Burnett, the first President of the Republic 
of Texas, gave him a letter to General Rusk, at 
that time in command of the army on the river 
Guadalupe. Mr. Boyle walked to General 
Rusk's camp, a distance of 150 miles, in five 
days, although in daily expectation of an 
advance by the Mexicans. General Rusk dis- 
charged Mr. Boyle from further service in the 
army on account of his impaired health. After 
recovering from a severe sickness at Victoria, 



II I STORY OF J/JS ANQEI.KH COUNTY. 



where General Husk's headquarters were, he 
went to Columbia, the seat of Government of 
Texas, and o^)tained a passport for New Orleans. 

The foregoing facts are condensed from 
" Reminiscences of the Texas Revolution," 
dictated by Mr. T>ojle before his death, dated 
December 15, 1870, and published' in Xho^JMily 
Nev)S of this city, in June and July, 1871, after 
Mr. Boyle's death. 

After his return to New Orleans and the 
reestablishment of his liealth, he engaged in 
merchandising on the Red River till about the 
year 1842. In 1846 he married Elizabeth 
Cristie. The only surviving issue of this mar- 
riage is one daughter, now the wife of Mayor 
William II. Workman, of this city. Mr. Boyle, 
after his return from Red River, went to Mexico, 
where he engaged in business some time with 
success. In 1848 he set out for the United 
States with about $20,000 in Mexican dollars, 
which he had packed in a claret box. At the 
mouth of the Rio Grande, in attempting to 
board a steamer in a small skiff with his treas- 
iire, the motion of the paddle-wheels of the 
steamer caused his skift'to capsize and his money 
went to the bottom and he came near losing his 
life. He tried afterward to recover his money 
but without success, and thus he lost all of his 
$20,000 ! 

lie finally returned to his home in New 
Orleans, to lind that his wife, who was in deli- 
cate health, had died two weeks before (October 
20, 1849). from a fever caused by hearing that 
he had been lost at the mouth of the Rio 
Grande. From then on all his interest in life 
centered in his infant daughter, then a year and 
a half old. An aunt of hers helped to take care 
of her and bring her up; and she has lived with 
lier foster-child till the present time. About a 
year after the family started for San Francisco, 
by steamer and the Isthmus, arriving in the 
early part of 1851. Here Mr. Boyle engaged 
in the boot and shoe business, but lie was 
burned out by both the fires that occurred that 
year. In comi)any witii Benjamin Ilobart he 
then went into the wholesale boot and shoe 



business, and they built up a very large trade. 
In 1858 he sold out his interest and came to 
Los Angeles. Here he bought a vineyard 
(planted in 1835) on the east side of the river, 
under the bluff. He made his home on the 
edge of the bluff, where in after years, 1862 or 
1863, when he commenced making wine, he 
dtig a cellar in which to store it. At first, or 
before 1862, he shipped his grapes to San 
Francisco, as did many other vineyardists at 
that period, grapes then bringing high prices in 
that market. Mr. Boyle was of a very genial, 
social natures, and all who visited his hospitable 
home were cordially received and entertained. 
The writer of these lines has only pleasant 
memories of his visits to the Boyle mansion 
during the life-time of its former owner — as so 
many others since have of their visits to the 
.present hospitable owners. 

Mr. Boyle was a member of the city council 
several years during the '60's. It is an interest- 
ing fact that when the city granted the franchise 
to the City Water Company in 1868 for thirty 
years, Mr. Boyle and Mr. Caswell, the latter 
now an employee of the Water Company, were 
the only members who voted against the grant, 
solely, however, because they thought the in- 
terests of the city were insufficiently protected. 

General Phineas Banning. Conspicuous 
among the noted men whose public spirit and 
untiring energy have given a name and fame to 
Southern California world-wide stands Genei-al 
Phineas Banning. Leaving the parental roof 
and starting out to carve for himself a fortune 
and a name when just entering upon his teens, 
he was emphatically a self-made man. He was 
born in Oak Hill, New Castle County, Dela- 
ware, September 19, 1831. Descended from 
early colonial settlers who figured prominently 
in the Revolutionary struggle which gave birth 
to the world's greatest Republic, he was a noble 
son of wortiiy sires. He was the ninth of a 
family of eleven children of John A. and Eliza- 
beth (Lowber) Banning. 

Phineas Banning, the parent stem of the 
Banning family, was an Englishman, who, on 



insTOJir OF LOS angkles county. 



immigrating to America, settled in what is now 
Kent County, Delaware. Ot'his four sons Jolin, 
the grandfather of the subject of this memoir, 
was a merchant in the town of Dover, and was 
distinguished for his patriotism and his finan- 
ciering ability. Being a member of the " Coun- 
cil of Safety '' during the Revolutionary war, 
he contributed liberally, in both money and 
services, to organizing and establishing the 
State Government of Delaware; and, as a mem- 
ber of the first Electoral College, was one of 
three from that State to cast the electoral vote 
which made General George Washington the 
first President of the United States. His son, 
John A. Banning, the fatherof General Phineas 
Banning, was graduated from Princeton College 
with high honors and enjoyed a local distinction 
for his scholarly attainments. The Lowber 
family descended from Mathew Lowber, who 
came from Amsterdam in the seventeenth cen- 
tury and settled on the western shore of Mary- 
land. Peter Lowber, his eldest son, settled in 
one of the three counties now composing the 
State of Delaware. Michael Lowber, Peter's 
eldest son, married Miss Mary Cole, of an Eng- 
lish family. William, the second son of this 
marriage, wedded Alice Ponder, and their second 
child was Elizabeth Lowber, the mother of Gen- 
eral Banning. She was a woman of great 
strength of character which she imparted, both 
by transmission and early training, to her chil- 
dren, infusing into their plastic minds energy 
and self-reliance. She was noted for her hospi- 
tality and kindness to the poor. The first 
twelve years of Phineas Banning's life were 
passed on his father's farm, with meager school 
advantages, but with intellectual home sur- 
roundings, among which was association with 
his aunt, the wife of Hon. Henry M. Eidgely, 
of Dover, a member of both branches of Uni ■ 
ted States Congress. Mrs. Ridgcly was noted 
in Washington for her beauty and intel- 
lectuality. The plodding life on the farm 
among the Brandywine Hills was too slow for 
the vivacious youth of twelve years; and, with 
50 cents in his pocket as his entire cash capi- 



tal, he went to Philadelphia to tend office and 
write in his brother AYilliaurs law office. This 
soon became too monotonous for his restless 
nature, and he engaged in the more active pur- 
suit of merchandising, in the employ of a large 
wholesale fancy-goods house ou Market street, 
where he remained until he had passed his 
twenty-first birthday. 

Impelled by the chafings of his ambition and 
adventurous spirit to seek the e.\citement and 
romance of frontier life in the new Golden State, 
young Banning left the Quaker City in ISol for 
California, via the Isthmus of Panama. Luui- 
ing first at San Diego and finding no special 
inducements to locate at that point, he came to 
Los Angeles; and soon after, in November, 
1852, he, in company with Don George Alex- 
ander, engaged in freighting, staging and light- 
erage business at San Pedro, and between that 
place and Los Angeles and other points. 

From that time forward Mr. Banning's career 
was an eventful one, and prominently inter- 
woven with the history of Los Angeles County. 
He founded and gave the name to Wilmington, 
christening it in memory of the city of that 
name in his native State. He was the chief 
projector and builder of the Los Angeles & 
Wilmington Railroad, and had sole management 
of it for n number of years, until it was sold 
to the Southern Pacific Company. During the 
construction of that company's line eastward 
General Banning was tii-eJess in his efi'orts 
whicii proved very efficient in aiding the success 
of that great enterprise. In the freighting and 
transportation business General Banning had 
occasion to make frequent visits to Fort Tejon; 
and, as an illustration of his indomitable energy 
and endurance, it is related upon unquestiona- 
ble authority that lie often made the trip of 120 
miles to the Fort in one day and the return trip 
the next. Being a man of broad and patriotic 
mind, whatever he planned and so grandly exe- 
cuted was on a comprehensive scale; and in its 
projection and execution the thought of the 
public weal was paramount to his own private 
interests. Realizino- the incalculable advantages 



UISTOllY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



\-V.) 



of a good hiirlior on this portion of the coast, 
he made two trips to Wasliiiigton, at his own 
expense, both of wliicii were successful, to ])ro- 
cure appropriations hy Congress for tlie im- 
provement of San Pedro Harbor; and to his 
efforts is largely due the constructii)n of the 
breakwater and dredging of the bar whicii 
niakei that now txeellcnt hai'bor so important 
to the growing commercial interests of Los 
Angeles. In early days, when law had no ter- 
rors for evildoers, and the Vigilants and Ran- 
gers were about the only protection to life and 
property, General Banning was a firm friend to 
the Rangers, and aided and encouraged them in 
their work of ridding the country of thieves 
and outlaws. General Banning's military title 
was earned in the command of the First Brigade 
of the California State Militia, of which he was 
appointed Brigadier-General. Besides attend- 
ing to his other large business interests, he 
bought and improved a tract of 600 acres at 
Wilmington, cultivating it to fruits and grains. 
On this property he made the largest well in 
the country, to which powerful steam pumps 
were attached, and lifted water into several res- 
ervoirs, thus furnishing the water supplj' for 
the towns of Wilmington and San Pedro, for 
vessels in the harbor, and for irrigating and 
domestic purposes. His farming operations 
were carried on accordingly, the most a]>proved 
methods being used and successful results fol- 
lowing. The elegant house he built, where he 
and his family resided, was ever celebrated for 
tlie generosity and hospitality of its inmates. 

In his gigantic busitiess enterprises General 
Banning made large sums of money, and, but 
for his public-spirited liberality and generosity, 
might have been a millionaire. But owing to 
these dominant traits in his character others 
reaped more of the benefits of his achievements 
than he. Being inspired by a patriotic zeal, 
every commendable enterprise received his 
liearty support, and his philanthropic heart al- 
lowed no worthy object of charity ever to appeal 
to him in vain. 

In politics he was a staunch Republican. 1 



Prior to the civil war he" was a strong Aboli- 
tionist. 

General Banning was twice married. His 
first wife was Rebecca San ford, the mother of 
eight children, three sons — William, Joseph B. 
and Hancock Banning, now living, the latter 
being nan)ed for General Winfield S. Hancock, 
who was a very warm personal friend of Gen- 
eral Banning. Soini time after the death of 
Mrs. Banning the General wedded Mary Hol- 
lister, on February 14, 1870, a native of Licking 
County, Ohio, daughter of J. H. Hollister, late 
of San Luis Obispo County, this State, a prom- 
inent and wealthy citizen of that county. Three 
daughters were born of General Banning's sec- 
ond marriage, one of whom died in early in- 
fancy. The living are Mary Hollister Banning 
and Lucy Tichnor Banning, seventeen and 
twelve years of age respectively. 

After an illness of several months, General 
Banning passed away in San Francisco, on the 
8th of March, 1885, with his devoted wife and 
loving daughters by his bedside. Thus went 
out the life of one of California's greatest and 
most public- spirited citizens and business men, 
and a most unselfish and loving husband and 
father. General Banning was a splendid speci- 
men of physical manhood, a hirge, well-formed 
body, surmonnted by a large, well-poised brain. 
Original in his conceptions and methods, 
dauntless in courage and persistent in purpose, 
he was a born leader of men. He left a fine 
estate to his family, which was the accumula- 
tion of the hiter years of his life. Mrs. Ban- 
ning and her daughters reside in their attractive 
home on Fort Hill; the location is one of the 
most beautiful and commanding in Los Angeles, 
overlooking as it does a magnificent picturesque 
landscape, comprising many square miles of city 
valley and plain. 

A stock company was formed by General 
Banning to succeed to his business. His sons 
now own a large majority of the stock. The 
ofiicers of the company are: William Banning, 
President; Joseph B. Banning, Vice-President; 
Hancock Iknning, Treasurer. 



IIISTOHY OF LOS ANGELES VOUNTY. 



Louis Vignes, the pioneer of pioneers of the 
now numerous French colony of Los Angeles, 
•was born in Bordeaux, France, about 1775. 
When still a young man he went to the Sand- 
wich Islands, in the employ of a mercantile 
Urm, which, meeting with reverses, compelled 
him to take as compensation for his sers'ices 
whatever he could get, which consisted of a lot 
of toy saints, amulets, church ornaments, etc., 
tliought to be of little commercial value, but 
which he bi'ought with him to California, 
where, fortunately, he found a good market for 
them. Soon after his arrival in Los Angeles, 
some time early in tlie '30s, he jjlanted the e.x- 
tensive vineyard long known as the " Aliso 
Vineyard,"' which took its nauie from the im- 
mense Aliso (sycamore) tree, still standing 
close to the Philadelphia Brewery, where it has 
stood as a patriarch and a landmark for more 
than 100 years, and no one living knows how 
much longer. Beneath its great branches he 
built his wine cellars, around which, and his 
residence and orangries, he erected a high adobe 
wall, which made his place a sort of castle, 
within which he could shut up himself, his 
treasures and his dependents from the outside 
world whenever there were political or other dis- 
turbances, or when the Lidians, which in the 
early times were very numerous here, were 
troublesome. During the commotions and ex- 
citements that took place pending the change 
from Mexican to American rule, numerous 
families took refuge within tlie walls of the 
castle of " Don Louis del Aliso,'' and they were 
liospitably treated by him. 

After Don Louis' death, which occurred Janu- 
ary 17, 1862, his vineyard was divided up, 
streets were laid out, and eventually the vines 
were dug up, and the site is now occupied by 
many dwellings, business houses, etc., and there 
is very little left to show there was once a large 
vineyard there. The venerable patronymic 
tree, however, still stands, a landmark in the 
midst of change in grim grandeur, and is , 
ap|)arently good for another hundred or five 
hundred years. 



Don Louis was, in many respects, a notable 
character in his day. He was shrewd and 
thrifty, and, as his vineyard was very produc- 
tive, its vintages were held in good repute, lie 
became forehanded. Timber was not to be had 
here in those days, only as it was sawed out by 
hand in the mountains, and hauled here with 
great labor. In 1841 he built a sawmill near 
San Bernardino, and put his nephew, Pedro 
Sainsevain, then a young man, who had come 
out from France a year or two before, in charge. 
In 1855 he sold his vineyard to his two nephews, 
Pedro and Jean Louis Sainsevain, who carried 
it on, together with an extensive wine business, 
till about 1867. Pedro still lives in San Jose, 
but his brother, genial Don Louis Sainsevain, 
long well and favorably known by the old- 
timers, died in this city during the present year 
(1889). A son of Don Louis, Michel, also 
well known, died a few years ago, leaving a 
widow and several children; and another son, 
Paul, lives in San Diego. Vital Fernando and 
Juan Maria Vignes are also nephews of old Don 
Louis Vignes. 

Matthew Kellek was born in Queenstown, 
Ireland, about the year 1811. lie came to 
America when young, and lived some time in 
Mexico. From some papers in the possession 
of his nephew, Thomas Leahy, of this city, it 
appears that lie was naturalized as a citizen of 
the United States at New Orleans, in 1849; and 
he must have come to California soon after, for 
he wrote to his nephew in 1850, for him to 
come to him in Los Angeles. 

Though Mr. Keller — who was well and 
generally known liere by the native Califor- 
nians and by the old settlers as "Don Mateo" 
— spent some time in the mines, he became one 
of Los Angeles' most prominent and public- 
spirited citizens. He early engaged in vine- 
yarding and witie-making, and at one time he 
had, besides his store in Los Angeles, a large 
wine house in San Francisco, and also in New 
York and Philadelphia; and at the time of his 
death, which occurred April 11, 1881, from 
heart disease, he owned considerable vineyard 




///■? e^ 




4% 



.0^P.fl; 



uisTonr OK ws ano ei.es county 



property, besides his Malibou Riinciio, etc. He 
was a iTiiui of tireless energy, even np to the 
end of his Um'^ life< lie was a luaniifacturer 
of wine and i>;r;ipe brandy on a large scale for 
many years. Jiiit as he telt age creeping on, 
and that his large interests here needed his per- 
sonal attention, he sold out his Eastern bnsi- 
ness and returned from New York, wliere he 
had been compelled to remain part of the time, 
to Los Angeles in 1879, in order that he might 
give his undivided attention to his business 
here. And yet, notwithstanding he had arrived 
at that period in life when the natural forces 
begin to fail, he soon commenced planting out 
other vineyards on a large scale. 

Mr. Keller was a good French and Spanish 
scholar, and his familiarity with the French 
language enabled him to draw much valuable 
information from French sources, relating to 
the vine, its diseases, its culture, etc., and also 
in regard to wine and its treatment, which he 
imparted to the public through the local press 
and other periodicals. 

Mr. Keller left four children — one boy and 
three girls; one of the latter has since died in a 
convent. The son, who was educated in France, 
now lives on the Malibou Rancho. 

James Wesley Potts, Esq., is a native of 
Tennessee, and was born in Rutherford County, 
December 20, 1S30. His parents were of 
Scotch, English and Irish ancestry. His grand- 
parents on both sides were born m America. 
His Grandfather Jones (on his mother's side) 
■was a soldier under George "Washington, and 
he died at about 103 years of age, in Nash-ville. 
His Great-grandfather Jones was a Scotchman, 
and was a relative of the celebrated Paul Jones, 
of Revolutionary fame, and was in the battle 
known as Braddock's defeat. His Great-grand- 
mother Jones, who came to America with the 
early settlers and settled in Virginia, was a 
native of Ireland. His Great-grandfather Potts 
was an Englishman. His Grandmother Potts 
was a Greene, and a relative of General Greene, 
the hero of Eutaw Springs. His mother's 
brothers were soldiers in the war of 1812, and 



two of his brothers were in the late civil war. 
His father, John Greene Potts, died when James 
was only four years old, and his mother, nee 
Cynthia Jones, when he was thirteen. Being 
thus early in life deprived of parental care, 
young Potis was left to provide for himself. 
He made his home in Ilayward County for four 
years with a friend, doing farm work, and attend- 
ing school three months during that time. 

In 1852 he came overland to California, 
driving an ox team over the plains from George- 
town, Texas, walking the whole way, and ar- 
riving at Los Angeles in September. This 
place was then merely an adobe village of some 
4,000 inhabitants, who were mostly Mexicans 
and Spaniards. He was first eniployed there 
on the streets, hauling dirt in a hand-cart. The 
hand-cart at that day was the only vehicle used 
for conveying dirt on the streets. After having 
earned §5 at that work, he engaged in selling 
fruits, first fr.)m a basket, and afterward he 
established a fruit stand, his sales increasing so 
that he cleared from $20 to §40 per day. He 
then went to the mines, but soon returned to 
Los Angeles and engaged in raising vegetables, 
and raised the first sweet potatoes in Los An- 
geles. He then entered the mercantile business, 
and at the opening of the civil war was worth 
$6,000, which, as a result of his outspoken 
Union sentiments, he soon lost. He, however, 
recovered, and from 1861 to 1865 he did an ex- 
tensive mercantile business, and by investing 
and dealing in real estate until 1878 he was 
estimated to be worth $150,000; but in that 
year, meeting with reverses and being loaded 
down with unproductive real estate, he not only 
lost what he had accumulated, but was heavily 
in debt. He has, however, paid every dollar of 
his indebtedness, although a great amount of it 
was outlawed. 

Mr. Potts was originally a Whig and then a 
Republican, but is now a staunch Prohibitionist. 
He has served as a member of the Los Angeles 
City Council, and as such was foremost in push- 
ing city water improvements. He led the move- 
ment for constructing the east and west side 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ditclies and reservoirs and also the sewor from 
First street to the Briswater estate near the 
city limits, both of wliicii have ])roven of incal- 
culable value to Los Angeles City. It may lie 
said, that scarcely a question uf local public 
moment has ever come up but that J. W. Potts 
has figured in the solution more or less promi- 
nently. His advice upon various knotty ques- 
tions involved in the new city charter of Los 
Angeles was sought, received and acted upon. 
He has always been a firm believer in and 
strong advocate of the future of Soutliern Cali- 
fornia and the city of Los Angeles, and as early 
as 1876, in a letter to the Los Angeles Herald^ 
he stated that the Los Angeles Valley was 
capable of supporting 1,000,000 of people, al- 
though at that time it was generally regarded 
as being good for stock ranges only. 

Mr. Potts has been the prime mover in 
early tnoial and religious movements. He 
was one of the oi'ganizers of the first Sabbath- 
school in Los Angeles City. He secured the 
subscriptions for the Fort Street brick church, 
purchased the lot 120x165 feet, donated $150 
and gave his personal obligation for $1,000 
toward paying the indebteduess on the property. 
Sr.ch benefactions in early times wei'o not made 
without effort and sacrifice, and are truly worthy 
of note. His gifts of charity are numerous, 
and the worthy poor are never turned unrecog- 
nized from his door. The following tribute to 
J. W. Potts's sterling qualities lecently appeared 
in one of the leading journals of Los Angeles, 
when his name was bolore the people as a can- 
didate for city councilor. It was written by a 
citizen who has known him for many years: ■ 

J. W. Potts is a son of a nonslaveholding pio- 
neer family that settled early in the eighteenth 
century in Tennessee and took part in the war 
for independence in 1776. At a very tender age 
he kissed his mother good-bye and walked away 
from the cabin door in search of work to pro- 
vide bread for that widowed mother and her 
younger children. "While that mother lived and 
those children were helpless, he staid by his 
task at 124 cents a day, that they might neither 
bet( nor want. 



While thu!- 



mp 



)loved he went tli 



dy clad 



and denied himself every pleasure so lie might 
learn to read and write without going to school. 
AVhile yet almost a child his word of promise 
was as good as any bond. He was never seen 
at a gambling table, never staked a cent on any 
game of chance, never drank or treated at a bar. 

He has been thirty-lour years in California. 
I have known him ever since 1854-, and I think 
I thoroughly know J. W. Potts to be absolutely 
truthful and reliable. 

As a young man he voted tiie Republican 
ticket in this State when Republicans were sub- 
ject to insult, to boycott in business, and even 
to personal danger, because they dared to be 
true to their convictions. lie stood in for the 
Union, was the friend of the flag of tiie soldier 
when treason was bold and in power, when the 
"Pear" flag and the "Pacific Republic" were 
the hope of many. 

He is, at least, one of the men to whom the 
Republican jiarty is indel)ted for its history and 
its fame, and is as deserving of i^lace and of 
lionor as any man in its raid<s to-day. To him 
and to such men as he, the party and the 
country owe a debt that no words of ])raise can 
repay. 

To the older citizens of Los Angeles, where 
he has lived for all these years, he needs no in- 
troduction. But to the thousands of new-comers 
he is not so well known. To all these I would 
say, 1 have known him longand well, and sincerely 
believe him to be that noblest work of C4od — 
an honest man. Like the pure gold, the more 
you inquire into his record the brighter it 
sliines. 

July 12, 1866, Mr. Potts was married, at Los 
Angeles, to Miss Emma Catherine Bed well, 
daugh'erof Robert D. and Louisa Ann (Pearce) 
Bedwell, both natives of Tennessee. She was 
born in Arkansas, reared in Texas, and came to 
Los Angeles with her parents when she was nine- 
teen years of age. Mr. Potts and his wife are 
members of the Fort Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and are among the original members of 
1866. From his early youth Mr. Potts has 
been a member of the Methodist Church, and 
was the first Protestant church member in Los 
Angeles, and was the first to close his business 
doors on Sunday. Tliey have had five children: 
Louise V. and Ida A., students attending the 
Ellis Colleire of Los Aiiffeles; and Robert 



lIItiTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, 



Wlialey and Etniiia M., attending the Los An- 
geles public school. Tliey lost one child in 
infancy. 

Mr. I'otts has some striking characteristics. 
Like a true son of the mountains of Tennessee, 
lie has very decided, sonietimos radical, opinions 
on most sul)jects, and ho is as a rule very out- 
spoken in tliose opinions. Li other words, 
there is always a man behind tliera, and he is 
that man, for he never lacks the courage of his 
convictions. Although he is naturally genial 
and always a fast friend, no one who associates 
with him is likely to be deceived as to what his 
position is on any matter. During the war of 
the Rebellion he was a pronounced Unionist, 
even to the detriment of his business, and he 
has always been a man who would stand up for 
bis principles, political, religious or social, 
whether he made thereby friends or foes. Mr. 
Potts is a man of great force of character, never 
losing his grip under the most disheartening 
circumstances. He and ex-Mayor Beandry 
built Temple street from Fort to Bunker Hill 
avenue, thus making the hill lands accessible. 
At one point on this portion of Temple street, 
the present grade of that thoroughfare is twenty 
feet, and another fifty feet above the bottom of 
the arroyo they tilled up. After Mr. Potts had 
made a fortune and lost it, leaving him stranded 
aud burdened with a big debt, he worked six- 



teen hours a day to earn a living for his family 
for four long years, or till his lost fortune was 
regained. He still owns an orchard in the hills 
west of town, that lie acquired title to by plant- 
ing and cultivating the same on shares, the owner 
deeding him one-half after a certain number of 
years. Certain dilettante writers have taken 
the absurd ground that Southern California is 
no place for a poor man. Men having the grit 
of J. W. Potts and many others, who like him 
have been reduced to poverty, have shown by 
results time and again that they take no stock 
in this theory. Such men are not as easily 
snuffed out or suppressed as these fanciful the- 
orists imagine: they clearly realize at the out- 
set that hardships are necessarily incident to the 
settlement of every new country, and they are 
not dismayed or vanquished by them when they 
come. Obstacles and disaster only stimulate 
them to renewed exertion. The value of the 
labor and example of such men to a new com- 
munity caimot be measured by dollars and cents. 
Only the old citizens of Los Angeles can fully 
appreciate how useful Mr. Potts has been to the 
church, to the schools, to good municipal gov- 
ernment and to local material improvement and 
prosperity, during his long residence in Los 
Angeles County. May the builders of new 
States and cities, like him, increase in the land! 




HISTORY 0^ LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



^i RAILROADS. !l 



CllAl'TER XI II 



fllE modern, or railroad, period of the liis- 
torj of this county may naturally be 
considered part of this volume. 

Los Angeles County is the first in the Slate 
to enjoy two competing transcontinental rail- 
roads, a pleasure in which it still has a profita- 
ble monopoly to the exclusion of the rest of the 
State. Railroad surveys were early made, but 
the first road did. not come till 1869. The 
Sonthern Pacific came in 1S77; and the Santa 
Fe system in 1885. 

Lieutenant Williamson briefly surveyed South- 
ern California in 1853 for a railroad route, under 
the military escort of then Lieutenant (now ex- 
Governoi-) Stoneman. In 1861 a bill was intro- 
duced into the Senate of the California Legis- 
lature authorizing the board of supervisors of 
Los Angeles County to subscribe $150,000 
toward tlie construction of a railroad between 
Los Angeles and San Pedro. The measure 
seems to have slumbered for two years more, 
when, in 1863, an act for the construction of 
the Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad passed 
both liouses. Still i.othing was done till 1864, 
when a meeting of the citizens of Los Angeles 
was ''called to deliberate upon the best means of 
V)ringing about the desired connection with 
Wilmington." lUit nothing practical came of 
this movement. 

The Los Angeles News of February 27, 18G0, 
notes that two remonstrances were then in cir- 
culation, one at the precinct of El Monte, a 



place then controlled by a strong anti-railroad 
feeling, and another in Los Angeles, against 
railroad bills introduced into the Legislature by 
the Hon. Phineas Banning. In the session of 
1867-'68 the bill passed both houses of the 
Legislature. The movement now took a prac- 
tical shape. On March 4, 1868, in accordance 
with the provisions of the act, ex-Governor J. 
G. Downey, Dr. J. S. Griffin and Jolin King, 
as directors of the "Los Angeles & San Pedro 
Railroad," filed a petition with the board of 
supervisors, asking the board to call an election 
of the people uj^on the question of authorizing 
the county to subscribe $150,000 to the capital 
stock of the company, in accordance with the 
act which had been approved February 1, 1868. 
On March 9 a similar petition was presented 
to the city council by the same ])arties, asking 
that body to call an election of the citizens upon 
the question of the city subscribing $75,000 to 
the capital stock of the company. Both peti- 
tions were granted. Thomas D. Mott, then 
county clerk, published a proclamation on 
March 10, .calling the election on the 24th of 
the same month. The proclamation designated 
the precincts, and was published, as were all 
laws in those days, in both Spanish and English. 
Fourteen days was necessarily a " short " 
campaign, yet it was anything but " sweet." 
Tomlinson, Banning's rival in business, was the 
strongest opponent to the measure, but he died 
about two weeks before the election. A corre- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



spondent in the Los Angeles News of March 13, 
1868, over the noni de plume of "Farmer," 
tersely put the question thus: " The estimated 
trade between Los Angeles and San Francisco 
is 1,000 tons per month. If corn grown in the 
Monte can be shipped to San Pedro for one- 
quarter of a cent less per pound, that would be 
$7 per ton, and if two tons are produced to the 
acre the railroad will make the land worth at 
least $14 more per acre. Besides, the road will 
pa}' out at least $4,000 per month for wages, to 
be spent mostly' in tlie city." 

Ill the city the vote stood: For the railroad, 
297; against, 245. The vote of both city and 
county stood: For the railroad, 700; against, 
672. The railroad had a bare majority of 
twenty-eight. Ground was broken at Wilming- 
ton, September 19, 1868, and the last rail was 
laid in Los Angeles City on October 26, 1869. 
The board of directors of the road were John 
G. Downey, B. D. Wilson, O. W. Childs, John 
S. Griffin, Matthew Keller, Phineas Banning. 
The iron rails were ship]ied from England. E. 
E. Hewitt, the editor of the Wilmingto!) 
Journal, was elected superintendent. The good 
effect of the railroad was felt at once, as is 
shown by the following paragraph from the 
News of September 22, 1868: ''Under the 
influence of a certain prospect of a railroad 
from this city to the sea-coast, thereby making 
it a seaport city, the price of real estate has 
advanced very materially." This was three 
days after ground had been broken. Immedi- 
ately after the election, on March 27, the News 
said prophetically: "Railroad connection with 
the sea-coast will, in a few years, extend itself 
to a connection with the Southern Pacific & At- 
lantic Railroad, placing us upon the great trans- 
continental thoroughfare, and bringing among 
us the surplus population and capital of the 
Eastern States, and developing by their science 
and energy our varying resources." 

Banniijg was then in the Senate. He intro- 
duced Senate J>ill No. 275, " An Act amenda- 
tory to an Act entitleil an Act authorizing the 
Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County," 



etc., and Senate Bill No. 376, authorizing the 
city to proceed in the same manner, the object 
of which was to amend the former act so that 
the money should be paid the company only on 
the completion of each mile. No objection 
was made in the Legislature against the bills, 
and they both passed. 

The railroad campaign of 1S68 was only a 
small sample of the greater one which followed 
in 1872, and, strange to say, some of the very 
ones who were not only convinced of the bene- 
fits of the short road of twenty-three miles in 
length from Los Angeles to Wilmington, but 
received material blessings from it, were later 
among the most active opponents to the build- 
ing of a larger and transcontinental road. 

On April 4, 1870, the State Legislature 
passed an act authorizing the different counties 
of the State, through their respective boards of 



supervisors. 



to aid in the construction of rail- 



roads in the counties which might elect to do 
so. The act authorized the donation of five per 
cent, of the total assessment for railroad build- 
ing. So strong did this sentiment prevail that it 
turned practically into anti-railroad, and in 
some instances establishing opposing methods 
of transportation, as .in sailing vessels from San 
Francisco to Santa Monica. The following year 
to the passage of the five per cent, subsidy act, 
the anti-monopoly howl waxed so loud that no 
politician in either party dared keep silent in 
its behalf if he wanted office. 

The Republican and Democratic parties 
vied with each other in strong anti-monopoly 
"planks," and the Legislature of 1871-'72 was 
supposed to be "solid" on that question. 
Measures at once came up for the repeal of the 
act of 1870. Here was a quandary for those who 
had the interests of Southern California at heart 
in general and Los Angeles County in ])articu- 
lar. There was the pioneer, B. D. Wilson, in 
the Senate, Asa Ellis and Thomas D. Mott in 
the Assembly, all from Los Angeles County. 

The Sontliern Pacific, which had incorpo- 
rated that year, was laying its ties and spiking 
its rails up the San Joacjuin Yalley, aiul it was 



UIHTORY OF LOli ANGELES COUNTY. 



a question wlietlier it would come directly to 
Los Angeles on its march overland. Its line 
through the Tehacliepi Pass was well known, 
but Irotii this point t,wo diverging lines had been 
surveyed. One was south to the Soledad Pass 
and over heavy grades, and through costly tun- 
nels to Los Angeles, tlien an adobe town, whose 
people might want them to pay all the great 
expense of building and equipping their road to 
this point, and afterward share in the benefits. 
There was the other route from Tehachepi over 
an almost level plain straight to the Needles, 
along the thirty-tifth parallel. 

The Los Angeles delegation in the State Leg- 
islature were fully aware of the snares which 
were l)eing unconsciously laid for their section, 
and which, if successful, would delay the advance- 
ment of this section for many years. 

There was great danger of this, as the Even- 
ing Eaejyress of May 24, 1872, said: " ]?ut the 
question of its passage directly through this 
city or leaving us a few miles to one side as 
appears to be the fate of Yisalia, depends wholly 
upon ourselves. Railway companies are soul- 
less corporations. They are invariably selfisli 
and love money. * * * Because they are 
rich they have no more right to build to us 
than has (iovernor Downey tu build our school- 
houses." 

The two important questions before the dele- 
gation were, to have Los Angeles County exempt 
from the repeal of the subsidy law, and after- 
ward as private citizens, with the best interests 
of their country at heart, to secure the benefits 
of such exemption. Subsequent events fully 
proved, as will be shown, that had the delega- 
tion been less friendly to the railroad, Los An- 
geles would not have had one possibly by this 
time. 

January 26; 1872, the repeal of the subsidy 
law passed the Assembly by a majority of two. 
The repeal, however, did not affect the counties 
of San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Santa 
•ilarbara, Sau Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, 
Marin and Los Angeles, in which counties the 
act of April 4, 1870, was to remain in full force 



and effect, provided tliat the question of grant- 
ing aid should be submitted to the qualified 
electors of each county at a general election. 
This important point being gained, opened the 
way for securing the railroad. 

The following letter is taken fmm Major Pen 
C. Truman's monthly magazine, the Dal Monte 
Wave, for June, 1886: 

Los Angelks, May 5, 1872. 

Hon. Lelanu Stanfokd — Dkak Sik: Our 
personal relations are of such a character that 
we have deemed it jiroper to advise you in ad- 
vance of movements, whicli, if carefully attended 
to, may redound not only to your benefit, but 
may be also of material service to our country. 
It is needless to add that as far as we are con- 
cerned, regardless of what others may say, we 
consider you entitled to all the aid that our sec- 
tion may be able to command as a proper tribute 
to the great efforts you have displayed in fur- 
therance of the prosperity and material progress 
of the Pacific Coast. 

We expect to call a meeting of the tax-paying 
citizens of the county in a few days, for the pur- 
pose of selecting from among them an execu- 
tive committee, giving the said committee full 
power to meet the representatives of 'Any railroad 
company that may visit our place, for the pur- 
pose of agreeing upon some plan whereby we 
may have a railroad running through our county, 
or at least to our city. 

We apprise you of the movements soon to 
take place here, that you may, if you deem it 
proper, take steps so as to act in harmony with 
our citizens, and in that manner subserve the 
public benefit to be derived from our mutual 
understanding. 

With the greatest assurance of your personal 
regard, and our co-operation in any move wliich 
may promote the best interests of the county, 
and your own, and hoping you may find it con- 
venient to pay us a visit soon, we remain yours 
sincerely, T. D. Mott. 

B. D. Wilson. 

They received a reply to this letter, stating 
that he could not leave home, but would send 
an agent, which he did in the person of Mr. 
Hyde. As a result of their efforts a meeting of 
citizens was called by them to take steps to se- 
cure the benefits accruing under the exemptions 
of the repeal act. The Los Angeles Nevs of 



UltSTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



May 18, 1872, notices the next movement as 
follows: "To-day occurs the railroad meeting, 
called over the signatures of several citizens. 
The vague terms of the call have stimulated 
public curiosity regarding the ultimate olijects 
of the meeting." 

The meeting of citizens to discuss railroad 
matters was held in the court-house Saturday 
afternoon, May 18, 1872. Ex-Governor J. G. 
Downey called the meeting to order and briefly 
explained its purposes. H. K. S. O'Melveny 
was elected President, and Major Ben. C. Tru- 
man, Secretary. Among the speakers were 
Fhineas Banning, C. H. Larrabee, J. G. Downey, 
B. D. Wilson and E. J. C. Kewen. 

Resolutions were adopted to the effect that to 
the railroad company which offered the best guar- 
antee for constructing the main trunk of a 
trans-continental line through tiiis valley, they 
would subscribe stock by donating all interests 
held in railroad stock held by the county and 
an additional amount sufficient to make up five 
per cent, of the assessment roll, provided that 
the road should be constructed from San Fran- 
cisco through Los Angeles to the Colorado River 
within three years from date. 

A committee of thirty was appointed to seek 
information of any and all proposed railroads 
which might contemplate running from San 
Francisco Bay to the Mississippi River via the 
southern route, and to learn whether the main 
trunk would pass through Los Angeles, and if 
not what would cause it to do so. Following 
were the committee: 

Anaheim— W. R. Olden, John P. Zeyn. 

Azusa, — Henry Dalton. 

Ballona — -F. Machado, T. A. Sanchez. 

Compton — M. Bixby, G. D. Compton. 

El Monte— F. W. Gibson, Silas Bennett. 

Gallatin— E. N. Burke, N. D. Crawford. 

Los Angeles — H. K. S. O'Melveny, F. P. F. 
Temple, J. G. Downey, H. Newmark, S. B. 
Caswell, A. F. Coronel, J. M. Griffith. 

Los Nietos — D. Fulton, E. Sanford. 

Puente — John Keed. 

Santa Ana— A. L. Bush, (iabriel Allen. 



San Fernando — A. Pico. 

San Gabriel — L. J. Rose, George Stoneraan. 

San Jose — F. Paloinares, L. Pliillips. 

Wilmington — R. H. Downing, Joseph Dus- 
ton, D. W. Alexander. 

The committee of thirty met again in one 
week and appointed an executive committee of 
nine. 

Messrs. Wilson, Rose and Olden were ap- 
pointed a committee to go to San Francisco and 
secure satisfactory terms with the Southern 
Pacific, which they did, returning with E. W. 
Hyde, of Oakland, tlie special agent of the com- 
pany. Messrs. Newmark, Temple and O'Melveny 
were appointed a committee to confer with Mr. 
Hyde in drawing np an ordinance for the city 
and another for the county. Both ordinances 
were substantially the same, and were passed by 
the city council and the board of supervisors. 
The ordinance passed by the boai-d of super- 
visors was to the effect that the county being 
empowered to donate its bonds in aid of the 
construction of a railroad within its borders to 
an amount not to exceed five per cent, upon the 
total of the last assessment, which was $10,700,- 
000 for the year 1872, —five per cent, of which 
is $535,000. From this amount the sum of 
$150,000 before issued in county bonds to the 
Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad Company 
was deducted, leaving the net of $385,000 in 
bonds which the county could give. The South- 
ern Pacific Company, for this amount, agreed to 
build fifty miles of its main trunk line through 
the county and a branch line to Anaheim; and 
the county also agreed to sell to the Southern 
Pacific its stock in the Los Angeles & San Pedro 
Railroad. All of this, in accordance with law, 
was to be submitted to a vote of the people. 

Although this was during the memorable 
presidential campaign of Grant and Greeley, 
yet so absorbing was the railroad question in 
Los Angeles County that the local issue was par- 
amount in everybody's mind to the national one. 
A much stronger opposition was developed tlian 
in the railroad campaign of 1808. On Septem- 
ber 7 the supervisors passed an ordinance for 



HISTORY OF LOi ANOBLES COUNTY. 



the Los Angeles & San Diego Railroad Com- 
pany, aslving for a subsidy as large as that asked 
by the committee of thirty for the Southern 
Pacific. The San Diego Company claimed that 
their route was the most practical one to Ana- 
heim, and promised to build to an intersection 
with the Texas Pacific Railroad, then managed 
by the famous "Tom " Scott. 

This last ordinance was not passed without 
the protest of the Southern Pacific and the dis- 
senting opinion of Attorney General Love. 
The San Diego Company, which rallied to its 
support the people who opposed the voting of a 
subsidy to the Southern Pacific, depended upon 
the Los Nietos Precinct for a great part of its 
strength, owing to the fact that the Southern Pa- 
cific proposed to run its Anaheim branch from 
Compton, a rival town of CTallatin. Through 
the eftbrts of T. D. Mott, the Southern Pacific 
was induced to change their plans and run from 
Florence through Gallatin* to Anaheim, and 
thus secured the vote of that precinct. The 
campaign was one of the hottest ever held in Los 
Angeles County. The railroad question was the 
only one discussed by the people. In every 
precinct meetings were held and speeches were 
heard on either side. H. T. Hazard, G. W. 
Barter, R. M. Widney, J. G. Howard, A. Higbie 
and others were speakers in favor of the subsidy 
for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and 
were opposed by Yolney E. Howard, John 

Foster, A. J. King, J. G. Downey, Bean and 

others. 

Tlie eve of the election was celebrated in the 
city by a grand mass meeting, procession, bon- 
fires, etc. The election was held November 5, 
1872. The vote of the city and county stood: 
For the Southern Pacific subsidy, 1,896 votes; 
against the same, 724. For the San Diego 
road, 99; against the same, 29; no railroad at 
all, 26! Tiie Southern Pacific Railroad had a 
clear majority over all of 1,018. 

The city donated sixty acres of land for depot 
purposes. Work was commenced at the initial 



point in the city, and continue 1 east to Spadra 
and north to San Fernando, to which points the 
first trains were run April 4, 1S74. "Work was 
commenced on the Anaheim branch in the win- 
ter of 1873-'74, and the first train ran into 
Anaheim, January 17, 1875. In July, 1875, a 
gang of 1,500 men commenced work on both 
ends of the San Fernando Tunnel, which was 
completed in September, 1876. It is 6,940 feet 
long, and cost originally $2,500,000. It is 
twenty-seven miles from the city. 

The gold spike connecting Los Angeles with 
San Francisco was driven September 8, 1877, 
in the Suledad Caiion. The mayors of San 
Francisco and Los Angeles were present, to- 
gether with the officials of the company, and a 
large number of spectators from both places. 
A banquet and ball at Los Angeles that evening 
closed the festivities. 

In 1875 Hon. John P. Jones built the Los 
Angeles & Independence Railroad from Santa 
Monica to Los Angeles City. The length is 
about eighteen miles, and the cost was about 
$375,000. It was subsequently transferred to 
the Southern Pacific. 

By virtue of a contract with the Southern 
Pacific, the Santa Fe system ran its trains into 
Los Angeles City from Colton, beginning No- 
vember 29, 1885, and continued so to do till its 
own track from San Bernardino was finished. 
This road was built in March and April, 1887, 
from San Bernardino west along the foot-hills 
to a junction with the Los Angeles & San 
Gabriel Valley Railroad at the San Gabriel 
River. Regular trains commenced running on 
this road on June 1 of that year. It is owned 
by the California Central, a local company, 
whose stock is held by the Santa Fe people. 
Branch roads of this system were built in 1888 
to Ballona Harbor and Redondo Beach, and 
also to Orange, connecting with another branch 
running from San Bernardino to San Diego. 

In 1884 there was commenced the construc- 
tion of the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Valley 
Railroad by a corporation headed by Hon. J. F. 
Crank. Its completion to Pasadena was cele- 



nisTOur OF los ai^geles county. 



139 



brated hy an excursion September 17, 1885. 
In 1887 it was extended to the San Gabriel 
Kiver, and the same year was transferred to the 
Santa Fe system. 

In 1889 the Los Angeles & Pacific Railway 
■was completed to Santa Monica. It was built 



from the northwest part of the city toward 
Cahuenga Pass, and thence along the Santa 
Monica Mountains to the town of that name. 
M. L. AVicks and R. C. Shaw were among its 
principal promoters. It is standard gauge. 




niSTOBY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 




CHAPTER XIV. 



fVEN when that immortal utterance, "The 
pen is mightier than the sword," was 
given to the world, its author did not 
have a full conception of the power of the mod- 
ern newspaper press as an educational and 
molding influence in society. From a simple pur-, 
veyor of news, the horizon of the field of jour- 
nalism has expanded during the past few dec- 
ades until it now encompasses the whole 
domain of human knowledge. Politics, social 
and moral ethics, science, art, j^hilosopliy, re- 
ligion, law, — each finds an able expositor in the 
columns of the daily and weekly newspaper. 
Thus teeming with the best and most advanced 
thought of the time, the press exerts a power 
in educating the public mind second only to the 
public schools. Struck by the shafts of its cen- 
sure, tyrants tremble, and the vicious flee the 
wrath to come. Encouraged and strengthened 
by its fostering approval, truth and virtue be- 
come a wall of adamant environing the popu- 
lace. 

Los Angeles County has its due share of 
worthy newspapers and periodicals; and, like 
all intelligent, enterprising communities, its 
highways are strewn with the graves of dead 
journals and the wrecked hopes and fortunes of 
ambitious but mistaken journalists. This chap- 
ter aims to mention the publications worthy of 
note in this county since 1850. 



THE LOS ANGELES STAR 

was founded in 1851, the first number appear- 
ing May 17 of that year, printed in English and 
Spanish, issued weekly, John A. Lewis and John 
McElroy, publishers. In July the style of the 
firm was Lewis, McElroy & Rand, William H. 
Rand having become a partner that month. 
November 4 McElroy sold his interest to Lewis 
& Rand. October 19, 1854, Mr. McElroy again 
became a partner. In 1855 the Star was con- 
ducted by J. S. Waite & Co. December 15 of 
the same year J. S. Waite became the sole pub- 
lisher, at which time the Spanish department 
of the paper was transferred to the Olamcyr 
PuUico. Mr. Waite continued the publication 
of the Star until April 12, 1856, when he sold 
to William A. Wallace, who, the following June, 
sold to II. Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton published 
the Star until the fall of 1864, when it was 
purchased by General P. Banning, and removed 
to Wilmington, where the material was used to 
publish the Wilmington Journal. In 1868 the 
Star was again established in Los Angeles, pub- 
lished and edited by Mr. Hamilton. In 1872 
G. W. Barter became a partner, but retired in 
a few months. The daily edition also made its 
first appearance that year. Mr. Hamilton con- 
ducted the Star until July 1, 1873, when he 
sold it to Major Ben. C. Truman. Mr. Truman 
edited and published the paper until October 1, 



IllSTOHY OF LOS ANGELAS COUNTY. 



1877, when he retired. It was tlien published 
by Pajnter & Co., and afterward by Brown & 
Co. During the last fifteen months of its e.\- 
istence it liad several different managers and 
editors, and represented three or four jiarties. 
It ceased publication in the early part of 1879. 

THE SOUTHERN CALIFOENIAN, 

published weekly, was founded by C. N. Rich- 
ards it Co. The first number was issued July 
20, 1851, William Butts, Editor. November 2, 
1854, William Butts and John O. Wheeler suc- 
ceeded Richards & Co. in the proprietorship. 
Messrs. Butts & AVheeier conducted the paper 
for some time, when John P. Prodie became the 
publislier. In 1857 it was discontinued, and in 
the following year its press and material were 
used to publish the Soutli em Vineyard. 

EL CLAMOR PLBLICO, 

a Sj)anish publication, was established by Fran- 
cisco P. Ramirez, in 1855. It made iis first 
appearance June 19. of that year, and continued 
as a weekly until it suspended December 31, 
1859, for want of sufficient support. The ma- 
terials of the ofhce were traut-ferred to the Los 
Angeles Nexos. 

THE SOUTHEEN VINEYARn 

was established by Colonel J. J. Warner, March 
20, 1858, as a four-page weekly, 22 x 30 inches 
in size. It was devoted to general news, and 
issued every Satnrdaj' morning. December 10, 
of the same year, this ])aper was transformed 
into a semi-weekly; size, 20x26 inches; issued 
Tuesday and Friday mornings. It continued 
under the management of Mr. Warner until 
June 8, 18(50, when the office and materials were 
transferred to the Los Angeles JVews. 

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 

a monthly paper, devoted to religious subjects, 
published by William Money, made its appear- 
ance April 10, 1S59. It was printed at J^l 
Clamor office, in both the English and Sjianish 
languages. The paper, not receiving sufficient 



support, 
numbers. 



discontinued after issuing a few 



LOS ANGELES DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWS. 

The Setni-WeeMy Southern iV^ews, independ- 
ent, issued every Wednesday and Friday, was 
established in Los Angeles by C. R. Conway 
and Alonzo Waite, January 18, 1860. In their 
opening announcement they speak of a "crisis 
and depression in business heretofore unknown 
within the limits of our rich and prosperous 
State," as then existing. The sheet was enlarged 
July 18. 1860, and again August 13, 1862. 
October 8, 1862, the paper was styled the Los 
Aiigeles Semi-Weekly Neivs, and continued as 
a semi-weekly until January 12, 1863, when 
it appeared as tlie Los Angeles Tri-Weekly 
JS'ews — issued Mondays, Wednesdays, and 
Fridays. 

The tri-weekly was enlarged December 16, 
1863. November 11, 1865, Messrs. Conway & 
Waite sold the News to Messrs. A. J. King & 
Co., A. J. King assuming the editorial control 
of the paper, which was again changed to a 
semi-weekly. The sheet was enlarged January 
5, 1866, and again January 1, 1867. 

January 1, 1869, the semi-weekly was dis- 
continued, and The Los Angeles Daily JVeivs 
appeared, published by King & Offutt (A. J. 
King and A. N. Offutt), R. H. Offutt, Business 
Manager. The daily was enlarged in May, 
1869. October 16, 1869, R. II. Offutt sold his 
interest to A. Waite; style of new firm, King 
& Waite. The daily was again enlarged Janu- 
ary 5, 1870. Mr. King retired from the edito- 
rial chair January 1, 1870. The paper was 
then ])ublis]ied l)y King, Waite & Co.; A. 
Waite, Business Manager; Charles E. Beane. 
Editor. October 10, 1872, Mr. Waite sold his 
entire interest to Charles E. Beane, who con- 
ducted the paper for a few months, when it 
suspended. 

AMIUO DEL PDEBLO. 

This paper, printed in the Spanish language, 
published by Jose E. Gonzales & Co., made its 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



first appearance November 15, 1861; was a 
weekly paper and independent in politics. In 
May, 1862, it announced its suspension for 
want of adequate support. 

THE LOS ANGELES tUIKONICK, 

a German weekly journal, published by F. G- 
Walther, was first issued May 19, 1869. It 
continued until August. 1870, when it stopped 
publication for lack of support. 

THE SUED CALIFORNISCHE POST 

was established by Conrad Jacoby, who is the 
present editor and proprietor. It made its first 
appearance July 25,1874, its size being 24x36 
inches. It was soon enlarged to 26x40 inches, 
which is its present size. This is the only 
German paper published in Southern California. 

THE EVENING KEPUBLICAN 

was founded in June, 1876, by W. W. Creigli- 
ton. As the name indicates, it was Republican 
in politics. It was printed at the Herald oiRce 
until the latter part of December, when the 
Republican established an office. In August, 
1877, the office was purchased by the Republi- 
cans, and the paper published by Allison Berry 
& Co., who continued for a few months, when it 
was conducted by the Republican Printing 
Company. During most of the time a weekly 
edition was issued. In September, 1878, the 
daily was discontinued for lack of support, and 
in January, 1879, the weekly also ceased publi- 
cation. 

THE SCHOOL-MASTER 

was established in 1876. It was edited by Dr. 
W. T. Lucky, who was at that time superin- 
tendent of the city schools. The School-Master 
was the organ of the public schools of the county, 
and was a very valuable publication for teachers 
and those interested in educational matters. 
The death of Dr. Lucky caused the paper to be 
discontinued after a few publications. 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 

The first number of this magazine was issued 
in September, 1877, at Los Angeles, by the 



S lUthern California Horticultural Society — L. 
M. Holt, Editor. In the first number we find 
the following account of its origin: 



"Immediately upon the adjournment of the 
society, the newly elected board of directors 
met and organized by electing J. de Bath Shorb 
as President; L. M. Holt, Secretary, and M. 
Thomas, Treasurer. 

"A committee on publications and library 
was appointed, consisting of L. M. Ilolt, T. C. 
Severance and T. A. Garey. On motion, Mr. 
Shorb, President of the society, was added to 
the committee. This committee was instructed 
to proceed at once to the publication of a 
monthly periodical in pamphlet form of thirty- 
two pages, to be known as the Southern Cali- 
foiii'ia Horticulturist, which should be the 
organ of this society. The committee decided 
to publish the first number by the first of 
September. This number is to contain the 
thirty-two pages of reading matter, the premium 
list of the joint agricultural and horticultural 
exhibition atid a limited amount of advertising." 

The Horticulturist was sent free to all mem- 
bers of the society, but to others the subscription 
price was $2 per annum. It was devoted to the 
interest of horticulture and agriculture in South- 
ern California, and the size of the magazine was 
6x9 inches. After January, 1880, it was issued 
by Messrs. Carter & Rice, of Los Angeles, under 
the name of Semi-tropic California and South- 
ern California Horticulturist. It was enlarged 
to 9 x 12 inches and devoted to the same subjects 
as formerly, numbering several able writers 
among its contributors. It was succeeded by 
the Rural Californian. 

THE LOS ANGELES DAILY COMMERCIAL 

was established by W. H. Gould in 1879, the 
first number being issued March 6, that year. 
It was Republican in politics, and mainly de- 
voted to the development and interests of the 
Pacific Coast. D. M. Berry was its editor. Its 
publication ceased several years ago. 



HISTORY OF LOS AJSGELES COUNTY 



THE DAILY AND WKEKLY JOUKNAL 

was started by J. C. Littleiiekl and R. II- 
Hewitt, in 1879. Tlie first number was dated 
June 23, 1879. In a few weeks it was changed 
from an evening to a morning paper. At the 
close of the cani]iaign in September, that season, 
Mr. Littlelield witlidrew Irom the firm, and the 
Jo\irnal was conducted, till its publication 
ceased, by R. H. Hewitt as editor and proprie- 
tor. It was Republican in its politics. 

THE WEEKLY RESCUE 

was an eight-page sheet, devoted to temperance, 
current literature and general news, being the 
official organ of the Grand Lodge of the Good 
Templars of the State, and published under the 
direction of its executive committee. It was 
printed at different times in Sacramento, San 
Francisco and Los Angeles, and is now con- 
ducted at Sacramento. While it was >issued 
here, Messrs. Yarnell & Caystile, then pub- 
lishers of xSiG Mirror, printed it liy contiact for 
three years, commencing November 1, 1877. 

The remainder of this chapter is devoted to 
the periodicals now flourishing in tliis county. 

THE LOS AXGELES EVENING EXPRESS 

enjoys the distinction of seniority, and with 
one e.xception it is the oldest daily newspaper 
published in Southern California. Its pub- 
lishers are organized into a corporation called 
the Evening ^Vy^ress Company, of which H. Z. 
Osborne is President; E. R. Cleveland, Secre- 
tary and Treasurer, and J. Mills Davies, Busi- 
ness Manager. They publish also the Weekly 
Express, which has an extensive circulation 
among the farmers, ranchers and fruit-growers. 
The Eveninij Express was founded and first 
published by an association of practical printers 
comprising Jesse Yarnell, George Yarnell, 
George A. Tiffany, J. W. Painter and Miguel 
Verelo. The first number appeared March 27, 
1871, and consisted of four pages, six columns 
to the page. In March, 1875, Colonel J. J . 
Ayres and Jo.-,oph D. Lynch purchased the 
Evening Express from Mr. Tiffany and his 



, which was by them enlarged to an 
eight-column paper, with new type and a new 
press, and in 1875 it was still further enlarged 
to a nine-column paper. 

On the 3d of October, 1876, Mr. Lynch re- 
tired from the Evening Express, and took edi- 
torial charge of the Daily Herald. Colonel 
Ayres continued in editorial charge and practi- 
cal management of the Evening Express until 
1882, when, upon the election of General Stone- 
man as Governor of California, he was appointed 
State Printer, and removed to Sacramento. Mr. 
Lynch had never parted with his interest in the 
paper, and again resumed responsible charge of 
it, and published it in connection with the Daily 
Herald, in the same building and on the same 
press, but with a separate editorial and local 
stati'. Among the editors of the Evening Ex- 
press during this period were such able writers 
as George J. Denis and Colonel George Butler 
Griffin. 

In 1884 the Evening Express was sold to 
II. Z. Osborne and E. R. Cleveland. On Au- 
gust 18 of that year it was first printed under 
their management, with the former as editor 
and manager, and the latter as city editor, and 
it has so continued to the present. In August, 
1880, these gentlemen organized the Everting 
Exjn^ess Company as a corjjorate body in order 
to facilitate business, and transferred the news- 
paper property to that company. J. Mills 
Davies became a stockholder and was made 
business manager. 

The paper has for some time enjoyed a 
steadily increasing prosperity, well known 
throughout Southern California, and is one of 
the most influential in the State, with a splen- 
did plant of modern printing presses, type and 
material, and a book and job printing estab- 
lishment equal to any in the State outside of 
San Francisco.^ The company lias also acquired 
in perpetuity the exclusive franchise of the 
Associated Press, the greatest news-gathering 
association of the world, for all its dispatches. 
The paper is now a handsome eight-page issue, 
printed upon a modern Hoe & Co. press, with 



IIISTOUY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTT. 



antoiiiatic folders. Three editions are printed 
daily — 2, 3 and 4 o'clock. The publication 
office and counting and editorial rooms are 
spacious and well arranged, in a building on 
the east side of Main street, near Third. 

Heney Z. Osborne, Editor and Manager of 
the Evening Express, and majority stock- 
holder, and President of the company, was born 
at New Lebanon, Columbia County, New York, 
October 4, 1848. His ancestors were among 
the earliest settlers in New England. His 
mother, born Juliaette Bristol, was a lineal de- 
scendant of General Israel Putnam. His father 
is Pev. Zenas Osborne, a minister of the Meth- 
odist denomination. The necessities of a large 
family cut short young Osborne's school days, 
and at the age of thirteen commenced his ap- 
prenticeship as a printer in the office of the 
Buflalo (N. Y.) Christian Advocate. At the 
age of si.xteen, under the last call for troops 
made by President Lincoln, he enlisted as a 
private soldier in Company E, One Hundred 
and Ninety-Second New York Volunteers. The 
war of the Rebellion being at that time Tiear its 
close, he served but a few months, in the Shen- 
andoah Valley and in West Virginia. With his 
regiment he was honorably discharged, and re- 
turned to Utica, New York, where he resumed 
his trade, in October, 1865. 

As with many other young men, army life 
had widened his range of vision, and he de- 
termined to seek larger fields than those fur- 
nished in the beaten paths of hi^ native State, 
and he accordingly started West, working as a 
compositor during 1866 on diHerent newspapers 
successively in Titusville (Pennsylvania), Cin- 
cinnati, Memphis, Jackson (Mississippi,) and 
New Orleans. He was a resident of the latter 
city thenceforward to 1878, excepting 1870-'71, 
the greater portion of which laiter time was 
spent in New York City, where lie was em- 
ployed, when twenty-two years of age, as one of 
the assistant foremen in the composing-room of 
the New York Times. From 1872 to 1878 he 
was employed on the New Orleans press suc- 
cessively as proof-reader, reporter and editorial 



writer, and was at the same time corresjiondent 
for several Northern newspapers, notably the 
Chicago Tribune, which he represented for 
several years. For a time he was connected 
with the Associated Press. 

Throughout his career as a practical printer, 
Mr. Osborne was an active member of the Ty- 
pographical Union. He was a member of the 
Austin (Texas) Typographical Union, No. 138, 
and its first delegate to the International Typo- 
graphical Union at its session in Cincinnati in 
1870. He served the New Orleans Typograph- 
ical Union, No. 17, in various capacities, being 
president of that body one year, and represent- 
ing it in 1876 as the delegate to the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union at Philadelphia, at 
which time, at the age of twenty-seven, he was 
elected first vice-president of that great organ- 
ization of printers. 

Over ten years of constant niglit-work on the 
papers of the Crescent City, in an enervating 
climate, resulted in tlie impairment of his 
health; and after nearly a year of illness, Mr. 
Osborne left that city for California, in 1878, 
arriving April 3 at the then young mining 
camp of Bodie, Mono County, where he served 
over a year as the first editor of the Daily 
Standard, with marked success. In November, 
1879, he engaged iu partnership with E. R. 
Cleveland and E. II. Fontecilla, in the publica- 
tion of the Daily Free Press, which during 
the subsequent five years was exceptionally 
successful. In 1880 he purchased the interest 
of Mr. Fontecilla, and in 1883 that of Mr. 
Cleveland. In 1878 he was appointed Re- 
ceiver of Public Moneys at Bodie by President 
Hayes, and was re-appointed four years later by 
President Arthur, and resigned a little more 
than a year afterward, upon removing to Los 
Angeles in 1884. 

In May, 1884, Mr. Osborne purchased the 
Los Angeles Republican, a daily afternoon 
paper, at tliat time printed in the newly finished 
Nadeau Block. Becoming satisfied that the 
Republican could not by itself be made a suc- 
cess, in August of the same year, in company 



UIsroHY OF LOS ANGELES 



with Ills former partner, Mi'. Cleveland — vvlio 
took a third interest in the venture —he pur- 
chased the Evening E'xjn-cfis, and consolidated 
the two paper?. The siibsetiuent history of the 
enterprise lias already been detailed. 

During Mr. Osborne's residence in (Jalit'ornia 
he has been active in social and political affairs. 
In Masonry he is Past Master of Southern Cal- 
ifornia Lodge, No. 278, of Los Angeles, and 
officer of the Masonic Grand Lodge of California; 
a member of the Creur de Lion Conmiandery, 
No. 9, Knights Templar, and of Al Malaikah 
Temple of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is 
also a member of Stanton Post, No. 55, G. A. R., 
and a past officer of the Department of California, 
lie holds the commission of Captain and Aide-de- 
camp on the staff of Brigadier-General E. P. 
Johnson, of the National Guard of California. 

In political opinions a Republican, he has 
been a member of nearly- every Republican 
State Convention duritig the past ten years, and 
a member of the Republican State Central Com- 
mittee. In 1888 he was elected a delegate from 
the Sixth Congressional District to the National 
Republican Convention at Cliicago, and served 
in that body as the representative of the State 
of California on the committee on platform. 
While taking an earnest interest in politics, Mr. 
Osborne had never been a candidate for office 
until his application to President Harrison in 
18S9 for that of Public Printer of the United 
States. In this ambition, which was in the line 
of his life training, he was warmly indorsed to 
the President by the delegations in the Senate 
and House of Representatives of all the Pacilic 
Coast States, by leading statesmen in the Re- 
publican party from all parts of the country, 
and with surprising unanimity by the newspapers 
of the Pacilic Coast without reference to party. 
The office was much sought for by gentlemen 
of great influence, and Mr. Osborne spent sev- 
eral weeks in Washington during the contest. 
He was received with marked consideration by 
the President and his cabinet officers; but the 
final result was the selection of another gentle- 
man — Frank W. Palmer. 

10 



Mr. Osborne has a family of wife and five 
children, — four sons and one daughter, — and a 
pleasant home in Los Angeles. 

EnwAHi) R. Cleveland, Secretary and Treas- 
ui-ei- of the Ki^eii'uuj Express Company, was 
born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1853. His father, 
Daniel Cleveland, was a merchant, and was one 
of the early settlers of that city. His grandfather 
was General Erastus Cleveland, of Madison, New 
York, a descendant of Moses Cleveland, of Wo- 
burn, Connecticut, who was born in 1G35. The 
subject of this sketch spent the earlier years of 
his life upon a farm; at the age of thirteen 
years he moved to the city, where he attended 
school about two years, and then engaged as an 
apprentice in the mercantile department of the 
Cleveland Da'dij Pktbi- Dealer. At the end of 
three years he was declared a journeyman and 
admitted to the Typographical Union, of which 
organization he became secretary three months 
after his initiation. During the ne.xt two years 
the young man "worked at the case," but poor 
health forced him to seek out-door employment. 

In the spring of 1875 he caught the " Western 
fever," and in May started for California, by 
way of New York and the Isthmus. Upon his 
arrival in San Francisco he immediately found 
employment in the daily newspaper offices of 
that city. A desire to travel took him out of 
the metropolis of the Pacific Coast, and in a 
short time he was settled in Virginia City, 
where newspaper work was resufned. In those 
days the mining industry was in a flourishing 
condition, wages were high and speculation in 
stocks something that every one indulged in. In 
1876 rich mineral deposits were found in Bodie, 
Cfdifornia, and Aurora, Nevada, two camps 
about twelve miles apart, and in 1877 Mr. 
Cleveland assisted in the work of issuing the 
iirst number of the Esmeralda Herald and the 
Bodie Standard. The latter paper was soon 
changed to a daily, and the camp grew into a 
most prosperous place of 7,000 or 8,000 people. 
In 1879 Mr. Cleveland severed his connection 
with the Standard, and, in company with others, 
started the DaUtj Free Press. This publica- 



UIsroiiY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tion proved a great success and soon absorbed 
less enterprising journals uf tbe camp, and 
became the only daily paper in Mono County. 
In 1882 Mr. Cleveland was appointed by 
President Arthur Ilegister of the United States 
Land Office at Bodie, which position he tilled 
until his i-esigiiation in the fall of 1883. At 
the same time he disposed ot newspaper in- 
terests in Bodie, and spent the following winter 
and spring in travel. Upon his retiirn to the 
Pacific Coast in 1884: he became interested in 
the printing and publishing business at Los 
Angeles, and has resided here ever since. 

THE LOS ANGELKS HERALn, 

the oldest morning daily in Soutliern California, 
was founded by C. A. Storke, its tirst appear- 
ance being October 8, 1873. A little more than 
two years afterward Mr. Storke sold it to James 
M. Bassett, who after a few months sold it to 
John M. Baldwin, and the latter in a few months 
more sold it to Joseph i). Lynch, formerly 
editor of the San Diego World. lie had been 
bred to the newspaper business from his boy- 
hood, and has been attached to the staff ot 
leadingnewspapers in Pittsburg, his native place, 
and in New York City. He edited and owned 
the Herald alone until the fall of 1886, when he 
sold a half interest to Colonel James J. Ayers, 
who since the days of '49 had been engaged in 
newspaper work in tliis State, had been the 
founder of the San Francisco Call and con- 
nected with sevei-al notable journalistic enter, 
prises. 

Thus, with but few changes, has this journal 
pursued the even tenor of its way, perhaps more 
than any other paper in this part of the State. 
At all times it has been a clean, conservative, 
Deinocratic newspaper, Democratic in the true 
JefFersonian and Jacksonian sense. As a con- 
servative advocate the managers take great pride 
in building up what is good in the community, 
and setting forth the merits of this, the best 
place in the world for a happy home, keeping 
pace with the wonderful growth of the city and 
country. The Herald, now an eight-page jour- 



nal, contains all the important news, given 
promptly and in readable style. 

Joseph David Lynch was born in Pittsburg, 
March 8, 1844. His father. Major David 
Lynch, was a native of Schenectady, N. Y., but 
was of Irish extraction; and his elder brother 
was a Lieutenant in the English navy. Major 
Lynch was postmaster of Pittsburg for twelve 
years, under the administrations of Jackson and 
Van Buren, and was a very close friend of 
President Buchanan. lie long occupied a sim- 
ilar influential position in Pennsylvania politics 
to that of Dean Ilichinond in the political 
affairs of New York State. 

The subject of this sketch was educated at St. 
Francis' College, Loretto, Pennsylvania. He was 
a clerk in the Pittsburg postoffice several years. 
Afterward he studied law, and w^as admitted to 
the bar in 1870. He edited the Pittsburg Z<'^tf^ 
Journal a year, and was then a leporter on the 
Dispatch awhile. After that he opened a law 
office in New York City. From thence he came 
to California, arriving in San Francisco July 1, 
1872. 

He was sent by the Democratic State Com- 
mittee to San Diego to edit the World of that 
city, which position he tilled till 1874, when he 
returned East. Some months later he came to 
Los Angeles, where, March 15, 1875, in con- 
nection with Colonel J. J. Ayres ai.d others, he 
helped organize a joint stock company, which 
purchased the Evening Express newspaper, of 
whicli he and Coloner Ayers became the editors. 
In October, 1876, Mr. Lynch withdrew from 
the Express and leased and took charge of the 
Herald, wiiicli was published and edited by 
him with ability and success from 1876 to 1886. 
In 1884 he bought the Herald, one-half inter- 
est in which he sold to Colonel Ayers in 1886. 
In the fall of tliis year, having received the 
Democratic nomination for member of Congress 
from this district, he temporarily resigned his 
editorial duties pending the campaign. 

At the end of Colonel Ayers's term as State 
Printer, the latter came down from Sacramento 
and actively engaged with Mr. Lynch in the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



editorial and business management of the 
Herald, wliicli lias become an inflnential jour- 
nal and a valuable property. 

Mr. Ljncii's life occupation lias been mainly 
that of iournalism, for which by natural prefer- 
ence and aptitude and by training, lie is in many 
respects admirably equipjied. lie has brains, 
vigor, strong convictions which he does not 
liesitate to express without any unnecessary 
"beating about the bush;" a ready flow of 
strong idiomatic English, an accurate and often 
artistic sense of the meaning of words, and a 
dialectician's skill in their use, considering them 
the tools of his trade, to be only used, like the 
tools of the mechanician, with discrimination 
and a nice sense of their significance. He is 
averse to personal journalism, and seldom de- 
scends to notice small or spiteful flings at him- 
self, or to inflict thein on others. If compelled 
to defend himself, his paper, or his principles, 
he prefers to do it in an open, manly way. 

He early saw tlie wondrous possibilities of 
our imperial county; and it may truly be said 
that he has done yeoman's service in making 
them known to the world. 

The writer has heard the opinion expressed 
in the East, by those who have read the Herald 
and other local journals and publications, that 
Los Angeles was the best written up section of 
the United States. Los Angeles County is one 
of the richest counties in natural resources in 
the country, if not on this continent. Mr. 
Lynch has had the perception to see this and 
to proclaim it, in season and out of season, to 
an incredulous world. Some day the world 
will be convinced! 

A brother, Ilobert S., and a sister, Isabella 
M., now deceased, were for some years residents 
of Los Angeles. Mr. Lynch was married, May 
11, 1888, to Miss Grace G. Stewart, of St. 
Louis. 

James JosEPir Ayers is a native of Glasgow, 
Scotland, where he was born August 27, 1830. 
He came with his parents to the United States 
when about one year old. He lived in New 
York City till 1848, when he learned the print- 



er's trade. He then went to St. Louis, where 
he took charge of the editorial department of 
the Sunday edition of the St. Louis RepuMican. 
In February, 1849, he started for California 
from New Orleans, via Balize to Honduras, 
traveling on foot across the continent to Realejo, 
thence by sail vessel seventy-five days to San 
Francisco, arriving there, after being on very 
short rations during the latter part of their 
voyage, October 5, 1849. He went to the 
mines and worked at mining till September, 

1850, and then returned to San Francisco. In 

1851, with an association of printers, he pub- 
lished the Puhlic Balance, a daily journal ; but 
they were burned out in the great June fire of 
that year. H. Hamilton (later the publisher of 
the Star newspaper of this city, and still a resi- 
dent of this county), Harry de Courcey and J. 
J. Ayers, bought an office and started at Moke- 
lumne Hill, the Calaveras Chronicle, October 
18, 1851. That paper is still published, and, 
with the exception of the Alta California, is 
the oldest newspaper in the State. Again, in 
1854, Colonel Ayers returned to San Francisco, 
where he was engaged on the Herald till the 
breaking out of the Vigilance Committee in 
1856. In December of that year, in company 
with Llewellyn Zublin, George E. Barnes, Charles 
F. Jobson aud D. W. Higgins, he started the 
Morning Call, which now, after more than 
thirty years, is one of the great newspapers of 
San Francisco and of the Pacific Coast. He 
continued his connection with the Call for 
about ten years, or till 1866, when he sold out 
and went to Honolulu. Taking an oflice witli 
him, he started the Daily Havjaian Herald, 
which was the first daily paper published on 
those islands. Heturning to San Francisco the 
next year, he published the Evening Dispatch, 
which he afterward sold to General Volney E. 
Howard, who is now and has been for many 
years a resident of this county. Colonel Ayers 
then (1868) went to Virginia City, where he 
edited the Territorial Enterprise till January, 
1869, when he took a large office to White Pine, 
where he started the Inland Empire. On the 



fllHTOHY OF LO^ ANGELES COUNTY. 



collapse of those mines, he went to San Luis 
Obispo and published the Trihine till 1872. 
He then came to Los Angeles and took editorial 
charge of the Evening Express till 1875, when, 
with J. D. Lynch, he formed a joint stock com- 
pany and bought that paper, which he helped to 
make a very influential local exponent of public 
opinion, ii. 1878 Colonel Ayers was elected a 
delegate at large to the Constitutional Conven- 
tion, of which body he became a very influen- 
tial member. In the fall of 1879 he ran as can- 
didate for Congress for the Fourth District, 
but was defeated. In 1883 he sold his interest 
in the Exjness, and was appointed by Governor 
Stoneman State Printer, which office he held 
for four years. During Colonel Ayers' incum- 
bency it became necessary to largely increase 
the capacity of the efface, so tiiat under the law 
t!ie State could print, electrotype and bind the 
text-books of the public schools. This was a 
new and formidable departure in a public insti- 
aition, and any serious mistake would have 
given the undertaking a set-back from which it 
would hardly have recovered. California was 
the ffrst State to print its own school-books. 
To prepare tor the work Colonel Ayers was 
compelled to reorganize the entire State print- 
ino- office, and to go East, inspect all the latest 
and most improved presses and niachinory, and 
select the best and most approved. 

The result was that he made the State print- 
ing office one of the most complete establish- 
ments in the United States if not absolutely the 
most complete. If the publishing of our own 
text-books at cost has been a success, it is due 
more to the intelligent, practical and faithful 
efforts of Colonel James J. Ayers than to any 
other man. 

In 1887 Colonel Ayers returned to Los An- 
geles, and joined Mr. J. I). Lynch in the pub- 
lication of the Herald, and he has since then 
been one of the editors and proprietors of that 
journal. 

As will appear from the foregoing. Colonel 
Ayers has had a wide and very varied experi- 
ence. It may be truly saitl of him that "he 



had done the State (and the communities in 
which he has lived) some service." He is a 
man of brains, and he is ever loyal to his con- 
victions, which is and always will be the secret 
of influence and power of every true journalist. 
He recognizes that men are reasonable beings, 
and he believes that they are amenable to rea- 
son; or, as he once expressed it, when assisting 
in formulating a charter for the city of Los An- 
geles: " In going before the people with this 
measure, we must be able to give them the rea- 
sons for our actions." 

In addition to his thorough acquaintance 
with English literature, and the effective use of 
the English language, ac(juired l>y a life-time of 
editorial work. Colonel Ayers is also a good 
Spanish and French scholar. 

THE I.OS ANGELES TIMES AND LOS ANOELKS WEEKLY 
MIKKOK. 

On Fel)ruary 1, 1878, the ffrst number of the 
Weelil.ij Mirror appeared, a diminutive sheet 
10 X 18 inches, of four pages and three columns 
to the prtge. \ was pulilished every Saturday 
by Yarnell & Caystile, and distributed free. 
The office was at No. 14 Commercial street, in 
an old building where the proprietors started 
with $500 worth of second-hand job printing 
materials which they had purchased on credit, 
the primary purpose being to do job printing. 
The little paper prospered and grew brighter 
every issue. On March 1, 1873, William M. 
lirown was taken into the Arm, the title becom- 
ing Yaruell, Caystile & Brown, and on the 19th 
of that month the Mrrrar was enlarged a column 
to the page, making a sheet 11^ x 16^ inches. 
This important event was announced in a double- 
leaded editorial in which the publishers stated 
that, having abandoned the idea of publishing 
the smallest paper in California, they should set 
no bounds to the Mh'Tor's growth. In Novem- 
ber, 1873, the Mirror office was moved into a 
new building erected for its use on Temple 
street, an addition to the Downey Block. There 
the offfce remained until it was removed into 
the new Times building in May, 1887. The 



nitSTOHY OF LOS ANGELEti COUNTY. 



149 



second enlargement of the Mirror was made 
March 27, 1875, when it was made a twenty- 
column sheet 17x22 inches — four times its 
original size, " the subscription price remaining 
§1." Ou October 2!l, 1875, William M. Brown 
retired from the tirni on account of ill health 
and died the following March. The Mirrur 
bindery was purchased January 22, 1876, and a 
Potter drum cylinder press was added February 
19. 1876. In August, 1880, Mr. S. J. Mathes 
came into the firm, and the succeeding month 
the Mirror was again eidarged to an eight- 
column paper, 24x38 inches, and the subscrip- 
tion price raised to $2 per year, with Mr. Mathes 
as editor. Subsequently it was enlarged to a 
nine-column paper and two more pages added, 
making the Mirrur by far the largest paper 
published up to that time in Southern Califor- 
nia. The tifth enlargement took place in July, 
1882, — six months after the Daily Times was 
started, and immediately following the second 
enlargement of the daily — when the Mirror was 
made a double sheet of eight large pages. After 
the Times was started, in December, 1881, the 
Mirror became practically the weekly edition 
of the former, but retaining its original name, 
as being the older journal. In May, 1888, its 
form "was changed to twelve pages of six col- 
umns each — its present shape. The subscrip- 
tion price is now $1.50 a year. Unlike the 
Times, it is not a partisan paper, though it aims 
to give all the current political news. The 
Mirror's specialty is in the advocacy of the de- 
velopment and advancement of Los Angeles and 
Southern California, of whose interests it is an 
able chamj)ion, and in many thousands of whose 
intelligent homes it is a welcome weekly visitor. 

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES. 

This enterprising journal, which, in all the 
elements that enter into the composition of a 
great newspaper, ranks among the iirst on the 
Pacitic Coast, was started on the 4th of Decem- 
ber, 1881, as a seven-column folio. The i)ro- 
jectors were Cole & Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner 
retired with the first issue, and Mr. Cole on 



January 1, 1882. Tney were succeeded by the 
proprietors of the Weekly Mirror, Yarnell, 
Caystile & Mathes, who liought the Times 
outright and continued its public ition as a Re- 
publican morning journal. It was a lusty 
journalistic child, and grew and waxed strong 
and vigorous from the start. It jjroved a phe- 
nomenal success in view of the disastrous fate of 
the number of Republican papers which had 
attempted but failed to " make a live of it " in 
Los Angeles. So cordial was the reception given 
and so generous and substantial the patronage 
accorded to the young Itines, that on April 2, 
1882, it was made an eight-columu paper, an 
expansion fully justified by its business. Three 
months later, July 2, 1882, it was enlarged to 
nine columns to the page. August 1, 18S2, 
Colonel II. G. Otis became an partner in the firm 
and the editor of the Daily Times and Weekly 
Mirror. His proprietary interest in the papers 
has been continued ever since that time, and 
with the exception of short intervals his man- 
agement has also been continuous. On the 22d 
of May, 1883, Mr. A. W. Francisco, then of 
Ohio, now of Los Angeles, an honored journalist 
of wide experience, bought Mr. Yarnell's inter- 
est, and the following October was made busi- 
ness manager, which position he filled with 
markedability until his retirement July 31, 1884. 
Mr. Mathes retired at the same time to engage 
in other pursuits. The third enlargement took 
place September 28, 1884, the length of the col- 
umns being extended two inches to accommo- 
date the press for advertising space. During 
the same month the publishers increased the 
daily telegraphic service for the paper threefold 
at correspondingly enlarged expense. This stroke 
of enterprise placed the Times far ahead of its 
former position as a newspaper, and was kindly 
appreciated by its patrons. In October follow- 
ing a new two-revolution single cylinder Camp- 
bell press was added to the plant, and the same 
month the Times-Mirror Company was incor- 
porated with a capital stock of $40,000, which 
was increased in 1886 to $60,000 for the pur- 
pose t)f erecting the 7'i'wic.s building. In April, 



HlaTOUr OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



1886, the TlmcH-Mb'ror Company was re- 
organized, Albert McFarland and AYilliain A. 
Spalding, both practical printers, coining into 
the concern. The former was elected vice- 
president, and the latter secretary. Colonel II. 
G. Otis was at the same time elected president. 
In September, 1886, Charles F. Lummis ac- 
quired an interest, and in August, 1887, E. 
Mosher became a member of the company. In 
March, 1888, Colonel C. C. Allen bought Al- 
bert McFarland's interest, and was elected 
vice-president, taking Mr. McFarhind's place as 
business manager. Mrs. Eliza A. Otis has been 
continuously connected with the editorial staff 
of the Times and Jfhror since August, 1882, 
and is an oM-ner and director in the company. 
Her contributions to their columns have been 
regular, voluminous and notable. She is dis- 
tinguished for the diction, strength and versa- 
tility of her prose, and for the power and beauty 
of her verse. 

On the 22d of October, 1880, the Times 
donned a new dress and assumed the quarto 
form, six-columns to the page, the size being in- 
creased to 30 X 44 inches. May 28, 1887, it was 
made a standard seven-column quarto, 35 x 47 
inches in dimensions. This was the last change 
in its form, and it is now metropolitan in size 
and style, and is published every day in the 
year. On the 22d of February, 1888, the enter- 
prising proprietors added to their plant a superb 
Hoe " Presto " stereotype perfecting press, on 
which occasion a numerously attended reception 
was given by the company. This remarkable 
machine prints from plates and a continuous 
web of paper; cuts, folds, pastes and counts eight- 
page papers at the rate of 10,000 perfect copies 
an hour; four- page papers at the rate of 20,000 
copies an hour, and two-page papers at the rate 
of 40,000 copies an hour. It prints both a six- 
column and a seven column paper, and gives 
either the quarter-page or half-page fold at will. 
In September, 1887, the Times secured the 
franchise for a long period of years of the New 
York Associated Press and the Western As- 
sociated Press dispatches, which furnishes this 



paper the entire daily cable and eastern tele- 
graphic news budget, the same that is brought 
to the largest Pacific Coast journals. To use 
its own declaration, the Times is " devoted to 
the interests and the development of Los An- 
geles and Southern California." And to quote 
its own definition of its position as an independ- 
ent, fearless and courageous Journal, "The Times 
is conducted and controlled by its owners for 
their own and the common good. It lives by 
no favor or permission and has never had a 
dollar's subsidy from corporation, committee or 
candidate. It is free and independent and 
means to keep itself so." Distinctively and 
radically Kepublican in politics, the Times 
is a steady supporter of the great dis.tin- 
guishing principles ami policies of that jKirty, 
believing profoundly in them and glorying in 
the party's grand achievements. To further 
quote from its editorial declaration of principles: 
" Without cavil, without hypocrisy, without self- 
righteousness, the Times is the unvarying op- 
ponent of lawlessness, vice and immorality, and 
the persistent friend of good morals, social 
order, material progress, and everything which 
tends to promote that higher civilization to which 
the land we love and live in is happily tending." 
'Y\\e Times Building is a three-story and base- 
ment structure, thirty feet front by 102 feet 
deep, located on the northeast corner of First 
and Fort streets. It is constructed of granite, 
brick, wood and iron, with metal roof and cop- 
per-covered dome. It was built by the Times- 
Mirror Company in 1886 and 1887, and de- 
signed especially for a publishing house. The 
building and grounds are valued at $80,000, 
and the whole property at §120,000. It is a 
unique and substantial structure, striking in its 
individuality and originalfty, being in these 
characteristics a faithful reflex of the journal 
whose name it bears. Besides the requisite 
materials and equipment for issuing a great 
daily newspaper the Times Publishing House 
embraces a complete book and job printing 
ofiice and bindery. The press-room contains 
six small job presses and two cylinder presses, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 



all propelled by steaiu, and with a combined 
capacity of 20,200 impressions per hour. Add 
to these the newspaper presses and the establish- 
ment has a capacity of 200,000 impressions per 
day of eight hours. The job and book depart- 
ment is furnished with cutters, ruling machin- 
ery, etc., etc., necessary to a tirst-class printing 
and binding establisliment. This department is 
under a separate management, but is the prop- 
erty of the Times-Mirror Company. 

Colonel Haeeisox Geay Otis, the head of 
the Times-Mirror Company, being president \ 
and general manager, and editor of the Times, 
is a man fifty-two years of age. His interest in 
public affairs began at an early age. In 1860 , 
he was a delegate to tlie Xational Ile])ub]icau \ 
Convention at Chicago, which nominated Abra- 
ham Lincoln for the Presidency. When the 
war broke out he joined the Union Army as a 
private soldier, enlisting June 27. 1861, and 
serving to the close of the contest, successively 
in the Twelfth and in the Twenty-third Ohio 
regiments of infantry. (The latter was at one 
time commanded l)y Colonel R. I>. Hayes.) 
Mr. Otis participated in fifteen difi'erent engage- 
ments; was twice wounded in battle; commanded 
his regiment while yet a Captain; served on 
courts-martial and military commissions; re- 
ceived seven promotions, being twice brevetted 
" for gallant and meritorious services during the 
war," and was honorably discharged from the 
military service August 1, 1865. He is a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic 
and of the Loyal Legion. 

After the war Mr. Otis published a small 
weekly Republican paper at Marietta, Ohio, and 
at the Legislative session of 1866-'67 was ap- 
pointed Official Reporter of the Ohio House of 
Representatives. From 1867 to 1876 he re- 
sided in AVashington Citj', holding successively 
the positions of Washington correspondent of 
the Ohio State Journal, foreman of the Govern- 
ment Printing-oSice, managing editor of the 
Grand Army Journal (a soldiers' paper), and 
chief of a division in the patent office, where he 
served five years. 



Coming to California in 1876, he settled at 
Santa Barbara, and for four years, with short 
intervals of absence, he conducted tiie Santa 
Barbara Press, the chief daily paper of that 
city. "From 1879 to 1882 -three years — he was 
In the service of the Government as special agent 
of the Treasury Department in charge of the 
fur-seal islands of Alaska, his duties requiring 
him, with the aid of three assistants, to enforce 
the terms ot the Government's lease with the 
Alaska Commercial Company, involving the 
handling and accounting for of 100,000 fur-seal 
skins taken each year. Resigning in the spring 
of 1882 he shortly afterward removed to Los 
Angeles, to make this his permanent place of 
residence. Here, August 1, that year, he formed 
that connection with the Times which has con- 
tinued to the present. Under the administra- 
tion of President Arthur, Colonel Otis was 
tendered, through the late Senator, John F. 
Miller, the a;ipointment of Cjnsul at Apia, 
Samoa, and subsequently the appointment of 
Consul at Tientsin, China; but he declined both 
offers, preferring journalism as a pursuit. 

THE LOS ANGELES DAILY TEIBUXE. 

The first number of the Los Angeles Tribune, 
now one of the leading newspapers of Southern 
California, was published on Monday, October 
4, 1886,. by H. T. Payne and Edward Records 
as publishers and proprietors. It was then 3 
seven-column, four-page paper. With the ad- 
vent of the Tribune some new features were in- 
troduced into Los Angeles journalism, among 
which was the publication of a paper every day 
in the year, including Sundays and holidays, 
instead of six papers a week and the usual 
omission of an edition upon holidays, a custom 
which had previously prevailed. Able talent 
was employed in each department of the edi- 
torial work, the aim being to make a newsy 
paper without its becoming sensational, and to 
have its moral tone such as would render it a 
welcome accessory to the refined home. The 
new candidate for public favor was warmly re- 
ceived, and the enterprise of the publishers 



HISTORY Oil LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



promptly appreciated and responded to in the 
way of a liberal patronage. A new press was 
purchased to meet the needs of its rapidly in- 
creasing circulation, the tliird week after the 
paper was started, and to provide for the de- 
mands for advertising space it was enlarged to 
eight pages of six columns each. On JS'ovem- 
ber 6, 1886, Mr. Payne purchased the interest 
of Mr. Records, thus becoming sole manager 
and proprietor. On the 7th of January, 1887, 
the Trihuna Company was incorporated, with 
H. T. Payne, F. A. Eastman, H. E. Smith, J. 
W. Maddrill and J. M. Austinas, stockholders, 
and the paper again enlarged to seven columns 
to the page. Before the paper reached its first 
anniversary its press facilities were again in- 
creased by the purchase of a new Scott- Potter 
web-perfecting press, which was added to the 
plant October 1, 1887. Quoting from its own 
language in a recent editorial, the sentiments 
and policy of tlie Trihune are thus set forth: 
"Politically it is stalwartly Republican, and 
labors for the interests and principles of that 
party irrespective of the feelings of any one 
man or set of men. Locally it has given a 
faithful and pure reflection of the news of the 
day without any sensational attempt to ridicule 
or blacken the character of even the most hum- 
ble citizen. Editorially it has fairly, honestly 
and manfully discussed the issues of the day 
without fear or favor, awarding to Csesar that 
which is Cffisar's, * * * honestly laboring 
for the honest rights of the people and the best 
interests of the city and the whole of Southern 
California. Its course has been honorable, open 
and upright." 

The Tribune force at present (July 1, 1889) 
is managed by the following heads of depart- 
ments: General H. H. Boyce, Editor-in-Chief 
and General Manager; T. W. Blackburn, Man- 
aging Editor; O. A. Stevens, City Editor; J. 
W. Maddrill, Telegraph and Night Editor; II. T. 
Payne, Business Manager; H. E. Smith, Cashier. 

THE EAST SIDE CHAMriON 

is a six-column weekly paper, published every 



Saturday on Downey avenue, in East Los An- 
geles, and is devoted chiefly to the local aftairs 
of that portion of the city. It was established 
by its present editor and proprietor, Edward A. 
Weed, in the fall of 1885, and is therefore in 
its fourth volume. From the tone of the copy 
at liand it is, as its name imjilies, a champion 
of East Side interests. 



SLID CALIFORNIA POST, 

the only daily German newspaper published 
south of San Francisco in California, was estab- 
lished in Los Angeles as a weekly in 1874, by 
Conrad Jacoby, its present proprietor and ed- 
itor. The publishing oflice was flrst located in 
the old Lanfranco Building, No. 118 North Main 
street, for nearly ten years. When the building 
was torn down, to be replaced by the present 
flne block, some two years ago, the oflice of the 
iSild California Post was moved to its present 
quarters at No. 122 Commercial street. The 
Post is independent in politics, with Demo- 
cratic leanings. The weekly edition enjoyed a 
prosperons career, having a large circulation 
among the German population throughout 
Southern California. In 1887 the daily made 
its flrst appearance, and has been published ever 
since as an afternoon paper. It is a four-page 
sheet, 26x40 inches in size, and eight columns 
to the page. The weekly is the same size, with 
a supplement added. The daily has a general 
circulation among the nearly 1,100 German 
voters in Los Angeles, and its advertising 
columns are liberally patronized by the business 
men. 

Conrad Jacoby was born in Prussia, Europe, 
in 1842; came to America and to California 
when twenty-two years of age; located in San 
Francisco and drifted into the newspaper busi- 
ness. Failing health induced him to visit 
Southern California in 1868, when he spent 
some time in Los Angeles. In 1874 he settled 
in the city permanently and founded the Sild 
California, Post, which he has made a gratify- 
ing success. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



153 



LA CEONICA, 

a Spanish newspaper of Los Angeles, was founded 
in 1872, by M. S. Arevalo, a native of Mexico; 
13. F. Teodoli, a native of Eome, Italy, and B. 
l'\ Ramirez, a native of Los Angeles. Mr. 
Teodoli was a practical printer, a thorougli busi- 
ness man, clear-headed and eneigetic. Mr. 
Ramirez was a lawyer, a well-educated gentle- 
man, but timid and retiring in his du-position. 
His personal courage was invariably surpassed 
by the " utterances " of his pen. In this re- 
spect Mr. Ramirez was of an opposite charac- 
ter. He retired soon after tlie first issue, which 
was dated June 2, and he was succeeded by a 



congen 



ial associate, E. F. de Cells, also a native 



of Los Angeles, and almost fresh from Europe, 
where he had been educated. Against all appear- 
ances, the paper rose under the management of 
these gentlemen to be the most influential Span- 
ish paper in the State; but many were the dis- 
couragements and hard were the struggles. It 
is now the respected organ of the Spanish- 
American population where the Latin race was 
and is yet very numerous and important. 

In 1880 Mr. Arevalo organized La Cronica 
Publishing Company, a joint-stock association, 
limited to 100 shares of $100 each, which were 
all taken by the most prominent Spanish-Amer- 
ican citizens of Los Angeles and indeed the 
State. Soon afterward Mr. Teodoli withdrew 
from the company. After a time they leased 
the newspaper to Pastor de Cells and Miguel J. 
Varela. Pastor de Cells was a brother of the 
original editor, who had also retired. Next, 
the paper passed into the hands of the Cordona 
Brothers; then E. F. de Celis again assumed the 
management; next, S. A. Carona and Tomas W. 
Temple; the latter is the sole proprietor. 

l'union nodvklle 
is a weekly newspaper published in the French 
language, and circulates largely among the old 
French pioneers and wealthy families of that 
nationality in Southern California. It was 
founded in 1879 at Los Angeles, is a large four- 
page slitet, 30 X 42 inches in size, with eight 



columns to the page. It has been edited from 
the start by Mr. P. Ganee, its present editor 
and proprietor. The printing and publishing 
office is on Aleso street, near Los Angeles 
street. Southern California contains about 
3,500 French population, most of whom are 
patrons of the V Union Nourclle. 

LK TEOGKliS 

was established in 1883 by a corporation of the 
same name. The object of the publication was 
to have in Los Angeles a true representative of 
the French population in Southern California in 
general and of Los Angeles in particular. 

The founders and stockholders of the Le 
Progres are among the leading and most influ- 
ential citizens of our French population. The 
paper is 26 x 40 inches in size, and seven col- 
umns to the page. The first editor was Dr. 
Pigne du Puytren. After editing the paper 
for over a year, he resigned, as he was advanced 
in years. He was succeeded by Georges Le 
Mesnager, whose business as a wine-grower 
compelled him to resign. Since then the paper 
has been in charge of the directors' committee. 
It is now in the hands of Felix Viole as editor 
and Thomas Laughlin, Jr., as manager. It is 
published every Saturday, is independent in 
])olitic8, and enjoys a liberal advertising patron- 
age. The publishing office is at 231 North 
Los Angeles street. 

THE PORCUl'INE 

is a weekly news and story paper, published at 
Los Angeles, started by Horace Bell, November 
11, 1882, the publication of which he continued 
until September 22, 1888, when he retired from 
the editorship in favor of his son, C. A. Hell, 
its present editor and proprietor. 

THE LO.S ANGELES WEEKLY CACTUS. 

The Cactus is an illustrated weekly paper, 
the only illustrated weekly in Southern Califor- 
nia — and was established by the present pro- 
prietor, editor, artist and manager. Carle Browne, 
of Calistoga, Napa County, California. The 
first number was issued on the Utli of February, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



1883, and it was a success from tlie start. It 
is a quarto in form with four columns to the 
page. The striking and principal feature of the 
Cactus is its cartoons by Carle Browne. It is 
admitted that the Cactus'' cartoons during the 
political campaign of 1888 materially' aided the 
Republican cause. It has passed through sev- 
eral local campaigns and has been on the win- 
ning side. 



a model piece of newspaper typography, is a 
three-colnmn folio, published in the morning of 
every week-day of the year, and devoted, as its 
name indicates, to the recording of the daily 
proceedings of the courts of Los Angeles County, 
thus making a convenient and valuable acces- 
sory to the otiice of every member of the bar, 
who constitute its chief patrons. The Court 
Jotirnal was first issued April 6, 1888, by 
Charles W. Palm and H. H. McCutchan, pass- 
ing si.x days later into control of the present 
owners and publishers, — Charles W. Palm & 
Co., M. T. Spencer being the junior partner and 
editor. Though but little over a year old the 
JournaVs history has been a checkered one, its 
publication having been twice suspended. It is 
now being pretty generally supported by the 
lawyers, and is considered a permanent fixture 
of the city. Its subscription price is $2.50 per 
month delivered by carrier, and it has quite a 
liberal advertising patronage. The plant, in- 
cluding a job printing ofKce, is situated tem- 
jwrarily at 49 New High street. 

THE LOS ANGELES LIFE 

is a weeklj' journal, published on Saturdays, 
and devoted to gossip, criticism, literature, 
music, drama, etc., and is non-political. It 
first appeared in Los Angeles on December 8, 
1888, under the title of The Critic. J. M. 
Shawhan was proprietor and had, previous to 
its removal, conducted the paper in Pasadena, 
California, for about eight months. On Feb- 
ruary 1, 1889, Mr. Shawhan transferred the 
business and good will of Tlie Critic to Gilbert 



McClurg and L. Montgomery Mather, two gen- 
tlemen of considerable newspaper experience, 
who changed the title to the Los Angeles Life. 
Mr. McClurg subsequently retired, atid Mr. 
Mather assumed control and became sole pro- 
prietor. The paper has a wide circulation 
among the intelligent community of Los An- 
geles and neighboring towns, and is a pros- 
perous property. 

THE SOCIAL WORLD 

was established by Mr. Ward in 1886. He 
afterward took in as a partner a Mr. Poucin. 
The paper was then four pages, eight columns 
to the page, in size, and devoted to social, dra- 
matic and personal matters. The paper was 
sold to W. A. Clinton in January, 1887, who 
improved it much by changing it to its present 
form — an eight-page five-column (juarto. Under 
Mr. Clinton's management the World was in- 
corporated and continued until February, 1889, 
when it was sold to the present owners, one of 
whom, W. H. Kennedy, has the management 
of it. The paper is published every Saturday, 
and is steadily growing in public favor and in 
patronage. 

THE COMMERCIAL BULL?:TIN. 

The Commercial BuUetiri of Southern Cal- 
ifornia was permanently established in January, 
1887, as an advertising sheet. Its projectors 
were Fred. AV. Beau de Zart and John Gr. Hun- 
sicker. The first few numbers bore the cogno- 
men The Weekly Directory, but the owners, 
foreseeing the necessity of, and future for, a trade 
journal to represent the jobbing and manufact- 
uring interests of Southern California, changed 
the name to the present form. That the paper 
has been successful is evinced by the well filled 
columns and the advertisements of many of the 
largest wholesale, manufacturing and jobbing 
houses in the world. The subscription list ex- 
tends throughout the southern counties of Cal- 
ifornia, Arizona, part of New Mexico and to El 
Paso, Texas. It is now owned by Beau de Zart, 
Burt & Menzies. Fred. W. Beau de Zart, as here- 



UISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



155 



tofore, conducts the editorial department. The 
business offices are in the Panorama Building, 
220 South Alain street, Los Angeles. 

THE KXI'GNENT 

is published every Saturday in East Los An- 
geles, is a four-page seven-column paper 24.\36 
inches in size, and was established July 28, 
1888. In politics it is Independent Republican, 
but is devoted chiefly to local and family matters. 
The publishing liouse, located at No. 9 South 
Hellman street, was erected by the proprietors 
for the purpose on a lot owned by them, and is 
equipped with steam presses and a neat hook 
and job office. The proprietors, Charles A. 
Gardner and L. S. Akerinan, are both practical 
newspaper men of many years' experience. 
Mr. Gardner was formerly the publisher and 
proprietor of the Rural Californian, of which 
he made a marked success. Mr. Ackerman was 
formerly connected with the Toronto (Canada) 
Evening Telegram, and at one time published 
the Pickering (Canada) iV^c?OT, with great success. 

KCRAL CALIFORNIAN, 

an illustrated journal of horticulture. Twelve 
years ago this journal was established in Los 
Angeles as the Southern California Horticult- 
urist. Two years later George Rice, the present 
editor, bought it and several other publications 
devoted more or less to agriculture and consoli- 
dated them, naming the new paper the Rural 
Calif ornian, he continuing as editor and pro- 
prietor until ihree years ago, when he sold it to 
Messrs. Alles & Gardner. Then for over three 
years Mr. Rice put into practice thetiieories he 
had published, and again assumed the editorial 
chair after this experience in the orchard and 
field, lie is in love with his work, to which he 
expects to devote his life and energies. 

The Rural is a neatly printed illustrated 
monthly journal of forty-eight broad double- 
column pages, bound in an illuminated paper 
cover, and devoted to the discussion of topics 
relating to the farm, the orchard and the home. 
It has a large list of readers not only in Southern 



California but throughout the State, and many 
thousands in the East. 

George Rice was born in Brown County, 
Ohio, in October, 1842, educated in the State 
Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, at which he 
graduated in 1860. He had begun to study law 
when the attack upon Fort Sumter changed the 
current of his life. In April, 1861, the day 
President Lincoln issued the call for 75,000 
volunteers, Mr. Rice enlisted as a member of 
Company G, Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. 
The regiment was commanded by ex-Governor 
Oglesby. Mr. Rice served three years and three 
months. lie has a gold medal given him by 
General J. B. McPherson, dated July 4, 1863, 
bearing the inscription, " Presented to George 
Rice, private of Company G, Eighth Illinois 
Infantry, given for meritorious service." One 
of the last official acts of General McPherson 
before he was killed was to issue to Mr. Rice a 
Lieutenant-Colonel's commission. After the 
close of the war Mr. Rice engaged in mercantile 
pursuits until 1869, when he entered into the 
publishing business, and has spent ten years at 
it in Los Angeles. 

THE PACIFIC COAST POULTRY JOFRNAL 

was issued in May of the present year — 1889. 
It starts out as an illustrated monthly in maga- 
zine form with imperial quarto page of three 
columns. The subscription price is $1 a year. 
C. O. Cummingsis the editor. The publishing 
office is in the Lanfranca Building, North Main 
street, Los Angeles. 

THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE 

was founded by its present editor and publisher. 
Rev. P. 11. Bodkin, A. M., March 1, 1886; 
having superseded a District Quarterly issued 
by Rev. R. W. C. Farnsworth, A. M., of the 
Los Angeles District Methodist Episcopal 
Church. For nine months it was issued as a 
medium four-page monthly, at 50 cents a year, 
under the supervision of the Los Angeles Meth- 
odist Preacher's Meeting. Rev. S. G. Blanchard 
was associate editor. November, 1886, its lifild 



HISTORY UF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



was enlarged, its name clianged to its present 
title, and it was made a sixteen-page semi- 
monthly, with a local advisory committee, which 
raised a subsidy of $500 for tiie editor and pub- 
lisher to aid them in the work. The oul)scrip- 
tion price was $1.00 a year. In November, 
1887, tlie (ditoi- took in Charles Patterson as 
partner in tiie Imsiness management, but this 
arrangement was discontinued in six months. 
From November, 1887, tiie jiaper has been is- 
sued as a weekly, eight pages, size of sheet 
26 X 38 inches. The publication committee was 
slightly clianged, and $1,000 was raised for an 
office outfit. 

At the session of Conference held in Pasa- 
dena September 13, 1888, the Advocate was 
made the Conference organ. This action raised 
it from the character of a local concern and made 
it the official paper of the entire Conference. 
The present editor and publisher was unani- 
mously continued by a vote of the Conference, 
and as usual was appointed to the work by the 
Bishop. The publication committee was now 
enlarged to embrace representative men of the 
entire Conference, and is as follows: Ilev. P. 
F. Breese, D. D., Eev. M. M. Bovard, D. D., 
Bev. T. E. Robinson, Rev. A. M. Hough, J. P. 
Widney, A. M., K. D., Hon. E. 1^'. Spence, Rev. 
E. S. Chase, Rev. A. B. Morrison, Rev. D. H. 
Gillau, Hon. R. M. Widney, LL. D., Rev. R. 
S. Cantine, D. D., Rev. S. G. Blanchard and P. 
M. Green. 

A $500 subsidy was raised this year to assist 
the editor in his work of publication. The 
subscription list has grown with reasonable ra- 
pidity, and now (June, 1889) numbers between 
1,500 and 1,600. It bids fair to be self-sup- 
porting in another year. The editor manages 
the entire paper in its literary and business wa}', 
and has frequently issued large editions of ten 
and twelve pages. 

The editor, Rev. P. II. Bodkin, was born in 
Ireland, in 1851, is an Indianian by adoption, 
was educated at DePauw [Jniversity (then called 
Asbury), at Greencastle, Indiana, graduating in 
1877, entered the Iowa Conference of the Meth- 



odist Episcopal church in 1878, and transferred 
to Austin (Texas) Conference in 1882, being 
stationed at Fort Worth. While there he was 
assistant editor of the Texas IfetAodist. In 
November, 1886, he came to California and was 
appointed pastor at Ontario, where he remained 
for one year. Since then he has residt'd at Los 
Angeles and has had no charge in connection 
with his editorial work. 

TilK LOS ANOELES CHURCHMAN 

is a monthly magazine of some twenty pages of 
three columns each, devoted, according to the 
announcement on the title page, "to the inter- 
ests of the church in Los Angeles and Southern 
California." The contents of the number before 
us — June, 1889 — embraces articles on various 
religious and Sunday-school topics. The 
Churchman was established by Rev. Thomas 
W. Ilaskins, its present editor and proprietor, 
in January, 1888. The subscription price is 50 
cents a year, and its present circulation aiiout 
500 copies. The publishing office is in the 
California Bank Building, Los Angeles, Cali- 
fornia. 

THE CALIFORNIA BAPTIST. 

In February, 1887, the lirst number of the 
Southern California Baptist was issued in Los 
Angeles by the Southern California Publishing 
Company, with Rev. W. B. Wright as editor. 
It was started as a sixteen-page weekly with 
four columns to the page. In September, 1888, 
its form was changed to eight pages of five col- 
umns each, and from February 1, 1889, it has 
been published weekly. The patronage and in- 
fluence of the paper having extended beyond 
the local boundary of Southern California, the 
name was then altered to California Baptist. 
After the first three numbers were issued, Rev. 
G. S. Bailey, D. D., of State distinction, assumed 
the editorship, and filled that position from 
June 1, 1887, until June 15, 1889. In Novem- 
ber, 1888, the present editor and proprietor, A. 
W. Palmer, purchased the paper and plant from 
the Southern California Publishing Company. 



HI STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Tlie paper has received a liberal support and lias 
prospered from the beginning. The publishing 
otKee is at 18 South Fort street, Los Angeles. 

THK I'ENTECOST 

wa.s first issued in 1885, as a quarterly publi- 
cation. The following year it was changed to a 
monthly, and about the middle of the year 1887 
it began to be published semi-monthly and has 
been issued twice a month ever since. Tlie 
paper and plai't, including a job printing 
ottice, is the property of the " Holiness" societies 
of Southern California and Arizona, and the 
edit ng and publishing is done by L. A. Clark 
and W. C. Brand. It is a four-page sheet with 
four columns to the page, and circulates among 
the adherents of this religions belief. No adver- 
tisementsareinserted in it. Thepublishingoffice 
is at No. 15 Patrick street. East Los Angeles. 

THE SOUTHERN (^ALIFllUMA PRACTITIONER, 

a medical montlily journal, was established in 
January, 1886, the editors and founders being 
J. P. Widney, A. M., M. D., Dean of the Col- 
lege of Medicine of the University of Southern 
California; Walter Lindley, M. D., Professor of 
Obstetrics, and Joseph Ktirtz, M. D., Professor 
of Clinical Surgery in the same college. These 
gentlemen have remained in charge of the 
journal ever since, but have associated with 
themselves Frank L. Ilaynes, M. D., Professor 
of Gynecology in the college. 

The Pract'ittiniti\ while devoting itself to the 



discussion of all matters nerta 



ing 



to th 



science of medicine and surgery, has mapped 
out for itself one particular Held as its specialty, 
viz.: The careful investigation of the climatic 
peculiarities and climatic laws of Southern Cali- 
fornia, and of that great iidand plateau which 
embraces Arizona, New Mexico, and the ele- 
vated portion of the Mexican interior; the 
eifects which these climatic peculiarities may 
have upon race types, race development, and 
race diseases; the local changes which, through 
liuman agency — such as irrigation, drainage, 
cultivation, planting or clearing of timber — 
may be produced in climate; the question of 



race habits of food, drink, and manner of life; 
the physiological and pathological effects of the 
crossing of bloods were noticed; and all of these 
questions as affecting the Anglo-Teuton in tak- 
ing up his race abode in this, to him, new cli- 
matic belt. It is a new, a broad and a hereto- 
fore nnworked field, and many of the questions 
will require generations, rather than years, for 
their solution, yet the Practitioner hopes to add 
somewhat to the stock of human knowledge in 
this direction, and to help toward the solution 
of these problems; and it will aim to base its 
investigations upon a solid substructure of facts 
and carefully-compiled scientific observations, 
rather than upon the more glittering, but less 
fruitful, basis of mere speculation. It will, also, 
endeavor to present the salient features of vari- 
ous sections of this now widely-known climatic 
belt, !-o that physicians throughout the East* rn 
States and abroad, who may be recommending a 
change of climate to invalids, or persons of deli- 
cate constitution, may liave accurate informa- 
tion upon which to base a selection. 

In carrying out the plan of work thus out- 
lined, scarcely a number of the Practitioner has 
appeared without some valuable climatic article. 
This journal has become standard authority 
throughout the continent in this new field of 
climate and disease, in which it is the pioneer. 

POMONA DAILY TIMES AND POMONA TIMES-CODEIER. 

The Pomona Times was established in 1882 
by Messrs. Short & Moi-ton. In December, 
1883, the first number of the i'duiona Weekly 
Courier was issued, with John YL. Lee as editor 
and publisher. In February, 1884, H. N. Short 
sold his interest in the Times to W. D. Morton, 
and on April 1, following, the Tiines a,\\d Cour- 
ier were consolidated under the name of tlie 
Times-Courier., J. II. Lee and W. D. Morton 
as editors and publishers. In November, 1885, 
W. D. Morton retired and the paper issued with 
Lee & Sumner, Publisher-. In April, 1886, 
Lee & Sumner began the publication of the 
Pomona Daily Times. Tiiis was the first daily 
paper ever issued in the city of Pomona, and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the only one publislied up to the present writ- 
ing in 1889. February 18, 1888, Mr. William 
E. Ward, the founder and editor of the Orange 
Tribune^ purciiased Mr. Sumner's interest, and 
the firm of Lee & Ward was established. They 
have, since that date, edited and published the 
Times as a daily and the Times-Couriei' as a 
weekly paper. Both papers are independent in 
politics, hut are strong in their support of all 
interests and industries that tend to develop the 
resources of Los Angeles County, and especially 
to encourage immigration into the beautiful 
San Jose Valley and the city of Pomona. 

The Times oftice is complete in its equip- 
ments, with cylinder press run by steam power, 
being well equipped for doing a large and first- 
class job printing business. Its enterprising 
proprietoi'S well merit the support they receive 
from the community. 

John H. Lee. The subject of this sketch is 
H native of California, dating his birth in 
Blucher Valley, Sonoma County, in 1852. His 
father, Dr. William G. Lee, was a native of 
Ohio; he is a pioneer of California, coming 
overland to the State in 1849. Mr. Lee's 
mother was Aletha A. Ross, a native of Illinois. 
She died when the subject of this sketch was 
six years of age. leaving a family of seven 
children, only one of whom was married. AVlien 
he was thirteen years of age his youngest sister, 
who up to that time had, managed the domestic 
affairs of the household, was married, and the 
family circle was broken up. Mr. Lee then 
located in Monterey County, and in 1867 etitered 
the office of the Salinas Standard as an ap- 
prentice, beginning with the first issue of that 
paper. He worked for three years in the Stan- 
dard office, and afterward was engaged in vari- 
ous newspaper offices in the central portion of 
the State until 1871. In that year he located 
at Bakersville, Kern County, and for twelve 
years was engaged in newspaper work in that 
place, as a compositor and foreman, in various 
offices. He also established the Kern County 
Record, which he edited and published tintil 
1883. In that year he sold out his paper and 



established his residence in Pomona, Los An- 
geles County, and in December established the 
Pomona Courier. Since that time to the pres- 
ent writing, in 1889, Mr. Lee has been promi- 
nently connected with the newspaper enterprises 
of the city, as an editor and publisher. Thor- 
oughly practical and well schooled in his call- 
ing, he has, by his strict attention to his busi- 
ness, achieved a well-merited success. He is 
enterprising and public spirited, and has always 
taken a deep interest in the growth and pros- 
perity of his chosen city. In politics he is 
a Republican and a worker in the ranks of that 
party. He is a charter member of ^Etna Lodge, 
No. 107, K. of P., of Pomona, and also a u] em- 
ber of Pomona Lodge, No. 225, A. O. U. W. 
At Bakerstield, in 1883, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Belle Sage, the daughter of 
Orris C. and Ann Eliza (Farner) Gage. From 
this union there are two cliildren living: Oribel 
and Winnie. 

William E. Wakd. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1842. 
His father was a native of Massachusetts, who 
in early manhood moved to Vermont and es- 
tablished himself as a merchant in Vergennes. 
AVhile there he married Miss Harriet Shirrill, 
a native of that place. In 1840 he moved to 
Cleveland, and from there, in 1846, to Wauke- 
sha, Wisconsin, and later to Green Lake County, 
of that State. He was engaged in manufactur- 
ing and mercantile pursuits. In 1853 he 
crossed the plains and located himself and fam- 
ily in Plumas County, California. He was 
prominent in the early history of that county, and 
in 1854 was elected county judge, atid later held 
other offices of honor and trust. His death oc- 
curred in that county in 1876. The subject of 
this sketch, at the age of fourteen years, en- 
tered the office of the Mountaineer, at Quincy, 
to learn the trade of a printer. In 1860 he 
located at Carson City, Nevada, and was for a 
year or more working at his trade. In 1861 
he returned to Plumas County, and for the next 
two years was engaged in mining in Genesee 
Valley. He then returned to his trade, and in 



UltiTOliY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



1868 purcbased an interest in the Plumas Na- 
tional. He edited and published that paper for 
sixteen years and became well known in the 
newspaper circles of Mortbern California. He 
was also, during these years, connected with 
many of the mining interests of that section. 
In 1884 Mr. Ward came to Los Angeles County, 
and after a residence of a year in Los Angeles, 
located at Orange, and in April, 1885, founded 
the Orange Tribune, which be successfully con- 
ducted until 1888. In February of that year 
he established his residence in Pomona. Upon 
his arrival in that city he purchased an interest 
in the Fomona. Daily Times and Pomona Times- 
Courier, and has since been actively engaged in 
the publication of those journals. Mr. Ward 
is a Republican in politics and has always taken 
an active interest in the success of bis party, 
lie is a member of Santa Ana Lodge, No. 236, 
I. O. O. F., and of Pomona Lodge, No. 225, A. 
O. II. W. lie is a man of strong characteris- 
tics and genial temperament, and in whatever 
community lie has resided has gained hosts of 
warm friends. In 1856 he married Miss Louise 
J. O'Neill, the daughter of Captain John F. 
O'Neill, a well-known resident of Plumas 
County and a pioneer of Wisconsin, where he 
was an officer in the early Indian wars. No 
children have been born from this marriage, 
but Mr. and Mrs. Ward have reared an adopted 
daughter, Mary J. Van Norden; she married J. 
J. O'Neill, of Pomona, in 1889. 

THE POMOX.V PROGRKSS 

was established in January, 1885, but it was 
not until January 31 that the first issue ap- 
peared. It was then under the ownership and 
management of Edward E. Stowell. Pomona 
was then a hamlet of about 1,500 people, and 
the Progress was a decided innovation in the 
town and in rural journalism. It was printed 
on a iirst-class cylinder press, its paper was far 
above the average, and its "make-up" and 
typography were artistic and attractive. The 
Progress created a new iield for itself in Po- 
mona and the eastern part of Los Angeles County, 



and soon won a prominent place in the newspaper 
circles of Southern California. Its business has 
gone on steadily increasing from the first. 

In January, 1886, the Progress bought the 
office and plant of the Pomona Telegram, and 
added that business to its own. In the follow- 
ing May the health of Mr. Stowell broke down, 
and Charles I. Lorbeer became editor and pub- 
lisher of the Progress. I-ater P. S. Dorney, of 
Los Angeles, was editor a short time, and then 
K. A. Morton and W. Cobler. B. A. Stephens, 
of Los Angeles, was lessee from November, 
1886, to May, 1887, and made it a splendid 
paper. Mr. Stephens sold his lease to Mr. Lor- 
beer, and Mr. Stowell once more assumed the 
editorial management, and remained in that 
capacity until he suddenly died on February 5, 
1888. 

On March 1, 1888, Henry G. Tinsley bought 
a one-half interest in the Progress, and became 
its editor and manager, Charles I. Lorbeer being 
a silent partner. Mr. Tinsley came directly to 
Pomona from New York, where he was a mem- 
ber of the New York Sun statf for several 
years. He had his first journalistic education 
on the Lyons (N. Y.) Republican, and was a 
writer for the Rochester (N. Y.) Democrat and 
the Rochester Herald for two years. He was 
born in Lyons, New York, in 1861, and gradu- 
ated from the Cornell University at Ithaca, 
New York, in 1883. Several of his articles have 
been published in the New York Independent, 
the Cosmopolitan and Outing. He is an enthu- 
siastic Southern Californian now, and has given 
his whole time and attention to spreading abroad 
the advantages of the beautiful Pomona Valley 
and making bis newspaper a proud success. 

The Pomona Progress office is an unusually 
well-furnished and equipped establishment. It 
has a large $1,700 Cotrell cylinder press, three 
Gordon job presses, a three horse-power engine, 
two full dresses of type (brevier and nonpareil), 
and a particularly large quantity of job and 
wood type. The handsome appearance of the 
eight-paged Pomona Progress is a matter of 
general comment among all who see it. 



UISroHY OF LOS ANGELES COUIfTY. 




CHAPTEfl XV. 



riONEER ATTOENEYf 



fllE United States Land Commission, ap- 
pointed by act of Congress to pass upon 
the validity of Spanisli and Mexican land 
grants in California, brought here some of the 
ablest legal talent in the United States. In 
these cases the fees were large and many fort- 
unes were founded on these claims, the attor- 
neys frequently bargaining for half the lands 
contingent on confirmation. 

The early lawyers arriving in the order men- 
tioned were: Don Manuel C. Rojo, 1849; 
Russell Sackett, 1849; Lewis Granger, 1850; 
Benjamin Hayes, February 3, 1850; Jonathan 
II. Scott, March, 1850. The last four, as well 
as Mr. Hartman, were overland emigrants. Law 
books were scarce. A brief ])assage in "Kent's 
Commentaries," that was found somewhere in 
town, decided an interesting case between the 
rich Peruvian passenger and liberal French sea 
captain, some time in March, before First Al- 
calde Stearns. The Captain lost, but comforted 
Ills attorney, Scott, with a $1,000 fee, as it hap- 
pened, all in $5 gold pieces. In 1850 also 
came William G. Dryden and J. Lancaster 
Brent, the latter with a good library; 1851, I. 
K. S. Ogier, Ogier & Rojo, May 31, 1851; 
1852, Myron Norton, James II. Lander, Charles 
E. Carr, Ezra Drown, Columbus Sims, Kimball 



II. Dimmick, Henry Hancock, Isaac Hartman; 
1858, Samuel R. Campbell; 1854, Cameron E. 
Thorn and James A. Watson ("Colonel Jack 
Watson"); E. J. C. Kewen, W.W.Hamlin, 
1856; Alfred B. Ciiapman, 1858; Volney E. 
Howard, 1861; Andrew J. Glassell and Colonel 
James G. Howard arrived on the same steamer, 
November 27, 1865, from San Francisco. Myers 
J. Newmark was admitted to the bar in Septem- 
ber, and Andrew J. King in October, 1859; 
Don Ignacio Sepiilveda, September 6, 1862. 
Other attorneys prior to 1860 were Hon. S. F. 
Reynolds (afterward district judge of San Fran- 
cisco), Joseph R. Gitchell (in April, 1858, ap- 
pointed district attorney), A. Thomas, William 
E. Pickett. Casanenva & Jones advertised De- 
cember 13, 1851. This was William Claude 
Jones, known in Missouri. Scott & Hayes were 
partners from March, 1850, until April 13, 
1852; afterward Scott & Granger; then Scott 
& Lander. Between 1852 and 1860 the land 
questions before the Commissioners and United 
States District Court brought almost as resi- 
dents distinguished lawyers — H. W. Halleck, 
A. C. Peachy, F. Billings, C. B. Strode, William 
Carey Jones, P. W. Tompkins, Gregory Yale, 
John H. Saunders, H. P. Hepburn, not to name 
others. There are dead Russell Sackett, 1872; 
James H. Lander, Ezra Drown, Columbus Sims; 



UISTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Kimball H. Diininick, 1856; James A.Watson, 
S. II. Campbell: Clarke, at New Orleans; Carr, 
at Washington City; Joseph li. Gitehell, 186G. 
J. Lancaster Brent stood high as a lawyer and 
statesman. lie resides in Louisiana, near New 
Orleans, and in part represented that State in 
the late Democratic National Convention at St. 
Louis. Mr. Granger was a fluent, pretty speaker; 
in 1852-'3, partner of Judge Scott; recently can- 
didate for judge of the First Judicial District. 
General Drown lost his wife in the stranding of 
the steamer Independence. He died August 17, 
1863, leaving a son. Hon. K. H. Dimmick, a 
Captain in Colonel Stevenson's regiment, had 
been a member of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion of 1849. 

Of the early attorneys at Los Angeles prac- 
ticing before the Commission were the firms of 
Jones, Tompkins & Strode, Scott & Granger, 
Ogier & Carr, J. L. Brent, Myron Norton and 
Ezra Drown. William Carey Jones was a son- 
in-law of the great Thomas H. Benton. He 
only remained a short time in California, and 
returned to Washington, D. C. 

Pat Tompkins was a noted and eccentric 
character, a man of great ability, and witiial a 
most humorous wit. Born in Breckenridge 
County, Kentucky, of the poorest of parents, 
he was self-educated, but not self-made, as the 
Creator did his best when he made Pat 
Tompkins. At a very early age he went to 
Vicksburg, Mississippi, and before coming to 
California he represented that State in the 
National Congress. He also remained in Cali- 
fornia but a few years. He died iiumy years 
ago. 

Jonathan II. Scott came to Los Angeles from 
Missouri in 1849, and remained here until he 
died in the '60s. Scott was a man of great 
physical strength, was a giant, but, mentally, 
was greater than physically; at the bar he was 
a tornado. 

Lewis C. Granger came frcm Ohio to Los 
Angeles in 1849, and remained here until 1857, 
when he went to Oroville, Butte County, where 
he resides to-day, ripe in age and full of honors 



well deserved. Mr. Granger was a refined, 
gentle, polite man, a college graduate, a fine 
lawyer and a most kind and generous gen- 
tleman. 

I. S. K. Ogier was a South Carolinian, who 
came here in 1850 or 1851. In 1854 he mar- 
ried a relative of the then United States Senator 
William M. Guinn, and was appointed judge 
of the United States District Court of the 
Southern District of California. The Judge 
died in San Uernardino County about 1864. 
His widow resides at Los Angeles at the present 
time. 

Charles Edward Carr was a Louisianian, and 
left Los Angeles in 1854 and never returned. 
He was a scholarly man, a good, jovial, gener- 
ous fellow, who believed strongly in the code of 
honor. 

Joseph L. Brent came from Baltimore and 
hung out his shingle here in 1850 or 1851. 
He was a man of fine ability. Brent left Los 
Angeles in 1862 to link his fortunes with the 
■'lost cause." He won some distinction, became 
a Brigadier-Ge leral, and was of the trio who 
surrendered the last Confederate Army. The 
other two were Sterling Price and Simon Boli- 
var Buckner. The army surrendered was that 
of Kirby Smith to General E. R. S. Canby at 
New Orleans, in May, 1865. Brent now re- 
sides in Louisiana. 

Myron Norton, as good and generous a soul 
as ever sailed in search of the Golden Fleece, 
was a New Yorker, a graduate of Harvard. 
The day after his graduation he joined the army, 
went to Mexico, served on Scott's line, was 
present at the fall of the City of Mexico, pro- 
cured his discharge and returned to New York 
in time to join the Stevenson California regi- 
ment, and came here with it. He was chair- 
man of the judiciary committee of the first 
Constitutional Convention of this State, was 
judge of the Superior Court of San Francisco, 
and in 1855 was judge of Los Angeles County. 
The same year he was the Democratic nominee 
for the Supreme Court bench, but this being 
the Know-Nothing off year, Norton was de- 



UI8T0U7 OF LOS ANOELEU COUNTY. 



feated. This ended his political career. lie 
died here in 1887. 

General Ezra Drown came from Iowa in 1853. 
In that State he had been Brigadier-General of 
Militia. He with his wife and two children 
were passengers on the ill-fated steamer Inde- 
pendence, which was burned off the coast of 
Lower California in the summer of 1853 The 
General was a cool, brave man, and a trood 



lit 



laced 



wife on a hen-coop 



and cautioned her to keep cool and wait his re- 
turn. He swam ashore with the two children. 
He then swam oft' to the rescue of his wife. 
When in full view, a human wretch pushed the 
poor woman oft' her frail bark, and she sank to 
rise no more, when almost within reach of the 
saving hand of her husband. The heart-broken 
man canje to Los Angeles with his two children, 
one of whom now resides here, the honored son 
of a noble sire. Drown was a scholarly, able 
and most eloquent advocate. His only fault was 
his too great generosity. He died here in theBO's. 
Hon. Robert Maclay Widnky, LL. D., 
President of the University I'ank of Los An- 
geles, one of the men of mark who have planned 
and laid the foundation of the present prosperity 
and future grandeur of Southern California, is 
an Ohioan by birth, but in all that pertains to 
his active life, public and private — so fruitful 
in great achievements — and in patriotic loyalty, 
he is a Californian. He was boi-n in Piqua, 
Miami County, Ohio, December 23, 1838, and 
there passed his childhood and early yontli, en- 
joying such meager educational advantages as 
thi-ee months' attendance a year in the district 
school aftbrded. At the age of sixteen the ex- 
panding spirit of the ambitions boy ipfused to 
be longer confined within the narrow environ- 
ments of village life; and, bidding good-bye to 
the native roof-tree, he started to seek for 
knowledge and fortune in the great wild West. 
Two years were spent in exploring the wonders 
and mysteries of the Rocky Monntains, after 
which, in 1857, the young wanderer came to the 
Pacific Coast, reaching tije Sacramento Valley 
with §1.60 in his pofiket. Stopping nearMarys- 



ville for a time, he replenished his exchecqner 
by chopping cordwood at $1.50 per cord. Pro- 
ceeding thence to San Jose, lie entered the Uni- 
versity of the Pacific in 1858; and, defraying 
the expenses of living and his college course by 
teaching and other labor, he graduated with the 
honors in the class of 1863. As an indication 
of his proficiency in scholarship, Mr. Widney 
was immediately elected to a professorship in 
the University, and filled the chairs of mathe- 
matics, geology and mineralogy for two years. 
Then, declaring his intention to resign, the 
board of trustees offered him a life professorship 
and a choice of chairs in the institution, if he 
would remain, and uS soon as practicable to re- 
duce his labors to half-time on full salary. The 
board further proposed that, if he would accept 
a chair id" natural science, he should have a year 
for travel and research in Europe. But, having 
marked out a course for himself outside of the 
traveled educational grooves, in which he could 
work without being hampered by the dictation 
of others, he preferred to cai-i-y out his own ideal 
and tendered his resignation. Daring the last 
year of his stay in the Universiry Prof. Widney 
devoted bis spare time to the study of law, and 
soon after resigning completed his course of 
reading and was admitted to the bar. The 
years 1866 and 1867 he spent in Nevada in 
geological and mineralogical investigations. 
Deciding to cast his lot in Southern California, 
he arrived in Los Angeles in 1868, with about 
$100 in his pocket and the rest of his worldly 
possessions in a small trunk. The "Angel City" 
was then a crude country town, composed 
almost entirely of one-story adobe buildings, 
clustered about the plaza, with streets unpaved 
and ungraded. Willi the keen discernment of 
the born business man Mr. Widney compre- 
hended the situation; the soft Italian climate, 
the enchanting beauty and the marvelous fertil- 
ity of the surrounding country, only needing 
development to make this one of the most pro- 
ductive, richest and most desirable countries in 
the world; and saw the great advantages which 
would accrue to the State of his adoption by ac- 




^^^y9'>iA^/^2^^ 



llIsn)liY OF LOS ANGEIJCS COUNTY. 



quaiiitiiig the outside world witli the attractions 
peculiar to Sonthern California. Opening a 
real-estate office in connection with his law 
office — the first in the city — he purchased print- 
ing material and started a weekly paper entitled 
the Los A.ngeles Real-Estate Advertiser^ the 
columns of which were devoted to his own ad- 
vertising, and to the discussion of tlie climate, 
soil, development and resources of this part ot 
the Golden State. It was distributed free by 
carrier to the guests of the hotels and elsewhere. 
He devoted much study to a proper system of 
railways to center in and radiate from Los An- 
geles. He also made in 1869 plans and speci- 
fications for the improvement of San Pedro Har- 
bor, which were sent to Hon. P. Baiming and 
Hon. V>. D. Wilson in the State Senate. These 
plans were submitted by these Senators to Gen- 
eral Alexander, and the plans and the Harbor 
were examined by him and the improvement re- 
ported feasible. The Legislature passed a joint 
resolution praying the United States Govern- 
ment that they be carried into execution. In 
1872 the Southern Pacific Railroad Company 
oft'ered to construct its main terminal trunk line 
through Los Angeles in consideration of a sub- 
sidy. A San Diego Company also offered for 
the same subsidy to construct a line from Los 
Angeles to San Diego. The matter was sub- 
mitted to a vote of the people, and a hot cam- 
paign followed. The San Diego Company 
employed several of the ablest attorneys in Los 
Angeles City to stump the county for that com- 
pany, and so energetically was this done that 
the popular tide was almost unanimously in 
favor of that proposition. Up to this time Mr. 
Widney had taken no public part in the matter. 
His friends who knew his business foresight and 
logical ability urged him to present the matter 
to the voters of the county. This he did in a 
pamphlet, of which several thousand were is- 
sued, entitled " Which subsidy shall I vote for, 
or shall I vote agaiust both?" The pamphlet 
was a very able business and logical presenta- 
tion of a question. He showed that the taxes 
of the Southern Pacific (Company would be suf- 



ficient to pay the interest on the county bonds, 
which they have more than done. The pamphlet 
carried conviction to the voters and produced 
an immediate revolution in the minds of the 
people. The attorneys who advocated the 
other subsidy, admitted its arguments were 
unanswerable. As a result the vote was over 
three-fourths in favor of the subsidy to the 
Southern Pacific Company. The bonds were is- 
sued, and that corporation has more than ful- 
filled its promises to the people. 

Mr. Widney rapidly acquired a remunerative 
practice and rose to prominence in his profession. 
In 1871 he was appointed judge of the Seven- 
teenth Judicial District by Governor Booth to 
serve the unexpired term of Judge Morrison, 
deceased. Having made a remarkably fine 
record on the bench during the two j'ears of his 
service. Judge Widney retired to resume his 
law practice. From the time of his graduation 
at the University of the Pacific, Judge Widuej' 
took a vital interest in educational matters; and 
during his professorship in that school noted 
peculiarities and defects of its methods and 
management, which tend to circumscribe its 
power and usefulness as a great institution of 
learning. In subsequent years he gave much 
thought and study to the subject, and out of it 
was born the conception and plan of the Uni- 
versity of Southern California, of which he was 
the original projector, and has ever been one of 
itschief master-builders, who have laid the foun- 
dation broad and deep, according to the dimen- 
sions of his comprehensive design, for one of 
the grandest institutions of liberal learning in 
the world's history. Like the measureless ex- 
paiise of the pure, ocean-kissed air and the 
illimitable sunshine — heaven's perpetual bene- 
faction to this favored land of the Occident — 
this child and parent of education, born under 
these genial skies, is broader in scope and more 
comprehensive and far-reaching in its contem- 
plated possibilities than the older universities of 
the East. It is modeled more like the great 
universities of Europe, with their family of col- 
leges, co-operative in their work and each a unit 



UI8TURY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



in the grand sum total of scliolastic achievement. 
In another part ef this volume is given more 
fully the history of the University of Southern 
California under its appropriate heading. Suf- 
fice it to add in this connection that Judge 
Widney's first movement to put this conception 
into tangible form was on OTie afternoon in May, 
1879, when he invited Eev. A. M. Hough to 
spend the evening at his jiome to listen to and 
consider some important matters which he — 
Widney — wished to present. At this meeting 
Judge Widney laid before Mr. Hougli the pres- 
ent plans fully matured in whole and in detail 
to see if he wished to become one of tiie trustees. 
This meeting was followed by otiiers mi which 
Hon. E. F. Spence, Dr. J. P. Widney, Rev. M. 
M. Eovard, D. D., and G. P. Compton were 
present. These persons accepted trusteeships 
in the proposed plan. Quickly following coun- 
sel and deliberation came action; and in the fall 
of 1880 the doors of the first frame building 
were opened for students, with Pev. M. M. 
Bovard as President of the University. The 
growth of the institution has been phenomenal. 
Six colleges are now open and engaged in edu- 
cational work in different centers of population 
in Southern California, and more are to follow 
as members of the great family which constitutes 
the University. The value of the University 
property has increased by successive munificent 
contributions to about |)2,000,000, Judge Wid- 
ney having given lands from which will be 
realized $300,000, to the support of his edu- 
cational child. These funds of the University 
are so invested as to produce a permanent in- 
come that shall be ever increasing. In 1887 
Judge Widney organized the University Bank 
of Los Angeles, of which he is president. About 
four years ago, owing to the accumulation of 
numerous large interests demanding his atten- 
tion, the Judge abandoned his law practice and 
gives his entire time and remarkable executive 
ability to the Bank of the University, and his 
extensive financial investments and real-estate 
enter])rises. Among the latter are the San Fer- 
nando Land and Water Company, and the Hes- 



peria Syndicate, whose holdings embrace 50,000 
acres of choice lands in Los Angeles and San 
Bernardino counties, valued at $3,000,000. 
Large sums of money have been expended by 
these companies to bring water on to their lands 
and otherwise imjirove them for actual settle- 
ment and cultivation. Judge AVidney is a large 
owner and has been the directing spirit in these 
enterprises. 

Being an expert geologist and topographical 
engineer, he prepared the plans and superin- 
tended the construction of large reservoirs, 
blasting out waterways, laying miles of great 
steel water mains, and other works involving 
ditficult feats of engineering. In 1871 oc- 
curred the great Chinese riots in Los Angeles. 
A mob of hundreds of the lowest classes of tiie 
population collected, and completely overawing 
the police and the sheritf's forces, broke into 
the Ciiinese quarters and proceeded to hang the 
Chinese wholesale. When the subject of this 
memoir was returning to his office-work about 
8 p. M. he was first informed of the riot. Pro- 
ceeding to the scene he tried to rally the police 
force; failing in this and seeing that a general 
massacre ot the Chinese was planned, some 
fifteen having already been hanged, he called 
upon the bystanders to aid him in stopping the 
deadly work. John Lararovich and several 
others replied they would follow if he would 
lead, which he at once did. Except himself the 
rescuers were unarmed. The rioters were all 
armed with revolvers and guns, with which they 
boldly threatened to shoot any one who inter- 
fered. In quick succession Judge Widney 
seized each rioter, and with one hand jerked him 
loose from his Chinese victim and placing his 
cocked revolver to the rioter's face exclaimed, 
"Get out or I will kill you," and sent him 
from the scene of action. In this way each 
Chinaman was rescued. The rioters collected 
in a group and hastily consulted, and forming 
in line, with cocked revolvers charged down 
to recapture the Chinese, swearing death to 
any one interfering. Alone Judge W^idney 
stood in Spring street between this enraged 



iiitn'onr OF wti anokleu county. 



cliarging mob and the fleeing Chinamen, and as 
the rioters came near he swept the line from 
right to left with his revolver,and in determined, 
chilling words sang out, " I will kill the lirst 
man that passes." There was no mistaking that 
death was in the tones and looks; the line 
wavered, halted, broke and fled. The riot was 
ended. History furnishes few instances where 
the cool, deliberate courage of one man broke 
and dispersed a riot in its mad career after it 
had tasted blood, as in this case. It shows the 
power of the human will over others when it 
has made its final decision to do or die. In 
1876 Judge Widney was employed to defend a 
large number of settlers who had title to lands 
under the State school land act. Tiiese titles 
had been thrown into litigation by a recent de- 
cision of the Secretary of the Interior, lie 
(Widnej') at once saw that only an act of Con- 
gress could quiet these titles and save a score 
of years of litigation. He drew a bill, subse- 
quently known as the Booth Bill, and had it 
introduced into both houses of Congress. At 
once the land sharks spotted the bill and organ- 
ized to defeat it. The acting commissioner of the 
General Land Ofiice at Washington resigned his 
position and joined the leading firm of lawyers 
opposing the bill. A prize amounting to mill- 
ions of dollars was at stake if the bill could be 
defeated. Judge Widney met them in argu- 
ment before the Senatorial and House Commit- 
tees on Public Lands, before the California del- 
egation, before the Commissioner of the Land 
OfKce, and the Secretary of the Interior, re- 
ceiving the unanimous support and approval of 
each body. The contest became bitter; the 
opposition prepared elaborate arguments which 
they printed by thousands of copies, in pam- 
phlet form, and placed a c<>i)y in the hands of 
each member of Congress. To these Judge 
Widney replied by pamphlet. Several replies 
and counter-replies followed each other in quick 
succession, and then the whole case was argued 
before the Senate and House. The opposition 
tried a flank movement and went before the 
(California Land Coinmissioiior at Saeratnento, 



and by ex-parte argument and showing secured 
the telegraphing to Congress a vigorous pro- 
test from the commission. The bill was 
considered killed. Judge Widney hastened 
to Sacramento and asked Governor Irwin to 
call the commissioners together by telegram. 
The Governor complied, but expressed the 
opinion that it would be impossible to change 
their position. For five consecutive hours 
Judge Widney argued and analyzed the case 
before them, making one of the ablest legal 
addresses ever delivered in this State, citing 
from memory the substance of the different 
acts of Congress, of the State Legislature, the 
various decisions of California Supreme Court, 
and the United States Supreme Court bearing 
upon this class of land titles. At the close of 
the argument the commissioners decided they 
had made a mistake in opposing the bill, and 
telegraphed the opposition to appear before them 
in San Francisco the next day and be heard before 
they took action in the matter. The Sacramento 
Record- ?77iio7i devoted a full page of itsnextissue 
to publishing Judge Widney's address. After 
hearing the question re-argued in San Francisco, 
the Commissioners immediately telegraphed 
Congress that they withdrew all opposition to 
the bill, and urged the passage of a still more 
radical bill. Seldom has such a complete orator- 
ical victory been wrung from such circum- 
stances. Judge Widney proceeded at once to 
Washington, and in spite of the near approacii 
of the close of the session of Congress, the 
Hayes-Tilden contest before the Electoral Com- 
mission, the desperate fight of the opposition, 
and other difliculties, any one of which would 
have discouraged most men, he succeeded in 
introducing his bill out of its regular order, 
secured the unanimous vote of botli House and 
Senate, and the approving signature of Presi- 
dent Grant, the bill becoming a law of the 
United States on March 1, 1877, under the 
title of "An Act lielating to Indemnity School 
Sections in the State of California." Judge 
Widney's speeches and library work on tliis hill 
are bound in scrap-book form and make a vol- 



1G6 



EISTOBT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



nine of about 800 octavo pages. The power of 
his argumentative logic, which lias induced the 
State Supreme Court in a number of instances 
to reverse its decisions, and liis acknowledged 
ability as a land lawyer, speak more than vol- 
umes of eulogy for Judge Widney's legal at- 
tainments and skill. He has been a constant 
and able writer for tlie press for over twenty 
years; and many of liis articles on Soutliern 
.California have been republislied extensively in 
the newspapers of this country, and some of 
them translated and published in European 
journals. His work entitled "The Plan of 
Creation" has received high encomiums and is 
a masterly theological and scientific production. 
The franchises for the first two street railroads 
built in Los Angeles were granted to Judge 
Widney, and the lines were constructed and put 
in successful operation by him in 1874. He 
invented and copyrighted a system of books for 
abstracts of titles, the right of which for the 
Pacific States was purchased by A. L. Bancroft 
& Co. The Judge has also been active in church 
work. The origin and completion of the Fort 
Street Methodist Episcopal Church of Los An- 
geles is largely due to his energy; and for the 
first six years of its existence he was super- 
intendent of its Sunday-school. The Hope 
Street Methodist Episcopal Church is chiefly 
due to his eflforts, he paying nearly half 
the entire cost of that elegant edifice. Plis 
ability as an organizer and executive has re- 
cently been handsomely recognized by tiie 
Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
selecting and appointing him — without iiis 
knowledge — one of fourteen in the United 
States to act as a committee to frame a consti- 
tution for the government of the great Quad- 
rennial Council of that denomination. Not- 
withstanding repeated offers of nomination for 
Congressional and lesser political honors, Judge 
Widney has strenuously refused to enter poli- 
tics, preferring to work in lines more directly 
beneficial to his I'ellow men. He is zealously 
loyal to the interests of Southern California and 
never falters in pushing its interests. Judge 



Widney is unswerving in his devotion to his 
convictions of right; aiid in the execution of 
his purposes liis tremendous energy, fertility of 
resource, and resistless will power, brush aside 
all obstacles. In 1888 the degree of LL. D. 
was conferred on Judge Widney by his alma 
muter, he being the only person upon whom 
that honor has been bestowed by the University 
of the Pacific. In 1868 he united in marriage 
with Miss Mary Barnes, a native of Illinois, 
who came to California in 1856. They have 
had five children: Mary Helen, eighteen years 
of age; liobert Johnston, seventeen, teller in the 
University Bank ; Martha Frances, fifteen ; Joseph 
Wilson, deceased; and Arthur Barnes Widney, 
five years old. 

Judge AV. P. Wade, of Los Angeles City, 
a native of Crawfordsville, Indiana, was l)orn 
January 31, 1839, and is a son of Isaac F. and 
Alethea (Heaton) Wade. The father is a mar- 
ble dealer by occupation, but now advanced in 
years. The mother is deceased. Judge Wade 
is the fourth of a family of eight children. He 
received a liberal education in the excellent 
public schools of the Iloosier State, and learned 
the printer's trade at Davenport, Iowa. He was 
evidently not satisfied with his choice of an oc- 
cupation and he took up the study of law in 
the otfice of Hon. John W. Thompson, of that 
city. This was about the time of the opening 
of the Rebellion and he promptly enlisted for 
the defei se of the Union April 2, 1861, in the 
Second Regiment Iowa Infantry. He served 
fourteen months, when having received a severe 
wound in the battle at Fort Donelson he was 
honorably discliarged from the service. He had 
become so thoroughly imbued with the vigorous 
and yet exquisite logic of the law that he studi- 
ously devoted liis leisure moments while in the 
army to its study, enthusiastically resumed the 
same upon his return home and was admitted 
to practice by Hon. John F. Dillon, Judge of 
the District Court at Davenport, in 1863. He 
practiced his profession in that city one year 
and then went South, where he was connected 
with the United States Civil Service until 1867. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



He practiced law in Kansas City from 1867 to 
1876, and tiien in St. Louis, Missouri, until 1880. 
Judge "Wade is a profound student of tlie law 
and is possessed of a quick perception of the 
principle of justice. lie is the author of various 
valuable legal works, and while in St. Louis he 
wrote his first book, "Wade on the Law of 
Notice;" also "Retroactive Laws." In the spring 
of 1880 he went t.) Leadville, Colorado, and 
there remained until August, 1S84-. While 
tliere lie produced a snuill work on "American 
Mining Law," after which he spent a few months 
in San Francisco, and there brought out "Wade 
on Attachment." In October, 1885, Judge Wade 
came to Los Angeles and practiced his profession 
until called to preside over Department Three of 
the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. As a 
citizen and jurist Judge Wade has the profound 
respect of the community, and is honored by 
the profession as a man of strict judicial in- 
tegrity. He is a gentleman of quiet demeanor 
and uniform courtesy. Judge AVade married in 
1869, at Lawrence, Kansas, Miss Amelia, daugh 
ter of Alpheus Britt, of Orleans County, New 
York, a merchant, now deceased. 

Hon. Walter Van Dyke, Judge of the 
Superior Court of Los Angeles, was born Octo- 
ber 3, 1823, ill Tyre, Seneca County, New 
York, being the third of the seven children of 
Martin and Irene (Brockway) Van Dyke. As 
indicated by the name, he is of Dutch descent, 
the Van Dykes being among the early settlers 
of New Netherlands. His father was born in 
New Jersey about 1790, but the family moved 
into New York State before his marriage. He 
was a farmer and died in 1837. At seventeen 
Mr. Van Dyke went to Madison County, New 
York, locating at a little town called Earlville, 
with his brother-in-law, where he went to a 
select school, and subsequently entered an 
academy at Clinton, Oneida County. He taught 
school at intervals in that neighborhood and 
afterward in Wayne (Jounty, pursuing his 
studies in the meantime. In 184G he moved 
to Cleveland. Ohio, and taught school for a 
time in the neighborhood, but later in the year 



he entered the law office of S. B. & F. J. Pren- 
tiss, of that city, and was admitted to the bar of 
the Supreme Court of Ohio, in 1848. He 
opened an office and practiced law for a short 
time, when he was struck with the gold fever 
and became one of a company made up in May, 
1849, and started for California by way of 
Chicago and the overland route. 

On the trip he corresponded with the Cleve- 
land papers, his tirst letter being dated Chicago, 
June 5, 1849. In a letter from Salt Lake of 
October 10, he gave a remarkably close forecast 
of the route afterward followed by the Union 
Pacific Railroad, and while fully recognizing 
the obstacles, among others the absence of avail- 
able timber and the engineering difficulties, he 
had faith that "with abundant capital Yankee 
ingenuity would overcome all obstacles." While 
in Salt Lake he wrote numerous letters descrip- 
tive of the Mormons, and remarkable for the 
analysis of the characteristics of that peculiar 
people. The series of letters gave a full and 
graphic description of the route followed, and 
showed great powers of observation and reflec- 
tion. It was judged to be too late in the season 
to pass into California by the Sierra Nevadas, 
and after a stay of several weeks at Salt Lake 
the Cleveland party joined a large train of Mis- 
souri traders who were going by the Southern, 
or old Santa Fe and Los Angeles route. The 
company was headed by two brothers who had 
sold out their stock of goods in Salt Lake. Be- 
fore they reached California it became necessary 
that a party should push ahead for relief, and 
Mr. Van Dyke was one of the twelve volunteers. 
Without food even these vigorous pioneers were 
nearly famished when they entered Southern 
California by the Cajon Pass. But the hospit- 
able rancheros had abundance of food and their 
most pressing wants were soon supplied. After 
stopping a few weeks at Los Angeles Mr. Van 
Dyke and others went on to San Francisco on a 
Government transport from San Pedro, in Janu- 
ary or February, 1850. 

Longing for tin; mining ('ountry, Mr. Yan 
Dyke soon pushed on to the American River. 



UISTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



In the spring, and summer of 1850 he was 
engaged with some Ohioans in mining on the 
north fork of the American River with moder- 
ate success, and in the fall returned to San 
Francisco. In Kovember lie was one of a com- 
pany who went up the coast to start a town on 
the Klamath River, hut their vessel was totally 
wrecked at the mouth of the river, and they es- 
caped with their lives by the aid of the Indians, 
before the vessel went to pieces. In 1851 he 
had an interest in the Gold Bluff mines, but 
soon sold out and went to the town of Trinidad 
and settled down to the practice of his profes- 
sion. 

Upon the organization of Klamath County, in 
June, 1851, he was elected district attorney. 
In the fall of 1852 he was elected to the Assem- 
bly on tiie Whig ticket. When the county of 
Humboldt was organized in 1853 he moved 
there, being appointed a commissioner for that 
county to adjust the debt with Trinity County, 
from which it had been detached. He was 
elected district attorney for the county the 
next year. In September of that year, 1854, he 
married in the town of Areata, Ilumlioldt 
County, where he then resided. 

Mr. Yan Dyke, in addition to his professional 
work, entered the field of journalism, editing 
and publishing the Uumhohlt Times for a num- 
-ber of years. In 1861, at the breaking out 
of the Rebellion, he announced himself as a 
" Union" candidate for the State Senate fi-om 
his district, and was elected after a very close 
and bitter contest, during which time himself 
and opponent canvassed the whole district on 
the war issue, or sustaining the Government. 
In the Legislature of 1862 there were three 
parties — Republicans, Union Democrats, and 
Secession or Southei-n Democrats. There were 
resolutions introduced by all three parties, and 
Mr. Van Dyke introduced as a substitute a 
series of Union resolutions without regard to 
previous issues or parties, simply pledging the 
State to stand by and assist the General Govern- 
ment and President Lincoln in suppressing the 
Rebellion. After a protracted debate these were 



adopted by the co-operation of the Republicans 
and Union Democrats. The ensuing summer a 
convention was called in which these two parties 
combined to form the Union Republican party. 
Mr. Yan Dyke was elected its president, and 
the superintendent of public instruction, the 
only candidate there was occasion to nominate, 
was elected by a large majoiity. In 1863 Mr. 
Yan Dyke was chairman of the judiciary com- 
mittee of the Senate, and that being the tirst 
session after the adoption of the amendments to 
the old constitution an unusual amount of work 
fell to that committee in adjusting the laws to 
tlie amended constitution. In the Republican 
State Convention of 1863 Mr. Yan Dyke was 
presented as a candidate for supreme judge, but 
lacked a few votes of getting the nomination. 
He was afterward nominated for district judge 
of the Eighth or Humboldt District, but de- 
clined on account of having made arrangements 
to move to San Francisco. At the ceremony of 
breaking ground for the Central I'acific at Sac- 
ramento, in the winter of 1863, Mr. Yan Dyke 
was one of the speakers. 

He practiced his profession for many years in 
San Francisco, residing in Oakland. From 1869 
to 1872 he was chairman of the Republican 
State Central Committee and took part in can- 
vassing the State as a speaker. In 1873 he was 
appointed United States Attorney for the district 
of California, but resigned in 1876. He was 
then appointed special attorney for the United 
States in certain important land cases. 

In 1878 he delivered a lecture at Oakland on 
constitutifiual reform, and when the movement 
to that end assumed definite shape he was elected 
a member of the Constitutional Convention of 
that year, being one of the thirty-two delegates 
at large, and having received the third largest 
vote cast for such delegate. He was chairman 
of the Bill of Rights Committee. 

In 1885 he came to Los Angeles, buying the 
interest of Judge Brunson in the law firm of 
Wells, Brunson & Lee. Among the public 
benefits derived from his residence here it may 
be safely said that it is to his judgment and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



skill as the agent of Seiiator Jones that this 
county is indebted for securing the location of 
the Soldiers' Home at Santa JUonica. In the 
last general election, November 6, 1888, he was 
elected a judge of the Superior Court for six 
years, by the largest vote cast for any county 
candidate. Before a jury he is earnest and im- 
pressive, and while he is a sound and laborious 
lawyer he is by no means a mere lawyer. He 
is a man of culture as well, disposed to be not 
only just but even generous in his dealings, and 
honorable under all circumstances. The earnest 
activity in the pursuit of laudable success 
through his personal efforts has characterized 
his whole career. It has often been remarked 
that his personal friends are quite as numerous 
among political opponents as in the ranks of 
his own party. His splieres of action have been 
widely different, but in all of them he has shown 
mental and moral capabilities of a high order. 
Self-reliant, energetic, conscientious and honor- 
able, he has won his way to high honor by worthy 
methods, which, is the best evidence of ability 
and character. 

Mr. Van Dyke is a life-member of the 
Society of California Pioneers, is a Royal Arch 
Mason, and Past Master of Humboldt Lodge, 
No. 79. 

Hon. Wili.i.\m A. Cheney, a judge of the 
Superior Court of Los Angeles County, was 
born February 18, 1848, in the city of Boston, 
Massachusetts. His father, Benjamin F., 
achieved no marked distinction in life except that 
which constitutes the highest and noblest of all, 
and which, fortunate for the race, is so often 
attained that it attracts no special attention, a 
well-spent life devoted to the welfare of his 
family and the discharge of every public and 
private duty. The Judge's mother was of the 
Whitney family, and his maternal grandmother 
was a Stearns, both being tiames that have won 
more or less distinction in the annals of Massa- 
chusetts. Mr. Cheney's early education in the 
excellent public schools of his native State was 
supplemented by an academic course in one of 
the local institutions of that grade. At the age 



of nineteen he felt equal to engaging in the 
battle of life on his own account, and had the 
courage to strike out for California, arriving in 
1867 by the Panama route. 

In 1871 he was married to Miss Annie E. 
Skinner, of New Haven, Connecticui. They 
have one child, Harvey D., born in 1872. After 
his return to California Mr. Cheney spent sev- 
eral years in various temporary pursuits. Hav- 
ing meanwhile gained a fair knowledge of law 
he was admitted to the bar in 1878, and then 
entered on iiis chosen career. He was elected 
the same year to the office of county judge of 
Plumas County and held that position until 
elected State Senator in 1880, State Senator for 
his district — Butte, Plumas and Lassen counties. 
Aside from the discharge of his official duties 
he was law partner of Creed Hammond in 
Sacramento. Before the expiration of his term 
as Senator he moved to Los Angeles in 1882, 
and took up the practice of his profession in this 
growing metropolis. He was elected a member 
of the school board for one term; and in 1884 
was elected to the .bench of the Superior Court, 
a position he still holds to the great satisfaction 
of the public as well as of the bench and bar 
of Los Angeles. 

In his administration of the criminal law, for 
which department he was selected by the judg- 
ment of his associates of the Superior Court, and 
for which his deep moral sense specially quali- 
fies him, an earnest desire to temper the 
severity of the sentence with snch measure of 
mercy as he thinks benefits the individual case 
is never absent. While inflicting the necessary 
penalty of transgression he seeks to foster and 
encourage whatever impulse toward virtue may 
still linger in the heart of the criminal. He 
habitually recognizes that in the violator of law 
there may be hidden the germs of redeemable 
manhood. No biographical sketch of Judge 
Cheney would be complete without a reference 
to his ability as an orator and public speaker, 
so often attested in his criminal practice at the 
bar before his elevation to the bench, and to his 
successful achievements on the platform on 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELKS COUNTY 



great occasions, whicli place him at once in the 
front rank of public speakers of the day. 

Hon. James W. McKinley, Superior Judge 
and one of the youngest men on the California 
bench, was born in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, on 
the 24th of April, 1857. He graduated in the 
literary departnent of Michigan University in 
1879; read law in his native town and was ad- 
mitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of 
Pennsylvania in 1881. After two years' prac- 
tice in Newcastle Mr. McKinley came to Cali- 
fornia, reaching Los Angeles in April, 1883, 
and immediately started into the practice of his 
profession, as a partner with W. T. Williams, 
under the firm name of Williams & McKinley. 
The firm enjoyed a very busy practice and was 
considered one of the strongest in the Los An- 
geles bar. In December, 1884, Mr. McKinley 
was elected to the office of city attorney for 
two years; and, at the close of the term, declined 
a renomination for the office. On the creation, 
by the Legislature at its. last session, of two new 
departments in the Superior Court of Los An- 
geles County, increasing the number from four 
to six, there were four or five candidates for the 
new judgesiiip. At a meeting of the bar, called 
for the purpose of deciding what candidates to' 
recommend for appointment, Mr. McKinley re- 
ceived ninety-seven out of 119 votes cast by that 
body; and his uame being sent in as their choice, 
Governor Waterman appointed hi-m Superior 
Judge, dating his commission on March 11, 
1889. Judge Shaw was recommended and re- 
ceived the appointment as his colleague. Judge 
McKinley qualified for the office on March 16, 
and took his seat on the bench the following 
week. His fine judicial record is fully justify- 
ing the action of his brethren of the bar in rec- 
ommending his appointment. 

In the fall of 1886 Judge McKinley returned 
East, and in October married Miss Lillian Elder, 
a former school companion, and Tiative of New- 
castle, Pennsylvania. 

Hon. William Hovey Claek, one of the Su- 
perior Judges of Los Angeles County, is prob- 
ably the youngest man on the bench of California, 



and probably in the United States. He was born 
in Boston, Massachusetts, in March, 1869, and 
was educated for his profession in that city, 
graduated from the Boston Law School, and was 
admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of 
Massachusetts in September, 1881, soon after 
his twenty-first birthday. Locating in his native 
city, he practiced there and in Barubtable County 
until the fall of 1884, when he came to Cali- 
fornia, mainly for the restoration of his health, 
which was somewhat impaired. Reaching Los 
Angeles in October of that year, and being 
favorably impressed with the city and climate, 
Mr. Clark soon after entered into a law partner- 
ship with Hon. A. W. Hutton and H. M. Smith, 
under the firm title of Smith, Hutton & Clark. 
He practiced as a member of the firm, which 
did a large business and was one of the most 
prominent in the county, until he was elected 
to the Superior Bench in November, 1888; and 
was also appointed by Governor Bavtlet to fill 
the une.\pired term of Judge A. Brunson, re- 
signed. He took his seat on the Superior 
Bench in December, 1888, being but a few 
months past twenty-eiglit years of age. Judge 
Clark is held in high esteem by his brethren of 
the bar, both as a gentleman and a judge; and 
is regarded as possessing a clear, well-poised 
judicial mind. 

Hon. Albert M. Stephens. This gentleman 
is a native of Tennessee, and is forty-three years 
of age. He studied law at the University of 
Mississippi and at Lebanon, Tennessee; was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1868; practiced in Mem., 
phis, Tennessee, six years; filled the office of 
district attorney in that State four years. In 
1874 he came to Los Angeles, and continued 
active in his profession. In 1877 was elected 
county judge and served during 1878 and 1879, 
when the new State constitution abolished that 
office. Judge Stephens is serving his second 
term as president of the Los Angeles Bar As- 
sociation, and is also president of the Los An- 
geles Law Library. He is held in high esteem 
by his professional brethren, both as a lawyer 
and a gentleman. 





dl 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES GOUNTT. 



John D. Bicknell was born in Chittenden 
County, Vermont, in June, 1838. In his early 
childhood his parents moved to the then new 
J^crthwest and settled in Jelierson County, 
State of AVisconsin, where lie was educated in 
the public schools; also, attended an academy 
known as the AlI)ion Academy, in the State of 
Wisconsin, and was for sometime at the West- 
ern Reserve Seminary in Trumbull County 
Ohio. He completed his studies in the Wis 
consin State University. In the spring of 1859 
his health failing him in school, he wont South 
and remained about a year in lh)ward County^ 
Missouri. Ilis health not being benefited in 
Missouri he determined to try the Pacific Coast, 
and in April, 1860, he started with a train of 
emigrants across the plains for California. 
Early upon the trip he was chosen to take 
charge of the train, which consisted of forty 
wagons, carrying about eighty men, several 
families, and accompanied by about three thou- 
sand head of stock. To understand the magni- 
tude of this journey it must be remembered 
that at that time there was not a home or any 
signs of civilization between Topeka, Kansas, 
and Carson's Valley, Nevada, on the line of the 
route taken by this train, which was then known 
as the Lander's Cut Of}', which was by the way 
of Fort Hall and Snake River. This was the 
year of the Sioux war (so called), and the In- 
dians were hostile all along the route, and all 
emigrants that year suffered more or less. from 
hostile Indians, and the train, of which the sub- 
ject of this sketch had command, was no 
e.\ception in that particular. The train sufJ'ered 
particularly from attacks made by the tribe of 
Indians known as the Bannocks. It is difficult 
now to understand or appreciate the hardships, 
trials and difficulties attending a trip in the 
early days across the plains, especially when 
added to the necessary hardships attending such 
atrip the emigrants had also to contend with hos- 
tile Indians. It must be remembered that a 
train of emigrants was a body of men unused to 
anything like military discipline and endowed 
with the spirit of independence and determi- 



nation so characteristic of the pioneer of that 
time. Every emigrant knew that his life and 
his property was in constant danger, and it re- 
quired of the person in charge of such a body 
of men under such circumstances untiring dili- 
gence, and to hold such a body of men together 
and to subject them to complete control required 
determination and bravery. It takes a man of 
marked individuality and unquestioned bravery 
to control men in times of danger, and to re- 
ceive voluntarily from brave and desperate men 
their obedience in times of peril. It is enough 
for the purposes of this sketch to say that Mr. 
Bicknell had control of the train from the Mis- 
souri River to Sacramento; that he brought it 
through to California without the loss of a 
single man, although the train suffered consid- 
erably from the loss of stock. Mr. Bicknell re- 
mained on the Pacific Coast until the fall of 
1863, spending his time in the mountains of 
California and Oregon, Washington and Idaho 
Territories. He then returned to the State of 
Wisconsin, being much improved in health, and 
re-entered the State University at Madison and 
remained there until he entered the law office 
of II. W. et D. K. Tenney at Madison, Wis- 
co7isin. In January, 1866, he was admitted by 
the Supreme Court of the State of Wisconsin to 
practice law in all of the courts of that State; 
after which tiniQ he spent a year traveling 
through the Southern States, and finally located 
and commenced the practice of law in the town 
of Greenfield, Dade County, State of Missouri. 
He remained there enjoying a large and lucra- 
tive practice, extending over several counties of 
Southwestern Missouri, until, finding it necessary 
to make a change of climate, owing to asth- 
matic difficulties, he returned to California, 
having before enjoyed entire relief from this 
complaint on the Pacific Coast, and located in 
the spring of 1872 in the city of Los Angeles, 
where he has remained ever since. Shortly after 
his location in Los Angeles he formed a co-part- 
nership with S. M. White, the firm being known 
as Bicknell & White, which co-partnership ex- 
isted until January 1, 1888. This firm did a 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



large and prosperous business, and it is not too 
much to say ranked amonu; the leading law lirnis 
of California. Mr. Bicknell is now (1889), and 
has been for some years past, the attorney for 
the Southern Paciiio Railroad Company, and is 
the recognized legal counsel and adviser of that 
great corporation in Soutliern California. He 
is president of the Abstract and Title Insurance 
Company of Los Angeles, and vice-president of 
the First National Bank of Los Angeles. He 
was for seven years Commander of the Coeur de 
Lion Commandery, No. 9, at Los Angeles. As 
an attorney he has a large and lucrative practice 
and enjoys the confidence of his clients and the 
community; as a business man he has amassed 
a liberal fortune and is ranked among the solid 
men of the community. Mr. Bicknell has been 
twice married, his first wife being a Miss Hatch, 
of Chittenden County, Vermont, who died 
shortly after their marriage. His present wife 
was a daughter of Mr. Alexander M. Christian, 
formerly of Todd County, Kentucky, whom he 
married in Missouri. He has by his second 
wife two children, daughters, named Mary and 
Edna. 

Although Mr. Bicknell has maintained for 
many years a first place at the bar of Los An- 
geles County by virtue of his profound legal at- 
tainments and his high standard of integrity 
and honor, always an acknowledged leader in a 
legal coterie of far more than ordinary caliber, 
yet it is characteristic of his unassuming nature 
that all of his successes in law and finance have 
a second ])lace in his estimation, and the emi- 
nent counselor, banker and financier turns with 
fondest memories to those early years when he 
brought his train of pioneers in safety through 
the perils and hardships of the overland route. 

Hon. Stepuen M. Wuite, a leading member 
of the bar of Los Angeles County, an influential 
citizen and acting Lieutenant-Governor of Cali- 
fornia, is a native of San Francisco, and was 
born January 19, 1853. He is a son of Wm. 
F. and Fannie J. (Russell) "White, both of whom 
are of Irish nativity. The former came to this 
country with his i)arents when about four years 



of age. Mrs. White, who was early left an 
orphan, was brought to Florida while a small 
child and was raised by her cousin, Stephen R. 
Mallory, who represented that State in the 
United States Senate, and was a member of the 
Confederate Cal)inet. Wm. F. White grew to 
manhood in Western New York, b'^came pub- 
lisher of a weekly newspaper in tlie city of 
New York, later an employe in the United 
States Custom House, in that city. He was 
married in Savannah, Georgia, having met his 
wife while she was receiving her education in 
New York, and came to San Francisco in 1849, 
where he became prominent in business circles 
and in the political afi^airs of the State. He is 
now a resident of East Oakland. Stephen M. 
White was given a thorough schooling and was 
graduated from Santa Clara College in June, 
1871. He then read law in the oflice of Hon. 
A. W. Blair, of Watsonville, and later, in the 
office of C. B. Younger and Judge Hagan, of 
Santa Cruz. He was admitted to the bar at a 
session of the Supreme Court of this State in 
April, 1874, and at once removeil to Los 
Angeles, where he has assiduously devoted his 
energies to the practice of his chosen profession. 
He was elected in 1882 as a Democrat 
district attorney of Los Angeles County, by a 
large majority, and declined a renomination. 
In 188(3 he was elected State Senator by a light 
majority, the district at that time having a 
comfortable majority of voting Republicans. 
When the State Senate convened, he was 
promptly chosen its president pro tern, and 
in consequence of the death of Governor 
Bartlett, Lieutenant-Governor Waterman be- 
came Chief Executive of California, and Senator 
White was for the second time elected presi- 
dent p>>'0 t^'^'^ of t^ic Senate, and thus became 
the presiding ofliccr of that body and acting 
Lieutenant-Governor of the State. Governor 
White was a delegate to the State Democratic 
Convention in 1882. He presided over the de- 
liberations of the Stockton Convention in 1884, 
and later was chairman of the State Democratic 
Convention in 1886, and was chosen a delegate 



HISTOUV UF LOS .WOELES COUNTY. 



173 



at large from California to the Democratic 
National Convention at St. Louis, in 1888, and 
was elected temporary chairman of that distin- 
guished body, over which he presided with 
dignity, promptness and precision. He was 
one of the three counsel selected by the Legis- 
lature of California to maintain the Scott 
Exclusion Act before the Supreme Court of the 
United States. This duty was performed, and 
the decision tiled in the Chae Chan Ping case 
terminated the controversy in accordance with 
the unanimous wishes of the people of t!ie 
Western Coast. 

In his domestic relations Mr. White has been 
as deservedly fortunate as in those distinguish- 
ing him at the bar and in public life. On the 
5th of June, 1883, lie married, at the cathedral 
of Los Angeles, Miss Ilortense Sacriste, an 
estimable lady of Los Angeles, of French de- 
scent. They have three children — a son and 
two daughters. 

Tnos[AS Mitchell, of the law firm of Ilaynes 
& Mitchell, was born in Piiiladelpliia, April 17, 
1845; entered the University of Penns3'lvaiiia 
in 1861; left in 1864 and entered the army as 
Second Lieutenant; served with the Army of the 
Potomac until the end of the war, most of the 
time as Acting Assistant Adjutant General of 
the First Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army 
Corps, on the staif of General L L. Chamber- 
lain; was mustered out as Captain in June, 
1865, and entered the law othce of Henry 
Wharton, Esq.; graduated as Bachelor of Law 
at the University of Pennsylvania, and was ad- 
mitted to practice in September, 1867. He 
removed to Colorado in 1877, and in 1880 was 
appointed by Governor Pitkin judge of the 
First Judicial District to succeed Beck, who 
was elected to the Supreme Court. The latter 
part of 1882 he removed to Arizona to take 
charge of the business of the Tombstone Mill & 
Mining Company, then involved in heavy liti- 
gation, remaining there until the early part of 
1887. Judge Mitchell then came to Los Angeles. 
He is one of the original members of the 
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the 



United States, being No. 16 on the roll of mem- 
bers of that order. He is a member of the 
John A. Logan Post, G. A. B., and one of its 
trustees, and is Judge Advocate of the Depart- 
ment of California G. A. R. 

Hon. John Haynp:s was educated at Jefferson 
College, Pennsylvania, studied law at Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, and was admitted in the Supreme 
Court of that State April 6, 1856, and practiced 
at Zanesville until 1867. During that time he 
served six years as prosecuting attorney. In 
1867 lie removed to Michigan, and practiced 
law at Ba}' City until March, 1876, and was a 
member of the State Legislature in 1871. 

Li March, 1876, he removed to San Fran- 
cisco on account of ill-health, and practiced 
there until August, 1879, when, finding a change 
of climate necessary, he removed to Tucson, 
Arizona, and continued practice in that Terri- 
tory, serving also in the Territorial Legislature 
of 1881. Li 1885 Mr. Haynes was commis- 
sioned as judge of the County Court of Pima 
County (a court of general jurisdiction), but 
immediately i-esigned. 

In October, 1886, Judge Haynes formed a 
co-partnership with Hon. Thomas Mitchell, and 
soon thereafter opened an office in Los Angeles, 
where the firm still continues to practice. 

During his practice in Arizona he represented 
the Copper Queen Mining Company, the Atchi- 
son, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company, and 
other corporations. 

Geouge J. Denis, United States Attorney for 
Southern California, was born in New Orleans, 
Louisiana, June 20, 1859, of French parents 
on his father's side, and Pennsylvania ancestry 
on his mother's side. His father's great-grand- 
father, the Marquis de Lassus, was the French 
Governor of Louisiana when that Territory 
extended from the British North American 
provinces to the Gulf of Mexico. His great- 
grandfather was the second Governor of Louisi- 
ana. His mother's great-great-grandfather was 
the second mayor of the city of Philadelphia. 
Young Denis was brought up in France to the 
age of twelve years; entered Washington and 



UISTOUy OF LOS ANGELES COUNT V. 



Lee University at Lexington, Virginia, in tlie 
fall of 1874. He took the degree of Baclielor 
of Arts, June 20, 1878; gradnated from the 
Law School of the University of Louisiana, at 
]^ew Orleans, May 8, 1880, and was at once 
admitted to practice in the Supreme and all 
other courts of Louisiana. He practiced two 
years at the New Orleans bar before coming to 
California in July, 1882. Upon arriving in 
Los Angeles he was employed as a reporter 
on the Los Angeles Thnes, then in tlie same 
capacity on the Los Angeles Herald for over a 
year. On May 14, 1884, he took editorial con- 
trol and management of the Los Kn^eXe^ Even- 
ing Express, wliicli paper lie edited until the 
end of that year. In January, 1885, Mr. Denis 
resumed the practice of the law, and in Febru- 
ary, 1886, was appointed deputy district at- 
torney; afterward assistant district attorney 
for Los Angeles County, and on April 2, 1888„ 
he was appointed by President Cleveland United 
States Attorney for the Southern District of 
California, his nomination being confirmed by 
the Senate on the 24th of the same month. He 
took the oath and assumed the duties of the 
ofKce on the 8th of May, 1888. 

Henry A. Barclay, of the law firm of Bar- 
clay, Wilson & Carpenter, is the son of David 
Barclay, a distinguished lawyer of Western 
Pennsylvania, and was born in that State in 
1849. Possessing a natural taste and talent for 
mathematics, he turned his attention in youth 
to the study of surveying and civil engineering 
and devoted some time to railroad surveying. 
Residing in the vicinity of the oil regions during 
the great development of that interest in West- 
ern Pennsylvania, Mr. Barclay engaged in oil 
business, and also turned his m.athematical 
talent to account as ganger of oil tanks and 
cars; and his business increased to such an ex- 
tent that for some time he gauged nearly half 
the oil produced in the United States, averaging 
at times several hundred dollars a day. This 
business declining, he left it in the hands of 
his brother, and read law in his father's office, 
and was admitted to practice in 1871. After 



practicing his profession in Armstrong and 
Clarion counties about a year, he moved to 
Pittsburg and continued the practice of law in 
that city until he came to California in 1874. 
Traveling extensively over the State, he selected 
Los Angeles as the best point outside of San 
Francisco in which to reside and practice his 
profession. He settled in Los Angeles in 1874 
and opened a law otKce in 1875. The following 
year Mr. Barclay formed a partnership with 
Pobert C. Wilson, one of the members of the 
present iirm, under the firm name and style of 
Barclay & Wilson. In 1886 C. K. Redick came 
into the firm, but ill-health compelled him to 
retire in 1887, and ex-Judge R. B. Carpenter, 
late of Charleston, South Carolina, became a 
member of the firm. Mr. Barclay has a fine 
reputation as a lawyer, and the firm has a large 
practice in the line of civil causes, an important 
feature of which is land law, embracing Spanish 
and Mexican grants, and the United States land 
laws, corporations' and mechanics' liens, and 
civil business generally. Politically Mr. Bar- 
clay is a stanch Republican, has been a mem- 
ber of the County Central Committee in several 
campaigns, and has twice served as chairman of 
that body. He was acting chairman during the 
Gariield- Hancock campaign in 1880, when Los 
Angeles County was carried for Garfield by 
sixty majority, being Republican for the first 
time in its history; was chairman of the com- 
mittee in the campaign of 1884, when the county 
was carried by a mnch larger majority for Mr. 
Blaine; has also participated in several State 
conventions. 

Julius Beousseau. Wherever on this conti- 
nent the realm of mind dominates and dii-ects 
the affairs of men, the representatives of New 
England and New York will be found in the 
front. The learned professions of Southern 
California are no exception to this rule. Promi- 
nent among the members of the bar of Los 
Angeles County is Julius Brousseau-, a native 
of the Empire State, born in Malone, Franklin 
County. He is the eldest of five children — two 
sons and three daughters — of Julius Brousseau 



llltiTOHY UF LOS AJSUELEU COUNTY. 



and nee Marienne Jarvis, both of French nation- 
ality, and now residents of Los Angeles County, 
each being seventy-six years of age. When Mr. 
Bronsseau was two years old his parents moved 
to Monroe County, New York, and there the 
succeeding twenty-three years of his life were 
passed. His literary education was obtained in 
the public schools and in Lima Seminary. Like 
many other young men of limited means who 
have fought life's battle successfully, Mr. Brous- 
seau started out by teaching school, in which he 
was engaged about eight or nine years. On 
leaving his native State, he went to Michigan, 
and read law in the office of Hon. William New- 
ton, District Judge, in the city of Flint, that 
State. Being admitted to the bar of the Su- 
preme Court of Michigan in the fall of 1861, 
Mr. Brousseau commenced the practice of law 
in F.int. Two years later he moved to the city 
of Saginaw, and there conducted a large arid 
successful legal business till his failing health 
compelled a change of location in the spring of 
1870. While in Saginaw he served two terms 
of two years each as city attorney. Removing 
to Kankakee, Illinois, he there enjoyed a suc- 
cessful professional career of neai-ly seven years, 
when the delicate health of his family demanded 
another change of climate; and, resigning the 
office of city attorney, in which he was serving 
his second term, he started with his family, 
early in January, 1877, for California. Arriving 
in Los Angeles the 16th of that month, they 
have since made that city their home. Shortly 
after settling here Mr. Bronsseau entered into a 
law partnership with Judge Volney E. Howard 
and his son, Frank Howard, under the firnistyleof 
Howard, Brousseau & Howard, which continued 
until Judge Howard went on the bench three 
years after. In 1880 Mr. Brousseau removed his 
office into the Baker Block and practiced alone 
until May, 1886, when Judge David P. Hatch 
moved down from Santa Barbara and the present 
firm of Brousseau & Hatch was formed, the firm 
being one of the ablest on this part of the Pa- 
cific Coast. This firm has had a very large civil 
practice in the State and the United States 



courts, and have all the partners and two or 
three assistants can attend to. In Michigan Mr. 
Brousseau did considerable criminal practice, 
and became quite celebrated locally for his elo- 
quence and ability as a trial lawyer in criminal 
cases; but, finding that branch of practice not 
agreeable to his taste or wishes, he entirely 
abandoned criminal practice on leaving there. 

In the fall of 1860 Mr. Brousseau married Miss 
Carrie Yakeley in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She is 
a native of Seneca County, New York, of Ger- 
man parentage on her mother's side and English 
o I her father's side. Mr. and Mrs. Brousseau 
have four children — two sons and two daughters 
— ranging in age from twenty-six to thirteen 
years. Miss Kate, the eldest child, after gradu- 
ating from the State Normal School, spent a 
year and a half in Europe traveling and studying 
the French and German languages. Miss Ma- 
bel, the younger daughter, is devoting her at- 
tention to music. The sons, Eddie and Roy, 
are fifteen and thirteen years of age respectively. 
Mr. Brousseau has taken thirty-two Scottish 
Rite degrees in Masonry, and is now Master of 
Rose Cross Lodge of Los Angeles. Though a 
Democrat politically, he has never been an act- 
ive politician. Twice in his life he has yielded 
to the wishes of his friends and run for office; 
while in Michigan he was a candidate for the 
Legislature, and since residing in Los Angeles 
was candidate for Superior Judge. He ran 
against large political odds in both cases, and, 
though receiving more than the vole of the party, 
was defeated in each instance. 

Hknry T. Gaopj was born near Geneva, in 
the State of New York, in November, 1853. At 
a very early age he moved with his parents to 
Michigan. He commenced the practice of the 
law in Los Angeles in 1877, and in a short time 
became recognized as one of the most careful, 
well-grounded and successful attorneys at the 
bar. The end of the first decade of his practice 
found him at the head of his profession. 

In the appearance of his dress he does not at 
all fill the ideal of the lawyer, but, on the con- 
trary, he strikes one as a prosperous and tlior- 



UISTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



oughly content farmer. In stature he is above 
medium height, strongly and compactly built, 
with a face indicating great determination and 
strength of character. 

In the trial of causes there is no lawyer at 
the bar more courteous, considerate and polite 
than is Mr. Gage. But those who have crossed 
swords with him have become convinced that 
when most polite he is professionally most dan- 
gerous. In the preparation of his cases, he 
leaves absolutely no point unexamined, but is 
as careful of the law as he is in the details of 
the trial; as a consequence, there perhaps is no 
lawyer in Southern California who has been 
more uniformly successful in the results of 
his professional efforts. It is a fact of which 
his friends feel proud, that of the great number 
of most important civil and criminal cases tried 
by him, he has lost a very small proportion, — 
so few, that were the number given, the correct- 
ness of the statement might be doubted. 

His position at the bar necessarily gives him 
a prominence which would mean distinction in 
politics, were he disposed to such a career. 
But, notwitlistanding many efforts to have him 
till office, he has persistently declined such 
honors. In the field of politics his only office- 
holding, if sucli it may be termed, was that of 
being selected as a delegate at large from the State 
of California to the National Republican Con- 
vention at Chicago, which assembled in that city 
in 1888. He took a very prominent part in its 
deliberations, having been selected to second the 
nomination of Levi P. Morton for the Vice- 
Presidency. 

Mr. Gage afibrds another illustration in the 
history of American men of mark, of the self- 
made man, inasmuch as mentally and profes- 
sionally his position is due exclusively to his 
own efforts. 

Hon. Charles Silent, a member of the law 
firm of Houghton, Silent & Campbell, one of 
the most prominent and prosperous in the Los 
Angeles bar, was born in Germany, in 1843. 
In his childhood his parents immigrated to 
America and settled in Columbus, Ohio. His 



parents being in indigent circumstances, the 
ambitious boy left home at twelve years of age 
and started out to fight the battle of life alone. 
Borrowing some money from a friend he em- 
barked at New York for California via the 
Isthmus of Panama, and arrived in San Fran- 
cisco in August, 1856. Taking up his residence 
in Drytown, Amador County, the adventurous 
youth worked at various occupations during the • 
next four years in that place, and attended 
school one or two terms. Having formed a plan 
having for its ultimate object the practice of tlie 
law, he employed every spare hour in a system- 
atic course of study, and so thorough had been 
the work of the self-taught boy that in 1860 he 
passed an examination for teaching, receiving a 
first-grade certificate. After teaching three 
months in the country he was employed to take 
charge of the school in which he had been a 
pupil, and taught it with marked success till 
1862, when he entered the University of the 
Pacific in Santa Clara. Meeting with a finan- 
cial loss he was obliged to quit college at the 
close of the first term and was elected principal 
of the Santa Clara public schools. Continuing 
his studies while teaching, Mr. Silent received 
from the University of the Pacific the honorary 
degree of A. M. in 1872. While still teaching 
he studied law, and was admitted to tlie bar, 
and entered upon practice in the fall of 1868 
as the junior member of the law firm of Moore, 
Laine & Silent in San Jose After two years of 
extensive and lucrative practice with that firm 
he severed his connection with it, and until 
1878 divided his time between his profession 
and other pursuits. In February, 1878, he was 
appointed by President Hayes one of the Su- 
preme Judges. of Arizona, which office he tilled 
till 1880, then resigned to resume the law 
practice in Tucson, Arizona. At the close of 
three years of very profitable 'fegal business 
Judge Silent retired for a rest. In 1886 he re- 
moved from San Jose to Los Angeles, and upon 
settling in the Southern metropolis became a 
member of the law firm before mentioned in 
this article, and which ranks among the first iii 





1<XJ2^ 



lIIsroliY OF LOS ANGEI.KS COUNTY. 



ability and volume of business in the bar of the 
city. He has always been identified with ont 
side business interests, which with the income 
from his practice have made him financially 
independent. Judge Silent's first wife was the 
daughter of Rev. John Daniel, of Santa Clara, 
whom he married in 18(54. She died in 1870, 
and two years after he married the eldest daugh- 
ter of M. Tantau. an old citizen of Santa CJlara 
County. 

J AMKs ]\[()Nit()|.; Damko.m, a proiniiu-nt attorney 
at law, Los Angeles, is a native of Johnson 
('ounty, Illinois, where he was born December 
10, 1855, the son of Samuel Damron, whose 
ancestors came from France. James received 
his education and passed his minority in his 
native place. After studying law for a due 
time, he was admitted to the bar in 1879. 
Afterward he removed to Cairo, Illinois, where 
he was elected State's Attorney in 1880, he 
being the only one of the seventeen candidates 
on the Republican ticket who was elected. In 
1883 he came to Los Angeles, where he has 
since practiced his profession, with the ex- 
ception of the time he was in the Legislature. 
During District Attorney Holton's incumbency, 
Mr. Damron acted as a deputy of that officer. 

In the fall of 1888 he was elected on the 
Republican ticket to tlie Assembly, by about 
1,500 majority. The constituency he represented 
in the Legislature — being about 85,000 people — 
is larger than that of any other member of the 
Assembly, and his prominence there as a gen- 
uine statesman has been marked. He was a 
member of the judiciary committee, the House 
being Democratic. He is a man of great energy, 
clear-headed and an eloquent debater. Among 
the important measures adopted by the Legis- 
lature is the law originated by Mr. Damron, 
and in which he takes justifiable pride, estab- 
lishing a reform school for Southern California, 
to be located in Los Angeles County, and ap- 
propriating $200,000 therefor. There has long 
been a demand in this State for an institution 
of this kind. Since the passage of the law a 
committee, consisting of Doctor Walter Lindley 



— who is to be the superintendent of the in- 
stitution — lions. J. Sims and J. M. Damron, 
and R. B. Young, architect, has visited Eastern 
reformatory institutions for the purpose of be- 
coming acquainted with the very best system of 
juvenile penology to be found anywhere in the 
Union. This committee visited the State in- 
stitutions of Ohio, New York, Connecticut, 
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, 
etc. As a result of their studies of the question 
by actual inspection of the various Eastern re- 
formatories, it has been decided to ado]>t what 
is called the open cottage or family system, 
without prison walls; that is, to trust pupils and 
seek to build up in them self-respect, and en- 
courage them to forget that they are criminals 
in any sense, and to stimulate in them the belief 
that there is a future for them, as there is for 
all who seek to do well, — in other words, to make 
an honorable future possible for them. The 
school has been already located at Whittier, in 
this county; and it is e.xpected that the necessary 
buildings will be erected and ready for oc- 
cupancy by September, 1890. The first board 
of trustees consists of liervey Lindley, of Los 
Angeles, President; Hon. Jamas R. Lowe, of 
San Jose; and Hon. Josiah Sims, of Nevada 
City. 

Mr. Damron was inarried in 1878 to Miss 
Florence Scott, a lineal descendant of Sir Wal- 
ter Scott, and they have three children — one 
son, Lloyd, and two daughters, Nortnad and 
Florita. 

Hon. AuiiULius W. Hutton, a prominent rep- 
resentative of and long practitioner in the Los 
Angeles bar, was born in Greene County, Ala- 
bama, July 23, 1847. His parents both dying 
in his early childhood — -his father in 1852 and 
his mother in 1854^the orphan boy was reared 
in the family of his eldest sister, Mrs. D. II. 
Williams, whose husband was his guardian. 
Young Ilutton's early education was obtained 
in the Old Field private schools; and in 1863 
he entered the University of Alabama, a mili- 
tary school, becoming a member of the Ala- 
bama Corps Cadets. He attended there until 



UIHTORY OF LOS AUGELES COUNTY. 



that institution was destroyed by United States 
troops in April, 1865. In January, 1886, be 
began the study of law in the office of Bliss & 
Snedecor, in Gainesville, Snniter County, Ala- 
bama, the home of his guardian. Mr. Bliss 
was a distinguished lawyer from New England, 
the former partner of Hon. Joe Baldwin, the 
author of " Flush Times in Alabama and Mis- 
sissippi." At the close of a year and a half of 
office study, Mr. Hutton entered the law depart- 
ment of the University of Virginia, at the age 
of twenty, and completed the studies of both 
the junior and senior classes in one year. lie 
graduated with the degree of B. L., in June, 
1868, a month before his twenty-first birthday. 
Li January, 1869, he was admitted to practice 
in the Supreme Court of Alabama, and Janu- 
ary 23, of that year, he sailed from New York, 
via the Isthmus of Panama, fur California, ar- 



riving 



in San Francisco, February 15, 1869. 



Early in April he came to Los Angeles, and has 
been actively engaged in the practice of his 
profession ever since, except two years he was 
on the Superior Bench. In December, 1872, 
he was elected city attorney of Los Angeles, 
for a term of two years, and was re- elected in 
1874. While serving in that capacity he 
drafted the first regular city charter for the 
government of Los Angeles, and also the re- 
vised charter of 1876, many of the piincipal 
features of which have been embodied in the 
revised charter of 1878. Two vacancies occur- 
ring on the Superior Bench of Los Angeles 
County, by an act of February 7, 1887, provid- 
ing an increased number of judges, a meeting 
of the bar was held to consider the comparative 
merits of the six candidates for the position. 
On the first ballot cast by that body, Mr. Hut- 
ton received eighty-two of the 104 votes cast; 
and upon this strong endorsement he was ap- 
pointed Superior Judge, in February, 1887, by 
Governor W. Bartlett, for the term of nearly 
two years. He was nominated on the Demo- 
cratic ticket to be his own successor; but, al- 
though he ran about 800 votes ahead of the 
party ticket, he could not overcome the Repub- 



lican majority of more than 3,000, and retired 
from the bench to resume his law practice, in 
partnership with J. W. Swanwick, a rising 
young lawyer of this county, with some six 
years' practice. Judge Hutton was one of the 
original incorporators of the San Gabriel Orange 
Grove Association — Indiana Colony — which 
founded the city of Pasadena. 

In February, 1874, Judge Hutton married 
Miss Kate Travis, a native of the same town in 
which he was born, and who came with her 
parents to California on the same steamer with 
him. Seven children, five daughters and two 
sons, are the fruit of this union. 

Allen P. Bentley, notary public and law 
practitioner in Compton, is a pioneer of 1875. 
When he first came to the State he lived two 
years at Santa Monica, and then came to Comp- 
ton, where he established the lumber business, 
which he carried on very successfully for ten 
years. 

Mr. Bentley was born in Ontario County, 
New York, in 1816, and is a son of Preston D. 
and Sophia (James) Bentley. The former was 
a native of New York and the latter of Rhode 
Island, and both are of English origin. The 
subject of this sketch learned the trade of 
printing in Canandaigua, New York, and while 
yet a boy he went to Rochester, where he 
worked at the trade for five years. He then 
went to Michigan and worked two years on the 
Free-Press. From there he went to Mt. Clem- 
ens, Macomb County, where he was connected 
with a newspaper and was justice, of the peace 
and county treasurer of that county for four 
years. In 1858 he moved to Council Bluffs, 
Iowa, and subsequently to Burlington, the same 
State, where he was editor and proprietor of the 
Gazette for two years, having for a partner 
George M. Todd. 

In 1837 he was married to Eliza Bennett, in 
Rochester, New York, and to them have been 
born six children: Emlius A., who was killed 
by the Indians in Arizona; Tunis A., Dora, 
Sylvia, Allenette and Farina N. The mother 
of these children died in 1878, and in 1879 



ui^rojx'y OF LOS anoeles county. 



Mr. Bentley married Mrs. Annie Sibley, a 
native of Niagara County, New York. She 
departed this life in October, 1884. Mr. Bent- 
ley again entered the marriage relation, this 
time with Mrs. Susan Chirk, a native of Illi- 
nois, but principally roared in California. 

Mr. Bentley is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. During his residence at Burling- 
ton, Iowa, he was for five years Master of Bur- 
lington Lodge, No. 20, and two years Iligii 
Priest of Iowa Chapter, No. 1. He is also a 
Knight Templar at Compton. Politically he 
is an advocate of the principles of the Demo- 
cratic party, having cast his first Presidential 
vote for Van Buren in 1840. He has served 
as justice of the peace in Compton for six 
years, and is now city attorney. Mr. Bentley 
owns several houses and lots in Compton, and 
a neat residence on Main street. He is one of 
the true pioneers, and a man well thought of 
and highly respected by all who know him. 

KiciiAED R. Tannek, attorney at law, Santa 
Monica, is a native of California, born in 1858. 
His early life was spent in Santa Cruz and 
Monterey counties. In 1871 he went to Ven- 
tura County, and while there was engaged in 
tiie study of law and also in mercantile busi- 
ness. 

He came to Santa Monica in 1885, and since 
then has devoted his time to the practice of his 
profession, in whicli he has been very success- 
ful, and is now enjoying an increasing law pi-ac- 
tice. He is the attorney for the First National 
Bank of Santa Monica, for the Santa Monica 
Lumber Company, and has also recently been 
appointed deputy district attorney, and city 
attorne}' for Santa Monica. 

In 1884 he was united in marriage with the 
daughter of Judge Henry Robinson, of Ventura 
County. Mr. Tanner is one of those genial 
kind of gentlemen with whom it is a pleasure 
to come in contact. Although a young man, he 
lias, by his own energy, pushed his way to the 
front and enjoys an enviable position in both 
business and social circles. Like all true Cali- 
fornians, he has great faith in the future pros- | 



perity and development of the Golden State, and 
especially is he enthusiastic over the future of 
Santa Monica. 

Hon. Cornelius Cole, ex-Senator, was born 
in Seneca County, New York, September 17, 
1822. His father, David Cole, was a native of 
New Jersey, and his mother, nee Rachel Town- 
send, was a native of Dutchess County, New 
York. Mr. Cole attended tlie public schools, 
Geneva College, and the Wesleyan University 
in Connecticut, where he was graduated. After 
studying law at Auburn, he was admitted to 
prac-tice in the Supreme Court of New York, at 
Oswego, May 1, 1848. 

In company with a small party he crossed the 
plains, by way of Fort Laramie and Salt Lake, 
and arrived at Sacramento City, then called El 
Embarcadoro, July 24, 1849. From there he 
went to the mines in El Dorado County, where 
he had good success, washing out often over 
$100 per day. Thence he went to San Fran- 
cisco, where, the following spring, he com- 
menced the practice of law. While he was in 
the East, in 1851, San Francisco was visited by 
destructive fires, in which his office and its con- 
tents were entirely consumed. Business calling 
him to Sacramento, he concluded to open an 
office there. Mr. Cole continued to be engrossed 
in his profession till the opening of the Presi- 
dential campaign of 1856 when he edited the 
Republican paper, the Sacramento Dally Tunes. 
After the election he returned to the law, but 
during the following four years he was the 
California member of tlie Republican National 
Committee. In 1859 he was elected district 
attorney for the city and county of Sacramento. 
In 18G3 he was elected a member of Congress, 
and served the people of this State and of this 
coast faithfully and with great ability. In 1866 
he was elected to the United States Senate, tak- 
ing his seat March 4, 1867, and occupying the 
place for six years, during which time he 
served on some of the most important commit- 
tees of tliat body, being chairman of the com- 
mittee on appropriations for four years of his 
term. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY 



Chapman & Hendeick. — Judge John S. Chap- 
man, of this firm, is one of tlie a]>lest lawyers on 
the Pacific Coast. His niaiiner is earnest and 
impressive, and lie has the happy facultjy^ of 
always knowing what to saj', how to say it, and 
when he has said it. It is a pleasure to listen 
to him address a jury or expound a legal prop- 
osition to a court. He makes no pretensions 
to oratory, as the lerni is generally understood, 
but he has a clear and forcible way of stating 
facts and presenting the law that carries convic- 
tion to his hearers. Like all great lawyers, he 
deals fairly with his adversary, and often states 
his opponent's ease more forcibly than opposing 
counsel. Earnest, faithful, absolutely fearless, 
gifted with great physical endurance and an 
industry that knows no bounds, he has won 
for himself the gratitude of his clients, the 
admiration of the bar and the respect of the 
courts. 

Born in Arkansas in 1842, he came to Cali- 
fornia when seventeen years of age; was brought 
up on a ranch; studied law at odd times while 
acting as deputy county clei-k, and afterward 
as under sherifi', and was admitted to the bar of 
Lassen County in 1870. Governor Haight ap- 
pointed him county judge in the same year to 
till an unexpired term, and he was elected to 
succeed himself in 1871. for a term of four 
years, beginning January 1, 1872. In the fall 
of that year he resigned his position to attend 
to the administration of the estate of his father- 
in-law. He continued his law practice, serving 
one terra in the State Legislature with his usual 
ability, and was admitted to practice in the 
Supreme Court of the State at the October term 
in 1877. During this time he was engaged in 
all of the important water and mining litigation 
in his district. 

In the tall of 1878, tiring of the limited field 
jiresented to him in Lassen County, and wish- 
ing to escape the rigors of the winters there, he 
removed to Los Angeles. While at first he 
labored under the difiiculties that always beset 
the ])ath of a lawyer in a new field, still his 
ability was soon recognized. In the spring of 



1880 he formed a partnership with Mr. J. .\. 
Graves, the firm being Graves & Chapman. 
This connection lasted until January 1, 1885, 
when lie was joined by Judge James W. Hend- 
rick, his brother-in-law and former law partner 
in Lassen County. 

Judge Plendrick had just finished, with credit 
to himself, his term as Superior Judge of Lassen 
County, to which position he was elected at the 
first election following the adoption of the new 
constitution. He was born in Missouri in 1851, 
came to California in 1862, residing first at 
Napa, then at Oakland, prior to coming to Los 
Angeles County. 

Both of these gentlemen are well satisfied 
with Los Angeles. They stand in the front 
rank of an able bar, enjoy a large practice, 
embracing some of the heaviest litigation con- 
ducted in their section. Judge Hendrick 
attends, principally, to the ofiice business of the 
firm, and, in so doing, has passed the title to all 
the property upon which the German Savings 
and Loan Society of San Francisco have loaned 
money here. 

CnEiSToruKR Noktii Wilson was born at 
Gustavus, Trumbull County, Ohio, January 10, 
1830. His family was of English and Scotch 
descent. His father. Job Wilson, was a Meth- 
odist Episcopal preacher, one of the })ioneers of 
the Western Reserve (Ohio) countty, and Western 
Pennsylvania. He married Eliza Frew, daugh- 
ter of Thomas Frew, one of the first settlers of 
Meadville, Pennsylvania. Mr. Frew was born 
in Maryland; his father settled near Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania, shortly after the expulsion of 
the French from Fort Ducpiesne, and reared a 
large family of sons and two daughters. Their 
descendants may be found in nearly every West- 
ern State and the Territories. C. N. Wilson 
was at an early age sent to Quaker schools at 
Smithtield and Somerton. Ohio, and at the age 
of twelve years entered as a student at Alle- 
ghany College, Meadville, Pennsylvania. In 
1846 his mother died, and just one month after- 
ward his father died. Thrown upon his own 
abilities young Wilson went to Pittsburg. Penn- 




u< 



^-y H-olAj^C^ 



HISTORY Oi* LOS ANGELi 



sylvania, and was for several j'ears engaged in 
the furniture .business. In 1855 the opening 
up of the Territory of Minnesota attracted his 
attention, and he went to Minneapolis about the 
time it began its business importance. He was 
engaged in some of the Government surveys in 
the Crow River country, tiien occupied by tlie 
Sioux and Chippewa Indians. In 1858 he re- 
turned to Pennsylvania and commenced the 
study of law with W. K. Scott, of Meadville, 
Pennsylvania. After the commencement of the 
war of the Rebellion he was offered and accepted 
an appointment in the Treasury Department at 
Washington, D. C. Joining the law class of Co- 
lumbian University, he graduated in 1869, and 
was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court 
of the District of Columbia. He siiortly after 
resigned his position in the Treasury and re- 
inov^ed to Los Angeles, California, where he has 
resided continuously ever since. In political 
affairs Mr. Wilson has always been a Native 
American; he was a candidate for the office of 
Secretary of State on the American ticket, for 
the State of California, in 1886; was a delegate 
to the National Convention that met in Wash- 
ington ill August, 1888, and is a member of the 
State cantr.il CJmmitte3 of the American party 
for the State of California. 

He is an active member of the National 
Guard of California, having baen commissioned 
as judge advocate with the rank of Major on 
General Banning's staff in 1872; was one of 
the organizers of the Eagle Corps in 1881, and is 
now Commissary of tiie Seveiitn Regiment Na- 
tionil GuirJ of California. 

He is a member of Pentapli* Lodge, F. & 
A. M., of which he has i)eeii Senior Warden. 

Mr. Wilson took an active pirt in jiutting in 
operation tiie first street cir line laid in Los 
Angeles City, and was for several years a stock- 
holder, director and secret iry of the Si.xth and 
Spring street line. 

He has been largely interested in bee-keeping 
ever since he came to California, and now has 
three apiaries in successful operation. 

In religion he i.s a LowCinircli I'^pi-scopalian, 



and is heartily at war with Romanism in all its 
operations on American soil. 

Hon. David P. Hatch. The expression "The 
Man from Maine" can be appropriately applied 
to others besides the distinguished man at the 
head of the State Department of our Govern- 
ment, for the Pine Tree State has bred great 
lawyers and jurists as well as eminent states- 
men. The Los Angeles County bar has its man 
from Maine in the person of Judge David P. 
Hatch, who is an honored representative of his 
profession, both in the forum and on the bench. 
On the 22d day of November, 1846, on the bank 
of the Kennebec River, on the stmrise shore of 
America, this David was born. His grand- 
father had cleared up the little farm, and erected 
the massive old house with its huge hewed raft- 
ers, in which his family were born and reared; 
and there his son, Ebenezer Hatch, reared his 
family, among them David, and lived and died. 
The old homestead, which has been owned and 
oc-upied for more than a century by the grand- 
sire and his descendants, is now the home of the 
Judge's youngest brother. Margaret Fanny Pat- 
terson, who becatne the wife of Ebenezer Hatch, 
had been a New England school-teacher and was 
a cultured, amiable wife and mother. David 
passed the first fifteen years of his life on the 
little farm, at which age the restless ambition 
and youthful love of adventure not infrequently 
dominant in the boy of promise, asserted them- 
selves, and young Hatch left the quiet country 
home and went to Boston. Fascinated by the 
glamour and gaiety of New England's metropo- 
lis, and desiring to master the mysteries of the 
stage, the youthful adventurer hired out to a 
theatrical manager. Parental authority, how- 
ever, vetoed this engagement forthwith, thus 
nipping in the i).id the son's aspirations for 
dramatic fame. After remaining in Boston the 
greater part of a year. Master Hatch returned 
to his native State and spent nearly two years 
in the wilderness of Northern Maine, anaong 
wild Indians (Penobscots and Canadas) and wild 
animals, hunting and trapping. At the end of 
this time he had jiartiy arranged to accompany 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



George Jones, one of Kit Carson's scouts, to 
Kansas on a biiflalo hunt, when the prudent 
foresight and wise counsel of his mother inter- 
posed and changed the current of her son's life 
by persuading David to spend a year in school 
before going on iiis contemplated hunting ex- 
pedition. He entered Maine Wesleyan Semi- 
nar}', and, as his mother had anticipated, by the 
time he had spent a year in school his naturally 
active mind had experienced an intellectual 
awaliening, which subordinated his love of forest 
and gun to the new-born love for books and 
knowledge. Six years were spent in the semi- 
nary, save three or four winter terms out teach- 
ing to earn expense money, and in June, 1871, 
Mr. Hatch was graduated with flattering honors. 
Coming West, he entered the Law School of 
Michigan University that fall, and at the close 
of a year's study in that institution, went into 
the law office of Biggelow, Flandrau & Clark in 
St. Paul, Minnesota. Being admitted to prac- 
tice in the Supreme Court of that State in 1872, 
he opened a law office in Fergus Falls and com- 
menced practice. In 1874 Mr. Hatch was elected 
district attorney of that county (Ottertail), but 
resigned in the spring of 1875 and came to Cali- 
fornia. Settling in Santa Barbara, he formed a 
parfneiship with Hon. E. E. Hall, ex-Attorney 
General of West Virginia, which relation con- 
tinued till Mr. Hatch went on to the Superior 
Bench. In the spring of 1880 he was elected 
city attorney of Santa Barbara, which office he 
resigned the following fall, to enter upon his 
duties as Superior Judge, having been appointed 
for four years to serve out the unexpired term 
of Judge Eugene Fawcett. In 1884 he was re- 
elected as his own successor, and in 1886 re- 
signed to accept a law partnership with Julius 
Brousseau, of Los Angeles, and removed to that 
city. Both gentlemen being possessed of ex- 
traordinary legal ability, the firm of Brousseau 
& Hatch at once assumed a leading position in 
the Los Angeles bar, and have maintained it 
with increasing prestige and popularity to the 
present time. They are both strong men, either ! 
as counselors or trial lawvers; and. conliiiino' j 



their attention entirely to the civil practice, they 
handle numerous cases in which large values are 
involved and for w-liich coi-respondingly liberal 
fees are received, reaching in some cases $10,000. 
The income of the iirm is one of the largest of 
any law firm in Southern California. They have 
all the business the partners and several assist- 
ants can attend to. Judge Hatch is not only 
a man of distinguished ability as an advocate, 
but possesses a fine judicial mind, a fact fully 
demonstrated by his flattering record on the 
bench. One of the most noted cases that came 
before him for trial was the Perkins Baldwin 
breach of promise suit, in which Louise Perkins 
was plaintiff, and E. J. Baldwin, the wealthy 
sporting man, was defendant. At the request 
of the Los Angeles judges. Judge Hatch came 
down from Santa Barbara to adjudicate the case. 
The trial opened February 1, 1886, and con- 
sumed the entire month. Sensational features 
developed during the trial, and public feeling 
was wrought up to an intense state of excite- 
ment. Miss Perkins obtained a verdict for 
$75,000 damages, the largest sum awarded in a 
case of that kind in the United States up to that 
time. The case was appealed by defendant, but 
was compromised before it came to trial, for 
$14,000. It was during his stay in Los Angeles 
on this occasion that Judge Hatch decided to 
make the "City of Angels" his future home. 
While residing in Santa Barbara, Judge Hatch 
turned his attention to bee culture as a pastime, 
and during his summer vacations he devoted a 
good deal of study to the subject, becoming one 
of the most expert apiarists on the Pacific Coast. 
He gave special attention to breeding for the 
best results, and imported queen bees from 
Palestine, the Holy Land, paying as much as 
$16 for one queen, and sold specimen queens of 
their progeny from his own apiary for $5 each. 
His apiary produced as high as forty tons of 
honey in a season. In 1874 Judge Hatch re- 
turned to liis native State from Minnesota, and 
married Miss Ida Stilphen, a Maine lady. Mrs. 
Hatch having a desire to master the intricate 
problems of the law, studied three years with 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



her brother, one of the leading attorneys of 
Maine, after which she attended the Hastings 
College of Law in San Francisco, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar of California in . She 

has never practicfd bnt a few months, and then 
chiefly in oflSce work. Of the live children born i 
of their marriage, only two, one of each sex, are 
living. 

Judge Hatch is a member of the Knights 
Templar in the Masonic order, and of the Los ] 
Angeles County Ear Association. 

Graves, O'Melvext & Shanklaxd. The 
members of this firm are J. A. Graves, H. "W. I 
O'Melveny and J. H. Shankland, all of whom 
are men of family. 

Mr. Graves came to California in 1S57, when 
four years of age; spent his early life on a \ 
ranch at MarysN-ille; graduated from St. Mary's , 
College at San Francisco in 1873, with the de- 
gree of A. M.; studied law in that city, and | 
came to Los Angeles in 1875, as a clerk for 
Erunson «fe Eastman, who were doing as large a 
business as any firm in Southern California. 
He was admitted to the bar by the Supreme 
Court of the State on January 10, 1876, and 
was immediately admitted to the firm by his 
former employers, the business being conducted 
under the name of Erunson, Eastman & Graves; 
and from that time until its dissolution in 1878, 
his firm did the leading law business in Los 
Angeles City and county. On January 13, 
1S76, the banking house of Temple & Workman 
failed, and Erunson, Eastman & Graves became 
the attorneys for Daniel Freeman and E. F. I 
Spence, to whom Temple & Workman made an 
assignment for the benetit of their creditors. 
The unsecured debts of the assignors were over 
§11,000,000, and their assets nian3' and valuable. 
Had their creditors allowed the assignment to 
stand in peace, the dividends paid by the 
assignees would have equaled a large per cent- 
age of the total indebtedness; but assaults of ! 
every conceivable nature were ma<le upon the 
assignment. Law suits of every description 
embarrassed the assignees in the administration 
of their trust. The amount of money expended I 



for costs and in protecting the assets of the es- 
tate was simply enormous. William Work- 
man, one of the assignors, finally committed 
suicide. F. P. F. Temple, his co-assignor, 
partner and son-in-law, misled by the advice of 
parties who had influence with him, filed a 
petition in bankruptcy under the national act, 
as surviving partner of the firm of Temple & 
Workman. He was adjudicated a bankrupt, 
and George E. Long, an old and respected 
resident of Los Angeles, was elected his assignee. 
Many of the creditors objected to Freeman <fe 
Spence delivering the assets of the firm to the 
assignee in bankruptcy; and a long and bitter 
contest followed between Long, assignee under 
the National Eankruptcy Act, and Freeman & 
Spence, assignees under the State law, which 
finally resulted in a judgment against Freeman 
& Spence, rendered by the United States Dis- 
trict Court for the district of California; under 
which, after a settlement of their accounts be- 
fore Judge HoiFman, they surrendered the assets 
of the insolvents to Assignee Long. In the 
meantime E. J. Baldwin, who held a mortgage 
for §280,000, or thereabouts, bearing interest 
at a heavy rate, foreclosed the same, and at a 
sale under a decree had in the case, bid in 
nearly all of the valuable lands of the assignors, 
including large portions of the Puente, Merced 
and Potrero ranchos, and a great deal of prop- 
erty in the city of Los Angeles. Other fore- 
closures followed, the Xewmarks getting the 
Temple Elock for about §130,000. There was a 
gradual shrinkage of values, and of the assets of 
Temple & Workman; and, notwithstanding the 
magnitude of the estate, the creditors never re- 
ceived anything. All went into the whirlpool 
of litigation and the maelstrom of hard times. 
Freeman & Spence, as assignees, were involved, 
either as plaintiffs or defendants, in over 100 
actions at law or in equity, and Assignee Long 
in as many more. Erunson, Eastman & Graves' 
connection with the estate terminated upon the 
surrender of the assets of tlic estate l)y Freeman 
& Spence to Long. 

Upon the dissolution of the firm of Erunson, 



184 



iiisTonr uF 1.08 angeles county. 



Eastman & Graves, the latter practiced by him- 
self for a year; ami afterwanl, in 1880, formed 
a partnership with Mr. J. S. Chapman, now of 
Chapman it Hendricks, tlie firm being Graves 
& Chapman. This connection lasted five years, 
the firm taking a front rank among the lawyers 
of Los Angeles Connty, and having a large and 
remnnerative practice. 

Ill January, 1885, Graves & Chapman dis- 
solved partnership, and the firm of Graves & 
0"i\[clvcny was formed; and in April, 1888, 
the tinu i.ecaine (iraves, O'Mdvony i^c Shank- 
hmd. 

iir. II. W. O'Melveny came to Los Angeles 
wliiU" ([iiite young, with his parents, his father 
being the Hon. IL K. S. O'Melveny, who was 
for two years county judge of Los Angeles 
Connty. and who also served a term on the 
Superior Hench. \l\-. O'Melveny graduated 
from the University of the State of California, 
and studied law- with Messrs. Bicknell & White, 
serving as deputy district attorney under the 
latter. 

]\[r. James TI. Siiankhmd is a native of Ten- 
nessee, an alumnus of 13rown University, and 
has been on this coast since 1874. For about 
ten years prior to his locating in Los Angeles, 
he was attorney for the Board of Trade of San 
Francisco. 

The firm of Graves, O'Melveny & Shankland 
occupies an enviable position at the Los Angeles 
bar, enjoying a large commercial and banking 
practice. It does as much, if not more, than 
any other firm in their city, in passing titles to 
real property. Theirs is largely an otfice busi- 
ness, and their list of clients embraces many of 
the most substantial financial institutions on 
the coast, among which are the Farmers «.t 
Merchants' Bank of Los Angeles, the First 
National Bank of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles 
Savings Bank, the Security Savings Bank & 
Trust Company, all of Los Angeles, and Messrs. 
Balfour, Guthrie & Co., of San Francisco. 
Among their commercial clients are tlie Los 
Angeles Board of Trade, Hellman, Haas l'c Co., 
Jacoby Bros.. Hayden, Lewis & Co., M. Levy 



& Co., L. Harris & Co., the Los Angeles Farm- 
ing & Milling Co., the Capitol Milling Co., 
Schoder, Johnston & Co., the J. M. Griflith 
Co., Kerckhoff-Cuzner Mill & Lumber Co., San 
Pedro Lumber Co., the Los Angeles Storage, 
Commission & Lumber Co., and other leading 
merchants of Los Angeles. They also are ad- 
visors of the Abstract and Title Insurance Com- 
pany of Los Angeles, the Metropolitan Loan 
Association, and of Wells, Fargo & Co. 

Fk.vnk p. Kklly, District Attorney of Los 
Angeles County, State of California, the subject 
of this sketch, was born in the city of Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania, on the 7th day of Jan- 
uary, 1854. His parents came to America from 
the county of Tyrone, in the north of Ireland, in 
the year 1836. 

At the early age of ten years, by reason of the 
liard times brought about by the Rebellion, he 
was compelled to leave school and go to work to 
assist in the support of a large family, his father 
and eldest brother heing in the army. His first 
work was that of errand boy in the drug store 
of James T. Shinn, on the corner of Broad and 
Spruce streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Realizing that his position in life would not 
permit him to stop work and go to school again, 
he began a course of reading and study with 
such books as he could command, with a full 
determination to supply as far as possible the 
want of scholastic training and to satisfy a crav- 
ing for knowledge. For the first three years of 
his work he drifted about from store to store as 
errand boy, and finally, at the age of thirteen, 
concluded to learn the trade of printer, entering 
the then large printing house of H. G. Leisen- 
ring & Co., in Old Dock street, near Tliird, 
Philadelphia. His father and brother returned 
from the war in 1865; in July, 1866, his father 
died. \n elder sister having been married and 
living in California for many years previous, 
wrote for the tamily to come out; and in Feb- 
ruary, 1867, the family, consisting of seven 
persons, left Philadelphia and came to California 
via New York and Panama, arriving in San 
Francisco in March of that vear. The familv 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



185 



proceeded to Sacrameuto City and located there. 
Here lie immediately applied fur a position, 
and was received into II. S. Crocker's printing 
establishment, remaining in continuous employ- 
ment in said printing-house for about five years, 
or until he had mastered the art of job printing 
and press-work; afterward, for about two years 
he served a further apprenticeship under E. G. 
Jeffries in what was then recognized and known 
as Jeffries' Law Printing Office, wliere little 
else than legal matter was printed, such as 
briefs, transcripts and Supreme Court reports. 
At the age of twenty he began business for him- 
self and conducted a small establishment in 
Sacramento called the Globe Jol) Printing Office, 
publishing in connection therewith a small 
daily newspaper called The State Capital Glohe; 
selling out the office in the fall of 1874, he 
removed to San Francisco, where with the 
money realized he began a career of speculation, 
which was quite successful until 1877, when 
by injudicious investments he lost nearly all of 
his small fortune; nothing daunted by his 
reverses he looked around to mend his fortunes, 
applied for and received a position on the Sacra- 
mento Daily Bee, then published under the 
management of General John F. Sheehan and 
James McClatchy, working as solicitor, collector 
and reporter dnring the winter of 1877 and 
spring of 1878. In April, 1878, lie purchased 
a newspaper, the Tehama Tocsin, and issued 
the lirst number under his editorial control, 
April 21, 1878. For four years and seven 
months the Tehama Tocsin came out regu- 
larly every week ; in 1882 he removed the 
plant from the town of Tehama to the county- 
seat. Red Pluff, and began the publication of a 
semi-weekly, selling it out in the fall of that 
year to a syndicate of politicians. The recur- 
rence of malarial fever attacks while living on 
the Sacramento River in that neighborhood, so 
affected Mr. Kelly's eyesight that he was com- 
pelled to leave that county, and by advice of a 
j)hysician sought the sea-coast, removing thenqe 
to Santa Barbara in the spring of 1883. 

In 1879, while living in Tehama County, 



Tehama and Colusa counties being then a joint 
Assembly District, Mr. Kelly was offered and 
accepted the nomination for the Assembly, 
although it was a forlorn hope for a Republican; 
and right here it might be observed that he has 
always been an enthusiastic Republican and an 
active aider in its triumphs in this State. Al- 
though young yet in years, he has been identi- 
fied with the party and lias been heard in its 
councils and on its platforms for nearly fifteen 
years. In the campaign of 1879, which stirred 
this State politically as it has not been stirred 
since, he opened the campaign at Chico with 
the Hon. George C. Perkins, candidate for Gov- 
ernor, and the Hon. Charles N. Fox, of Alameda. 
The great question of the new constitution 
with its bearings on the future prosperity of the 
State was the then absorbing topic. 

In the spring of 1883, after his arrival at 
Santa Barbara, whither he had gone for health, 
he accepted the position of editor of the Press, 
leaving that to accept the more pleasant and 
lucrative position of cashier and bookkeeper of 
the Arlington Hotel. During all these years, 
however, Mr. Kelly never forgot the ultimate 
object of his life, the entering of the profession 
of law, and every opportune moment he was 
studying the deep and interesting problems of 
law. In January, 1884, Mr. Kelly was called 
to take charge of the Rejniblican, a newspaper 
published in Los Angeles that year. His connec- 
tion with that paper was brief, leaving it to take 
the management of the Evening Express, and 
conducted that paper until purchased in August, 
1884, by Osborne & Cleveland, the jiresentpro- 
l>rietors. 

In 1884 Mr. Kelly was admitted to the bar, 
and has been in active practice ever since. In 
1885 Hon. J. W. McKiidey, who had been 
elected city attorney, appointed Mr. Kelly his 
assistant, and he remainfed such during the term 
of 1885-'86. When the term expired, being quite 
familiar with the principles and requirements 
of municipal law, Hon. George W. Knox, the 
assemblyman elect from Los Angeles City, 
called him to Sacramento in January, 1887", to 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



take the clerkship of the important committee 
of municipal corporations in tlie Assembly of 
which Mr. Knox was cliairman. On his return 
to Los Angeles from the Legislature, two new 
courts of the county having been created, he was 
appointed to the clerkshipof the Superior Court 
under Jiidcre O.'Melveny. After a few months 
he resigned this position to resume the prac- 
tice of law. Mr. Kelly is a careful and clear- 
headed lawyer, quick at comprehension, and 
with a liberal broad-gauge experience in life. 
Few lawyers of his age have been more success- 
ful in courts. 

In 1888 he was presented to the Eepublican 
County Convention for the nomination of dis- 
trict attorney for Los Angeles Coiinty against 
two competitors, and received tlie nomination 
at the hands of that large body of representative 
men, on the first ballot. He went into the cam- 
paign with enthusiasm for the Republican cause, 
and it was remarked at the time, that thougli 
Frank P. Kelly was making a splendid canvass 
for the whole ticket, not one word ever dropped 
from his lips about his own candidacy, and when 
asked about it, remarked, " that he was a Re- 
publican, and he would either win or lose with 
the ticket." A considerable opposition was or- 
ganized by a certain element against him in the 
city of Los Angeles, but he overcame it by his 
hard and consistent work in the outside dis- 
tricts, being elected to the office l)y a majority 
of 2,630 votes. 

He assumed the responsibilities of the office 
of district attorney on his thirty-fifth birthday, 
the 7th of January last, 1889, and has filled 
the office and done the work required of him 
with ability and credit to himself and his 
party. 

Mr. Kelly has a good deal of executive ability, 
and has a knack of handling men, tiie puldic 
and business that makes the wheels of criminal 
justice run smoothly. His appointments in his 
office, tiie cliaracter and ability of his deputies, 
is a strong example of this executive quality. 
Mr. Kelly is a man of family, having married 
in June, 1885, Miss Lillian E. Porter-Rundy, 



formerly of Lakeville, Connecticut, and has one 
child, Lucile B. Kelly, aged three years. 

Mr. Kelly is also recognized as an able, in- 
teresting and eloquent speaker, and is always 
called upon in the general elections to " take the 
stump" in the interests of the Republican ticket. 
In the campaign of 1884 he made twenty 
speeches in the county in favor of Blaine, and 
in 1888 made fifty-one speeches for Harrison 
and Morton. 

Colonel RioH.iRD Bryan Treat, one of the 
leading members of the California Ijar, was 
born in Tallraadge, Summit County, Ohio, Oc- 
tober 31, 1835; studied law in Warren, Trum- 
bull County, the same State, in the office of 
Hutchins, Cox & R itlifl:e, the members of which 
firm subsequently won distinguished honors in 
State and National politics. He graduated at 
the Harvard Law School in 1859, and the same 
year was admitted to practice in the Supreme 
Court of Massachusetts at Dedham. In 1860 
he commenced active practice at Canton, Ohio, 
as a partner with Hon. B. F. Liter, formerly 
member of Congress from that place. On April 
18, 1861, four days after the attack upon Fort 
Sumter, he responded to his country's call to 
defend her flag, and enlisted in Company F, 
Canton Zouaves, Fourth Ohio Lifantry, and 
remained until the end of the war, being hon- 
orably discharged with the rank of Colonel, in 
October, 1865. The last two years he served 
upon the staff of Major-General Schofield, then 
commanding the Army of the Ohio. One of 
the memorable experiences of Colonel Treat 
during his four years and a half of service to 
maintain the stars of the old flag in the- South- 
ern sky is the following historical incident: 
After the fall of Richmond the Confederate ar- 
chives, consisting of records of the State and war 
departments of the Confederate Government, 
were in the hands of General Joe Johnston, who 
turned them over to Major-General Schofield at 
Charlotte, North Carolina. They consisted of 
about ten tons of material, embracing all the 
battle-flags captured from the United States 
forces, official reports of Rel)el commanders, and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT r. 



187 



other public documents. After the assassina- 
tion of President Lincoln, Mr. Stanton, Secre- 
tary of War, ordered General Schofield to hurry 
these archives to Washington as soon as possible, 
and Colonel Treat was detailed with two officers 
and a company of soldiers for this duty, going 
by rail to Newbernc, thence by canal to Norfolk, 
and by tug Martha Washington, via Fortress 
Monroe, to Washington. Certain documents 
were discovered among these archives tending 
to connect prominent officers of the Confederacy 
with the assassination plot, and Colonel Treat 
was a witness on the trial of the conspirators 
before the celebrated Military Commission. 

After retiring from the army Colonel Treat 
engaged in business on Wall Street, New York 
City, being a member of the noted firm of Ful- 
ler, Treat & Cox, which was very successful 
until struck by the financial storm of " Black 
Friday " in 1868. After these reverses Colonel 
Treat drifted back to his profession, but did not 
engage actively therein until he came to Cali- 
fornia in November, 1875, since which time he 
has been steadily attaining promineTice both as 
a criminal and civil lawyer until he now ranks 
among the first attorneys on this coast, espe- 
cially as a trial lawyer and advocate, as well as a 
safe and trusted counselor. While located in 
San Luis Obispo he was for five years the at- 
torney for the Pacific Coast Railway Company, 
and has been for the same length of time attorney 
for the Pacific Coast Steamship Company, and 
for other corporations and syndicates. He has 
also been in the employ of the Southern Pacific 
Railroad Comjiany a portion of the time. Since 
settling in Los Angeles he formed a law part- 
nership with Mr. Willis, under the firm title of 
Willis & Treat, which relation still continues. 

Colonel Treat married, since coming to Cali- 
fornia, Miss Isabel Davis, an accomplished young 
lady, a native of the Golden State. Mrs. Treat's 
mother is now a resident of San Francisco. 

Andrew Glassell, retired lawyer and ca])i- 
talist, is a descendant from an old Scotch-Vir- 
ginia family, and is the fourth of his 7iaine in 
as many successive generations on the paternal 



side of the house. On attaining his majority 
Andrew Glassell, the grandsire of the subject 
of this memoir, bade good-bye to the classic 
land of Burns and Scott to cast his lot in the 
new world, and settling in Virginia he became a 
farmer. He married into the Taylor fam- 
ily, of which General Zachary Taylor was a 
member, and Andrew, a child of this union, 
was born, and also married in Virginia, to Miss 
Susan Thornton, a native of that State. Of 
their six children, Andrew, of whom we write, 
is the only survivor. He was born September 
30, 1827, and when seven years of age moved 
with his parents to Alabama, where his father 
engaged in cotton planting. Andrew was edu- 
cated in the University of Alabama, from which 
he was graduated in 1848. While jiursuing 
his law studies and early practice young Glas- 
sell enjoyed the benefits of contact with that 
great legal inind, Hon. John A. Campbell, at 
one time a justice of the United States Supreme 
Bench, and one of the most eminent of Amer- 
ican lawyers and jurists. Mr. Glassell was 
admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court in 
1853. In that year he came to California, and 
presenting a complimentary testimonial letter 
from Judge Campbell to the Supreme Court of 
the State, was admitted to practice here without 
a formal examination. A friend of his being 
United States District Attorney at San Francisco, 
Mr. Glassell received the appointment of Dep- 
uty United States Attorney, to assist in trying 
a large number of accumulated land cases pend- 
ing in the Federal District Court, and was thus 
employed about three years. Then resuming 
his private practice, he did a prosperous legal 
business till the civil war broke out. His 
friends and relatives, and hence his sympathies, 
being on the Confederate side, and not wishing 
to take part in the conflict by discussion or 
otherwise, Mr. Glassell withdrew from the 
practice, and for several years carried on the 
manufacture of lumber and staves near Santa 
Cruz, employing a large force of men in a 
steam saw-mill. Deciding, after the war was 
over, to return to his profession, he visited the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



principal points in the State, and selecting Los 
Angeles as his choice in which to live — and die, 
he formed a law partnership with Alfred B. 
Chapman, a former Captain in the regular 
United States army. 

In about three years afterward Colonel George 
H. Smith, late of the Confederate States army, 
and a lawyer of ability, joined this partnership, 
under the firm style of Glassell, Chapman & 
Smith, and this lirui continued until about the 
year 1880, enjoying a large and lucrative prac- 
tice in Los Angeles and the adjoining counties, 
and in the Supreme Court of the State. 

In 1880 Mr. Chapman retired from practice 
and engaged in orange-growing on a large scale, 
on a line estate near San Gabriel, where he now 
resides in comfort with his family. 

In 1883 Mr. Glassell also retired from the 
practice, and in his own language, "having 
served his time in attending to other people's 
business, is now endeavoring to attend to his 
own business and let other people's business 
alone." 

In 1855 Mr. Glassell married a daughter of 
Dr. H. II. Toland, an eminent physician of San 
Francisco, a South Carolinian, by whom he had 
nine children, all of whom are living. She died 
in 1879. In 1885 Mr. Glassell again married. 
His second wife is a daughter of William C. 
Micon, formerly an eminent lawyer and a 
member of the distinguished law firm of Ben- 
jamin & Micou, of New Orleans. 

William T. Glassell, a younger brother of the 
subject of this sketch, and once a resident of 
Los Angeles County, was a prominent actor in 
one of tlie most daring events of the late civil 
war. , He it was who conceived the idea of de- 
stroying the United States fleet of iron-clads off 
Charleston Harbor by blowing them up with 
torpedo boats; and after several fruitle.-s efforts 
to obtain permission from the higher Confeder- 
ate officers to test the feasibility of his scheme, 
his request was finally granted. Tiie little 
historic steam craft known as the cigar boat 
"David" was built at the private expense of 
Theodore Stoney and the ladies of Cliarleston, 



South Carolina, to make the trial. It was fitted 
up according to Mr. Glassell's directions, and 
armed with a torpedo containing 100 pounds of 
powder. Everything being in readiness, the 
daring Lieutenant manned his boat with three 
other volunteers besides himself, and on the 
night of October 5, 1863, boldly sailed out 
under cover of the darkness on their mission 
of destruction, to attack the United States 
fleet which was blockading Charleston Harbor. 
Singling out the "New Ironsides," the most 
powerful war ship then in the world, Glassell 
steered the cigar boat for it, and although 
sighted and commanded to not approach by the 
ship's officer, he never swerved nor halted until 
he struck the "Ironsides" with the torpedo, 
which exploded with terrific force, so badly 
damaging the great vessel that she never after- 
ward fired a gun. The genius and daring of 
this young Confederate officer, which thus in- 
augurated a revolution in the methods of naval 
warfare, astonished the old naval warriors of 
two continents. Lieutenant Glassell and one of 
his companions were captured by the United 
States forces; the other two escaped and re- 
turned to Charleston. After being held as a 
prisoner of war about eighteen months, he was 
exchanged, and after the close of the w^ar he 
came, at the invitation of his brother Andrew, 
to California. He subsequently laid out and 
founded the town of Orange, then in this 
county, where he passed the last years of his 
life, and died about ten years ago, much 
esteemed by all who knew him. 

Frank R. Wilt,is, of the law firm of Willis & 
Treat, is a product of the old Bay State, born in 
North Adams, Massachusetts, in 1855. Two 
years after his birth his parents moved to Iowa, 
where he was reared and educated, graduating 
at the State Normal School in 1879, and in the 
Law Department of the Iowa State University 
in 1881. He immediately began practice in 
Cherokee, that State. The following year he 
moved to Aurelia, Iowa, and the same year was 
elected mayor of that town, and re-elected in 
1883, meantime pursuing the practice of law. 



II I STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



189 



In December, 1883, Mr. Willis left the Hawk- 
eje State for California, locating at once in Los 
Angeles, where he has been active in his pro- 
fession ever since. From 1886 to 1888 he was 
attorney for the Public Administrator, during 
which time and since he has done a large busi- 
ness in probate law, having handled more than 
200 probate cases within the past three years. 
On Augnst 1, 1888, Mr. Willis entered into a 
law partnership with Colonel K. B. Treat, under 
the tirm style of Willis & Treat, which is fast 
winning recognition as one of the strong law 
lirms of the Los Angeles bar. Besides their 
extensive probate practice they are attorneys 
for several corporations, and also handle some 
important criminal business. A noted case in 
this branch of practice now pending, in which 
Willis & Treat are the attorneys for the defense, 
is that of the People vs. Richard See, in which he 
is charged with a murder committed February 
28, 1871, and for which he was arrested in Ellens- 
burg, Oregon, in May, 1889. 

Mr. AVillis is a Past Grand of Nietos Lodge, 
No. 197, L O. O. F., and was a delegate to the 
Grand Lodge at its last annual session. He 
was married on March 8, 1882, to Miss Letitia 
Allin, at Iowa City, Iowa, and resides with his 
family at No. 31 North Johnson street, Los An- 
geles. 

Hon. It. F. Del Valle was born in Los An- 
geles, December 15, 1854, of one of the oldest 
and most distinguished Spanish families in this 
section, his parents being Ygnacio and Ysabel 
(Vareta) Del Valle. The father was one of the 
best known and most highly esteemed gentle- 
men of Southern California, of lofty character 
and unblemished reputation. He died in 1880, 
at the age of seventy-two j-ears. Young Del 
Valle passed his childhood and youth between 
the city home of his parents and their home at 
the "Cumulos" Ranch owned by them. This 
ranch has become famous in story as the scene 
of Helen Hunt Jackson's "Ramona." He re- 
ceived the best education locally attainable, and 
graduated after a full course in Santa Clara 
College, at San Jos^, in 1878. He then studied 



law in San Francisco and was admitted to the 
bar of the Supreme Court in 1877. His energy 
and ability were soon recognized and he became 
an acknowledged leader in the party of his choice, 
the Democratic, at the age of twenty-five. 

In 1879 he was elected a member of the As- 
sembly from his native county. The next year 
he was elected Presidential elector on the Han- 
cock ticket, and re-elected to the Assembly. 
He served with such credit and honor to him- 
self, such acceptance to the party at large, and 
such satis^faction to his constituency, that in 
1882 he was unanimously nominated as State 
Senator from this county and elected by a large 
majority. He was chosen president pro tern. 
of the Senate in 1883, and was a candidate for 
Congress from the Sixth District of this State 
in 1884. His official services are owing to his 
fealty to party interests and a sense of duty to 
his country rather than to personal ambition. 
What he may feel of that infirmity of noble 
minds is impenetrably hidden under a natural 
modesty that is as striking as it is attractive. 
Among our many distinguished fellow-citizens 
there is no one whose character and ability have 
endeared him to a wider circle of friends, no 
one who is more warmly esteemed or more 
cordially respected by those who know him in- 
timately and well or enjoy the privilege of his 
acquaintance. His latest public service was as 
chairman of the State Democratic Convention 
in this city in May, 1888, and that was so ably 
performed that it attracted general commenda- 
tion. From the opening to the close of the 
convention he filled the difficult position with a 
skill, adroitness and tact that showed him to be 
a leader of men. His keenness of perception 
and knowledge of parliamentary forms and 
rules, together with his genial appearance, his 
quick and graceful movements, his firm suavity, 
with gavel in hand, alike ready to accord proper 
recognition to a member or rap the discordant 
assembly to order, the clearness of his decisions 
and the emphasis and force of his remarks, 
whether directed to the maintenance of order 
or the dispatch of business, elicited the most 



HISTUUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



favorable comments and were worthy of all 
praise as models of courtesy and firmness. 

Both the mai'ked deterioration in political 
methods, the absence of elevated aspiration and 
broad statesmanship, have rudely dissipated 
whatever charm public life may have once held 
for Mr. Del Valle, and he very decidedly pre- 
fers the practice of his profession and the quiet 
pursuits of private life. 

Hon. Anson Brcnson, solicitor of the Santa 
Fe Railroad System for California, was born in 
Portage County, Ohio, April 16, 1834; grad- 
uated at the University of Michigan in 1857, 
working at odd jobs to earn expenses; was ad- 
mitted to the bar in June, 1858; came to Cali- 
fornia in 1864, stopping at Napa; and finally 
settled here in Los Angeles in December, 1868. 
In the autumn of 1884 he was elected judge of 
the Superior Court, which position he resigned 
April 1, 1887. 

Hon. Guilfoed Wiley Wells. Trominent 
among the score of leading members of the 
Los Angeles bar, who had earned distinction in 
their profession and in positions of public trust 
in the East before coming to Southern Cali- 
fornia, is Colonel G. Wiley Wells. He was born 
at Conesus Centre, New York, February 14, 
1840, and is the youngest of three children of 
Isaac Tichenor Wells and Charity Ivenyon, who 
were joined in marriage in Granville, New 
York, February 4, 1830. Isaac Tichenor Wells 
was born at Fairfax, Vermont, August 11, 
1807, and died in Conesus Centre, November 
2, 1868. The Wells family trace their geneal- 
ogy back to the time of William the Conqueror 
in England, and to the latter part of the six- 
teenth century in America, and number among 
their ancestors in direct line many illustrious 
personages on both sides of the Atlantic. Guil- 
ford AViley Wells was educated at Genesee 
Wesleyan Seminary and College, Lima, New 
York. Upon the breaking out of the war of the 
llebellion (while he was in college), Mr. Wells 
enlisted on the first call for volunteers, as a 
member of the First New York Dragoons, and 
gave nearly four years of valiant service to the 



preservation of the Union and the defense of 
the "Old Flag." He fought under that intrepid 
hero of Winchester, General P. H. Sheridan; 
participated in thirty-seven battles, and rose by 
successive promotions for gallant services per- 
formed to the rank of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel ; 
was twice wounded, the last time in February, 
1865, so seriously as to permanently disable his 
left arm, and was discharged from the service 
on account of his wound February 14, 1865. 
Retiring from the army Colonel Wells resumed 
his studies, and in 1867 graduated in law at the 
Columbian College at Washington, D. C. In 
December, 1869, he moved to Holly Springs, 
Mississippi, to practice his profession. In 
June, 1870, he was appointed by President 
Gra it, United States District Attorney for the 
northern district of that state. The Recon- 
struction Act being passed by Congress about 
this time, the demoralizing effects of the war 
began to be manifest in the organized lawless- 
ness which prevailed, especially in Northern 
Mississippi, in the terrorism of the Ku-Klu.\ 
Klan. Laws had been enacted for the punish- 
ment of these crimes, but they remained a dead 
letter on the statutes for the want of prosecuting 
officers with sufficient courage, tact and ability 
to enforce them. The ablest men in the Mis- 
sissippi bar — which was one of the strongest in 
any State of the Unioti — were employed to de- 
fend these defiers of law. Comprehending the 
situation. Colonel Wells determined to do his 
duty, and prepared as best he could to wage 
battle with those giants of the bar. He drew 
the first indictment under the reconstruction 
act, and secured the first decision rendered in 
the South against Ku-Klux in District Judge 
R. A. Hill's court, thus winning the first legal 
fight and establishing a precedent which was 
adopted in other States, and finally resulted in 
the complete destruction of that organization. 
The Ku-Klux were hunted down, and their 
secret hiding places invaded, their murderous 
secrets were revealed, and the perpetrators of 
crimes punished according to their deserts. 
Mississippi was thus transformed from one of 



HISTOHY OK LO.S ANGELES COUNTY. 



the most lawless to one of the most orderly 
States in the Union. This herculean task was 
performed at a great expenditure of labor and 
energy, and at great peril of life, but in per- 
forming it Colonel Wells won the esteem of the 
best element of society, who held him in high 
esteem therefor. Though having no desire to 
enter the ai-ena of politics by the prominence of 
his official position and his contact with public 
men. Colonel Wells was forced to assume a 
leading position in his part^', and was chiefly 
instrumental in securing the nomination and 
election of General Ames (then United States 
Senator), to the Governorship of Mississippi in 
1873. The Legislature chosen at the same time 
elected a United States Senator, and yielding to 
the importunity of his friends Colonel Wells 
consented to become a candidate. For some 
unaccountable reason, Ames, the man he had 
befriended, and who had hitherto professed a 
warm personal friendship for him, turned 
against his benefactor, and by a strenuous effort 
and the use of bis official power prevented Colo- 
nel Wells' election to the United States Senate. 
Not content with this success against his old 
friend. Governor Ames exerted himself to defeat 
Colonel Wells's re-appointment to the United 
States District Attorney's office, but his faith- 
fulness and efficiency in that capacity had been 
too well demonstrated; and at the expiration of 
his first term in 1874, he was reappointed by 
President Grant, and his appointment was unan- 
imously confirmed by the Senate. In 1876 
Colonel Wells received the nomination for Con- 
gress in the Second Mississippi District in 
opposition to A. R. Ilowe, the Ames candidate, 
over whom he was elected by 7,000 majority, 
receiving the full vote of his own party (Re- 
publican) and the support of the best element 
in the Democratic party. During his term in 
Congress Representative Wells served on several 
important committees, and though in the mi- 
nority politically, by his energy and fertility of 
resource he was recognized as one of the most 
influential working members of the House. 
Recognizing in Colonel AVells the qualities 



adapting him for an important Government 
position. President Hayes tendered him, in 
June, 1877, the office of Consul General to 
Shanghai, China, which he accepted and sailed 
from San Francisco to his post of duty August 
8, of that year. Previous to embarking he 
had received orders to investigate charges which 
had been preferred by his predeces or. General 
]V[yers, against O. B. Bradford, Vice-Consul at 
Shanghai. Myers had been suspended by 
Minister George H. Seward, and the latter's 
friend Bradford placed in charge of the consu- 
late betore the charges against Bradford could 
be investigated. Arriving in China and assum- 
ing charge of the Shanghai consulate September 
13, 1877, Colonel Wells proceeded to examine 
the accusations against Bradford. He found 
him guilty, not only as charged by Myers, but 
of numerous other grave offenses, such as rob- 
bing the United States mails, embezzlement of 
Government fees, violation of treaty rights with 
China, extortions from American citizens, mu- 
tilation of records, conspiring with Seward to 
remove official records and papers from the 
Consul General's office, etc. Mr. Wells being 
convinced of Bradford's fraudulent and crimi- 
nal proceedings, had him arrested and placed 
in jail, reporting at once by telegraph and by 
letter to the State Department at Washington 
the result of his investigations and asking for 
further instructions. After inexcusable delays 
in replying to his communications, and other 
matters transpiring to convince Consul General 
Wells that an eft'ort was being made by officials 
in high authority to shield Bradford and Sew- 
ard in their fraudulent proceedings, he tendered 
his resignation, turned over the affairs of the 
office in Shanghai, and sailed for home January 
10, 1878. A committee subsequently created 
by the House of Representatives to investigate 
the Bradford charges returned a unanimous re- 
port that the charges were sustained, and filed 
articles of impeachment against Bradford. The 
investigation culminated in the retirement of 
both Seward and Bradford to private life. Colo- 
nel Wells twice refused the tender of Consul 



lUSTOItr OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



to Hong Kong, deciding to resume the practice 
of his profession. Colonel and Mrs. Wells 
having come hy the wa}' of Sonthern California 
on their return trip from Cliina, were delighted 
with the climate, and decided to make it their 
future home. Accordingly they settled in Los 
Angeles, in 1879, and have resided here ever 
since. Forming a law partnership with Judge 
A. Brunson, the firm of Brunson & AVells at 
once attained a leading position among the bar 
of Southern California. This relation continued 
until Judge Brunson was elected to the Superior 
Bench. Colonel Wells is now at the head of the 
firm of Wells, Guthrie & Lee, which does a very 
extensive legal business. Indeed, Colonel Wells 
has been professionally connected with nearly 
every notable case before the courts of Los 
Angeles and surrounding counties for the last 
decade. Colonel Wells' estimable wife was 
formerly Miss Katy C. Fox, daughter of 
Matthias and Margaret Fox, old settlers of 
Montgomery County, New York. The mar- 
riage of Colonel and Mrs. Wells took place in 
Avoca, December 22, 1864. Their son, Charles 
F., was born in Washington, D. C, November 
9, 1869, and died December 24, 1872, in Holly 
Springs, Mississippi, leaving them childless. 
Such is the record of an extremely active life. 
It is his reputation as an attorney which Colo- 
nel Wells justly enjoys that entitles him to 
especial distinction. His successful defense of 
Miss Lastancia Ab irta for the killing of Chico 
Forster, and Miss Hattie Woolsteen for slaying 
Dr. C. N. Harlan, are notable events in tlie 
legal history of Los Angeles. 

EuwiN Baxter was born in the town of More 
town, Washington County, Vermont. He was 
the sixth of fourteen children of Eber H. Bax- 
ter, thirteen of whom lived to an adult age. 
His father was a farmer and botanic physician, 
and at one time a member of the Legislature of 
Vermont. His mother w^as a daughter of 
Captain Abner Child, of Moretown, and on her 
mother's side nearly related to Hon. Matt H. 
Carpenter, who was United States Senator from 
AVisconsin. 



Edwin Baxter's boyhood and youth were 
spent on a rocky, mountain farm in Vermont. 
His early education was obtained at a common 
school, supplemented by a term at an academy, 
and a short term at Olivet College, Michigan. 
In 1851 he removed to Michigan and com- 
menced life by teaching a common school and 
" boarding round; " afterward spent some years 
in acquiring practical knowledge of several 
mechanical trades; then became bookkeeper, 
compositor, local editor and proof-reader in a 
newspaper office, and for some time a newspaper 
correspondent, meantime giving some attention 
to the study of law. In 1861 he enlisted as a 
private in the " First Michigan Engineers and 
Mechanics," Colonel (afterward General) In- 
nes's Regiment, in the United States voluuteer 
service. Was promoted to a Lieutenancy and 
served as company officer; also at times as act- 
ing Adjutant and Quartermaster. In 1864, 
having been totally disabled, he was discharged 
by order of a medical board. As soon as able 
he resumed the study of law. Was elected city 
clerk of Grand Rapids, Michigan, but declined 
re-election at the close of his term. He was 
admitted to the bar; afterward removed to 
Grand Haven, Michigan, where he served 
several terms as circuit court commissioner and 
injunction master and United States commis- 
sioner; also a terra as probate judge. In 1880 
was a prominent candidate for Attorney General 
of Michigan (before the Republican convention). 
In 1881 he came to Los Angeles, where he has 
since quietly practiced his profession, and has 
been four years court commissioner of the Su- 
perioi- Court, an office he has lately resigned. 
In politics Mr. Baxter has always been a Re- 
publican, having voted for Fremont in 1856 
and every Republican candidate for President 
since, except when away from home during the 
war. He was a delegate to three Republican 
State conventions in 1880. He is never bitterly 
partisan nor a noisy politician. 

He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
but is rather liberal than sectarian. He has 
been an active memlier of the Young Men's 



IIISTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Christian Association. Has been pi-esident of 
the Los Angeles Young Men's Christian As- 
sociation. He is a trustee of the Los Angeles 
Occidental University and interested in other 
similar institnlions. Judge Ijaxter is rather 
retiring and uniliMiKinstrative in disposition and 
liabits. lie has l)eeii twice married and lias 
two children, a daughter, a teacher and assistant 
principal in one of the Los Angeles schools, and 
a young son. His oldest brother, Albert J'ax- 
ter, was for thirty years political and managing 
editor of the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Eagle, 
and editor of a comprehensive history of Grand 
Rapids. Another Ijrother, U. J. Baxter, was 
at one time acting commissioner of United 
States general land otHce and chief law clerk in 
the ofKce of the Secretary. of Interior for several 
years. Judge Baxter has always been an en- 
tliusiastic student, thoroughly in love with his 
profession, in which he is a hard worker. He 
attends ratlier too closely to liis business and 
you can always tell where to lind him. 

(teneeal Jonx Mansfield, a native of New 
York, ami of Massachusetts ancestry, was a 
C'olonel in the late war of the regiment which, 
Itefore he had command of it. lost more men 



than 



oth 



the 



Ht 



wounded, the last time so severely that he was 
left in tiie field for dead. After the war he 
came to Los Angeles, wliere he edited the 
Morning Republican; was a member of the 
State Constitutional Convention of 1879, and 
under the constitution then adopted was elected 
the first Lieutenant-Governor. He is now an 
attorney, his office being in the Temple Block. 

LuciEN Shaw, Judge of the Superior Court, 
was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, in 
March, 1845; graduated at the Indianapolis 
Law School in 1869, practiced his profession at 
Bloomfield, Greene County, that State, until 
1882, since which time he has been a resident of 
Los Angeles, except two years in Fresno. Was 
appointed to his present position in March, 1889. 

Colonel Geokue II. Smith, of the firm of 
Smith, Howard & Smith, was bora in Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania, of Virginia parentage; 



admitted to the bar in 1855; practiced law in 
Virginia, Washington Territory and Baltimore; 
was Colonel in the late war; came to California 
in 1868, and to Los Angeles in 1869; was State 
Senator 1877-'78. 

Judge Henuy M. Smith, brother of the pre- 
ceding, was born neai- Arlington, Fairfax County, 
Virginia, in 184-t; was in the Confederate serv- 
icj three years, being Captain of a company 
for a time; was in Mexico 1866-'67; January 2, 
1868, reached San Francisco, and taught school 
ill Oakland Academy until May, 1869, since 
which time he has been a resident of Los An- 
geles, practicing law; was Superior Judo-e 
from March, 1883, to the following January, 
filling Sepiilveda's unexpired term. 

Fkancis B. Guthkie, of the firm of Wells, 
Guthrie & Lee, is a Pennsylvanian, who grad- 
uated at Jefferson College, Philadelphia, and 
was admitted to the bar March 14, 18o9, and 
jiracticed law at Warre i and at TitusviUe, 
Pennsylvania, and came to Los Angeles in the 
fall of 1888. 

Judge Alexander Campbell, of the law firm 
of Houghton, Silent & Campbell, was born in 
the island of Jamaica, sixty-nine years ago; 
came to the United States when sixteen years of 
age; admitted to the bar in New York in 1842; 
practiced there till 1849, being district attor- 
ney of Kings County in 1847; came to Califur- 
nia in 1849, by way of Cape Horn; was county 
Judge of San Francisco County, 1851-'53; 
member of the California State Constitutional 
Convention of 1878-'79, from Alameda County; 
member of the Legislature, 1861-'62; practiced 
law in San Francisco till 1880, then in Arizona 
five years, since which time he has been in Los 
Angeles. 

Frank H. Howard, of the firm of Smith, 
Howard & Smith, was primarily educated for 
the medical profession, and was practicing in 
Mexico when, in 1869, his father, Volney E. 
Howard, was elected to the Supreme Bench, and 
he came to Los Angeles and studied law, was 
admitted to practice, and since then has been 
thus engaged. His father was an eminent law- 



HI.STUHV OF LOi ANGELES COUNTY. 



yer, an independent Dein(jcrat, a conspicuous 
member of the State Constitutional Convention 
of 1878-79, and died in May, 1889, at the age 
of eighty years. 

Captain C. E. Thom came to Los Angeles in 
the spring of 1854, in the employ of the Govern- 
ment, for the purpose of taking testimony in 
land cases before George Burrell, Commissioner 
for this locality. Soon afterward he was dis- 
trict and city attorney. He was born in Cul- 
peper County, Virginia, in 1825; came to 
California in 1849; practiced law in Los An- 
geles lor more than a quarter of a century, and 
several years ago retired from practice to look 
after the interests of his large'estate. 

William Paul Gardinek, of the lirm of Lee, 
Gardiner & Scott, came to Los Angeles in 1877, 
immediately entering the practice of law. In 
April, 1887, he was appointed to the bench to 
succeed' Judge A. Brunson. This position he 
resigned in November, 1888. Born in Ohio 
forty-two years ago, he was admitted to the bar 
in that State in 1876. The practice of the firm 
here in Los Angeles is contined to civil, land 
and corporation cases. 

Henry T. Lee. of the above firm, was born 
in New York in 1840; graduated at the Colum- 
bia Law School of New York City in 1869; 
practiced in that city until 1877, since which 
time he has been similarly engaged here. He 
was United States Commissioner in 1881-'85. 

J. E. Scott, of the same firm, was born in 
Los Angeles, a son of Jonathan R. Scott, who 
came here in 1849 or 1850; is now thirty-five 
3'ears old, and was admitted to the Supreme 
Court Bar in April, 1880. 

James A. Anderson, senior member of the 
firm of Anderson,. Fitzgerald & Anderson, was 
born July 11, 1826, in North Carolina; reared 
in West Tennessee; graduated at Jubilee Col- 
lege, Peoria County, Illinois, in 1846; studied 
law in Florida; admitted to the bar in Ten- 
nessee in 1848; in 1881 moved to Tucson, 
Arizona; moved his family to Los Angeles in 
1885. 

A. J. KiN(r was born in Georgia in 1836; 



came to Los Angeles in July, 1852; admitted 
to the bar in San Bernardino in 1858; was dis- 
trict judge; located in Los Angeles in the fall 
of 1859; member of the Legislature, 1859-'60; 
was county judge in 1869; published the Los 
Angeles News, the first daily south of San 
Francisco, 1865-'72; is the oldest member of 
the Los Angeles County bar. 

Adolpiius C. Brodersen, law, loan, real estate 
and general law business at Long Beach, was 
born in Germania, Potter County, Pennsylvania, 
May 24, 1865, and is the son of Christian C. 
and Frieda (Grambow) Bi-odersen, natives re- 
spectively of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Ham- 
burg, Prussia. His father was born April 24, 
1836, and his mother March 21 of the same 
year. Christian Brodersen was educated in 
Denmark for a physician, but on account of 
failing health was advised to seek other em- 
ployment. In accordance with this advice he 
came to America, landing at New York. Later 
he made a trip West, and alter going back to 
New York, went to Cuba, and subsequently re- 
turned to Potter County, Pennsylvania, where 
he engaged in oil and land speculation, and 
later became interested in the manufacture of 
oils, etc., and also served as professor of Ger- 
man, English and Fi-ench in Potter County. 
He had a family of three children: Magdalena, 
wife of Herman Schwarzenbach; Adolphus C, 
the subject of this sketch, and Olga, wife of 
Earnest Braun. 

Adolphus C. Brodersen was educated in his 
native town, in both German and English. He 
subsequently attended the business and law 
school at Almira. At the age of nineteen years 
he conceived the idea of going West, and in 
company with a friend and schoolmate, and 
without the knowledge of his parents, they set 
out on their westward journey. Having means 
from home, he visited many places en route, 
among others Buffalo, New York; Clay Center, 
Kansas; Springfield, Missouri; Little Hock, Ar- 
kansas; Yicksburg, Mississippi; Dallas, Texas ; 
Wichita, Kansas, and Pueblo, Colorado. Here 
they bought a packing outfit, with four horses. 



IimrOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and started overland for the Pacific Coast, ar- 
riving in Lake View, Oregon, after being on tlie 
way seven weeks. 

At Lake View he entered the hiw othce of 
Cliarles A. Cogswell and studied law. From 
here he went, in 1888, to Long Beach, Califor- 
nia, where he established himself permanently 
in the legal profession. Being a member of the 
church and living in accordance with his pro- 
fession, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of 
the best people of Long Beach, and of all who 
know him. Politically he attiliates with the 
Democratic party, and socially is connected 
with the L O. O. F. lodge. 

John C. Morgan, attorney at law, Santa 
Monica, was born October 17, 1837, at Baton 
Rouge, Louisiana, a son of David B. and Har- 
riet A. (Swift) Morgan; received an academic 
education, and in 1857 came to California, 
locating first in San Francisco, where he was 
for four years a clerk in the custom house 
during the administration of B. F. Washington 
as C'jllector of that port. Studying law, he was 
admitted to the bar, and for eight years prac- 
ticed his profession in San Luis Obispo. After 
several years' residence in Sonoma County, he 
served one session of the Legislature at Sacra- 
mento as enrolling clerk, during the winter of 
1867-'68, and was enrolling clerk again of the 
Legislature during the session of 1877-'78. 
Then during a residence of five years in Los 
Angeles he was deputy district attorney three 
years under Thomas F. Brown, and was city 
justice there two years. Since then he has 
been city attorney of Santa Monica three 
years, and deputy district attorney of Los 
Angeles County one year under J. R. Du Pey. 
He is now a member of the Board of Trustees 
of the city schools of Santa Monica; also a 
member of the Democratic State Central Com- 
mittee from this district, and a member of the 
Democratic County Central Committee of Los 
Angeles County. He continues the practice of 
law. 

Mr. Morgan has been twice married. His 
first wife died in San Luis Obispo. 



TUE LOS ANGELES BAR ASSOCIATION. 

The object of this organization, as stated in 
the constitution and by-laws, is as follows: — 
"The association is established to maintain the 
honor and dignity of the profession of the law; 
to increase its usefulness in promoting the due 
administration of justice; to cultivate social in- 
tercourse among its members, and when deemed 
advisable to procure and maintain a library for 
their use." Any attorney in good standing who 
has been admitted to practice before the Supreme 
Courtof the Stateof California is eligible to mem- 
bership by the payment of the regular admission 
fee of 820, and signing the constitution of the 
association. The officers are elected by ballot 
at the annual election holden on the first Tuesday 
in June of each year, and consist of president, 
senior vice-president and junior vice-president, 
recording secretary, a corresponding secretary, 
a treasurer, five trustees and a committee on 
admission, to consist of seven members. The 
first regular meeting of the association was held 
on the first Tuesday in June, 1888; and the 
constitution provides for monthly meetings to 
be held on the first Tuesday of each month. 
The association was organized with fifty charter 
members, embracing the leading attorneys of 
Los Angeles. The first officers of the associ- 
ation, all of whom were re-elected in June, 
1889, are as follows: 

President, Albert M. Stephens; Senior Vice- 
President, John D. Bicknell; Junior Vice-Pres- 
ident, Anson Brunson; Treasurer, Robert N". 
Bulla; Recording Secretary, James A. Ander- 
son, Jr.; Corresponding Secretary, C. W. Pen- 
dleton. 

Trustees — John Haynes, H. T. Lee, J. A. 
Anderson, John S. Chapman, Stephen M. White. 

Vomtnittee on Admission — J. A. Graves, W. 
F. Fitzgerald, R. H. F. Variel, H. A. Barclay, 
Julius Brousseau, F. H. Howard, B. W. Lee. 

Committee on the Amendment of the Law — 
Stephen M. White, W. P. Wade, James H. 
Shankland, John S. Chapman, J. M. Damron. 

Judi'dary Committee — Alexander Campbell, 



EJkTOHY OF LOS ANOELES C0VN1Y. 



James A. Anderson, George H. Smith, Walter 
Van Dyke, Anson Brunson. 

Committee on Grievances — William F. Fitz- 
gerald, John D. Bicknell, J. A. Graves, John 
Haynes, George J. Denis. 

Committee on Legal Eehication — Lucien 
Shaw, F. H. Howard, John R. Scott, Bradner 
W. Lee, Samuel Minor. 

Committee on Invitation and lieceptionr—G. 
Wiley Wells, George S. Patton, Shirley C. Ward, 
J. D. Bethune, R. F. Del Valle. 



_ IE LAW 

The law 
lished in 1886, as a 



liKAKY. 

ibrary of Los Angeles was ^„w„.. 
ft oo o private enterprise intended 



for the benefit of the stockholders, but open to 
subscriptions. The shares are $100 each, of 
which about 100 are taken by eighty members. 
The library contains $10,000 worth of books, 
including all the State Reports but four, which 
are to be supplied in the near future. The 
library is situated in the Law Building on 
Temple street. The monthly dues are $1 each 
per member, and are sufficient to cover current 
expenses. The present officers are: James A. 
Anderson, F. IL Howard, Richard Dunnegan, 
Lucien Shaw, Albert M. Stephens, Trustees; 
Albert M. Stephens, President, and H. C. Mor- 
ton, Secretary. 




yS9 ^wv. 



\- 



fllH^BK^^^j^^^"' 



UISrORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 




CHAPTER XVI. 



[F'oR most of tlie facts in the following sketch 
the compiler is indebted to the pen of a gifted 
writer in the Overland Monthly of March, 
1889. Some additions and corrections are made 
by the compiler, who has been thirty-five years 
a resident of Los Angeles.] 

Dk. lircHARD S. Den, the Nestor of the med- 
ical fraternity of Los Angeles County, was born 
in Garandara, County Kilkenny, Ireland, in 
1821, and is the eldest surviving son of a truly 
noble family, whose pronounced views upon the 
Christian creed no member ever swerved from. 

The Deiis are of Franco-Norman and Anglo- 
Norman descent, and arrived in Ireland in the 
retinue of King Heury II., A. D. 1171. Their 
accession to power is a matter of history, and 
their deeds of valor and goodness will be handed 
down to futurity. The impregnable religicjus 
belief of the family, their loyalty to the English 
crown, and tiieir adhesion to the unfortunate 
King Charles I., led to the confiscation of all 
their estate^ by Cromwell, who bestowed them 
upon his ruthless soldiers; but, despite of this 
monstrous injustice, of tiie infamous pcmal laws 
for ages in existence, and of the galling acts of 
unscrupulous officials, they still held fast to 
their clierished principles, and by counsel, pre- 
cept and example continued to do infinite gooil. 
Legends, for which the Irish people are famed, 
are to this day narrated at matiy firesides of the 
conscientious victories of the \)ox'.-^. .\ltlioiiL'-li 



the latter branch of the family tasted of the 
bitter cup of adversity, they lost not one parti- 
cle of their faith or honor. 

After receiving his preliminary education in 
Dublin, the subject of this sketch entered the 
City Infirmary and Leper Hospital of Water- 
ford, at that time in charge of Drs. Mackesy and 
Burkitt, two eminent practitioners, remaining 
there for six years during the summer sessions. 
Dr. Mackesy, who afterward became president of 
the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, was a 
warm personal friend of young Den, who in 
after years felt a desire to return home for the 
purpose of seeing his mother, his sisters, and 
his old friend, and of presenting to the latter 
in person some little souvenir of the warm 
place in his heart that well remembered him. In 
December, 1839, having completed the regular 
courses of instruction and practice of midwifery 
in Dublin, R. S. Den passed his e.xamination, 
and afterward received his first qualifications as 
obstetrician; and in April, 1840, at a public 
examination of the students of the first-class, 
held at the original School of Anatomy, Medi- 
cine and Surgery, in Dublin, the first certificate 
was awarded him in the three branches of his 
profession. Continuing to pursue his studies, 
and having attained iiis majority, lie, in August, 
1S42, received his tinal (jualitications. Then 
his friend. Sir John Pirie, Hart., Lord Mayor of 
l.ondon, and an eminent ship-owi 



iiyor 



EI8T0RT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



broker, desired to place him on one of his largest 
vessels going to the East Indias, which, how- 
ever, wonld not sail for some time; bnt Dr. 
Den, desiring an immediate position, sought for 
and obtained the appointment as surgeon of the 
line ship Glenswillj, of Glasgow, which left 
London dock August 29, 1842, bound for India, 
with special passengers for Melbourne, Austra- 
lia. Some of these passengers (who were men 
of wealth and influence, leaving England with 
their families, retainers and servants for the 
purpose of settling down in a new country), at 
first sight of the young >doctor before starting 
thought him unfit for the responsible position; 
but, on learning from the Lord Mayor of the 
high honors received by him at his examination, 
and of the length of time he had devoted to his 
studies, they raised no further objection. Dur- 
ing the voyage they had every reason to be sat- 
isfied with his services; and when they landed, 
December 3, 1842, at Melbourne, where the 
ship remained some weeks, the passengers were 
all in the best of health, and they were profuse 
in their thanks, and did everything in their 
power to persuade the Doctor to remain in the 
antipodes; but this not suiting his inclinations, 
he remained aboard the ship, at Port Phillip, 
the harbor of Melbourne; and while there Dr. 
Den was informed by the authorities of the 
port that he was the only ship surgeon who for 
a long period had landed his passengers in good 
health and without a single death having oc- 
curred during the voyage. 

After touching at Sydney and remaining 
there about a moTith, the vessel set sail, but her 
course was changed from India to Valparaiso, 
and arrived safely there. Stopping a few weeks 
at Valparaiso, the vessel came on to Mazatlan, 
arriving there Jul}' 23,1843; and while in that 
port the Doctor received news of his brother, 
who was living at Santa Barbara, California, 
and from whom he had not heard for many 
years. Hailing this intelligence with delight, 
he determined to start for his lirother's home. 
Accordingly, resigning his position as surgeon 
of the Glensvvilly, lie took passage on the first 



vessel bound for California, the bark Clarita, 
Captain Walter commanding, and Don Eulogio 
de Cells (whose family still reside in Los An- 
geles) acting as supercargo. Arriving at San 
Pedro August 21, he took passage on the ship 
California, in command of Captain Arthur, 
with W. D. M. Howard as assistant supercargo, 
and arrived at Santa Barbara September 1, 
1848, at the age of twenty-two years. 

After paying his brother a short visit his in- 
tentions were to return home; but months 
passed without any vessel touching these then 
almost unknown shores, and the longer he re- 
mained the more he became attached to the 
country; so he was prevailed upon by the court- 
eous, kind-hearted and hospitable residents to 
cast his lot among them, his professional serv- 
ices being in demand by them. During the 
winter of 1843-'4, while visiting Los Angeles, 
whither he had been called to perform some 
difiicult operations, a petition signed by all the 
leading people, native and foreign, was presented 
tc him, inviting him to remain among them 
and practice liis profession. In reply, he stated 
that he had not made up his mind to stay in 
the country; but if he should remain he would 
reside at Los Angeles. He then returned to 
Santa Barbara on professional business, and 
shortly afteiward went to Monterey, the seat of 
Government, to arrange some minor official 
matters. In the meantime he received several 
letters fi-om his kind friends in Los Angeles 
reminding him of their invitation, and, con- 
cluding to accept it, he returned to Los Angeles 
the latter part of July, 1844, and remained 
until the breaking out of the gold excitement. 

From the Medical Directory of 1878, the 
following paragraph is taken: "It is of record 
that Dr. E. S. Den, in obedience to the laws of 
Mexico relating to foreigners, did present his 
diplomas as physician and surgeon to the Gov- 
ernment of the country March 14, 1844, and 
that he received special license to practice from 
said Government." 

In 1846-'47, during the Mexican war, he 
acted as Chief Physician and Surgeon of the 



IIISTOUy OK LOS ANGELES COUNT V. 



Mexican forces located in Southern California. 
Among the American prisoners confined in 
Los Angeles, he treated Don Benito Wilson and 
party, and Thomas O. Larkin, the only Ameri- 
can consul ever appointed in California while 
under Mexican or Spanish rule. Becoming 
surety for Larkin, he secured his removal to 
more healthful quarters and attended him 
through his illness. Governor Flores, Com- 
mander-in-chief of the military forces in the 
Californias, despite the reports to the contrary, 
Dr. Den insists was very considerate and 
humane to the prisoners. In behalf of those 
who were wounded, he sent an urgent request 
to Captain Gillespie, in command of the Ameri- 
can forces, for the services of a physician, and 
Captain Gillespie sent this request to Dr. Den, 
asking him to comply with it, which he did. 
The Doctor urged tlieir removal to town, where 
they could have proper care. Flores not only 
readily consented to this, but he also acted on 
any suggestion offered by Dr. Den that would 
alleviate the condition of the prisoners. It may 
also be mentioned in this connection that Don 
Luis Vignes, long since dead, who was the 
pioneer of the French colony of Los Angeles, 
and who planted the extensive "Aliso Vine- 
yard," which also is a thing of the past, fur- 
nished comfortable quarters for Mr. Larkin, and 
did much for the wounded American prisoners. 
Don Luis had a high adobe wall around his 
dwelling-houses, cellars, etc. During the war 
the wives and children of certain residents used 
to seek and receive hospitable shelter within 
Don Luis's capacious castle. 

Throughout those stirring times Dr. Den 
assiduously and untiringly ministered to the 
wants of suffering humanity, irrespective of 
nationality, and he was loved and respected by 
all the good people. He permitted no preju- 
dice to overcome his zeal for his chosen pro- 
fession, the benefits of which, in a crisis like 
this, he held it was his duty to bestow on all 
alike. Consequently he remained neutral during 
this time, when a bitter feeling existed between 
the .\mericans and ("alifornians, the' latter of 



whom believed they were being stripped of 
their rights by the former. 

In 1848 Dr. Den organized, at his own ex- 
pense, a prospecting party, and started north 
for Sullivan's Diggings, near what is now 
Angel's Camp, in Calaveras County. The party 
mined with varying success during that and the 
following year (1849), when the Doctor, per- 
ceiving that his professional services were 
needed on account of the prevalence of inter- 
mittent and malarial fevers in that district, dis- 
charged his men and entered into the practice 
of medicine. He did this, not so much for 
pecuniary gain as to relieve the sufferings of 
his fellow-men, a man's purse forming no in- 
ducement for his services, for he treated all 
alike, whether they had money or not. Never- 
theless, it may be recorded that in one day he 
was paid over $1,000 for medical attendance. 
At that time gold-dust was the medium of ex- 
change, being valued at the mines at $5 to $6 
per ounce, but was worth in San Francisco $14, 
the rate at wliich the Doctor received it. After 
a few months' practice in the mines he went to 
San Francisco, and while there he was one of 
the seven original organizers of the Society of 
California Pioneers. They met in 1850 at 
the office of William D. M. Howard (who 
was at one time also a resident of Los 
Angeles), on Montgomery street, in that city. 
Soon afterward the Doctor returned to Lo8 
Angeles. 

In 1854 he went again to Santa Barbara 
County, where he was engaged some twelve 
years in looking after the interests of his San 
Marcos Rancho of eight leagues, which was 
stocked with cattle. About the year 1859 he 
made a conditional sale of this ranch and stock, 
intending to visit his old home and purchase a 
place wdiich his ancestors had held for over 450 
years betbre" tlie confiscation; i)ut tlie sale fell 
through, and later, during the great drought in 
California, he lost almost all his stock, over 
2,000 head of horned cattle, so that lin was 
forced to indefinitely postpone the trip. 

Li January, ISfif), ho moved to Los .\ngeies. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



wliere he has ever since lived, practicing his 
profession. 

Dr. Den is averse to l)econiing involved in 
any litigation except where iiis principles are 
at stake, preferring to relinrjuish his material 
interests rather than have liis good name sullied 
hy coming in contact with certain minions of 
the law. His faith in mankind lias resulted in 
the loss of considerable property, brouglit about 
by fraud and false testimony, which his sense of 
right revolts against, as all those who have ob- 
tained wealth by such means have always been 
scorned by him. 

The Doctor ranks among his patients some 
of the leading men and women of California, 
both of the past and of the present, and from 
the period of his arrival in this country has 
highly distinguished himself as a physician, as 
a sui'geon and as an obstetrician, and all who 
know him well speak in the highest praise of 
his many noble qualities. Honor, integrity 
and lofty-minded strength of purpose, with a 
scrupulous regard for the true ethics of his 
profession, are qualities he possesses and holds 
dearer than anything else upon this earth. Al- 
though in his sixty-eighth year, the highly pre- 
served state of his health visibly indicates a 
long life. 

Many of the Spanish people in old times, and 
some even now, have such faith in Dr. Den's 
skill that their oft-expressed confidence in him 
has crystallized into this proverb: Desjmes de 
Dios, Doctor Don Ricardo (After God, Dr. Don 
Richard). The pleasant relations that have ex- 
isted between Dr. Den and the people of the 
country, and the trust they have reposed in 
him, is fully appreciated. Indeed he cherishes 
with genuine pride, as he well may, the esteem 
and kindly regard in which he has been held by 
the good people of this community during the 
many years that he has lived in Southern Cali- 
fornia. His learning and skill, his high sense 
of professional honor, and his kindly nature, 
have combined to give him a warm place in the 
hearts of the old Californians. They fully be- 
lieve that as a physician he has been the means 



of saving hundreds of lives; and only those 
who are familiar with the, affectionate way in 
which the respectable Spanish people speak of 
" Don llicardo," can appreciate how strong is 
their friendship for him. — H. D. B. 

Joseph P. Widney, A. M., JVl. D., a promi- 
nent member of the medical profession, and one 
of the leading citizens and literary characters 
of Southern California, has been a resident of 
the State for more than a quarter of a century, 
having crossed the continent in 1862, when a 
youth just merging from his teens. He is a 
native of Ohio, born in Miami County forty- 
seven years ago. He took a partial literary 
course in Miami University, that State, which 
he continued in the University of the 
Pacific, from which he holds the degree of 
Master of Arts; and subsequently graduated in 
medicine at Toland Medical College, M'hich is 
now the medical department of the University 
of California. He spei.t two years as surgeon 
in the United States army in Arizona; came to 
Los Angeles in 1868, and has been most loyally 
and thoroughly identified with the growth and 
progre.-^s of Southern California ever since. Be- 
sides conducting a large medical practice. Dr. 
AVidney has been actively identified with and a 
zealous promoter of every public enterprise hav- 
ing for its object the development of Los An- 
geles City and county in the past two decades. 
He was one of the principal organizers of the 
Los Angeles County Medical Society, which was 
effected January 31, 1871. To his efforts and 
munificent generosity is due the founding and 
prosperous career of the College of Medicine, a 
branch of the University of Southern California, 
of which also he is one of the founders. The 
College of Medicine was opened for students in 
the fall of 1885, and graduated its first class in 
1888. Its curriculum, which embraces and re- 
quires a graded three years' course of study, is 
as complete and thorough as that of any medical 
college in the United States. Its avowed aim 
is to do only the most thorough work. Dr. 
Widney has been the dean of the college from 
its opening, and also holds the professorship of 



1II8T0HY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



tlieory and practice of medicine. lie donated a 
large sum to establi&h this school, giving the 
property as it now stands, has made heavy con- 
tributions from time to time since, and has ar- 
ranged to give a still larger amount in providing 
new and more commodious college buildings for 
permanent occupancy. 

In addition to his professional labor, and the 
energy expended in building up this nolilc edu- 
cational enterprise. Dr. Widney has found time 
to do a large amount of literary and patriotic 
work in the interest of Southern California. In 
1876 he, with two other gentlemen, as a com- 
mittee of three, chosen for the purpose by the 
citizens of Los Angeles, wrote tiie >' Centennial 
Historical Sketch" of Los Angeles County, a 
work of eighty-eight octavo pages, and involv- 
ing a large amonnt of research and labor, and 
of much historical valne. He also wrote the 
first sections of the work entitled "California of 
the South," published by D. Appleton & Co., 
in 1887, in which he dealt chiefly with the 
climatology, physical geograpiiy. and social 
questions of Southern California. The clima- 
tology of the Pacific Coast has been a subject of 
especial study with him for many years, and he 
is recognized as one of the autiiorities in this 
science for the coast. He has pnblislied many 
articles upon this topic. He was one of the 
founders, and from the start has been one of the 
editors, of the Southern California Practi- 
tioner, an ably conducted monthly medical 
journal, now in the fourth year of its existence. 
He has also been a frequent contributor of 
poetical and literary material, and of scientific, 
historical and descriptive articles pertaining to 
the Pacific Coast, and its commercial and race 
problems, for the columns of current magazines. 
Within the past twelve years Dr. Widney, act- 
ing in a representative capacity for the people 
of this portion of the State, has prepared numer- 
ous memorials to the United States Congress, dis- 
cussing the importance of and the imperative 
necessity for coast and harbor improvements in 
Southern California; and his efforts, conjointly 
with the ett'orts of other citizens, have borne 



much good fruit in improvements completed 
and j)rojected at the port of San Pedro. He has 
been always an active member of the Chamber 
of Commerce, and has done much in outlining 
the railroad, maritime and commercial policy of 
Southern California. While Republican in gen- 
eral politics, he is an earnest worker in the 
cause of temperance, having been placed at the 
head of the citizens' non-partisan anti-saloon 
nujvement. He served the city several terms 
as a member of the Board of Education, and was 
for a number of years president of that body. 
For several years he lield the professorship of 
English Literature in the College of Liberal 
Arts of the University of Southern California, 
until, with the establishment of the College of 
Medicine, he was compelled by lack of time to 
concentrate his labors upon the latter work. 
Dr. AVidney is withdrawing from the active 
practice of his profession to devote his time 
more especially and completely to educational 
and literary work together with such public 
duties as fall to him. He was one of the first 
to discuss the feasibility of dividing the State 
and establishing the commonwealth of South- 
ern California, has written much upon the 
subject, and is one of the ablest and most 
enthusiastic advocates of the new " California of 
the South." He originated and made the first 
public movement looking toward the acquis i 
tion of the Peninsula of Lower California by- 
the United States. The Doctor is a clear and 
forcible speaker and writer, and wields a facile 
and fearless pen in the advocacy of his con- 
victions. 

Dr. Widney was joined in marriage with 
Miss Ida D. Tuthill in 1869. After her death, 
he was married, in 1882, to Miss Mary Bray, 
daughter of John G. Bray, one of the pioneer 
merchants of San Francisco. His wife is his 
constant companion and valued associate in his 
literary work. Dr. Widney and family are mem- 
bers of and active workers in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, having taken part in its 
growth in Southern California almo.st from its 
beginning. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Martin Hagan, M. D., one of the leading 
surgeons and physicians of Los A.ngele8, for- 
merly of St. Paul, Minnesota, was born in Tus- 
carawas County, Ohio, December 28, 1832. 

Martin Hagan completed his literary educa- 
tion in Columbia College, New York City. He 
attended lectures in the Medical University, 
New York, and Starling Medical College, Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, graduating from the latter in 
1856. After practicing eight years at Port 
Washington, Ohio, in August, 1861, he entered 
the military service as Assistant Surgeon, Fifty- 
lirst Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Army 
of the Ohio. He was present at the battles of 
Fort Donelson, Perryville, Stone River and 
Chattanooga. Owing to failing health he re- 
signed his commission, and after a rest of a few 
months he returned to the service as surgeon of the 
One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment, Volun- 
teer Infantry, which was sent to the Shenandoah 
Valley, Virginia, being a part of the time with 
General Sheridan. He participated in the bat- 
tles of Harper's Ferry, Maryland Heights and 
"Winchester, and frequently acted as brigade 
surgeon, and had charge of hospitals succeeding 
battles. After being honorably discharged, at 
the expiration of his term of service, in the fall 
of 1864, he returned to Ohio, and during the 
same fall was elected county treasurer of his 
native county. 

During the winter of 1866 and 1867, after 
serving his term as county treasurer, he at- 
tended the hospitals and course of medical lect- 
ures in New York City, and graduated at the 
College of Piiysicians and Surgeons in February, 
1867. In August of that year, having finished 
his naedical education, he went to St. I'aul, Min- 
nesota, where he engaged in the practice of his 
profession with eminent success for fourteen 
years. In 1881, his health becoming impaired 
by close attention to his extensive practice, he 
contemplated a tour to the Pacific Islands. 
Leaving St. Paul in June, 1881, accompanied 
by his wife and children, he sailed from San 
Francisco to Honolulu, Australia, New Zealand 
and the South Sea Islands. In 1882 he was 



placed in medical charge of the Asylum for tiie 
Insane on the Hawaiian Islands by appointment 
from the king. Resigning two years afterward, 
he returned with his family to California and 
became a resident of Los Angeles, where he is 
at present engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession. 

As a physician and surgeon the Doctor has 
a high standing. He is a diligent student and 
believes in progression. He is an able writer 
upon medical science, and has contributed 
extensively to medical journals ami to the per- 
manent literature of the profession — books, 
pamphlets and magazine articles. Among these 
is a work on the " Diseases of the Stomach and 
Indigestion," published in 1867; an artistically 
illustrated pamphleton " Leprosy in the Hawaiian 
Islands;" articles on matters pertaining to the 
public health in his annual reports as health 
oflicer, etc.; and he has also furnished interest- 
ing papers descriptive of his various travels, 
which have been extensive both on this conti- 
nent and abroad. He is a member of the Min- 
nesota State Medical Society, and has been its 
president; he is alio a member of the St. Paul 
Medical Society, of the Minnesota State His- 
torical Society, of the St. Paul Academy of 
Science, of the American Medical Association, 
honorary member of the Ohio State Medical 
Society, of the California State Medical Society, 
and of the Los Angeles Connty Medical Society. 

On becoming a resident of Los Angeles in 
1884, he at once took an active part in the 
growth and progress of the city, and invested 
largely in real-estate. In 1886 he was one of 
the incorporators of the Southern California 
National IBank of Los Angeles, and was chosen 
one of its directors. In 1887 he was elected 
health ofiicer for the city of Los Angeles, for 
which position he was specially fitted by the 
close study he had for many years given to 
sanitary science. Thus he rendered important 
service during the small-pox epidemic of 1887- 
'88, and through his prompt action and strin- 
gent hygienic measures eflectually checked it. 
In fraternal relations he is a Master Mason 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and a member of the order of Odd Fellows. He 
was married in October, 1861, at Port Wash- 
ington, Ohio, to Miss Kosc Armstrong, of that 
place. Thej have two children. 

Henry H. Matnaed, M. D., one of the most 
eminent physicians and estimable gentlemen in 
Southern California, was born on the banks of 
the Olentangy River, in Franklin County, Ohio, 
September 6, 1835. When he was a lad nine 
years of age his father, Stephen Maynard, moved 
frani the Buckeye State to the then new country 
of Iowa and settled near Iowa City, in Johnson 
County. There the subject of this sketch grew 
to manhood, received his literary education and 
studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. 
Frederick Lloyd in Iowa City. lie attended 
Eush Medical College, Chicago, in 1861, and in 
August, 1862, entered the army as assistant 
surgeon of the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry. In 
November of that year he was detailed by Gen- 
eral Scholield as ward surgeon in the hospital 
at Springtield, Missouri, and served till the fol- 
lowing spring. The onerous duties of the posi- 
tion and contact with fever patients so impaired 
his health that he was compelled to take a leave 
of absence for two months at home. On his 
return to duty Dr. Maynard was promoted to 
surgeon in chief of the hospital, liaving the 
entire superintendence. Springfield being the 
distributing depot for a large area of country 
norfh and west, a great m^ny troops reported 
there. Dr. Maynard had charge of the liospital 
till the fall of 1863, when his regiment was 
ordered South, and he soon after followed and 
rejoined it. Being detailed to Dardanelle, 
Arkansas, to examine new recruits for the Union 
army, he remained there until the whole com- 
mand was ordered North about the holidays. 
During their march to Fort Smith the memor- 
able storm and sudden change of January 1. 



1864, occurred, whicli causfed great 



ifferi 



ng 



among tlie men. On arriving at Fort Smith 

he went on duty with his regit 

for the first time, but it was desti 

short duration, for in two weeks he received an 

order from General Steele, commanding at 



lent, practically 
Gstined to be of ! 



Little Rock, to report at Springfield, Missouri, 
to muster as surgeon of the Second Arkansas 
Cavalry, a regiment composed of loyal men from 
Arkansas, Missouri and Texas, officered chiefly 
by Northern men. Dr. Maynard was mustered 
as surgeon of that regiment on Janiiary 17, 
1864, and accompanied it to Northern Arkansas, 
where it was sent to guard against raiding 
parties being sent up into Missouri. . A few 
weeks later, in February, the Doctor was ordered 
to Cassville, Missouri, to establish a post hos- 
pital. Having completed that duty he was or- 
dered l)y General John B. Sanborn, sometime 
in March, back to Springtield, Missouri, as 
medical director and medical purveyor of the 
district of Southwest Missouri. In that capacity 
he furnisiied all the troops in that region with 
medical and surgical supplies, having hundreds 
of thousands of dollars worth of goods in his 
hands at a time. In the fall of 1864 Dr. May- 
nard accompanied his regiment against the rebel 
General Price who had invaded Missouri: and 
during that campaign, from Jeflferson City to 
Newtonia, some of the most remarkable and 
fatiguing marches of the entire war were made. 
His regiment was thirty-four days and nights in 
the saddle riding or fighting. Sanborn's com- 
mand, of which it was a part, marched 102 miles 
in thirty-six hours, reaching Newtonia in time 
to save the day and win the battle. On arriv- 
ing there Dr. Maynard was compelled to take 
charge of the entire surgical work, the other 
surgeons of the command not having arrived, 
notwithstanding he had been without food for 
twenty-four hours previous while on the forced 
march. Simply taking time to hastily swallow 
a tin-cup of strong hot coffee he entered upon 
the duties of attending to the wounded. Re- 
turning from Newtonia to Springtield, his regi- 
ment was then ordered to Memphis, Tennessee, 
where the Doctor joined it after a brief leave of 
absence. Reaching that place about the 1st of 
January, 1865, he served a short time as sur- 
geon in chief of the district of West Tennessee, 
after which he resigned the command at La- 
grange, and remained there on duty as brigade 



U I STORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



eurf^eon until lie was mustered out of service 
August 20, 1865. 

On retiring from the army Dr. Mayriard 
married the daughter of Brigadier-General John 
Edwards ou Sej)teinljur 5, 1865, and settled down 
to practice medicine in Tipton, Iowa. In 1874 
he went to \ow York City and spent the winter 
in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, taking the 
<td eundem degree from that institution in the 
spring of 1875. Closing out his business after 
seventeen years of successful practice in Iowa, 
Dr. Maynard moved his family to California 
in November, 1881, stopping six months in 
Santa Ana Valley, and then settled in Los An- 
geles, where they have since resided and where 
he has achieved a large and lucrative medical 
practice and attained to the front rank in his 
profession in this part of the State. He fills the 
chair of Professor of Principles and Practice 
of Surgery in the College of Medicine of the 
University of Southern California. 

Dr. and Mrs. Maynard have a family of 
three children, viz.: Maud, who graduated with 
the degree of A. B. from the Ladies' College in 
Los Angeles; Rea Edwards, a freshman in the 
Hose Polj'technic Institute at Terre Haute, In- 
diana, with a view of becoming a civil engineer; 
Frederick Gray Maynard, the youngest, is at- 
tending the city public schools. 

Dr. Maynard's father, Stephen Maynard, 
was born in Massachusetts in 1791 and moved 
to Ohio in 1806, where he married Lurenda 
Humphrey, a native of Connecticut, wiio came 
to the Buckeye State in the same year her hus- 
band did. In 1844 they removed to Iowa, be- 
ing pioneers in both States. Mrs. Maynard 
died in 1872, and Mr. Maynard followed her 
across the dark river two years later. The sub- 
ject of this memoir was their staff and support 
jn their declining years. 

Dr. Aaron Sohloss, physician and drug- 
gist, whose office and store are on the southwest 
corner of Downey avenue and Hellman street, 
East Los Angeles, has been iu business at that 
location since coming to the city in November, 
188G. He enjoys a prosperous and riMiiuncr- 



ative professional practice, and also has a good 
drug trade. Dr. Schloss is an Indianian by 
birth, and is twenty-seven years of age. He 
was left an orphan in early ciiildhood, his mother 
having died when he was two years old, and his 
father fonr years later. Though but six when 
he lost his father, he provided for himself from 
that time on. Descended from a fatnily of phy- 
sicians (i)oth his grandparents and two of his 
uncles on his mother's side were doctors), he 
inclined from boyhood toward that profession as 
his life-work, and at seventeen years of age — 
having completed the High-School course — lie 
began the study of medicine in Columbus, In-, 
diana. He graduated at the medical department 
of the University of Pennsylvania in 1883, and 
after spending a few nionths at home, came to 
California and commenced practice in Watson- 
ville, Santa Cruz County. Three years later he 
moved to Los Angeles. The Doctor employs a 
graduated pharmacist to conduct his drug store, 
which has a fine retail trade, chiefly among reg- 
ular family customers. 

In June, 1885, Dr. Schloss married Miss 
Adella Tuttle, in Santa Cruz County. She was 
born in Iowa. The Doctor was a member of the 
Santa Cruz County Medical Society, and is now 
a member of the Los Angeles County Medical 
Society. Dr. Sohloss's maternal grandfather 
practiced medicine till ninety years of age, and 
his grandmother, until she was eighty years old. 

Dr. W. a. Brown, of Downey, has been a 
citizen of this county for several years, and 
during that time has worked up an immense 
practice in Downeyand the surrounding country 
for a radius of ten miles. He was born near 
Macon, Georgia, July 27, 1817. His lather was 
a native of Edinburgh, "Scotland, and came to 
America with his father, who settled near 
Petersburg, Virginia, and served as a Captain 
in the Revolutionary war. The subject of this 
sketch received his literary education at the Uni- 
versity of Nashville, from which he received 
four diplomas, representing as many different 
degrees. He graduated in 1837, and subse- 
(piently studied clicinistry under the celebrated 



HIsroRy OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



chemist, Paul F. Eve. In 1853 he took a de- 
gree in science and also in medicine. Previous 
to this, liowever, he had practiced medicine for 
several years. After receiving liis degree he 
went to Southern Georgia and practiced two 
years. From there he went to Fort Valley, 
Georgia, where he remained until 1854. In 
December of the latter year he moved to Texas, 
where he was very successful. 

Dr. Brown was married in 1841 to Miss Sa- 
lina J. Jenkins, daughter of Eobert and Hannah 
(Shields) Jenkins, both from England. She is 
a niece of Charles J. Jenkins, who represented 
the State of Georgia in the Senate for several 
years. The Doctor himself is lirst cousin to 
Joe Brown, who was Governor of Georgia for 
three terms, and also Chief Justice of Georgia. 
During the late war Dr. Brown was postmaster 
at Cunninghams, Texas. He was for two years 
chemist and mineralogist in Georgia with Dr. 
Cotting, under the geological survey. At the 
beginning of the war he was appointed to make 
a topographical survey of the southern half of 
Texas, with Dr. Duvall. The war coming on, [ 
and Duvall having died, the survey was never 
made. 

The Doctor and his excellent wife have reared 
an interesting and intelligent family. Imme- 
diately after their marriage he and his bride rode 
each a pony a distance of eighty miles in two 
days, through the Creek Nation of Indians, 
making but one stop. Dr. Brown was a very 
wealthy man in Texas, but lost heavily during 
the war. Since coming to California he has 
built up a large practice, and is recognized 
as a physician of great ability. He is a Mason 
in the thirty-second degree, and a member of 
the I. O. O. F. fraternity. 

Dr. Andkew Stephen Shorb was born at 
Canton, Ohio, April 12, 1837. His father, 
Adam Lechner Shorb, came from Little York, 
Pennsylvania, to Ohio, and was of German ex- 
traction. Dr. Shorb spent most of his minority 
and commenced studying medicine in Ohio. 
Afterward he went to Vinton, Iowa, in 1854, 
and then returned to Ohio, still continuing his 



studies in Columbus, Ohio, during the war, and 
graduated at the Cincinnati Pnltey Medical 
School. He went to Topeka, Kansas, where he 
practiced his profession three years. In 1871 
he came to California; first he went to Vallejo, 
but soon came to Los Angeles, where he settled 
in the practice of his profession, and where he 
has resided ever since. He married his first 
wife in 1860, who died, leaving one son, who is 
a resident of Los Angeles. In 1868 he married 
Martha L. Blanchard, at Newark, Ohio, by whom 
he has one child, a daughter. 

Dr. Shorb, who is a frank and outspoken man, 
is nevertheless ver}- genial and popular, and has 
had flattering success in his profession. The 
Doctor has rendered very efficient service in the 
establishment and building up of the Unitarian 
church in Los Angeles. 

Dk. Walter Lindley was born in Indiana, 
January 13, 1852. In 1866 he removed with 
his parents to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where 
he received a fair general education in the 
grammar and high school, working in vacations 
successively in a flour mill, a woolen mill and a 
book-store. He commenced teaching in the 
public schools in 1869 and thus accumulated 
enough money to begin his medical education. 
He graduated at the Philadelphia School of 
Anatomy in 1873, and then spent one vacation 
traveling for a wholesale cutlery house, selling 
goods to jobbers in all the principal cities of 
the United States. Following this busy voca- 
tion he attended two years at the Long Island 
College Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, from 
which he graduated in 1875. During his last 
year at this medical college he was ambulance 
surgeon of the city of Brooklyn, which assisted 
him in gaining practical knowledge in surgery 
and was also of great value to him financially, 
as he received for this work $30 per month and 
his board. 

In October, 1875, he came to Los Angeles 
to begin his professional career. He had no 
money, but he possessed an abundance of en- 
thusiasm and energy. Soon after his arrival 
there was a terrible drouth, a very fatal epi- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



demic of small-pox and some serious bank 
failures, but he remained sanguine in regard to 
the ultimate prosperity of Southern California. 
In 1878 he was elected health officer of the city 
of Los Angeles, and in 1880 was elected a 
member of the city Board of Education. In 
1880 he assisted in founding the Los Angeles 
Orphans' Home, in which he has since served 
continuously, either as president, attending 
]>hysician or consulting physician. He was for 
several years secretary of the Los Angeles 
County Medical Society, and in 1881 was 
elected president. In 1882 he spent four 
months in the hospitals in New York. The 
Doctor is Eepublican in politics, and in 1877 
was president of the first young men's Repub- 
lican club ever organized in Los Angeles. In 
1884 he was elected county physician, which 
position he held for eighteen months when he 
resigned on account of overwork. In 1886 he 
again went to New York and spent three 
months in the hospitals. While on this visit 
he read, by invitation, before the Kings County 
Medical Society, Brooklyn, New York, a paper 
entitled " Southern California: a Climatic 
Sketch." This paper was well received and has 
since been published in twenty-eight different 
journals in the United States, and translated 
and published in German. In 1884 he, in com- 
pany with Drs. Kurtz and Widney, established 
the Southern Califortda Practitioner^ a 
monthly medical journal, which has taken a 
prominent position among medical periodicals, 
and of which he is managing editor. In 1885 
he was one of the founders of the Medical 
College of the University of Southern Califor- 
nia, in which he has ever since been Professor 
of Obstetrics. In 1887 Dr. Lindley and Dr. 
Widney wrote "California of the South," a 
handsome volume of 400 pages, descriptive of 
Southern California. This work was published 
by D. Appleton & Co., New York, and has met 
with a great sale. In 1888 he assisted in found- 
ing the Southern California District Medical 
Society. In 1889 he was unanimously elected 
president of the State Medical Society, of Cali- 



fornia, which position he now holds. During 
all these years in Los Angeles Dr. Lindley has 
been actively engaged in what has for a long 
time been an extensive private practice. 

Dr. Lindley was married August 18, 1875, 
to Miss Loue C. Puett, daughter of Rev. W. 
W. Puett. She died May 6, 1881, after a lin- 
gering illness, leaving two little girls. He was 
again united in marriage, November 22, 1882, 
to Miss Lilla L. Leighton, and his family now 
consists of his wife and three children. Dur- 
ing his residence in Los Angeles the Doctor 
has done a great deal of writing, his chief rec- 
reation being his pen and his books, yet he is 
no recluse, and greatly enjoys social gatherings, 
especially social meetings with his fellow prac- 
tiionters. 

John Stbotheu Griffin, M. D., was born at 
Fincastle, Virginia, in 1816. His father, John 
Caswell Griffin, was a native of Virginia, as 
was his father before him. He died in 1823, 
when the Doctor was about seven years of age. 
His mother, nee Mary Hancock, was a daughter 
of George and Margaret (Strother) Hancock, 
both of })romineiit Virginia families. She died 
when the Doctor was quite young, probably in 
1825. Thus deprived of both his parents in 
early boylfood, he went to Louisville, Kentucky, 
where he lived with his maternal uncle, George 
Hancock, until maturity, and was given a classi- 
cal education. In 1837 he graduated as M. D. 
from the Medical De|)artment of the University 
of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. He then 
practiced at Louisville until 1840, when he 
entered the United States army as assistant 
surgeon, and served as such under General 
Worth in Florida and on the southwest frontier 
at Fort Gibson. At the commencement of the 
Mexican war, in 1846, he was attached to the 
Army of the West, commanded by General 
Kearny, as surgeon of the First Dragoons, with 
rank of Captain, he being with that army when 
it entered Santa Fe, in August, 1846. In the 
following September, General Kearny, with his 
command, started on a march to California, 
arriving at the Colorado River in November, 



^»^^ 




(V// v.^ o fh^ 



^v\cy 



JU.S'JOJiY OF LOS AISGELEa COUNTY. 



207 



and on tlie 3d of December reached Warner's 
Kanch, in wliat is now San Diego County, Cali- 
fornia. Deceuilier 6 tiie battle of San Pasqual 
was fought with the Mexican forces, and 0!i the 
10th the command arrived at San Diego with 
its wounded, Commodore Stockton having a 
short time previously arrived theie with the 
United States squadron. January 1, 18-i7, the 
commands of General Kearny and Commodore 
Stockton were united, the Doctor being the 
ranking medical officer. A march was then 
made toward Los Angeles. On the 8th of Janu- 
ary, meeting the Mexican forces at San Gabriel 
Eiver, an engagement took place, and driving 
them back, they crossed the river some ten 
miles southeast of Los Angeles. On the 9th 
of January another engagement with the Mexi- 
cans took place at La Mesa, and on the 10th 
they took possession of Los Angeles, then con- 
taining some 3,000 or 4,000 inhabitants. On 
the 12th or 13th of January, lorces under Gen- 
eral J. C. Fremont arriving at Los Angeles 
from the North, General Kearny's command was 
transferred to San Diego, where the Doctor was 
placed in charge of the general hospital. In 
May, 1847, he was ordered to report for duty at 
Los Angeles, under Colonel J. D. Stevenson, 
where he was on duty -until May, 1849, when 
he -was transferred to the staff of General Per- 
sifer Smith, as medical officer. In 1850 he was 
stationed at Benicia, where he remained until 
1852, when he was ordered to San Diego to 
accompany Major Heintzelman on an expedition 
against the Yuma Indians on the Colorado 
lliver. He then returned to duty at Benicia. 
In 1853 he was ordered by the War Department 
to report for duty at Washington, D. C. He 
remained there until 1854, when, resigning his 
commission, he returned to California and per- 
manently located at Los Angeles, where he has 
since been engaged in the practice of medicine. 
Dr. Griffin, after Dr. R. S. Den, is believed 
to be the oldest physician and surgeon in Los 
Angeles, in which capacities he has enjoyed the 
confidence of some of the best families in Los 
Angeles for something like fi'rty years, for his 



skill became known to them whilst he was yet 
an arn)y surgeon. 

Having in early times acquired a large tract 
of land east of the river, he may in a sense be 
called the father of that beautiful suburb. East 
Los Angeles. He was one of the oi'iginal in- 
corporators, and a stockholder and director of 
both the Los Angeles City Water Company and 
the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank. For many 
years Dr. Griffin has been prominent as an in- 
fluential and public-spirited citizen, as well as 
in his profession. He is likewise one of the 
most genial of gentlemen. 

The Doctor was married in 1856, in Los An- 
geles, to Miss Louisa Hays, a native of Mary- 
laud. She died in this city. May 2, 1888, at the 
age of sixty-seven years. 

Granville MacGowan, M. D., a representa- 
tive of the most advanced school of thought and 
scientific research in the medical profession, is 
the son of the late Colonel Granville MacGowan, 
*of the United States Army, and was born in 
Iowa during the temporary sojourn of his par- 
ents in the Hawkeye State, in 1857. His 
father spent most of his life in the military 
service as an officer in the regular army. His 
mother's home was in Philadelphia, and in that 
city the Doctor was educated for his profession, 
graduating from the University of Pennsylva- 
nia in 1879. After officiating as resident 
physician of Blockly Hospital one year. Dr. 
MacGowan went to Europe for the purpose of 
further extending his professional studies, and 
spent four years abroad in study and travel, 
taking special courses in the universities of 
Berlin, Paris and Vienna. Returning to New 
York in 1884, he practiced a year in the Amer- 
ican metropolis before coming to Los Angeles. 
Since locating here about four years ago he has 
enjoyed a prosperous and lucrative practice, 
very soon taking rank among the leading phy- 
sicians of this portion of the State. 

Dr. MacGowan has filled a chair in the Col- 
lege of Medicine of the University of Southern 
California for three years, as professor of skin 
and venereal diseases. Upon the adoption of the 



208 



inSTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT V. 



new city charter in March, 1889, which enlarges 
the powers and accountabilities of the health 
oificer, Dr. MacGowan was appointed to that 
very important officeover niuiierous competitors, 
prominent members of his profession. His 
position at the head of the liealth department 
of the rapidly growing city of Los Angeles is 
fraught with duties and responsibilities es- 
pecially vital to her 80,000 people. Dr. Mac- 
Gowan is a member of the Los Angeles County 
Medical Society and the Southern California 
District Medical Society. The Doctor has trav- 
eled extensively, visiting nearly every civilized 
country in the world. 

Henky Woethington, M. D., one of the most 
prominent and popular physicians in Southern 
California, was born near Chester, England, in 
1853, of Welsh ancestry. His parents immi- 
grated to America when he was a lad of six 
years, and he was reared and educated in New 
York City, graduating at the Columbia College 
in 18G8. After iinishing his literary course he 
spent two years in Europe pursuing medical 
studies, and was a student of Dr. Walsh, of 
London, the distinguished specialist in diseases 
of the throat, lungs and heart, and was at that 
time physician of Brompton Hospital. Return- 
ing to New York, Dr. Worthington attended 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons in that 
city, graduating there in 1874. He had com- 
pleted the course of study and passed the re- 
quired examination a year previous; but being 
only twenty years of age he had to wait a year 
for his diploma. 

From close confinement and overwork while 
a student, Dr. Worthington found his health 
seriously impaired, having suffered from hem- 
orrhage of the lungs. He had bright prospects 
for a successful career in his profession, but 
physicians predicted that he could not live but 
a short time. He came to California and to 
Los Angeles in 1874, and soon after arriving 
formed a partnership with Dr. H. S. Orme, and 
commenced practice. Possessing a highly nerv- 
ous temperament, his activity and ambition 
impelled him to excessi\e labor, under which 



he broke down after about four years of practice, 
and was obliged to flee to the mountains for 
rest and recuperation. Nature, the greatest 
physician, assisted by rest and the pure mount- 
ain air, did her work; and at the end of a num- 
ber of months the Doctor returned to the city. 
Entering into partnership with Dr. Joseph 
Kurtz, he resumed practice. The firm have all 
the business they and two assistants can do, and 
reputable physicians of the city have said to the 
writer that, in spite of his rather delicate phys- 
ical constitution, " Dr Worthington has the 
largest practice of any physician in Los Angeles." 
Their office, on Main street, between First and 
Second, is a very busy place during business 
hours. Dr. Worthington does a gener.al prac- 
tice, the leading feature of which is gyne- 
cology. He has made a special study of diseases 
of the lungs and heart, and is one of the best 
authorities on those organs on this coast. He 
had charge of the Los Angeles Infirmary, now 
the Sisters' Hospital, for twelve years, the object 
being to practice in those diseases, the pressure 
ofprivate business compelling him to resign over 
a year ago. He has been a member of the Cali- 
fornia State Medical Society since 1S76, and is 
one of the supervising committee on graduating 
exercises of the Medical Department of the State 
University. In 1888 he prepared a paper which 
was read before the International College Asso 
ciation, on the College of Medicine in Los 
Angeles. He has contributed a paper annually 
— a paper on the heart and lungs — to the Trans- 
actions of the State Medical Society, and has 
also written numerous articles for the columns 
of the medical journals, principally for the New 
York Medical Record. 

Dr. Worthington was married in 1876, in 
Los Angeles, to Miss Kate L. Heaver, a native of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, who was reared in Nashville, 
Tennessee. Of the five children born of their 
marriage four are living, three sons and a daugh- 
ter, comprising an exceptionally bright and 
happy family. The Doctor's home on Victor 
Heights is one of the most sightly and beautiful 
in the city. 



UISTOUY OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



Payson T. Huckins, M. D., is one of the pro- 
gressive and rising members of tiie medical ])ro- 
fession on tiie Pacific Coast. Born in Calais, 
Maine, in May, 1849, he was educated in the 
University of the City of New York, where lie 
graduated in March, 1878. After practicing 
between four and tive years in the city of Bangor, 
in the Pine-Tree State, Dr. Iluckins spent a year 
in Europe, extending his professional studies in 
London, Paris, Vienna and Edinburgh, taking, 
while there, a special course on tiie ear, eye and 
throat. In the summer of 1883 he crossed the 
continent, and opening an office in Los Angeles 
in July of that year, he has conducted a pros 
perous practice in the city ever since, his pro- 
fessional business being now one of the largest 
in this part of the State. He has given special 
attention to surgery, and is achieving more than 
a loeal distinction in this most difficult depart- 
ment of his profession. While abroad Dr. 
Huckins attended the seventh meeting of the 
International Medical Congress, held in London. 
He was also a member of the Ninth Inter- 
national Medical Congress, held in the city of 
Washington, in September, 1887, on which 
occasion he was invited to take part in tiie 
ophthalmic department of the tenth meeting of 
that most distinguished of all medical bodies, 
to be held in Berlin, in 1891, which he expects 
to attend. He, as one of the members, ha? in 
his medical library the live volumes of the pub- 
lished transactions of the Washington meeting. 
Although not a member of the American Medi- 
cal Association, Dr. Huckins was officially re- 
quested by letter to prepare a paper on laryn- 
gology and otology to be read before that learned 
body at its annual meeting in June, 1889, with 
which request he complied. He was a member 
of the State Medical Society of Maine while 
practicing there. 

Dr. Huckins has been married three times. 
His first wife died in Bangor, Maine, and the 
second in Los Angeles. His present consort 
was Mrs. E. M. Farreil, a native of Georgia, 
whom he wedded in April, 1886. 

Albert C. Rogkrs, M. D. This gentleman, 



having been associated with and instructed by 
the best and greatest minds of our time during 
the formative period of his medical education, 
is a representative of the progressive school of 
his profession. He was born in New York 
State, January 10, 1850, and is a direct descend- 
ant of John Rogers, the martyr, a fact which is 
established in the geneology of the family traced 
and written by his paternal grandfather, Ben- 
jamin Franklin Rogers. Clark Truman Rogers, 
tlie Doctor's father, was a speculator for many 
years, and is now living a retired life on his 
farm in Central New York. 

After four years' preliminary study at Oxford 
Academyand Alfred University in Western New 
Y^ork, Dr.Rogers began reading medicine in 1869 
with Dr. S. F. McFarland, an eminent physi- 
cian, formerly of Oxford, now of Binghamton, 
New York. In 1873 he graduated at the Medi- 
cal Department of the University of the City of 
New Y'ork, and commenced a general practice 
of his profession in Madison County, in that 
State. Having during his reading developed a 
preference for the treatment of the eye, ear, 
nose and throat, he paid special attention to the 
diseases of those organs, and gained a reputa- 
tion for their successful treatment. Determin- 
ing to thoroughly (j^ualify himself for this spe- 
cialty, he sold out his general practice in 188-1, 
went to New Yorlf City and took a post-grad- 
uate course in his alma mater, also a course in 
the New York Polyclinic and Post-Graduate 
Medical School. In June, 1885, he received the 
appointment of assistant house surgeon in the 
Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, corner Park 
avenue and Forty-first street, and was associated 
with the distinguished physicians C. R. Agnew, 
D. B. St. John RoosM, David Webster, and O. D. 
Poiiieroy. In April of the following year Dr. 
Rogers was promoted to house surgeon and filled 
that position one year, giving hiin an experience 
of about two years and a half as student and 
practitioner in that noted institution, which 
treats between 7,000 and 8,000 cases a year. 

Upon the advice of, and with strong com- 
mendatory letters of introduction from. Dr. 



HI6TUliT OF LOS AN OB LBS COUNTY. 



Agnew and others, Dr. Rogers came to Los 
Angeles, arriving May 19, 1887, and at once 
opened an office and entered upon the practice 
ot liis specialties. Armed with such testimonials 
from such high authorities, he soon obtained a 
fine professional business. 

Dr. Rogers is a member of the California 
State Medical Society, the Los Angeles County 
Medical Society, and the Soutiiern California 
Medical Society. 

In 1872 he was united in marriage with a 
Miss Langworthy, 'a descendant of one of tlie 
old New England families. 

L. S. Thompson, M. D., senior member of the 
firm of Thompson & Co., druggists, whose store 
is in the Downey Block, corner of Main and 
Temple streets, Los Angeles, is a member of a 
family of twelve children, si.K sons and si.\ 
daughters, and was born in Augusta, Maine, in 
18i6. When a boy he left JS'ew England, and, 
going West, located in Minnesota, where he re- 
mained several j'ears. Having studied for the 
medical profession, he was employed as surgeon 
of the engineering corps which surveyed and 
located the Northern Pacific Railroad, which 
occupied about three years. After returning 
from that e.xpedition he attended Starling Medi- 
cal College, Columbus, Ohio, and graduated at 
that institution with the degree of M. D., in 
1874. He practiced a short time in Shakopee, 
Minnesota, also serving as United States Pen- 
sion Agent while there. Coming to the Pacific 
Coast in 1875, he pursued his profession in 
Sacramento some six months, alter which he 
went to the Sandwich Islands, where he was 
appointed Public Physician, holding that po- 
sition twelve years. He resigned in 1887 and 
returned to California, settling in Los Angeles. 
In July, 1888, the Doctor purchased the drug 
store previously mentioned, which is doing a 
prosperous retail business. 

H. W. Wesixake, B. a., M. D., C. M., is a 
Canadian, born June 28, 1858. His literary 
education was obtained in Queen's and Magill 
universities, where he graduated with the de- 
gree of B. A., in 1882. After graduation the 



Dominion Government issued to him a diploma 
granting him authority to visit and inspect in- 
stitutes and colleges. He pursued the study of 
medicine in the meantime, and in 1886 grad- 
uated at the Toronto School of Medicine, the 
medical department of Victoria University, with 
the degree of M. D., C. M. He then went to 
Europe and took special courses of study in 
Edinborough Infirmary; in King's College and 
St. Thomas Hospital, London; in Paris and 
Vienna, and was awarded diplomas as a special- 
ist in the ear and eye, throat and lungs, gyne- 
cology and backteriology. Returning home. 
Dr. Westlake did some consultation practice in 
Toronto, and in May, 1888, he came to Los An- 
geles, arriving on the 15th of that month. He 
at once opened an office and began practice in 
the Hollenbeck Block, corner of Spring and 
Second streets. He devotes his attention to 
diseases of the ear and eye, throat and lungs, 
and gynecology, in whicli he has a large prac- 
tice. Dr. Westlake is a close student of and 
hard worker in his profession, with bright pros- 
pects for a future career in this favored portion 
of the Golden State. 

William D. Gkeene, M. D. One of the 
brightest and most successful of tiie rising 
young physicians in Southern California is W. 
D. Greene, his father being William Greene, a 
wealthy rancher residing near Toronto, Canada, 
and his mother a sister of Rev. Dr. Ormiston, 
of New York City. W. D. Greene, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was born near Toronto, 
Canada, and was educated in that city at the 
Toronto University, graduating in May, 1886, 
with the degree of M. D. C. M. a month or two 
before his twenty-first birthday, xlfter spending 
several months in the New York Hospital, he 
came to California, arriving in Los Angeles in 
November following his graduation, and imme- 
diately entered upon the practice of his profes- 
sion. Dr. Greene occupies a beautiful suite of 
office rooms in the Longstreet Block, 108 Nortli 
Main street, and his professional business is 
equaled in volume by few physicians in this 
part of the State. Possessing a fine uervo- 



UISTUUY OF LOS AN(Jb:LES VOUJ^TY. 



211 



mental temperament, aud having grown up mid 
the environments of a refined home and associ- 
ations, Dr. Greene is cnltured in mind and 
courleons in manner, drawing his associates 
and friends from tlie bust element of society, 
lieing ambitions and energetic in his profes- 
sional work, and one of tlie youngest practi- 
tioners on the Pacific Coast, a future of great 
promise awaits him. He is physician to the 
Caledonian Club, and a member of the Los 
Angeles Medical Society. 

The Doctor's fathei- died iii Torento four 
years ago, and his widowed mother resides with 
him in Los Angeles. They own a valuable es- 
tate in the Dominion. 

Manuel Fernandez, M. D. This gentleman 
is of pure Castillian blood, born in the Spanish 
capital on May 7, 1837. He received his liter- 
ary education and studied medicine in the city 
of Madrid, graduating at the Medical Univer- 
sity in that city May 15, 1862. He soon after 
commenced practice, and has been an active 
member of the medical profession for twenty- 
seven years. Although graduated fronj an 
allopathic school he adopted the homeopathic 
system of practice after entering upon the 
active labors of his profession, being the pio- 
neer homeopathist of his nationality on the 
Western Continent, and the only Spaniard of 
this school now practicing in America, save 
one in Santiago, Chili. Before coming to Cali- 
fornia Dr. Fernandez spent a number of years 
in active professional labor in several of the 
countries of Spanish America — Chili, Peru and 
Habana. On arriving in San Francisco, Au- 
gust 30, 1870, he opened an office and remained 
in the occidental metropolis two years; then 
spent eighteen months in San Diego, after 
which he settled in Los Angeles, in June, 
1874, and from that time to tlie present has en- 
joyed a large and prosperous professional busi- 
ness. In compliance witli the statute just 
previously enacted, Dr. Fernandez appeared 
before the State Medical Board, in 1876, and 
passed the requisite examination as a homeo- 
pathic practitioner. While engaged in a gen- 



eral practice, the Doctor has given special at- 
tention to the study of cancerous or scirrhus 
tumors, for which he has discovered a treatment 
that has resulted .in a number of very remarka- 
ble cures of cases in advanced stages of the 
disease, so much so that they have been pro- 
nounced incurable by high medical authorities. 
By years of patient study of the causes and 
conditions of cancerous growths and the suc- 
cessful treatment of this hitherto fatal malady 
Dr. Fernandez gives promise of becoming, like 
Harvey and Jeniier, a great benefactor to suf- 
fering humanity for all time, as he expects to 
give his discovery to the world in the near 
future. 

William Cole Haukison, M. D., is a Louisi- 
anian by birth, a descendant from the old Har- 
rison family of Virginia, and a third cousin of 
General Benjamin Harrison, President of the 
United States. William Cole Harrison, the 
grandsire of the subject of this sketch, settled 
in Louisiana during the last century, and there 
James William Harrison, the Doctor's father, 
was born and spent his life. 

Dr. Harrison was born in 1841, and at twelve 
years of age went into a drug store to learn the 
drug business, which he afterward carried on 
successfully on his own account in the Crescent 
City for many years. In March, 1862, young 
Harrison entered the Confederate army as a 
member of the famous Crescent Regiment, 
Louisiana Volunteers, and afterward served with 
the Twentieth Louisiana Infantry, a part of 
General Hardee's corps. For about nine months 
of the Doctor's three and a half years' service 
he was assistant to Medical Purveyor at Atlanta, 
Chattanooga, and other points. Dr. Harrison 
studied medicine in New Orleans, and in 1869 
finished a course of lectures in the New Orleans 
School of Medicine, and took a diploma as Doc- 
tor of Pharmacy, although entitled to the de- 
gree of M. D. Being urged by his friends to 
enter regularly upon the practice of medicine, 
he attended two courses of lectures in the Medi- 
cal Department of the University of Louisiana, 
where he graduated in March, 1882, and opened 



^f.*^> :vi;x" 



>a» 4fe !je^ jk. 



i^ S-flte:-^ >!,^-fe>i, ^- 



A.\(ih'i h's coi'.xry. 



313 



oosst'ul pnu'tii'o sfviMi yciirs. His in'olossioiuil 
work iiivolviMl miu-li ilriviiijj in tlio ooimtry, iiiid 
in wiiilcr lio iVoiiuiMitly triivolod it liiiiuiroii milos 
it (lity »\or tlio si\i»\v, witli llii> t(<iii|)orittiin' 
twiMitv to forly (li<^i\uv-t ln>Ki\v /oio, Tlio rij,' 
oroiis Miiinosotii oliinato was vi'iy Iryinji; tiii tlio 
li.-allli ..fl.is fimily :is woll ms lus ow.i. atul ho 
iv>olv,nl to .Mvk ■<. lu.nu- in a l.'ss iVi-ia ami 
Mton'snmiy olinio. I.iwivinu; tlioro in N >vtMnlu<r, 
ISSS, ho oiinii' witli his fiiniily to l-os An_u;oU's, 
wlioiv tlioy o\juH'l tt> ro.si(lo jiornianontly, us 
tlioy iii\> (ioiiijhtoii with Soiitliorn ('jiliforniii. 
Mr. Doilj^o has h cozy suito of oHii'o rooms iit 
No. 2'20 Soiitii Main atrool. aiui is alroa.ly on 
joyiiiij ii tino [irot'ossional Imsini'ss. Whiio he 
(Iol^s It jTonoral pnuitico, ho liivs givon spoi-ial 
iittontion to liisoiiso.'* of wonion ami cliiMron. 
1U> is It luemlior of tlio Los An}:;oli>s l\)niity 
Mo.lioal Su'ioty, thu lltlifornia Stato Modioal 
Sooioty and tlio Aiiu'rican Modioal Assooiation, 
also tho Stato and otiior htcil soriotios in Min- 
nosota, whoro lio prai'ticod for ton yosu'i^ prior to 
ooniinj; to (\-ilifornia. 

I>r. I>.i-,- ins l.,..«ntwioomarriod. Ilislirst 



wifo was Miss Kosa A. Sii 



ipso.i 



niitivo of 



Yorkshiro. Kngi.tnd, whom iio wodiU>d in IS77. 
Sho diol in .Inly, ISS;{, h-aviiij; two ohildron 
\Villi;im |),.d,-o". dr.. horn in Jnno, 1S7S. and 
Laura L, horn in Novoinhor. ISSO. hi LSSl 
tho Doctor was joiiiod in marriai^o witli Miss 
Lydia L. Smitli, a Minnosota lady. One ohild 
is tho frnit of this union .Mina. horn in Juno, 
1885. 

M.vniKW M.u:k Kannon. M. 1 ». IVw mon 
ill tho modioal profossimi aro so tlioroiiijhly 
Cijuippod by odiioational Irainiiio; lor tho dis 
ohar«jc of its duties as tho gontloinan wdiose 
namo hoads this skotcli. He was horn in Now 
York Stato in 1857, and was odnoalod in Mc- 
Gill and Mishop* universities, and tlio Royal 
College of I'hysiciaiis and Surgeons, Caniuhi, 
graduating at the latter in 187St. lie then went 
to England an<l spout two years in the lloyal 
College of nivsioia.is. Lon.lou, in whioli tho 
famous Dr. Moral .NL'Konzio and Sir .\iidrow 
Clark wore pr.ilossors. On his roturii to tho 



United Slalom in (SSL Dr. Kaniioii op.'ii -d an 
otliooaiidooiiHiionrod praolio' in I ho oily of New 
York, aftorward in Cm ili D'l'idiiig to cross 
the coiilinont, ho canio to l.o.s Augolos in 188(5, 
and has hoon carrying on an iietivo and prt)spor- 



iiis medical 



in th 



ity over since. In 



Kohrnary, LSSC, D,'. Kaimoii was appointed 
.\ssistan"l lieailh Olli.-or, and spent si\ months 
in the city post house, in chavgo of the small- 
pox patients duriiiii; tho provalonce of the dis- 
ease that year. Tho lirst of January, 18SS, ho 
hocamo physician to the Li>s Anoolos Intirniary 

Sisters' Hospital which position he still (ills 
very acoeptahly, hosides attendini,' to his line 
private practice. He is exaniiiiiiii; physician 
for tho Northern Legion ..f Honor, for tho Young 
Moil's Institute, and for tho Catlndic lU'iievo- 
lent Legion, and is a memlior of the Los An- 
geles County Medical Society. 

In Octoher, ISIL Dr. Kaiinou married Mi.ss 
.losophine lioyd Delano, a de>c.'ndanl of a v> ry 
old New York family, who have lived for over 
a century in Troy, that Stale. 

CiiAKi.KS EixtAii Smiiii, M. D., is the son of 
an inttdlioent, well to-do W-rmont farmer, who, 



piv' 



ions to the Doctor's hirth, settled in West- 



ern .Now York, whore tho suhject of this narra- 
tive w.as l.oni ill Noveml.er, IS-l'd. His par.'iils 
romovod to Col.hvalor, Michigan, wh.'n h.' was 
lifteen years of age. .Vftor nttonding the schools 
of till' city he spent a year ami a half in La- 
grange ('oUogiato Institute at Ontario, Indiana. 
In tho winter of ISlJ'J '70 he traveled throujrli 
the Southern States; and, returning to ('old- 
wator in the spring of 1870, lie hogan the study 
of medicine in the ollico id" Dr. James M. liOng, 
a man of mark and an old practitioner in the 
place. .\fter a eour.^e of reading, Mr. Smith 
etitoroil (Movoland ILmieopathio Hos|)ital Motli- 
cal C\)lIoge, whore he graduated in 1S74. He 
at once commeneed practice as a parLiier with 
his preceptor in Coldwater, continuing in this 
relation two years. Dr. Smith then went to 
Cleveland and l.i-eam." associated as assistant 
with Dr. .N. Sclinei.ler, I'rofos.sor of Surgery, 
in his .i/„i:f iihttrr. \)r. Schneider was siir.roiui 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



of the Lake Shore Kailroad at the time of the 
famous Ashtabula disaster, and Dr. Smith being 
with him, had a memorable and valuable experi- 
ence in the treatment of the many wounded in 
that historic event. After a year of association 
with Dr. Schneiiler in his extensive surgical 
practice, Dr. Smitli returned to Coldwater, bear- 
ing with him a very flattering testimonial letter 
by Dr. Schneider, in wliich he speaks of his re- 
tiring associate in high complimentary terms, 
both as a physician and as a gentleman. Dr. 
Smith resumed practice in the city of his early 
adoption, in the latter part of 1877, and enjoyed 
a prosperous business there until the spring of 
1883. In the latter year he came to the Pacific 
Coast, reaching Los Angeles in October, and 
there opening an office. At the termination of 
the first six months he had about all the pro- 
fessional work he could attend to. He also owns 
Sunny Side Driving Park, situated on Vermont 
avenue, eight miles from the city, containing 320 
acres of fine land; on this the Doctor has had 
built a club-house and one of the best half-mile 
tracks in the State. He owns several fine horses, 
among which is Sultandin, a very promising 
four-year-old stallion, also a full brother and 
sister to Sultandin; these are by Sultan, the sire 
of Stamboul. 

Dr. Smith luis had a nninber of successful 
transactions in real-estate during the past two 
or three years, and now owns some valuable 
property in the immediate vicinity of the city. 
The Doctor is a gentleman of refined feelings 
and tastes, and one of those suave, courteous 
natures whom it is pleasant to ineet and know. 
His parents both died before he attained to the 
years of man's estate. 

Chaeles a. McDonell, M. D., proprietor 
of one of the finest drug stores in Southern 
California, came from Arizona, where he had 
been several j'ears in business, to the " Angel 
City " in 1883, for a temporary stay and rest 
from overwork. Being pleased- with the city 
and seeing a good opportunity to start a drug 
store, he opened his present store at 271 North 
Main street, that year, and lias done a ]irosper- 



ous and profitaV)le business ever since. His 
stock comprises everything in the way of phar- 
maceutical and toilet goods demanded by his 
large jirescription and retail trade, which gives 
employment to two experienced pharmacists 
besides himself. Dr. McDonell was born in 
Cleveland, Ohio, thirty-five years ago his last 
birthday, and descends from Highland Scotch 
parentage. He studied medicine and graduated 
at Rush Medical College in 1875. After spend- 
ing a year in P^urope in the hospitals of Vienna, 
he located in Wisconsin, where he jiracticed his 
profession several years. He then moved to 
Globe, Arizona, purchased an interest in a drug 
store, and carried on the drug business and also 
practiced medicine. A year after settling there 
Dr. McDonell became interested in a copper 
mine and smelting works which he still retains. 
He owns a bearing vineyard of wine and table 
grapes five miles southeast of Los Angeles. A 
number of years ago the Doctor was joined in 
marriage with Miss Leavitt, a native of New 
Hampshire. 

Andrew Francis Darling, M. D., was born 
in Carroiiton, Kentucky, May 16, 1846. His 
father, Robert Darling, was a native of Scotland, 
and for many years a merchant of Carroiiton. 
His mother, nee Mary E. Giltner, deceased, was 
a native of Carroiiton and of Dutch descent. 
The Doctor was educated in the Carroiiton 
Academy until the age of eighteen years when 
he began the study of medicine with Dr. Pren- 
tiss. He graduated as M. D. from the Belle- 
vue Hospital Medical College, New York City, 
in 1868, after taking two courses of lectures, he 
having also taken one course previously at the 
Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio. He 
then practiced at Circleville, Indiana, being 
associated with Dr. James Adrian until 1870 
when he went to Vevay, Indiana, where he con- 
tinued his practice until 1880. Since coming 
to Los Angeles he has made a specialty of the 
eye and ear, having attended, from 1877 to 1880, 
eye and ear infirmaries in New York City. Dur- 
ing the years of 1878 and 1879 he was presi- 
dent of the Switzerland County Medical As- 



niSTOR}- Of LOS ANOELES COUNTl'. 



sociation of Indiansi. In 1885 he was made 
professor of ophthalmology and otology in the 
medical department of the University of Sontli- 
ern California and still occupies that chair. He 
is a member of the Los Angeles Connty Medi- 
cal Society and also of the State Medical Society 
of California. 

Dr. Darling was married in 1870 at St. Paul, 
Minnesota, to Miss Amy lihodes, a daughter of 
William Rhodes, of that city. They have four 
children: William R., Mary E., Ella E., and 
Andrew F., Jr. 

David C. Baeisek, M. D., one of the rising- 
young physicians of Southern California, was 
born in Indiana, but passed most of the years 
of his boyhood, youth and early manhood in the 
city of Cincinnati, Ohio. Ilis literary and 
medical education was obtained in the Queen 
City and in New York. Graduating at the 
Miami Medical College in 1886, after four years 
of study in that institution, Dr. Barber found 
his health much broken from overwork; and on 
that account, soon after leaving college, came to 
California. He spent a few months traveling 
over the State, and being very strongly impressed 
with the beauties of the climate and country of 
Southern California, he settled in Los Angeles, 
opening an office for the practice of his profes- 
sion on the corner of First and Louis streets, 
Boyle Heights, where he enjoys a fine practice. 
In the fall of 1886 he accepted the chair of 
])athology, histology and microscopy in the Col- 
lege of Medicine of the University of Southern 
California, which he still fills. He is an able 
instructor and one of the most popular profes- 
sors in the faculty of that young growing institu- 
tion. Dr. Barber is a member of the Los An- 
geles Connty Medical Society, of the Southern 
California District Medical Association, and the 
California State Medical Society. He is medi- 
cal examiner for the Union Central Life Insur- 
ance Company, of Cincinnati, for this part of 
the Pacific Coast. 

Dr. Barber was twenty-seven years of age his 
last birthday, and few young devotees to the heal- 
ing art have as ]>roniising a future before them. 



James Milton Downs, M. D. The medical 
fraternity has not, in the bounds of Los Angeles 
County, a more popular and successful member 
than is he whose name stands at the head of this 
sketch. He is a native of Kno.x County, Ohio, 
born September 3, 1856, and the sonofTheoph- 
olus Downs, an iron manufacturer in his early 
life, but later a farmer. He moved from Ohio 
to Fulton County, Illinois, when the subject of 
this sketch was only a year old, and was a suc- 
cessful farmer there until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1871. 

Dr. Downs received the ordinary common- 
school education in Fulton County, and in 1876 
and 1877 attended Westfield College in Clark 
County. From 1877 to 1879 he was engaged 
in business. In 1880 he began the study of 
medicine at the State University of Iowa, grad- 
uating in 1882. He at once began the practice 
of medicine in Swedesburg, Iowa, and continued 
there until the fall of 1883, at which time he 
went to Hahnemann College and Hospital at 
Chicago, Illinois, where he graduated in Feb- 
ruary, 1884, with the degree of M. D. 

On the 31st day of March, 1878, he was 
united in n)arriage to Miss Ida Shields, of 
Canton, Illinois. This lady is the daughter of 
James Shields, who was one of the pioneers of 
Canton, Illinois, and who died in Los Angeles, 
July 16, 1888. After his graduation at college 
in 1884, the Doctor moved his family to Canton, 
where he practiced his profession until Novem- 
ber, 1886. Then he turned his face westward, 
and located at Compton, in the "county of the 
angels." Here he has built up an extensive 
and lucrative practice, and being yet a young 
man, bids fair to become one of the leading 
members of the medical profession. Tlie citi- 
zens of Compton have honored him with a place 
in the city council. Socially he is an I. O. O. F., 
a member of the O. N. A. M., and of U. S. Grant 
Council, No. 7. His ofiice is located on Main 
street, and suffering humanity will always find 
the Doctor ready and willing to ailministcr the 
healing art, and in him they will find a friciiil, 
kind, sociable and obliging. 



HISTOliY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



Dr. William Francis Edgar is a native of 
Kentucky. His ancestors on his mother's side 
were of English extraction. His father, Will- 
iam H., was a Virginian, but of Scotch-Irish 
parentage. The subject of this sketch when a 
small boy accompanied his family to Missouri, 
where he spent the greater part of his minority, 
when he returned to Kentucky and commenced 
the study of medicine under the late Prof. 
Samuel D. Gross, and after graduating in the 
Medical Department of the University of Louis- 
ville in 184:8, he, on invitation of the Secretary 
of War, went to New York City, where he was 
examined for the position of Assistant Surgeon 
in the army, and was commissioned as such after 
passing a successful examination, March 2, 1849. 
He immediately reported for duty at Jefferson 
Barracks, Missouri, from whence he accompanied 
a detachment of dragoons to Fort Leavenworth, 
where he was transferred to the Eegiment of 
Mounted Rifles, then under orders for Oregon. 
The regiment in its march across the plains 
was never out of sight of emigrants to the newly 
discovered California gold fields (the rush was 
so great that year), until its route diverged from 
the California route, west of the Rocky Mount- 
ains. Two companies were detailed to build 
and garrison a military post at Fort Hall, on 
Lewis Fork of Columbia or Snake River; and 
to this command Assistant Surgeon Edgar was 
assigned. This post was iu the heart of the 
country of the Shoshone or Snake Indians, and 
was intended to protect emigrants on the Ore- 
gon trail. But it was so difficult of access, and 
the winters were so severe — the themometer 
frequently falling to 28° and 30° below zero, 
causing a loss to the command that winter of 
over 1,000 head of oxen, mules and cavalry 
horses — that the post was abandoned the follow- 
ing spring by order of the War Department, 
and the command marched to Fort Vancouver, 
on the Columbia River, where ihey arrived in 
July, 1850. Their route was through the Cas- 
cade Mountains and near Mt. Hood. Dr. Ed- 
gar remained here a few months, and then was 
stationed at "The Dalles" until the following 



year. From thence the officers were ordered 
East on recruiting service, and from there to 
Texas. What remained of the regiment was 
transferred to the First Dragoons, with Major 
Philip Kearny in command, who had orders to 
organize an expedition by land to California, and 
also look after the Rogue River Indians en 
route, from whom bad reports had come through 
some of the old Oregon pioneers, such as New- 
ton Craig, and the old bear-tighter. Colonel Joe 
Meek. The expedition marched from Van- 
couver in April and came in conflict with the 
Indians in June. Many Indians were killed, and 
of the command a number of horses and soldiers 
were wounded, and Captain Stuart was mortally 
wounded. J'inally, after chasing the Indians 
fro'm one stronghold to another, and being joined 
by some forty volunteers under General Joe Lane, 
an understanding was had with the chiefs, and 
peace established, and the command proceeded 
on its way to California On the 4th of July, 
1851, it camped near the foot of Mt. Shasta. 
Its provisions were reduced to hard-tack and a 
small quantity uf salt pork. So the officers con- 
cluded to lunch that day on a big, fat rattlesnake 
that had been decapitated by the sabre of one of 
the Sergeants. Early in the afternoon Major 
Kearny had remarked that he had often been 
asked if he had ever eaten rattlesnake, and that 
the next time he was asked he wanted to be able to 
say that he had. So after some opposition from 
the cook, the snake was skinned and fried with 
pork, but there was more snake than pork left 
after lunch, one of the messmates remarking 
that the snake swelled so in one's mouth that it 
went further than they had supposed. Dr. Ed- 
gar says that it tastes very much like an eel. 
But a fine grizzly bear was killed and barbecued 
in the afternoon, which made a satisfactory ban- 
quet for the whole command. 

On the 5th the march was resumed, and 
about the last of July the command reached 
Benicia, California, from whence it went and 
joined the force at Sonoma, where were stationed 
then, among others. Captain (afterward General) 
Joe Plooker; Major (afterward General) Philip 




r^XcS 



0^. 



IIIsrOliT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Kearny; Lieutenant Derby (Squibob), author 
of "Phcenixiana," and other afterward famous 
men, together with two old Los Angelenos who 
still hold out, namely: Lieutenant, since Gen- 
eral and Governor, George Stoneman and Dr. 
John S. Griffin. Later in the year (1851) Dr. 
Edgar was ordered to camp, since Fort Miller, 
on the headwaters of the San Joaquin River, 
where were stationed two companies of the 
Second United States Lifantry. The post was 
afterward completed, and held in check all the 
hidian tribes between the Merced and Kern 
rivers. Next spring this command was sent 
up into the famous Yosemite Valley to punish 
the Indians there, who had massacred a party of 
miners. Alter pursuing them some time, amid 
many diffieulties', a large number were made 
prisoners, and some of the guilty ones, after in- 
vestigation, were shot. The old chief, who also 
expected to be shot, said through the interpreter: 
"Ah! You have me at last, and you may kill 
me, but my voice will ring through these 
mountains for a long time to come!" But on 
his promise to keep his people from committing 
any more murders, his life was spared. The 
troops returned to Fort Miller just in time to 
suppress a war between ofiicious whites and the 
Indians of the Tulare country, growing out of 
the killing by Major Harney of John Savage, a 
pioneer trader and noted Indian controller. 
Another stirring event occurred some months 
later, to-wit, the killing of the noted bandit, 
Joaquin Murieta, and his companion, "Three- 
fingered Jack," by Captain Harry Love's Califor- 
nia Rangers. Joaquin's head and Jack's head and 
three-lingered hand were severed from their 
bodies and put into a barley sack and brought 
on horseback by John Sylvester, one of the 
rangers, who swam King's River slough, to Dr. 
Edgar, surgeon at Fort Miller, to be' preserved. 
As the facilities for embalming in those days 
and localities were somewhat limited, the heads 
and hand were put into a keg of whisky with 
arsenious acid — which was supposed to have 
been effectual, as it was understood that the 
specimens were subsequently exhil)ited in various 



parts of the State. During a considerable period 
after the execution of Murieta, the band of out- 
laws, of which he had been the leader, infested 
the country around Tulare Lake, ostensibly to 
catch "mustangs," or wild horses, but really to 
have a pretended occupation and a secure and 
unfrequented locality to retreat to after their 
forays as highwaymen. They erected high cor- 
rals with wings on either side like a partridge 
decoy pen, into which the mustangs were driven. 
Here they could be lassoed, and after a little 
handling ihey were disposed of for whatever 
could be obtained. In 1852 and 1853 the 
whole region referred to swarmed with mus- 
tangs, elk and antelope. Large bands of the 
latter were seen and hunted by Dr. Edgar and 
others on the plains where the city of Fresno 
now stands. Dr. Edgar relates the following 
amusing incident in this connection: A hunter 
who made his living by supplying the mining 
town of Millerton with elk and antelope meat, 
that being the most easily obtained meat in that 
part of the country, had a hunting-dress made 
of cotton cloth, painted in imitation of an ante- 
lope skin, which, with an antelope's head, made 
him look very like the real animal, and when 
he got among them he could slaughter them at 
his leisure. One day, the hunter having donned 
his rig, got near the herd of antelope; and a 
young man, lately arrived in the country, ap- 
proached the same herd on horseback, from an 
opposite direction, and, drawing a revolver, was 
about to fire when the bogus antelope (hunter), 
fearing that he might be the victim of his own 
ruse, raised his hand and motioned the young 
man to desist, which he did for a moment, 
from astonishment, and then raised his revolver 
again. Just as he was about to fire the bogus 
antelope took off his iiead and waved it at the 
young man, who, seeing this, put spurs to his 
horse and fled for his life toward Millerton. 
When asked what was the matter, he excitedly 
replied: "Matter, well ! I've just seed the 
d — est sight right out here on the plains that 
ever I seed before: why I come across a big 
band of antelopes right out yonder and I 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



drawed my pistol to fire into 'em, and just then 
a big old antelope raised his foreleg and shuck it 
at nie. Then as I was about to take aim again, 
he pulled oft' his d- -d old head and waved it at 
me, and — that was enough lor me!" 

Dr. Edgar, after having been ordered to Fort ! 
Redding, i'l 185 4, and then back, joined a com- 
pany of tlie First Dragoons which marched to 
the Tejon Indian Reservation and later estab- 
lished Fort Tejon. Here the Doctor pitched 
his tent under an umbrageous old oak, one side 
of which had been hewed flat, and upon it was 
engraved: " I, John Beck, was killed here by a 
benr, October 17. 1S37." Doubting that John 
carved his own epitaph, the matter was investi- 
gated. The Indians living near tliere, in the 
Canada de las Uras, said that the place was 
greatly infested with grizzlies, which came down 
from the mountains after acorns, and long be- 
fore, a party of trappers passed tliere, and one 
of their number strayed oft' after bear, and 
wounding one under that identical tree, and sup- 
posing he had killed it. came too near it, when 
the brute caught and killed him, and his com- 
panions buried him there and cut the epitaph 
for him. It was while Dr. Edgar was camping 
in his tent under that tree, that one night (^De- 
cember S, 1S54,) he was called from a sick bed 
to go out in the mountains in a blinding snow- 
storm to assist a wounded man of the fort. The 
night was dark and the ground slippery, causing 
his horse to lose his footing, whereby the Doctor 
was seriously injured. At last the man was 
found; one of his legs bad been broken, a 
stretcher was improvised, and two men and the 
Doctor carried him a couple of miles to an 
abandoned Indian hut, where his wound was 
dressed. Tiie Doctor returned to the fort about 
day-light wet, cold and e.xhausted. . About sun- 
rise (December 9, 1854:) he was stricken with 
paralysis of the entire left side. Some four 
months after, he was able to walk and speak; 
and with a servant to assist him, he was ordered 
East, on a three months' leave of absence. At 
the expiration of this, he reported for duty at 
Jeft'erson Barracks. From thence he was or- 



dered (with the Second Cavalry) to Texas and 
then to Florida; and from there, with a lot of 
invalid soldiers, to New York Harbor. The 
next year, 1857, he returned to sea with recruits 
to the Pacific Coast and to Fort Miller again. 
From thence he went with troops to quiet In- 
dian disturbances in Oregon. Tiie force was 
under Captain (afterward General) Ord, whose 
name is not only famous in the iiistory of his 
country as a soldier, but also in the history of 
Los Angeles as the author of the ttrst authentic 
and important survey made in the city. After 
being stationed at the Presidio, San Francisco 
and Benicia awhile Dr. Edgar was ordered to 
join an expedition in 1858 that wa* to start 
from Los Angeles against the Mojave Indians on 
the Colorado River. This was the first time he 
saw Los Angeles, though he had lived within a 
hundred miles of it for a year, and in the State 
for several years. His first night here is still 
fresh in his memory. He slept in the old Bella 
Union Hotel, then a two-story adobe. The 
second story was crowded with lodgers. The 
partitions were thin; and a guest who had at- 
tended a '• baile" [hiiU) in Sonora town that 
night, came lioine late, loaded np full with 
'• aguardiente," and he went to bed with his 
boots on, and at once set up the most unearthly 
snoring that ever was heard, causing such dis- 
satisfaction among the other lodgers that his 
door was bonibarded by kicks and pounding 
which made him turn over with a snort and sub- 
side, thus giving the other lodgers a chance to 
sleep in peace. The expedition proceeded via 
Cajon Pass to the Colorado, where it found evi- 
dence of the destruction of a party of emigrants 
by the Indians, in the remains of burned wagons, 
etc. After punishing the Indians the expedition 
returned to the Cajon Pass. Subsequetly a much 
larger expedition was organized by the same 
and other officers, and marched by way of Tuma 
and up the Arizona side of the Colorado to the 
Mojave country. To this force the Indians 
surrendered and gave hostages, and a treaty of 
pe^ice was made. Part of the command re- 
mained to garrison Fort Mojave. and the other 



HISTORY OF lOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



219 



part returned to Los Angeles Connty and en- 
camped near the present location of Compton. 
Dr. Edgar was ordered to San Diego, where lie 
remained till November, 1861. He, witii the 
balance of the regular troops on the coast, was 
then ordered East to take part in the war of the 
Rebellion. Dr. Edgar remained some time 
with the Army of the Potomac, and then was 
ordered (being promoted to Surgeon with the 
rank of Major) to BuelTs army in Kentucky, 
wliere he soon was engaged in organizing a large 
general hospital in Louisville, which he had 
charge of until his assignment as Medical 
Director at Cairo, where, from want of rest and 
from the effect of the oppressive and uncon- 
genial climate in summer, he had a partial 
relapse of tlie former paralysis, which, with other 
troubles, rendered him unfit for the field at the 
time, and he was ordered before a retiring 
board in Washitigton. On examination he was 
retired from active service. After recovering 
from the effects of a surgical operation, he was 
assigned to duty in the Medical Director's of- 
fice in the Department of the East, and a part 
of the time he was a member of a board to or- 
ganize the Signal Corps in Washington. At 
the close of the war he was assigned the duty 
of disposing of the effects of the general hos- 
pitals of that department, and closing them up. 
After this he was again ordered to tiie Pacific 
Coast, and was stationed at Drum Barracks, 
Los Angeles County, in 1866, wiiere he re- 
mained three years. Finding his health giving 
way he was relieved from military duty one 
year, and he retired to his rancli at San Gor- 
gonio, California, and while there Congress 
passed a law (January, 1870), which provided 
that officers retired from active service should 
be relieved from all duty. After remaining at 
his ranch a couple of years, and his health im- 
proving, he came to Los Angeles and practiced 
his profession nearly five years. In 1881 he 
sold a part of his ranch, and in 1886 sold the 
balance. This ranch was originally settled by 
the old pioneer and trapper, Pauline Weaver, 
about 1845. It was purchased by Dr. Edgar 



in 1859, and managed by his brother, F. M. 
Edgar, till his death in 1874. The Doctor has 
for several years made his home in Los Angeles, 
which he thinks, after alibis travels and explo- 
rations, is the choice spot of the Pacific Coast. 
Dr. Edgar married Miss Kennefer in New York 
in 1865. They have no children. The Doctor 
is an accomplished physician, a thorough man 
of the world, a warm-hearted, genial friend, and 
is sincerly esteemed l)y all who know him inti- 
mately for his many aimable, sterling qualities. 

Elbert N. Mathis, M. D., one of the promi- 
nent, rising physicians of Southern California, 
is a native of Illinois, born in Livingston 
County, October 5, 1856. He was educated in 
the State Normal University. For five years 
he followed the profession of teaching in the 
Prairie State, studying medicine during the 
latter part of that period, having previously 
spent a year in a drug store as a preliminary 
preparation for his chosen profession. On Feb- 
ruary 19, 1884, he graduated at Rush Medical 
College, Chicago, with a standing in his class 
that secured him the appointment of intern in 
Cook County Hospital, which position he filled 
for a year. 

Having wisely decided that it is not good for 
man to fight the battles of life alone, Dr. 
Mathis was united in wedlock, December 5, 
1879, with Miss Mary Blanche Howard, daugh- 
ter of George A. Howard, formerly of Living- 
ston County, Illinois, now of Los Angeles. 
On leaving the hospital Dr. Mathis opened 
an office for practice in Lake View, a suburb 
of Chicago, but finding the climate on the 
border of Lake Michigan too severe for the 
health of his family, he moved three months 
later to Streator, Illinois, where he enjoyed a 
lucrative practice during the two years follow- 
ing. Mrs. Mathis's friends being in California, 
and ottering the Doctor special inducements to 
come to Los Angeles, he decided to immigrate 
to the Golden State, and reached here on the 
30th of November, 1887. Five days later he 
opened his present office at No. 28 South Spring 
street. His cash receipts from his first month's 



220 



HISTOHT OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



practice aggregated $76.75, and from tliat liave 
steadily increased to nearly $400 cash a month. 
He has given special attention to the study of 
rheumatism and catarrhal affections, and has 
treated those diseases with marked success. He 
has also achieved a large practice in gynecology. 
The Doctftr's father, Caleb Mathis, has resided 
on his farm in Livingston County, Illinois, 
from early pioneer days. 

Melvin L. Moore, M. D., of the tirm of 
Bicknell & Moore, offices northwest corner of 
Spring and First streets, one of the most promi- 
nent and prosperous medical firms in Southei-n 
California, was born in Lakeville, Indiana, thirty 
years ago last December, and is the son of Dr. 
Robert Moore, who has been one of the leading 
practitioners of medicine and surgery of North- 
ern Indiana for thirty years. He graduated at 
Wooster Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, and 
is now sixty years of age. The subject of this 
sketch took a ibur years' literary course in Val- 
paraiso College, after which he entered upon 
the study of medicine and graduated at Rush 
Medical College, Chicago, in 1882, and two 
years later from Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- 
lege, New York. The first year at the latter 
institution was spent in a didactic course and 
clinical lectures, and the second year in regular 
work. Dr. Moore located and began practice 
in South Bend, Indiana. From exposure in 
professional work during the winter of 188'l:-'85 
he took a severe cold and was threatened with 
symptoms of consumption, which caused him 
to seek a change of climate; and he spent the 
following summer on the Pacific Coast in Pasa- 
dena. He returned East in the fall very much 
improved in health, and in May, 1886, came to 
Los Angeles with a view of settling permanently. 
Forming a copartnership with Dr. F. T. Bick- 
nell, one of the oldest practitioners and most 
successful physicians of the city, the firm has 
from the first enjoyed an extensive medical 
practice, and now does a business among the 
largest in the State. Although he does a gen- 
eral practice Dr. Moore gives special attention 
to diseases of the throat and lungs, taking 



charge of that part of the firm's business. He 
is a member of both the Los Angeles County 
and the Southern California District Medical 
societies. 

In 1880, in South Bend, Dr. Moore was 
united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Holler, 
a native of Indiana, and daughter of Hon. 
Christian Holler, a prominent politician of the 
Hoosier State, atid several times a member of 
the Legislature. Dr. Moore and wife have two 
children: Clarence, seven years old, and Lillian, 
three years of age. 

West HuoaEs, M. D. Probably no physician 
on the Pacific Coast has enjoyed a more thorough 
educational training for the profession than the 
gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Born 
in xlrkansas tiiirty-one years ago, he left his 
native State at sixteen years (jf age, and enter- 
ing the University of Virginia, graduated with 
the degree of M. A. in 1879. He soon after- 
ward went to Europe, and while there com 
menced the study of medicine, spending three 
years on that side of the Atlantic, pursuing his 
studies in Vienna, Berlin, Paris, and other 
cities. On returning to the United States he 
studied a year in the medical department of 
Harvard University, then entered the College 
of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City 
where he graduated as M. D. in the spring of 
1885. He then served a year and a half on 
the surgical stafi" of the New York Hospital — 
the oldest in America, having besn founded 
by King George III. in 1771. In the further 
pursuance of his desire to master his profes- 
sion, Dr. Hughes spent nearly a year in clinical 
work in a special hospital for diseases of the 
throat and nose, and in the Eye and Ear Infirm- 
ary on diseases of those organs. Thus com- 
pleting a long period of studies preparatory for 
his professional life-work. Dr. Hughes started, 
January 1, 1888, for the golden land of the 
Occident via the Isthmus of Panama, and 
reached Los Angeles in February following. 
After having charge of the small-pox cases at 
San Fernando for six weeks, he opened -in office 
at No. 75 North Spring street, and is rajiidly 



uisTonr OF los anobi.eis vounty. 



gaining a fine paying business. While liis 
practice is of a general character, the Doctor 
gives special attention to the treatment of dis- 
eases of the throat, nose, and to surgery. 

Dr. Hughes is a member of the Los Angeles 
County Medical Society. Possessing an active 
nervous temperament, and belonging to the pro- 
gressive school of thought and action, he is one 
of those men who will find "room at the top." 

IIuKBEET Nadeau, M. D., was born in 1841 
in Marieville, near Montreal, Canada. He was 
given a scientific education at St. Hjaeinth's 
College, Canada, and in 1862, at the age of 
twenty-one, he gradnated as M. D. from the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Mon- 
treal. He then practiced at St. Aimer, Canada, 
until 1866, when he went to Kankakee, Illinois, 
and continued the practice of his profession 
until 1874. While residing there he served 
two terms of two years each as one of the 
councilmen of that, city. On leaving Kanka- 
kee, in 1874, he traveled in the United States 
and Canada until the spring of 1876, when he 
located at Los Angeles, where he has since 
practiced, and where for ten years he has been 
physician in charge of the French Hospital. 
In 1879 he was elected coroner of Los Angeles 
County, which ofiiee he held by re-election up 
to 1884. In 1885 he was made ]>rofessor and 
chief of dispensary clinics of the medical de- 
partment of the University of Southern Cali- 
fornia at Los Angeles, and now holds that posi- 
tion. During the year 1883 he was president 
of the Los Angeles County Medical Associa- 
tion. He is a Freemason and member of 
Kankakee Lodge, JS'o. 389, F. & A. M.; Kan- 
kakee Chapter, No. 78, R. A. M., and Ivanhoe 
Commandery, No. 53, K. T., all at Kankakee, 
Illinois. He is also a member of the Oriental 
Consistory, S. P. R., Chicago, Illinois. 

Tiie Doctor is unmarried. His father, John 
B. Nadeaii, was of Fi'ench origin and a well-to- 
do farmer and prominent man near Marieville, 
Canada. 

Elisha T. SnoEMAKEit, M. D., was born at 
Kittanning, Pennsylvania, in 1850, where he 



was reared a farmer. His father, Jesse Shoe- 
maker, was a farmer and of German descent. 
He died when the Doctor was about three years 
of age. His mother, nee Susannah Brubaker, 
was also of German ancestry, and died about 
1873. Both were Dnnkards and were strong 
adherents to that faith. The Doctor completed 
his literary education at Mount Union Univer- 
sity, near Alliance, Ohio. In 1874 he began 
the study of medicine at Oakland, Pennsyl- 
vania, with Dr. P. W. Shoemaker. After tak- 
ing two courses of lectures he graduated as M. 
D. from the medical department of the Michi- 
gan Stare University at Ann Arbor, with the 
class of 1877. He then practiced at Clarion, 
Pennsylvania, nntil 1879 when he went to Sil- 
ver Cliff, Colorado, and continued his practice 
until 1882. In that year he came to Los An- 
geles and has built up an extensive practice. 
He is a member of the Los Angeles County 
Medicftl Society, and while in Colorado was a 
member of the Medical Society of that State. 
He also served as physician of Custer County, 
Colorado, in charge of the County Hospital two 
years. 

March 21, 1881, he was married, at Silver 
Creek, Colorado, to Miss Mary E. Rivers, an 
accomplished teacher in vocal and instrumental 
music. At one time she was the organist in 
the Baptist Church at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 
She is now preparing herself for the practice of 
medicine, and is in attendance, in the junior 
year, at the medical department of the Univer- 
sity of Southern California, and anticipates 
graduating as M. D. with the class of 1889, 
They have two children: Gracie E. and Jesse R. 
The Doctor is a member of East Side Lodge, 
No. 325, I. O. O. F., of East Los Angeles. 

Jasper M. Harris, M. D., whose office and 
drug store are at No. 350 East First street, 
Boyle Heights, is a Kentuckian by nativity, 
born in Monticello in 1854. He studied medi- 
cine and graduated at the Medical University 
of Louisville, Kentucky, an M. D., in 1881. 
Opening an office in Liberty, Kentucky, he 
continued there in practice until 1882, when he 



UISTOliY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



moved to Greenville, Texas, a place of about 
7,000 population, aud one of the most important 
railroad centers in the Lone Star State. During 
his residence in that city Dr. Harris did a pros- 
perous and lucrative professional business; and 
while there, on July 14, 1886, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Mamie Upthegrove, daugh- 
ter of Daniel Upthegrove, a prominent lawyer 
of Texas, and a Colonel in the Confederate army 
during the civil war. 

In November, 1887, the Doctor and his wife 
moved to Los Angeles, and the following month 
lie purchased a lot with fifty feet frontage on 
East First street, and erected a l)lock containing 
three stores, one of which he occupies for liis 
drug store and office. The store is stocked with 
a general line of drugs, chemicals and toilet 
goods for the retail ti'ade. The business is in 
charge of a graduated pharmacist of ten years' 
experience, and the pharmaceutical is an impor- 
tant feature of it. Dr. Harris is enjoying a fine 
growing practice, and is much in love with the 
country and climate of Southern California. 

J. KiNosi.EY Caeson, M. D. a worthy mem- 
ber of the medical profession of Los Angeles, 
and of whom it is fitting that mention should 
be made in this work, is the gentleman whose 
name heads this sketch. He is a native of Illi- 
nois, born in the city of Jacksonville, March 18, 
1853. During his early childhood, his 'father, 
who was a carpenter and builder by occupation, 
died. His mother afterward moved to the city 
of St. Louis, and there the boy was educated 
and comnienced his medical course of reading, 
which he completed near Springfield, Missouri, 
and graduated at the Missouri Medical College 
in 1883. He then started to practice in Hart- 
ville, Wright County, that State. From there 
he moved to Mountain Grove, the same county, 
where he did a good professional business till 
he came to California in 1887. Dr. Carson 
married Miss Thula Wilson in Missouri, of 
which State she is a native. The delicacy of 
her health was largely the cause of their immi- 
grating to this coast. After spending several 
months traveling in Southern California, seek- 



ing a desirable location, they selected East Los 
Angeles, and have since resided there; and the 
Doctor has already obtained a prosperous prac- 
tice. Although while in college he took a 
special course in gynecology, he does not con- 
line himself to that or any other specialty in his 
professional work. 

Dr. Carson is a member of both the Los An- 
geles County Medical Society and the Southern 
California District Medical Society. He owns 
several pieces of real estate in L js Angeles and 
vicinity, and in San Bernardino. 

Edward C. Mannino, M. D., one of the most 
active and prominent practitioners in the home- 
opathic school oF medicine in Southern Cali- 
fornia, is the son of Kev. William R. Manning, 
a Baptist clergyman, and was born in Wiscon- 
sin in 1851. His father was a pioneer mission- 
ary in the Northwest before that State was 
organized, and when it was chiefly inhabited by 
wild animals and wild Indiajis, Milwaukee 
being then but a mere village. He preached 
and taught school in Winnebago County, often 
traveling twenty miles to fill his appointment 
on Sunday. His faithful, fearless wife reared 
their family where Indians were among their 
nearest neighbors and most frequent visitors, 
Mrs. Manning being much of the time alone 
with her children through the day and far into 
the night. She and her husband were natives 
of Vermont, and were possessed of that physi- 
cal and moral courage born of the rugged Green 
Mountain State. Like most of the preachers of 
that day, his father was poor, and Dr. Manning 
started out to earn his own living at twelve 
years of age, hrst securing employment on a 
farm. From the age of fifteen to eighteen he 
worked in a sash and door factory, and not only 
provided for himself, but contributed largely 
toward the support of the family during those 
years. He received his primary education 
through the kind instruction of an elder brother, 
and after graduating from the High School, 
taught for some time. He was also employed 
a number of years in an organ manufactory as 
tuner of instruments, studying medicine mean- 



^ 




jt.9.^n^ 



UxJ^. 



UltiTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



time, lie attended lectures at tlic Rush Medi- 
cal College, but before Kiiisiiiiig his course was 
obliged to conunence practice, locating in Ver- 
non County, Wisconsin, where he often drove 
ten miles or more into the country and back, 
over a rough road, when the temperature was 
thirty to forty degrees below zero. After four 
years of practice there, he completed his course 
in Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, from 
which he received the degree of M. 13. in 1882. 
He then came to Los Angeles, and since that 
time lias been in active practice here, and now 
has all the business he can attend to. He has 
attained large ])ractiee in obstetrics, being re- 
markably successful in this branch of his pro- 
fession. 

In his twenty-second year Dr. Manning was 
united in marriage with Miss Emma Terry, a 
native of. Long Island, New York. They have 
two sons: Merle and William. Dr. Manning 
traces his ancistry back on his father's side to 
AVilliam Manning, who came from England and 
settled in ('ambridge, Massachusetts, in 1634, 
Dr. Manning is a member of the Los Angeles 
County Homeopathic Medical Society 

Kknneth D. Wise, M. D., one of the most 
eminent surgeons and successful physicians on 
the Pacific Coast, was born in Kentucky in 
1836, and was reared from early childhood in 
Southern Indiana, where his father, Louis Wise, 
also a native of the Blue Grass State, married 
and passed most of his subsequent life, and 
where he died at little past forty years of age, 
the father of eleven children. His wife, the 
Doctor's mother, was Ibrmerly Miss Deborah, 
the daughter of a prominent clergyman of South- 
ern Indiana, who began the ministry at eighteen 
years of age and preached till he was iiinety-si.x 
years old. 

The subject of this memoir was thrown on his 
own resources at ten years of age, since which 
time he has never received a dollar his own 
hands or brain have not earned. The orphan 
lad, though without money or education, was 
endowed with the elements of which the world's 
successful men are made, among them a laudable 



ambition, industry, and an indomitable will 
which recognized no such word as del'eat. Hav- 
ing procured employment on a farm, young 
Wise utilized every spare hour in reading and 
study. When not at work books were his con- 
stant companions. Eleven, twelve, and not 
infrequently two o'clock found liim " burning 
the midnight oil," pouring over their pages. In 
his eiibrts to gain an education he was materi- 
ally aided by the advice and assistance of Harri- 
son Jones, a cousin, and a self-educated man of 
superior attainments and intelligence. By the 
time he had reached his fourteenth birthday 
Master Wise had chosen his future vocation and 
marked out his course, and from that day for- 
ward no obstacle, and they were many and seri- 
ous, was sufficient to change his determination 
or thwart his purpose. Whatever intervened 
between him and his ideal was either brushed 
aside or surmounted by his iron will and inde- 
fatigable industry. While plowing in the field 
he had often observed, with boyish admiration, 
a neighboring physician drive by, and resolved 
that some time lie would graduate at the same 
.college, and become a doctor. At fourteen 
years of age he was receiving $12.50 per ujontli, 
and began to buy and study books on anatomy, 
physiology and other branches pertaining to the 
science of medicine, and he has been a close 
student of his profession ever since. In 1860 
he attended a course of lectures in Ohio Medical 
College, Cincinnati, and was licensed to practice. 
Upon the breaking out of the civil war in 
1861, he raised a company of volunteei's and 
entered the Union army as First Lieutenant 
of Company A, Ninety-tirst Indiana Infantry. 
After recruiting the company, he having no 
knowledge of military tactics, induced a friend 
better posted than himself to take the captaincy. 
In March, 1863, Lieutenant Wise was promoted 
to Captain, and at Kenesaw Mountain, he resigned 
to iinish his medical education so as to enter 
the medical department of the army. March 5, 
1864, having obtained his medical diploma, 
he re-entered the service as acting assistant 
I surgeon. He had passed the required exami- 



HItiTORT OF JMS ANGELES COUNTY. 



nation for a surgeon in the regular army; but as 
the war was evidently drawing to a close, lie 
decided not to accept a commission for that 
position. In April, 1864, he established the 
first hospital for colored troops at Knoxville, 
Tennessee, under Medical Director Curtiss. 
After putting it in nice running order he was 
ordered to establish a hospital at Greenville, 
Tennessee, the latter ])art of the same month. 
In the early part of June following he was or- 
dei-ed, in company with Dr. Kitchen, to estab- 
lish a field hospital for white men at Knoxville, 
Tennessee, with 1,500 beds, it being the largest 
hospital ever established in that part of the 
country. Soon after Lee's surrender Dr. Wise 
resigned and returned home. 

After traveling extensively through the South 
he opened an ofticc for the practice of his pro- 
fession in San Antonio, Texas. At the end of 
a year he moved to Monterey, Mexico, and re- 
mained there until 1872, when he came to Los 
Angeles, and has ever since carried on a large and 
lucrative professional business, except one year, 
1881, which he spent in Europe, for the prosecu- 
tion of his medical studies, thus completing in 
1881 the course he had mapped out when a lad 
of fourteen, plowing in the field. He had grad- i 
uated from the same medical college in America, 
and the same one in Europe, as the physician 
previously mentioned in this sketch, who was the 
unconscious source of the youthful plow boy's in- 
spiration. The resolution heroically made thirty 
years before had been faithfully carried out with 
unwavering fidelity, and the goal reached, though 
the road had been a long one and beset with many 
difficulties. By this dauntless perseverance and 
concentration of effort to master his profession 
Dr. Wise has not only risen to the front rank 
as surgeon of this coast, but he has achieved 
an ample fortune solely from his professional 
labors. The example and success of this poor, 
illiterate orphan boy is well worthy the emu- 
lation of the youths of to-day, none of whom 
have greater obstacles to surmount. 

Dr. Wise has been twice married. His first 
wife was formerly Miss Stoney, of San Antonio, 



Texas, who bore him one child. Miss Alice 
Wise, now a young lady. His present wife is 
tlie daughter of H. E. Makinney, a self-made 
man and a prominent lawyer of Santa Cruz 
County, California, and many years clerk and 
treasurer, successively, of that county. Ken- 
neth D. Wise, Jr., five j'ears of age, is the only 
child born of this marriage. 

M. Dorothea Lummis, M. D., is a native of 
Ohio, born in the old city of Chillicothe, No- 
vember 9, 1858, her parents being Josiah H. 
and Sarah (Swift) Rhodes. At sixteen years of 
age she became a B. A. of Portsmouth Female 
College, afterward taking a two years' course at 
Madame Emma Seller's famous Conservatory in 
Philadelphia. In 1884 she graduated at the 
Boston University School of Medicine with the 
degree of M. D., and the following fall, resign- 
ing her position as resident physician of tiie 
Boston Conservatory of Music, removed to Los 
Angeles, where she opened an office and has 
practiced her profession ever since with flatter- 
ing success. 

In 1880 Miss Rhodes was married to Charles 
F. Lummis, a journalist, and for several years 
city editor of the Los Angeles Times. Dr. 
Lummis is president of the Los Angeles County 
Homeopathic Medical Society, to which position 
she was elected at the last annual election of the 
society. She is prominently identified with 
various charitable organizations, and was chiefly 
instrumental in reviving the Humane Society of 
Los Angeles, for the prevention of cruelty to 
animals; and in organizing the IlumaneSociety of 
Los Angeles County, for the prevention of cru- 
elty to children, which was effected January 13, 
1886. Through the Doctor's zealous personal 
interest and labor in this most worthy cause, 
great good has been accomplished in both de- 
partments of this humane and benevolent work, 
producing radical reforms in the treatment of 
children, and of domestic animals, especially 
horses in the street-car service and elsewhere. 
She is secretary of the Los Angeles Humane 
Society. 

Dr. Lummis is a lady of cultivated literary 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



tastes, and besides being tlie dramatic critic of 
tlie Los Angeles Times for the past year or two, 
has been a frequent contrii)iitor to tlie coinmns 
of the current press. 

Elizabeth A. T'ollanshek, M. 1)., was born in 
the State of Maine, and, when fonr years of age, 
moved with her parents to Brooklyn, New York. 
At tlie age of nine years she went to Europe and 
spent two years in the schools of France. After 
a year passed at home she returned and attended 
school in the city of Paris four years. Iler 
father, Captain Alonzo FoUansbee, having died, 
her mother removed to Boston, and there Miss 
Follansbee's literary education was completed 
under private tutors. Entering the educational 
iield as a teacher, she was preceptress in the 
Green Mountain Institute for some time; then 
accepted the position of instructor in Hillsdale 
Seminary at Mount Clair, J^ew Jersey. In her 
ardent zeal and close application to school-room 
work she overtaxed her somewhat delicate phys- 
ical powers, so impairing her health that she 
resigned her position in 1873 and caine to Cali- 
fornia. After stopping for a time in San Fran- 
cisco, she went to Napa City, and again engaged 
in teaching, andalso began the study of medicine. 
In 1875 Miss FoUansbee entered the medical 
departmi-nt of the University of California to 
attend her first course of lectures, she and Mrs. 
Dr. Wanzer, of San Francisco, being the fii'st 
ladies to enter that institution after it had 
opened its doors to women. At the close of that 
term Miss FoUansbee went East and entered the 
College of Medicine and Surgery in the Uni- 
versity of Michigan. After attending the full 
term, on the eve of examination, she received a 
telegram from Boston tendering to her the po- 
sition of intern in the Hospital for Women and 
Children in that city, if she could come at once. 
She accepted, and tilled the place with fidelity 
and ability until, wishing to further pursue her 
medical studies, she left to take a course in the 
Women's Medical College of Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania, where she graduated with high 
honors in 1877, having won the $50 prize for 
best essay of lier graduating class, her subject | 



being, " Meview of Medical Progress." The 
award was made by the faculty at the recom- 
mendatioti of i'ruf. Henry Hartshorn, of the 
University uf Pennsylvania, sitting as critic. 
Having suppletnented her regular course with 
: a special course on pathological anatomy, and 
an extra course of lectures in the Pennsylvania 
Hospital, Dr. FoUansbee returned to the Pacific 
Coast and opened an office in San Francisco. She 
soon obtained a fine practice, and being elected 
physician to the Pacific Dispensary Hospital for 
women and children, assumed its duties in ad- 
dition to her private practice. This double 
lal)or proved too great for her powers of endur- 
ance and she was prostrated with a severe attack 
of pneumonia, which compelled her to resign 
her connection with the hospital, much to the 
expressed regret of the medical board. 

Being advised to seek a milder climate than 
that of the Pacific metropolis, she spent a few 
months in Napa, but, finding that climate also 
too harsh for her delicate organism, she came, 
in February, 1883, to Los Angeles. As her 
returning health permitted she resumed the 
practice of medicine, and has for years enjoyed 
a large and prosperous business, confining her 
practice almost exclusively to her own sex and 
to children. 

Dr. FoUansbee occupies a high rank in her 
profession, and is an honored member of the Los 
Angeles County Medical Society, and the Cali- 
fornia State Medical Society. She has been 
from the opening of that growing and prosper- 
ous institu'tion, and is now, professor of diseases 
of children in the College of Medicine of the 
University of Southern California. She is 
thoroughly in love with her profession, and is 
an enthusiastic student and energetic prac- 
titioner. Thoroughness being a ruling trait in 
her character, she enters upon her undertakings 
with a zeal and will which insure success. Nu- 
merous flattering testimonials from high educa- 
tional authorities evidence her superioi'ity as a 
teacher. Dr. FoUansbee is a fine French scholar, 
a lady of broad culture and iesthetic refinement, 
whom to know is to esteem and admire. 



UISTOHY OF LOS ANOMLES COUNTY. 



13. HoMEB Faiechild, M. D., is a native of 
New York, born in 1828. Ills father, Joiin H. 
Fairchild, was a native of Canada, where he 
married Miss Elizabeth Hager. He was a civil 
engineer by profession. In his yonth the sub- 
ject of this sketch accompanied his parents to 
Michigan and located in Detroit, where he was 
reared and educated, and entered upon the study 
of medicine. In 1855 his failing lieallh com- 
pelled an abandonment of liis medical studies, 
and he sought a restoration of health in Cali- 
fornia. Upon his arrival in the State, he joined 
his brother, John B. Fairchild, and for several 
years was engaged in stock-raising and dealing 
in live-stock, in Los Angeles County, and also 
driviiio- herds of cattle from that county, which 
they sold in the mining counties of the North. 
Ujxin Dr. Fuirchild's return to Michigan he re- 
sumed his niiMlical studies. Early in 1864 he 
entered the United States Naval service, and 
was assigned to duty in the Mississippi squadron 
as surgeon's steward in charge of the United 
States steamer Undine, he having full charge 
cf the Undine from the time slie was put in 
commission till slie was captured and su k by 
the rebels. He then resigned and completed 
his medical studies in the medical department 
of the University of Michigan, after which he 
entered upon the practice of his profession. lie 
was also engaged in agricultural pursuits and 
other enterprises in Michigan until 1880. In 
that year he returned to Los Angeles County 
and took up his residence in Pomona, and en- 
gaged in the practice of medicine until 1886. 
He then purchased a tract of wild and unculti- 
vated land located north of Claremont, now 
"Fairview Ranch." The Doctor's lands are 
well adapted to fruit culture, with plenty of 
water for irrigation from the San Antonio 
Canon. He was at one time one of the largest 
honey producers in Los Angeles Connty. One 
of the most noticeable features of his improve- 
ments while clearing his land is the miles of 
massive stone division walls which he is erect- 
ing. These walls, the stone lor which is 
obtained in clearing the land, are four feet at 



the base and five feet in height, and of symmet- 
rical proportions and finish. "Fairview Hall" 
is an ideal Southern ranch residence. It com- 
mandsamagnificent view of tlie San Jose Valley, 
and with its beautiful stream of water it affords 
a desirable home. The substantial farm build- 
ings display his creditable enterprise. The 
Doctor has other landed property and business 
interests, among which is a marble quarry in 
San Bernardino County, that he is developing. 
He is also the owner of business and residence 
property in Pomona. Dr. Fairchild has for 
many years been closely identified with the in- 
terests and development of Pomona and the 
San Jose Valley, and is well and favorably 
known in the community. lie is a member of 
the Episco[>al Church, and also a prominent 
member of the Masonic fraternity, being a 
Master Mason and a Knight Templar. In 
political matters he is a llepublican. 

In 1876 Dr. Fairchild was united in marriage 
with Mrs. Sarah A. (Stowell) Aspinall, of De- 
troit, Michigan, who has more than a local 
reputation for her lavish hospitality to all callers 
at " Fairview Hall." 

JouN T. Stewart, M. I)., is ranked among 
the representative professional men of Southern 
California. He is a native of Harrison County, 
Kentucky, dating his birth in 1850. His father, 
William H. Stewart, was a native of Indiana, 
who, in his young manhood, located in the county 
of Harrison, where he engaged in mercantile 
pursuits. The Doctor's mother was nee Eliza- 
beth A. Webb, a native of Virginia. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was reared in his native 
county, receiving the advantages of an academ- 
ical education until eighteen years of age. He 
then commenced his medical studies under a 
prominent physician of Harrison County, and 
in 1870 entered the Cincinnati College of Medi- 
cine and Surgery. After graduating at that 
institution, in 1873, he entered u])on a course 
of studies and lectures at the Jefferson College, 
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later, in 
1878-'79, engaged upon a special course of study 
in surgery at the Bellevue Hospital in New 



UlSTOUr OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



York. The Doctor spent many years in the 


temperature and rainfall in his locality for 


study of his chosen profession, in the best 


several years. The tables he has thus compiled 


schools in tlie United States, after which he re- 


are reliable and have been extensively published. 


turned to Harrison County and ensjasjed in tlie 


l^elow is his report for 1888: 



active practice of his ])rofession, which he suc- 
cessfully conducted until 1887. In that yeai- 
Dr. Stewart came to Califoriiia and soon after 
his arrival located at Monrovia, Los Angeles 
County. He was one of the iirst physicians who 
commenced practice in that city, and his skill 
and talents soon secured him a large and lucra- 
tive practice and gained him the respect and 
esteem of the community. Dr. Stewart takes 
a deep interest in the growth and prosperity of 
Monrovia. He is a member of the board of 
health of that city and also a member of the 
board of trustees. In political matters he is 
Democratic. He is a member of Mullen Lodge, 
F. & A. M., of Berry, Kentucky; and also of the 
Monrovia Lodge, I. O. O. F. He is a member 
of the Kentucky State Medical Society and also 
of several local societies. 

In 1881 Dr. Stewart was united in marriage 
with Miss Sue Martin, a native of Kentucky. 
Mrs. Stewart's parents are Mortimer D. and 
Zerilda (Sellars) Martin, natives of Kentucky. 
Dr. and Mrs. Stewart have one child: Charles 
Mortimer. 

De. Thomas Rigg, Pasadena, was born in 
181-4, in England, and his early life was spent 
in a chemical laboratory. In 1840 he came to 
Philadelphia and engaged in chemical and dye- 
ing business, and in the meantime studied medi- 
cine. In 1853 he moved to Johnson County, 
Iowa, and there engaged in farming and the 
practiceof medicine. In 1882 the Doctor came to 
California and settled in Pasadena, since which 
time he has led a quiet and retired lite. Being a 
lover of scientific pursuits, he has a high order of 
pleasure which he would not exchange for any 
other. There is no field of mental activity so 
vast and so varied as that of nature, and happy 
is he who has inherited a disposition so normal 
and a capacity so great as to take his supreme 
delight in rambling through it. 

Dr. liigg has kept a correct account of the 



TEMPEHATURB. 

Mill. Mux. 7n. m. 2 p. m. 9 p.m. Mean 

•Jiiuu^i-y :^n-3 57.3 40.8 57.0 45.1 47 2 

February U.'i Gi.5 46.0 62.3 50.3 531 

March 44. G 63.3 43.6 02 51.2 o.i 3 

April 51.3 73.9 5S 5 72.1 58 Gl'? 

May 31.1 70.6 55.8 69.8 55.8 59'2 

June 55.0 .-0.4 63.0 78.7 01.9 66 4 

J'lly 57.7 87.7 67.1 85.8 66 2 Tl's 

August 57.4 89.1 65.4 87.4 66 6 715 

Sf-ptember.. ..61.3 89.9 69.7 88.3 68 1 73'o 

October 54.0 78.2 59.7 77.4 60 6 64 6 

November 48.8 68.7 53.1 68.5 54.4 58 6 

December 45.9 64.8 49.0 64.5 53.0 54^4 

Mean of year. .50, S 73.8 52.4 73.8 57.3 61.1 

HDMIDITY. 

7 a. m. -i p. m. 9 p. m. Mean 

January .74.9 49.6 73.5 66 

February 7S.3 55.3 77 3 70 5 

March 75.8 61.1 83.5 73 5 

April 73.3 53.7 76.4 675 

May 81.3 54.9 81.8 73 6 

June 71.6 46.8 74.3 64*3 

July 07. 4 39.5 71.0 59.5 

August 70.9 38.3 73.8 60 7 

September 67 6 40.3 74.4 60 3 

October 74.1 4S.0 79.0 67 1 

November 73.4 53.9 79.3 68^5 

December 76.2 51.6 78.4 66^4 



66.4 



Mean of year ...73.7 49.3 76.4 

RAINFALL IN INCHES. 

January 7.63 July 00 

February 1.51 August 00 

March 5.13 September 00 

April 21 October 09 

May 03 November 5.81 

June 00 December 6.93 



Total. 



27.86 

H. G. Cates, M. D., of Santa Monica, was 
born in Vassalboro, Maine, in May, 1863, and 
is the son of Dr. C. B. Cates, who was for many 
years a practicing physician, and who died in 
Santa Monica al)out one year ago. The subject 
of this biographical notice was educated at 
• Colby University in Waterville, Maine, where 
he gradutated in the year 1883, being the 
youngest member of the class, and received the 
degree of A. B. After finishing his literary 
education he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, 
and, as a student of medicine, entered the hos- 
pital college. At this college he graduated in 
1887. After attending the lectures there he 



BjyiOIiY OF i.0^■ Al^OELEti COUNIY. 



came to California and legan practicing tlie 
"healing art" in the "city by the sea"' and the 
country surrounding. It has taken but a short 
time to show the people that he possesses both 
knowledge and t.kill as a physician and surgeon. 
As an enterprisng business man he is ranked 
among the first. The " Gates's Block" in Santa 
Monica, at the corner of Third street and Utah 
avenue, is a credit to tlie city, and stands as a 
monument to its enterprising and public-spirited 
builder. The structure is a tine brick building 
50x68 feet, and two stories high. Two large 
commodious store rooms are in the first story, 
and the second is nicely finished up for offices, 
in one of which the Doctor may be found when 
not professionally engaged. 

Mrs. Gates was formerly Miss Ella Van 
Every. Their residence is on the corner of 
Fourth street and Arizona avenue. Dr. Gates 
is yet a very young man, and has before him 
the jiossibilities of a very useful life. As a 
citizen he stands well in the community, and as 
a physician, has abilities which are recognized 
by all. 

Dk. Gakeoll Kendeick, M. A., was born 
December 29, 1815, on Bigby Greek, eighteen 
miles from Golumbia, Tennessee. When he was 
about four years old his parents moved fioui 
Tennessee to Lauderdale Gounty, Alabama, 
where he grew to manhood. His parents were 
honest, intelligent and industrious, and his 
mother was especially pious. In the family 
there were nine girls and four boys. His brother, 
Allen Kendrick, was a brilliant and able preacher 
of the gospel, and died in Tennessee in 1859. 
Garroll Kendrick was early and deeply impressed 
that he ought to become a Ghristian. After 
reading the Scriptures for several years, he was 
convinced of what he should do to be saved, and 
he met his brother, then an active evangelist, 
forty miles away, and was by him immersed "for 
the remission of sins." Having become a 
Christian, he felt it to be his duty to preach. 
At this time he had the care of his mother and 
four sisters; and no schools, no church- meetings, 
no papers, and no books except the Bible. Al- 



most two years passed in this way; then he went 
alone about 120 miles, and among strangers, 
except his sister and her husband, he made the 
ex])eriinent, speaking several times. In the 
meantime he had moved his mother and sisters 
to West Tennessee, and with his brother secured 
a home. Strong in faith and full of zeal, he, 
with W. II. liutherford, spent some four months 
iu going over West Tennessee, preaching in 
private houses, school-houses, etc., to many or 
to few — generally to few — with no assurance of 
support from any man, but they had good meet- 
ings, and brought many within the fold. One 
year he spent near Mooresville, Alabama, and 
went eight miles to recite his Latin and Greek. 
In the summer of 1836 he went alone, on horse- 
back, about 300 miles, to attend the first State 
meeting he had ever heaid of. It was at Har- 
rod^burg, Kentucky. At that time he was en- 
couraged to enter Bacon College, situated there, 
and borrowed the money to pay his tuition and 
board. While at college he preached at Dan- 
ville, Perryville, Lawrenceburg and other places, 
receiving enough to pay his indebtedness. 

Dr. Kendrick was married October 15, 1840, 
to Mary Wade Forbes. Soon alter leaving 
college he showed great ability in a debate at 
Stanford, Kentucky, with Bev. N. L. Bice, a 
talented pedobaptist minister. The years 1845- 
'46 he spent with the First Church in Louisville, 
and while in that place he founded Second 
Church, on Hancock street, and edited and pub- 
lished the Christian Journal. From there he 
moved to Llarrodsbnrg, and published the Ec- 
clesiastical Reform. In 1851 he moved to 
Texas, where he spent nearly twenty-seven years. 
In the meantime the honorary degree of M. A. 
had been conferred upon him by Franklin Col- 
lege, and he held also his medical diploma. At 
that time money was scarce in Texas, and he was 
compelled to practice medicine tor a living. In 
1877 he came to Oakland, California, lor the 
benefit of his own health as well as that of his 
wife. After living in Oakland three years, 
in 1880 he moved to Downey, Los Angeles 
County. In 1883 Mrs. Kendrick died, her nine 



U I STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 



children all being present at the time of her 
death. 

The subject of this sketch has been practically 
a missionary man, and has given nearly fifty- 
two years to the work. Piiysically, he knows 
not what fear for personal safety is. Morally, 
he is a hero. Ilis success in money-making 
shows what he might have done in this line if 
he had given attention to it. 

Dr. J. Carroll Kendrick, his son, now a prac- 
ticing physician and surgeon in Downey, was 
born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1845. His 
literary education was received at Lexington, and 
his professional and medical education at Cin- 
cinnati and the medical department uf the 
University of Louisville, graduatii'g at the for- 
mer institution in 1871. He practiced iirst in 
Texas, then in Chicago, after which he came to 
California. He continued his practice four years 
in Oakland, and in 1882 came to Downey, where 
he has built up a large and lucrative practice. 
A brother of his, Joseph Judsou Kendrick, M. 
D., was professor in the California Medical 
College at Oakland for a number of years, and 
died while iii his prime, a physician in Denver, 
Colorado. 

Dr. J. Carroll Kendrick was married in 1878 
to Miss Josie Ford, the daughter of Judge Spen- 
cer Ford, of Texas. They have an interesting 
family of five children: Josie, Albert Carroll 
and Pattie Leigh (twins), Julien Carroll, Jr., 
and Benjamin Carroll, Jr. The Doctor lives in 
his pleasant home at No. 1001 College avenue, 
Downey, where, surrounded by his family and 
friends, he extracts, perliaps, as much of life's 
true pleasures as any man living. 

Dk. EnwiN LovELLE BuRDicK, General Su- 
perintendent and Resident Physician of the Los 
Angeles County Home, is a native of Cortland 
County, New York. His father, V. M. Bur- 
dick, was a farmer, ana moved 'o Hlinois when 
the Doctor was only five years old, and engaged 
in farming near Elgin. The subject of this 
sketch received his literary education at Al- 
bion, Wisconsin. His professional education 
was received at Uusli Medical Colleire in (Jlii- 



cago, College of Physicians and Surgeons in 
Kansas City, and also at Twenty-third street 
and Fourth avenue College in New York City, 
After completing his education he practiced 
four years at Valley Falls, Kansas, and in 1875 
came to California for his health. Here he re- 
mained four years and then went to Arizona 
and was api)ointed county physician, which 
position he held eight years. AVhile there the 
Doctor served as county treasurer for Mohave 
County one term, and was member of the Ter- 
ritorial Council one term. 

In the year 1872, while in Wisconsin, he 
married Miss Mary L. Potter, of Janesville, 
that State. In 1887 the Doctor located in Los 
Angeles County. He is the owner of valuable 
property in different parts of the county, but 
at present his time and attention are devoted to 
his duties in the office at the Los Angeles 
County Home. The grounds of this institution 
contain 120 acres, and the buildings accommo- 
date about 250 persons. The grounds are un- 
der the management of a steward, and the 
inmates who are able to, work. In the near 
future a new house will be erected, at a cost of 
$8,000, as a residence for the superintendent and 
his family. 

De. a. McFarland, physician and surgeon 
at Compton, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, 
in 1846, and is the son of Andrew McFarland, 
who was a surgeon in the British army, and a 
graduate of Edinburgh, Scotland. At the ago 
of six years he was sent north on a whaling 
expedition and was out four and a half years. 
Within that period his father had come to 
America and was demonstrator of anatomy in 
Jefferson College, Philadelphia. He sent back 
to Ireland for his son, who, in 1857, joined the 
father in the new world, and entered school at 
Burlington, New Jersey. In 1861 he entered 
the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, under General 
Palmer, and was promoted to the rank of Ser- 
geant,, serving until the close of the war. Ho 
then went to Italy and served in the Papal 
army for seventeen months. While there ho 
was Captain ami commanilc<l 100 men from the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



base of the Pyrenees. During 1869 and 1870 
lie was conBected with the Insane Asylum at 
Jacksonville, Illinois. Here, also, he received 
his literary education, at the Illinois Soldiers' 
College. In 1872 he graduated at Kush Medi- 
cal College, Chicago, after which he began the 
practice of medicine at Eockport, the same 
State. At the latter place he was appointed by 
the Government to take charge of three tribes 
of iBdians in Kansas. From there, in 1874, he 
came to Compton, California, and established 
himself in his profession, working up an im- 
mense practice. In 1884 he was coroner of 
Los Angeles County; was also professor in the 
Los Angeles Medical College, having charge of 
the department treating of diseases of the mind 
and nervous system. 

Dri McFarland was married October 19, 
1872, to Miss Abbie Ballard, of Pittsfield, Illi- 
nois. Her father, John Ballard, was a minister 
in the Presbyterian Church. Socially, tiie 
Doctor is a Mason in the thirty-second degree, 
and a member of the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W., 
and G. A. R. 

Dk. I. D. Stockton, a physician and surgeon 
of fifty years' practice, is located in Compton, 
where he will spend the evening of life in the 
most healthful atmosphere, and the county where 
Nature has done her best to make her creatures 
happy. 

The Doctor is a native of Illinois, born Octo- 
ber 16, 1815. His father's name was Robert and 
his mother's Phoebe ("Whiteside) Stockton, both 
beincr natives of Kentucky, his father of Eng- 
lish and his mother of Irish origin. Mrs. 
Stockton was a cousin of the celebrated General 
Whitesides. Her mother was of Scotch parent- 
age. The Doctor's grandfather was one of 
the pioneers of Kentucky, and the famous 
" Stockton's Valley " was named in honor 
of him. The subject of this eketch attended 
the common schools of his native county and 
Shuntliff College in Illinois. Then he went 
to the Physiomedical and Sanitarian College at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating at that institution 
in 1838. He practiced two years in Southern 



Illinois under Dr. Pope, and at the expiration 
of that time he coiitinued practicing alone, re- 
maining in that part of Illinois for eight years. 
Leaving there he went to Kansas, where he 
devoted two years to the practice of his profes- 
sion, but prior one year in Texas. Then turn- 
ing his face toward the sunset, he came to Cali- 
fornia, where he remained for a period of fifteen 
years, was in Washington Territory one year, 
and lastly came to Compton. During all this 
time he was actively engaged in the practice of 
his chosen profession. 

Dr. Stockton was married in 1840 to Louisa 
Spiller, a native of Tennessee. Of this union 
nineteen children were born, and fifteen are still 
living. The wife and mother departed this life 
at Florence in 1883. 

Politically the Doctor is a member of the 
Republican party. He was a soldier in the 
Black Ilawk war, at the age of si.xteen years. 
Socially he affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, 
and religiously, with the Christian Church, being 
an active and consistent member of the same. 
He was at one time secretary of the Bible Soci- 
ety. He is a worthy and honored citizen, re- 
spected and esteemed by all who know him. 

R. A. Bkunson, M. D., was born in Tennes- 
see, January 31, 1821, a son of Dr. Robert 
Brunson, who was for many years a well-known 
physician in that State. The latter was tlie 
oldest of ibur sons, and his grandfather, also, 
was a physician, and a Scotchman by birth. The 
subject of this sketch, one of a family of five 
children, was educated at the Jackson Manual 
Labor Academy; his literary education was re- 
ceived at Nashville, Tennessee, his medical, at 
Louisville, Kentucky, and he began the pr.'ictice 
of medicine in 1841. He was married the same 
year to Miss Mary J. Johnson, of Arkansas. 
They had five children, all of whom died when 
young, except one, and the mother also died. 
In 1866 he married again, this time Mrs. Ann 
E. Cryer, the widow of Mr. Cryer and the 
daughter of Joseph M. Shepperd. Her father 
was born in Virginia, but reared in Wayne 
County, Kentucky. He was a merchant in 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



at Los Angeles July 4, of that year, and has 
been actively engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine here ever since. Dr. Orme has tilled many 
oflicial positions in both medical and Masonic 
societies during his residence in Los Angeles. 
He has been president of the Los Angeles 
County Medical Society, the California State 
Medical Society; is now a member of the Ameri- 
can Climatological Association, Medico-Legal 
Society of New York, American Public Health 
Association, and has also been vice-president, 
and is now an active member of the American 
Medical Association. Of local Masonic bodies, 
he has been a past officer of the Blue Lodge, 
Chapter, Council and Commandery, and also 
Commander of Occidental Consistory of Los 
Angeles A. A. Scottish Eite, Thirty-second De- 
gree, as well as an officer of the Grand Consis- 
tory, Thirty second Degree, of the State. Dr. 
Orme is a Past Grand High Priest of the Chap- 
ter, Royal Arch Masons, of California; Past 
Grand Master of the Grand Council, lioyal and 
Select Masters; Past Grand Commander of 
Grand Commandery Knights Templar. 

Dr. Orme married Mary C. Van de Graafl", 
in 1873, and he has one son, Hal McAllister, 
born March 4, 1879. Dr. Orme is a genial, 
cultured and popular gentleman, a good citizen 
in all relations in life, whether public or pri- 
vate; and he is skillful in his profession, in 
which he takes a genuine pride. 

Rebecca Lee Dorset, a native of Maryland, 
lost her mother at the age of six years, and her 
father marrying again, she left the parental roof 
and lived with a distant relative in York County, 
Pennsylvania, for about three years; then, at 
the tender age of nine years, struck out to earn 
her way in the world among strangers. For a 
year she worked for an old lady near Port De- 
posit, Maryland, working in the garden, ped- 
dling vegetables in the town, etc.; then over a 
year she worked in a dairy, going to school 
during the winter, paying her way by labor; 
next she worked as a servant girl in Philadel- 
phia, and graduated at the grammar school; and 
from fourteen to sixteen years of age she at- 



tended Belvidere Seminary. After leaving her 
lather she never received a cent from him, but 
earned all her expenses! Doing three years' 
work in two, she graduated at that seminary; 
then attended Wellesley College three years, 
mo^t of the time doing menial labor for the 
other girls in order to earn money to defray her 
expenses. Having but $25 in money, she entered 
Boston University for three years, in order to 
fit herself for the medical profession. Taking 
care of sick people nights, and borrowing $50, 
she passed through the fii'st year.' During the 
ensuing summer she acted as trained nurse, re- 
ceiving $20 a week. On graduating, June 6, 
1882, she was but $5 in debt. She immediately 
went to Vienna, Austria, and spent two years 
in the largest hospital in the world. She entered 
classes under, official instruction where woman 
had not entered for twelve years, and some of 
them had never had a woman. She traveled 
and studied in Europe several years longer, and 
finally reached Los Angeles, January 23, 1886. 
Last year her cash practice was $4,989.50. Her 
father, now sixty-six years of age and wealthy, 
is still living in Maryland. 

Charles W. Bryson was born in Richmond, 
Virginia; educated at the Missouri State Uni- 
versity at Columbia; commenced his medical 
studies in that State, and graduated in 1882 at 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keo- 
kuk, Iowa; practiced four years at Falls City, 
Nebraska; took a post-graduate cour.~e in St. 
Louis, Missouri, and arrived in Los Angeles 
September 6, 1880. He pays special attention 
to gynecology. 

John L. Davis, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
graduated as a Bachelor of Arts in 1878, at 
the University of Cincinnati, in the first class 
graduated there. In 1880 he received the de- 
gree of M. D. from the Miami Medical College 
in that city; then spent a year in the Cincinnati 
Hospital, which has 6,000 patients, and by com- 
petitive examination was elected resident physi- 
cian of the same for a year, and also held other 
medical situations. Arriving in Los Angeles in 
December, 1885, he has filled the chair of Ma- 



HISTORY OF LOS AJSGELES COUNTY. 



233 



teria Medica in the University of Southern 
California two years, and other medical offices. 
He is also a liberal contributor to the medical 
press. 

William D. Babcock was born in Evansville, 
Indiana; graduated at the High School there; 
studied civil engineerin«; at the La Fayette Col- 
lege, Easton, Pennsylvania; practiced in the 
field two years, and graduated in medicine in 
his native town in 1878. After practicing and 
studying alternately, both in this country and 
in Europe, he came to Los Angeles in June, 
1887, where he has been elected secretary of the 
County Medifal Society. Li 1884 he received 
from La Fayette College the degree of Master of 
Arts. 

John B. Woon, born in San Francisco in 
1861, a son of Dr. Philip A. Wood, now re- 
siding near San Diego, was educated in the 
Palo Normal School, Kansas; studied medicine 
with the assistance of his father's partner (his 
father not then being in active practice), and 
graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 
the spring of 1888. 

Andrew E. Wheeler, homeopathic, was born 
in Vermont in 1854; educated principally in 
his native State and at Mount Union College, 
Ohio, and graduated at the Homeopathic Hos- 
pital College at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1880; prac- 
ticed five years in Rochester, New York, and in 
1885 settled in Los Angeles, where he devotes 
special attention to obstetrics. He is a mem- 
ber of the Los Angeles County Homeopathic 
Society, and of the American Institute of 
Homeopathy. He lost his wife by death about 
three years after marriage. 

J. Haemon, born at Knoxville, Georgia, in 
1838, began reading medicine in his native 
State and graduated in his chosen profession in 
the medical department of the University of 
New York, in 1861; was appointed assistant 
surgeon in the Confederate array and afterward 
as a surgeon ; and near the close of the war he 
resigned, spent a short time in New Orleans, 
and settled in Dallas County, Alabama. In the 
fall of 1808 he came to Los Angeles, and is 



therefore the oldest practitioner in the city ex- 
cepting Drs. Griffin and Den. Dr. Harmon, 
however, first came across the plains in 1853, 
bringing with him a drove of cattle, and re- 
mained here about four and a half years, a part 
of which time he was engaged in expressing 
and a part in banking in Oroville. In October, 
1857, he sailed from San Francisco for the East. 
He would have embarked a day sooner had a 
debtor come to time with his promises; but had 
he done so he would have suifered the fate of 
the thousand passengers who were wrecked 
upon the Central America and drowned. The 
Doctor is now gradually withdrawing from 
medical practice and entering agricultiyal pur- 
suits and real-estate speculations. He owns a 
place ten miles south of Los Angeles, devoted to 
fruits and alfalfa. Besides, he owns 400 acres 
in Ventura County and city property in Los 
Angeles. His wife was a daughter of Thomas 
J. Judge, late supreme justice of Alabama. 

Will L. Wade, born in Hendricks County, 
Indiana, in 1841, was, in his younger days, a 
school-teacher — principal of graded schools for 
a time. He read medicine in Effingham, Illi- 
nois, attended the medical department of Butler 
University, and graduated there in 1879; emi- 
grated to Oregon in the spring of 1875, prac- 
ticed there until he returned East in 1879 for 
the purpose of completing his medical course; 
then came again to Oregon and practiced there 
altogether nearly thirteen years; six years of 
this time he was medical officer of the Oregon 
Penitentiary. In the spring of 1887 he came 
to Los Angeles to recover his health, which he 
had lost by overwork and exposure. In Oregon 
he was president of the State Medical Society, 
and is now lecturer on materia medica in the 
medical department of the University of South- 
ern California. 

Frank L. Haynes, the eldest of three broth- 
ers practicing medicine in Los Angeles, is a native 
of Pennsylvania, was educated in the University 
of Pennsylvania, and graduated there in 1870; 
studied medicine four years in the office of Dr. 
D. Hayes Agnew, now the most distinguished 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



surgeon in America; was two years resident 
physician of tiie Episcopal Hospital at Phila- 
delphia, and was afterward for a time engaged 
in general practice in that city, and then, in 
May, 1887, cams to L^i Angeles, where he has 
since djTOted sp3cial attention to surgery. In 
Auo-ust, 1887, ill company with Dr. W. Lind- 
ley, he founded, at 121 Winston street, the Pa- 
cific Hospital, a private institution devoted 
almost exclusively to surgical, practice. He 
was surgeon in charge. May 1, 1889, the in- 
stitution was moved to Fort street, near Sixth, 
since which time Dr. J. E. Cowles has been in 
charge. Dr. Haynes is one of the editors of 
the Sott^herii California Practitioner. 

His brothers, John R. and Robert W., are 
general practitioners here, having had a similar 
medical education. The three brothers and 
their parents all came to the coast at the same 
time, for the sake of the climate. 

William G. Cochran was born near Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, in 1844; studied medicine under 
the direction of Dr. C. Cloodbrake, an old army 
surgeon, at Clinton, Illinois; graduated in 1869 
at Rush Medical College, Chicago; practiced 
in Farmer City, De Witt County, Illinois, until 
the fall of 1879, and then pursued a course of 
study at Jefi'erson Medical College, Philadel- 
phia, and received another diploma there in the 
spring of 1880; has been in practice here in 
Los Angeles since the fall of 1881, and has 
also been prominent in organizing the Southern 
California Medical Society; was one of the or- 
ganizers of the medical department of the 
University of Southern California, in which he 
was for two years professor of clinical medicine. 
Is also one of the organizers and a director of 
the Los Angeles National Bank, which opened 
for business live years ago. 

Samuel S. Salisbury, homeopathist, was 
born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1848; studied 
medicine under the instruction of Dr. W. H. 
McGrranaghan, in Marysville, Ohio; obtained his 
literary education at Lebanon (Ohio) College, 
and graduated in medicine at the Hahnemann 
Medical College in Phihidelphia in 1873; prac- 



ticed in Washington, Ohio, fourteen years, and 
then came to Los Angeles for the sake of his 
health and that of his daughter. He has three 
children, xls a practitioner here lie has an in- 
creasing patronage. 

Elmer A. Clark was born in Ashtabula 
County, Ohio, December 13, 1848, of New 
York parents; was educated at Brooklyn Col- 
lege, Brooklyn, New York; at the age of 
nineteen began the study of medicine, under 
the guidance of Dr. J. E. Smith, at Jackson, 
Michigan, and continued with hi'iii four years, 
during which time he graduated at the Cleve- 
land Homeopathic Hospital College, in 1870. 
He then practiced his profession at Benton Har- 
bor, Michigan, until August, 1881, with signal 
success, but the winter of 1878-'79 he spent at 
his alma mater., reviewing his medical studies. 
In 1881, for the sake of a sunny climate and of 
his wife's health, he emigrated to the Pacific 
Coast, stopping at San Jose and San Diego for 
a time. Has been a resident and a practitioner 
of Los Angeles since October, 1884. Was the 
prime mover in the organization of the Los An- 
geles Homeopathic Medical Society, which is 
now a very lively organization. 

John R. Colburn was born in Little Rock, 
Arkansas; graduated in the St. Louis (Missouri) 
Medical College in 1878, and practiced in Lit- 
tle Rock until 1886, when he came to Los An- 
geles, for his health. Has spent a year traveling 
in this State, especially in the southern part, by 
private conveyanee, accompanied by his wife. 
She was a Miss Gibson, of Little Rock, and 
they were married in 1885. 

William LeMoyne Wills, a descendant from 
French and Scotch- Irish, was born in Washing- 
ton County, Pennsylvania. Many of his near 
relatives have been or are physicians, but his 
father, John A. Wills, is a retired lawyer of 
Los Angeles. Dr. Wills obtained his literary 
education at Harvard University and at Wash- 
ington, and his medical at Jefferson and 
Pennsylvania medical colleges, at Philadelphia, 
graduating in 1882. Was resident physician 
of a hospital at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, two 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



years. Came to Los Angeles in 1883. In 
1885, on the opening of tlie medical college 
here — in which lie was active — he was ap- 
pointed to the Chair of Anatomy, which he 
still holds. In his general practice he devotes 
especial attention to surgery. Has been secre- 
tary, and is now president, of the Los Angeles 
County Medical Society, and is also a member 
of the State Medical Society. 

Dr. F. R. Fkost, of tlie firm of Kirkpatrick 
& Frost, physicians and surgeons, 17 North 
Main street, Los Angeles, was born near De- 
troit, Michigan, in 1856, of New England par- 
entage; received his medical education at the 
Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, 
and at Rush Medical College, Chicago where 
he graduated in February, 1882; practiced 
medicine in his native State for a time, and 
in 1883 emigrated to California. Here, after 
following his profession at Downey, this county, 
for a year, he came to the city of Los 
Angeles, practiced medicine two years, then 
visited and traveled in the East for a time, 
practicing as a physician in Chicago for a year, 
and finally, in January, 1888, he returned to 
Los Angeles and became associated in practice 
with Dr. Ross C. Kirkpatrick, as alread\' in- 
dicated. 

George W. Lasher, Professor of Surgical 
Anatomy in the College of Medicine of the 
University of Southern California, was born in 
Columbia County, New York, forty-one years 
ago, received his literary education chiefly in 
New York City, graduated at Rush Medical 
College, Chicago, in 1872, and in 1882 came to 
California, principally to recuperate his health. 
In 1887-'88 he spent a year in Europe, in ad- 
vanced medical studies. 

Andrew S. Suorb, the oldest homeopathic 
practitioner in Southern California, has been 
here ever since June, 1871. A native of Canton, 
Ohio, he received his elementary education there 
and completed his medical studies in Iowa, 
commencing practice in 1860. In 1880 he re- 
ceived a diploiria from the Pulte Medical College 
in Cincinnati. lie was one of the prime movers 



in the organization of the Los Angeles County 
Honieopathic Medical Society, and was its first 
president. 

HoR.\cE B. WiNCi is a son of Dr. Henry 
Wing, deceased, who was a member of the 
faculty of the Chicago Medical College. He 
was born in Carlinville, Madison County, Illi- 
nois, in 1858, graduated in literature at the Illi- 
nois College, Jacksonville, in 1880, and in 
medicine at the Chicago Medical College, in 
May, 1887, since which time he has been practic- 
ing his profession herein Los Angeles, and since 
December, that year, has been local surgeon for 
the Santa Fe Railroad Company. He also fills 
the Chair of Physiology in the College of Medi- 
cine of the University of Southern California, 
and is a member of the County Medical Society. 

Everett R. Smith, a native of "Vermont, was 
taken by his parents to Illinois when young; 
graduated at Rush Medical College in 1873; 
practiced medicine in Northern Illinois, 1874- 
'87, the last two years at Rockford, and then, 
on account of his wife's ill health he came with 
her to California, in May, 1887, he having tested 
this climate in 1864. She has recovered, and 
they are both now content to make this their 
home. 

James T. Morgan, a native of Iowa and 
brought up in Lewis County, Missouri, grad- 
nated in medicine at the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1877, and 
practiced in Chariton County, Missouri, until he 
came to California, in August, 1883, first locat- 
ing in Verdugo, now known as Glendale. In 
1888 he built a residence in East Los Angeles 
and moved into it, and opened an office in the 
city on Spring street, and now has a practice 
both in the city and the country. 

Thomas J. McCarty, an Indianian, studied 
medicine at the Ohio Medical College at Cin- 
cinnati and at the Kentucky School of Medicine, 
at the latter of which he graduated in 1884. 
After practicing in Indiana nearly two years, 
he emigrated to Los Angeles. Is a member of 
the County and Southern California Medical 
societies, and professor of chemistry and to.xicol 



HISTORY OF LOi ANGELES COUNTY. 



ogy in the College of Medicine of the Univer- 
sity of Southern California. 

Fkedekick T. Bicknell, horn in Chittenden 
County, Vermont, was ten years old when his 
parents moved with liini to Wisconsin, where 
he attended the State University. Served in 
the army three years, 1862-'65. In 1870 he 
graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago. 
Practiced medicine in Southwestern Missouri 
three and a half years, and then spent the win- 
ter of 1873-'74 at the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons in New York and also at the Bellevue 
Hospital. In 1874 he settled here in Los An- 
geles a few months, and then until 1881 was in 
the mining region in Inyo County, practicing 
medicine; since then he has been practicing in 
Los Angeles. lie occupied the chair of Gyne- 
cology in the Medical College until the spring 
of 1888, when poor health induced him to re- 
sign. 

W. W. Hitchcock, a native of Carroll County, 
Illinois, was educated at Grinnell College, Iowa, 
graduating in 1869, and received his medical 
diplomas at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 
1879, and at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, 
New York, in 1881. After practicing at South 
Bend, Indiana, until 1887, he came to Los An- 
geles. He was the chief agent at South Bend 
in getting that city supplied with artesian water. 
Is a member of the Los Angeles County Medi- 
cal Society. 

James J. Choate, born in Jackson County, 
Missouri, was educated at Lee College and the 
State University, and graduated in medicine at 
tlie St. Louis Medical College, in 1879. Com- 
ing to California in 1885, he settled for a short 
time in Suisun, Solano County, and then located 
in Los Angeles. Is a member of tiie County 
and the National medical societies, and is now 
filling liis second term as police surgeon for the 
city. 

Walter M. Boyo, a native of Coshocton 
County, Ohio, born in 1854, was educated at 
Berea College in that State, and received his 
medical diploma in 1883, from the Columbus 
Medical College, same State. Practicing at 



Millersburg, Ohio, several 3'ears, he emigrated, 
in August, 1886, to the city of Los Angeles, 
where he is enjoying a good patronage; is a 
member of the County Medical Society, etc. 

Georc;e L. Coi.e, who was born in Madison 
County, New York, twenty-eight years ago, was 
educated at Cornell University and graduated in 
medicine in 1886 at the Bellevue Hospital Medi- 
cal College in New York City. Has been 
practicing here in Los Angeles since the winter 
of 1886-'87. Was in partnership with Dr. M. 
Hagan, health officer of the city, is a member 
of the County Medical Society, and a charter 
member of the Southern California District 
Medical Society. 

Norman H. Moerison, Police Surgeon of the 
city of Los Angeles, was born in Indiana in 
1853, came to California in 1872, studied medi- 
cine at Santa Barbara and San Francisco, and 
graduated at the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons at Kansas City in 1880. Practiced at 
McPherson, Kansas, several years, interrupted 
by taking special courses at New York City, 
and since 1886 has been practicing in Los An- 
geles. Gives special attention to surgery and 
gynecology. 

De. Charles T. Pepper, born in Kentucky 
in 1848, was educated in St. Paul's College, 
Palmyra, Missouri, and graduated in medicine 
at Jefl'erson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 
March, 1869; practiced his profession at Clarks- 
ville and St. Louis, Missouri, and Leadville, 
Colorado, and arrived in Los Angeles, May 1, 
1888. 

Dr. Edwin C. Buell, born in Summit County, 
Ohio, in 1853; educated at Oberlin College; 
studied medicine at the Cleveland Homeopathic 
Hospital College and the New York Homeo- 
pathic College, and elsewhere, graduating in 
1876. He came to Los Angeles in September, 
1888. He pays special attention to operative 
surgery. 

THE SOUTtlERN CALIFORNIA MEDICAL SOCIETY 

was organized in Los Angeles, June 8, 1888. 
For several years there had been a feeling among 



HltiToUY UF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the physicians of the southern part of the State 
that a district sucietj which should embrace 
the leading medical men of this section would 
promote the best interests of the profession, 
and would in many ways be an advantage to tlie 
community as well. 

This feeling assumed a definite form upon 
the adoption by the Los Angeles County Medi 
cal Society (April 6, 1888), of the following 
resolution introduced by Dr. W. G. Cochran: 

Resolred, That a committee of three be ap- 
pointed by the president to communicate with 
the regular physicians of Southern California, 
to ascertain their wishes in regard to the organ- 
ization of a District Medical Society. 

The committee named, consisting jf Drs. W. 
G. Cochran, II. G. Urainerd and John L. Davis, 
entered at once into communication with the 
regular physicians of the section — some 250 in 
number; and finally, by direction of the County 
Society, called a meeting for the purpose of or- 
ganization. Ilepresentatives were present from 
the following counties: San Diego, San Luis 
Obispo, Kern, San Bernardino and Los Angeles. 
The following officers were elected: 

President, Dr. M. F. Price, Colton ; First Vice- 
President, Dr. C. C. Valle, San Diego; Second 
Vice-President, Dr. C. A. Rogers, Bakersfield; 
Secretary, Dr. John L. Davis, Los Angeles; 
Treasurer, Dr. W. G. Cochran, Los Angeles; 
Censors, Dr. Walter Lindley, Los Angeles; Dr. 
W. R. Fox, Colton; Dr. R. B. Davy, San Diego; 
Dr. H. B. Lathrop, San Pedro; Dr. K. D. Shu- 
gart. Riverside. 

The following are the sections represented by 
committees at the regular meetings: 

1. Practice of Medicine. 

■2. Materia Medica and Therapeutics. 

3. Obstetrics. 

4. Surgery, General and Special. 

5. Gynecology. 

6. Diseases of Mind and Nervous System. 

7. Opthalmology and Otology. 

8. Skin and Venereal Diseases. 

The aims and character of the society are in- 
dicated by the following articles of the consti- 



tution: " Tlie objects of this society shall be 
the advancement of medical knowledge, tiie ele- 
vation of professional character, tlie encourage- 
ment of social intercourse and harmony among 
the members of the profession." * * * * 

" To entitle a person to membership he must 
be a graduate of a regular medical college; he 
must hold a registered certificate from the State 
Board of Medical Examiners and be of good 
moral and professional reputation, and be a 
member of the County Medical Society in case 
such exists in his county." 

Regular meetings are held semi-annually the 
first Wednesday of June and December. The 
second meeting of the society was held in San 
Bernardino, December 5, 1888; the third meet- 
ing, in San Diego, June 5, 1889. On all of 
these occasions many valuable papers were pre- 
sented and instructive cases reported. The 
society is growing rapidly and now numbers 
112 members. The present president is Dr. 
W. N. Smart, of San Diego. 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MEDICAL ASSdCIATKlN. 

The Los Angeles County Medical Society 
was organized January 31, 1871. The original 
membership consisted of Doctors William F. 
Edgar, Russell F. Hayes, Henry S. Orme, J. P. 
Widney, J. Kurtz, L. L. Dorr, H. H. Rose and 
John S. Griffin. These gentlenien were the 
originators of tlie society. The first officers 
were: J. S. Griffin, President; R. F. Hayes, 
Vice-President; H. S. Orme, Treasurer, and L. 
L. Dorr, Secretary. Board of Censors: Doctors 
Edgar, Rose and Widney. 

The society held its meetings regularly the 
first Friday of every month. Papers and dis- 
cussions formed prominent features of the exer- 
cises. The growth of the society was not rapid 
until 1881, after which accessions to the mem- 
bership were quite numerous. At present the 
organization has about seventy-five members. 

The officers elected for the year 1889 are: 
W. Le Moyne Wills, President; J. H. Davisson, 
Vice-President; W. D. Babcock, Secretary; J. 
J. McCarty, Treasurer. Board of Censors: 



238 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT T. 



Walter Lindley, George W. Lasher and F. A. 
Sejmonr. 

Tlie following paragraph, copied from the 
records of the society, sets foi'th tersely and ex- 
plicitly its objects: 

" The objects of this association shall be, lirst, 
the cultivation and advancement of the science 
of medicine by united exertion for mutual im- 
provement and contribution to medical litera- 
ture; second, the promotion of the character, 
interest and honor of the fraternity by main- 
taining the union and harmony of the regular 
profession of the county, and aiming to elevate 
tiie standard of tlie medical education; third, 
the separation of the regular from the irregular 
practitioners; and, fourth, the association of the 
profession proper for mutual recognition and 
fellowship." 

THE LOS AXGEI.ES HOMEOPATHIC SOCIETY. 

In pursuance to a call of the homeopathic 
physicians, a meeting was held at the Young 
Men's Christian Association Hall in the Nadeau 
Block, Los Angeles City, at which meeting it 
was " Resolved, by the eighteen physicians 
present, that we proceed to organize a County 
Homeopathic Medical Society." 

At an adjourned meeting held February 6, 
1885, the physicians were present in full force, 
and by a unanimous vote the pioneer. Dr. A. S. 
Short, a graduate of the Pulte Medical College, 
Cincinnati, Ohio, — the first homeopathic phy- 
sician to settle and practice in Los Angeles, — 
was elected president of the society, and the 
following were his fellow officers for the first 
term: Drs. Kirkpatrick, Clarke, Chamberlain, 
Owens, Boal and Cook. The following, in their 
order, have filled the office of president up to 
January, 1889: Drs. Short, Kirkpatrick, Fel- 
lows and Lummis. 

These first three may be truly called the 
pioneers in homeopathy in Los Angeles County. 
Dr. Short arrived in Los Angeles in the early 
days of 1873, and is still at his post. Two 
years later, in April, 1875, Dr.J.C. Kirkpatrick, 
from the Cleveland College, appeared on the 



scene, and these two held the "fort" until 
joined by Dr. Isaac Fellows in November, 1878. 
Di'. Isaac Fellows practiced in Chicago, Illinois, 
and Fairfield, Iowa, previous to coming to Los 
Angeles, and after a b-ief visit in th j North he 
returned, and since that date, February 22, 1879, 
he has been practicing in Los Angeles. 

With increasing population, both patients and 
physicians soon became more numerous, and 
two years later, at the time of the organization 
of this society, there were more than twenty 
physicians, calling themselves homeopaths, in 
active practice in the city. True, many of those 
have since departed this life, but their departure 
seemed but a signal for the arrival of four or 
more to take their places. Thus the number of 
physicians increased rapidly, but the number of 
patients even more rapidly. To say that the 
number of homeopathic patients has increased 
in proportion to the population woitld indeed be 
the truth, but not the whole truth. 

At the present time there are some thirty 
homeopathic physicians in active practice in this 
city alone, and almost every homeopathic col- 
lege in the United States has its representatives 
here. San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles 
and San I^iegoare the New York, Philadelphia, 
Cleveland and Chicago of the West. 

There are now on the roll the names of thirty 
active workers, — names among which, for suc- 
cessful practice in medicine and surgery, general 
practice and special, are those who need not be 
ashamed to be compared with those of any 
eastern city of an equal population with Los 
Angeles. 

Following is the representation from the re- 
spective colleges: 

New York Homeopathic Medical College, 2; 
Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, 4; 
Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, 6; 
Hahnemann Medical College at San Francisco, 
2; Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, 
at St. Louis, 2; Homeopathic Department Uni- 
versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, 2; Pulte 
Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, 1; 
Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, 1; 




^. 



■Ufj^L^c^ 



^-^■^^a^-6<^. 



lllSTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Pennsylvania Homeopathic Medical College at 
Philadelphia, 1; University of Bntt'alo, New 
York, 1; Medical College of Pacific, 1; Boston 
University School of Medicine, 1. 

The society has regular monthly meetings, 
is actively engaged in its field of work, and is a 
source of great benefit to its members, who are 
working in harmony with each other for the 
greatest good to their patients and their fellow 
laborers. There may be exetptions, to prove 
the rule, but aside from such these physicians 
are men whose aim is to live out their code of 
ethics adopted by the National and all State and 
county homeopathic societies in the United 
States, the basis of which is," As you would that 
men should do unto you, do ye even so to them." 
In January, 1889, Dr. J. Mills Boal, graduate 
of the New York Homeopathic Medical College, 
was chosen President; Dr. S. S. Salisbury, of 
the Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, 
Vice-President; Dr. E. P. Mitchell, of Hahne- 
mann Medical College, Philadelphia, Secretary; 
Dr. J. W. Reynolds, of Hahnemann Medical Col- 
lege of Chicago, Treasurer; Board of Censors: 
Drs. E. T. M. Hurlbut and H. T. Wilcox. 

Since that time some fifteen members have 
been added and a new impetus has been given 
to the work. 

Isaac Fellows, M. D., is a native of New 
Hampshire, and was born at Hanover, July 8, 
1835. His father, Isaac Fellows, Sr., was of 
Scotch ancestry and a farmer by vocation. He 
tilled many positions of trust and honor during 
his life-time, such as public administrator, jus- 
tice of the peace, and several .times represented 
his district in the New Hampshire State Legis- 
lature. He died at Hanover, where he had 
lived for many years, at the <ige of eighty-four. 
His mother, nee Annie Porter Perley, was born 
in Hanover, New Hampshire, and was of Eng- 
lish parentage. Her grandmother was a sister 
of General Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary 
fame. She died at Hanover, at the age of forty- 
seven. From early life both were members of 
the Congregational Church. 

Tiie Doctor was reared at his birthplace, and 



is one of nine children. At the age of nine- 
teen he entered Dartmouth College, but on 
account of ill-health, discontinued his course 
there after attending one year. He then, in 
1855, went to Wisconsin, where he taught one 
winter term of school. He returned to Han- 
over, where he taught school for several j'ears, 
and January 1, 18fi2, married Miss Emma 
Howe, daughter of Joseph Howe. She was 
born at Danbury, New Hampshire, and is a 
graduate from the Kimball Union Academy 
at Merideii, New Hampshire, of the class of 
1861. Soon after his marriage he went to 
Vineland, New Jersey, wheie for three years he 
successfully engaged in the real-estate business, 
and while there took an active part in the pub- 
lic affairs of the place, and held the office of 
township trustee. In 1864 he went to Chicago, 
Illinois, and later began the study of medicine, 
both the allopathic and homeopathic systems. 
He took two courses of clinical lectures at Rush 
Medical College, and graduated as M. D. from 
the Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital 
in 1876, after taking three full courses of lect- 
ures, having previously, in 1874 and 1875, 
taken one special course in physical diagnosis 
in the Cook County Hospital. He then prac- 
ticed for a short time in Chicago, when he wcTit 
to Fairfield, Iowa, and there practiced until 
coming, in 1878, to Los Angeles. Before per- 
manently locating in this city. Dr. Fellows 
made a tour of the State, visiting all the princi- 
pal points of interest, and it is worthy of note 
that no locality impressed him as having the 
advantages of climate and elements of growth 
possessed by Los Angeles County, and he re- 
turned, better than before satisfied with his 
choice of a future home. From the time of 
Dr. Fellows's final location in Los Angeles he 
has enjoyed the fullest confidence of the public, 
both as a physician and a cit'zen. By the pro- 
fession he is held in the highest esteem, and his 
counsel is frequently sought. He is one of the 
originators of the Homeopathic Medical Society 
of Los Angeles County, and has served the or- 
ganization as its president. Twenty years in 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the middle of life have been almost exclusively 
devoted to the practice of medicine, with an 
enthusiasm rarely surpassed, and few indued 
have been the demands made upon him during 
all these years that have not found him at his 
post of duty. 

Ur. Fellows is identified with various busi- 
ness enterprises of Los Angeles, among others 
the Southern California Insurance Company, an 
eminently successful institution, of which he is 
one of the originators, and is one of its stock- 
holders and directors. He is kind-hearted, whole- 
souled, under all circumstances approachable, a 
countenance ever lighted with a genial smile, 
the language of a soul always filled with love 
and human sympathy. These are the rare qual- 
ities Dr. Fellows possesses, and those of a true 
Christian gentleman, which have unconsciously 
drawn about him a wide circle of admiring 
friends, which rapidly expands as time passes. 
Dr. and Mrs. Fellows are active members of the 
First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. 
Tiiey have one child, a daughter, Miss Lillian, 
who is a young lady of personal graces, an ac- 
complished elocutionist and musician. We are 
pleased to present the numerous patrons of this 
work with a steel-plate portrait of Dr. Fellows, 
which will be found on another page. 

TUE DENTAL PKOFESSION. 

Dr. James S. CitAWFOiiD, of the firm of Craw- 
ford & White, one of the oldest practitioners of 
dentistry in Southern California, first came to 
tiie State in 1S62, and locating in San Fran- 
cisco, spent several years there in the practice, 
save the winters of 1863, 1864 and 1865, which 
he passed in Los Angeles. In 1866 he went 
East, and during a three years' stay in Mis- 
souri he married a Miss Benedict, a native of 
that State. On his return to California he set- 
tled in Los Angeles and has been continuously 
in practice in the city ever since. On the com- 
pletion of the Downey Block, at the junction 
of Spring and Main streets, he moved into 
their present offices, which he has occupied 
seventeen years. In 1S7T Dr. Crawford took 



in Dr. S. M. White as a partner and they have 
carried on a very large and successful business 
ever since. This firm ranks among the first on 
tliis coast, both in the quality and volume of 
its work. Although they make a specialty of 
fine operative dentistry, they employ two assist- 
ants in their laboratory on mechanical work. 

Dr. Crawford was one of the prime movers 
in organizing the Southern California Odonto- 
logical Society, and was elected its first presid- 
ing officer. He has been one of the State 
Board of Dental Examiners for three years past, 
and is now serving in that capacity. He has 
also served a number of years consecutively- as 
a member of the Los Angeles board of educa- 
tion, of which he was president in 1888. 

Dr. Crawford was born in the State of New 
York fifty-one years ago the 4th of last March. 
He set out to master the then crude science and 
art of dentistry at sixteen years of age. The 
adhesive quality of gold for fillings had Jiot then 
been discovered: wooden pegs were used for 
pivots, and little was done in the way of pre- 
serving or restoring the natural teeth. Good- 
year not having discovered the vulcanizing pro- 
cess, rubber plates were not known, and gold 
and silver were the only materials used as plates 
for artificial teeth, and transplantation and im- 
plantation of teeth, all of which Dr. Crawford 
has successfully practiced of late years, and 
which are among the most marvelous achieve- 
ments of modern dentistry, were undreamed of 
in those days. Dr. Crawford being a man of 
progressive ideas, has kept abreast of the times 
in all the modern methods and discoveries in 
his profession, including the implanting of 
teeth, which he has successfully performed in 
several instances. 

Mrs. Crawford died twelve years ago, leaving 
two children, one of whom has since followed 
her to the unknown shore. Dr. Crawford has 
never married again. 

De. Robert H. Boal, who ranks among the 
most experienced and skillful dentists on the 
Pacific Coast, was born in Marion County, 
Iowa, in 1884, his parents being Rev. John M. 



llhsroliV UF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



]}oal and Harriet J. (Hughes) Boal. (See sketch 
of J. Mills Boal). Of his tliree brothers aud 
two sisters all hiit one, a sister, nosv live in 
Southern Calitornia. 

His parents having returned to Cincinnati in 
his infancy, he passed his boyhood and youtli in 
that city. He prepared himself for his pro- 
fession under the tutorage of the late Dr. 
George W. Keely, of Oxford, Ohio, one of the 
most eminent dentists in America, and at one 
time president of the American Dental Asso- 
ciation, one of the directors of the Miami Uni- 
versity, etc. Dr. Boal spent four years in his 
office, during which time he enjoyed not only 
the extraordinary advantages of Dr. Keely's in- 
struction, but also constant contact with men 
distinguished in the science and art of dentistry. 
After attending a course of lectures in the 
Ohio College of Dental Surgery Dr. Boal, in 
1869, opened an office in Urbana, Champaign 
County, Ohio, and there carried on a large prac- 
tice for eighteen years, standing at the head of 
his profession in that city and community. 
Having many relations in and about Los An- 
geles, Dr. Boal came with his family to this 
city in the fall of 1885. He did not resume 
professional work after arriving here until the 
1st of January, 1889, when, in connection with 
his brother, J. Mills Boal, M. D., their elegant 
offices in the new Bryson-Bonebrake Block were 
opened, at the corner of Spring and Second 
streets. For location, convenience of access 
and general attractiveness their apartments are 
not surpassed by any on the Pacific Coast. 

Dr. Boal's specialty is in fine operative den- 
tistry, in which he is already enjoying a good 
and growing business. With a natural adapta- 
tion for his vocation, his several years of care- 
ful training, supplemented by twenty years of 
active successful practice, have placed him 
among the leading dentists of California. Previ- 
ous to leaving Oiiio he was a member of the 
Mad River Valley Dental Society, and the Ohio 
State Dental Society. 

In 1871 Dr. Boal was joined in marriage 
with Miss Zella M. Higgins, a lady of Oxford, 



Ohio. Five daughters and one son constitute 
their family, all born in Ohio save one, who is 
a native daughter of the Golden West. The 
Doctor and his fiimily are ])ermanently settled 
in Los Angeles. 

Emokv L. Townsk.nm., D. IX S., was born in 
Clinton County, -New York, in 1855. His 
father. Dr. L. Townsend, is a dentist by pro- 
fession and practiced in New York, Wisconsin 
and Minnesota for many years. He now re- 
sides in Southern Oregon. 

The subject of this memoir began the study 
of dentistry with his father, in 1873, in Minne- 
sota, and in 1875 began practicing in Lake City, 
that State, where he continued altogether seven 
years, but in the meantime attended the Penn- 
sylvania College of Dental Surgery, graduating 
in 1878, taking the second prize for the best 
specimen of gold filling. His health became 
so seriously impaired while in Lake City that 
he was compelled to abandon the practice of 
his profession, and expected to never be able to 
resume it. Concluding to try the climate of 
the Pacific Coast, he went to Southern Oregon, 
where he spent two years, then came to Los An- 
geles in 1885. In April, 1886, he was elected 
one of the clinical instructors in the College of 
Dentistry in the University of California. In 
1887 he was selected to give a practical demon- 
stration in operative dentistry before the Inter- 
national Medical Congress, held in Washington 
City in September of that year. Dr. Townsend 
is a member of the Minnesota State Dental So- 
ciety, the International Medical Congress, the 
California State Odontological Society, and of 
the Southern California Odontological Society. 
He has been in active practice in Los Angeles 
about four years, and on April 24, 1889 was ap- 
pointed by the Governor a member of the State 
Board of Dental Examiners of California. 

He is a man of progressive ideas, and, pos- 
sessing a genius for mechanical invention, has 
invented several important dental appliances 
which are extensively used by the profession, 
among whicii is his improved method of putting 
gold crowns on teeth. The Doctor is an en- 



UISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



thiisiastic devotee of his profession, and mas- 
ter of liis calling. 

Dr. Townsend married a Miss Reynolds, of 
Minnesota. They have a family of two children. 

Dr. Fkank M. Talmek began the study of 
dentistry in the city of San Jose, California, in 
1871, under tlie preceptorship of Dr. W. F. 
Gunkel, the oldest dental practitioner in that 
city. Aiter spending two years with Dr. 
Gunkel he located in practice in Santa Cruz, 
where he remained till 1876, when he moved to 
Los Angeles and has been actively engaged in 
his protession ever since in this city, save seven 
months which he spent in Arizona. In 1886 
Dr. Palmer entered into copartnership with Dr. 
W. R. Bird, which still continues, constituting 
one of tlie most skillful, popular and prosperous 
dental iiims on the Paeiiic Coast, as they both 
occupy the front rank in the profession, and 
have a very large business, furnishing employ- 
ment for one or two assistants besides them- 
selves. Dr. Palmer was one of tlie organizers 
of the Southern California Odontological Society, 
and was its first vice-president. Alter leaving 
New York State, where he was born forty years 
ago last March, he traveled extensively, crossing 
the continent in several directions before locat- 
ing permanently in California. 

The Doctor is a zealous antiquarian, and has 
given much time and research to the collection 
of Indian relics in Southern Calilbrnia. The 
reward for his efforts during the past decade is 
the finest and most perfect collection of imple- 
ments, utensils and articles of handicraft of the 
prehistoric inhabitants of this portion of the 
Pacific Coast in existence, his cabinet being 
more complete in some important features than 
that of the Smithsonian Institute. To a lover 
of antiquities hours replete with pleasure and 
profit may be spent with the Doctor among his 
remarkable aggregation of rare and curious 
specimens — unwritten volumes so eloquently 
expressive of the lives, character and intellectu- 
ality of those aboriginal occupants of this sunny 
land. 

In 1880 Dr. Palmer took a life partner in the 



person of Miss Kate Minerva Packman, who 
was born in Brooklyn, New York, and came to 
Los Angeles about filteen years ago. Her 
father, Peter Backman, is a prominent con- 
tractor of Los Angeles. Dr. and Mrs. Palmer 
have two children : Marion Frances, six years 
of age, and Frank, less than one year old, ex- 
ceptionally bright and pretty children, an 
attractive feature of one of the happiest homes 
in Los Angeles. 

Dr. Deel IliNALDo Wilder is a native of 
Allegany County, New York, and is thirty-eight 
years of age. He attended the schools of Cen- 
tral New York, and at eighteen years of age 
began the study of dentistry. After two years 
of practice in Pennsylvania, he moved to 
Chicago, Illinois, and there pursued his profes- 
sion for twelve years. In 1884 he came to 
Calilornia, and in lour days after reaching Los 
Angeles opened an office in the Nadeau Block, 
and started in business in partnership with Dr. 
Masser. The first year they did a business of 
$5,000. When the Nadeau Block was fitted up 
for a hotel Dr. Wilder removed. May 15, 1880, 
to the Farmers and Merchants' Bank Building, 
corner of North Main and Commercial streets. 
Three years later he changed to his present 
commodious and beautiful otHces in Kobarts' 
Block, corner Main and Seventh streets. Dr. 
Wilder is a natural mechanic, and having de- 
voted nearly twenty years to the practice of fine 
operative dentistry, keeping pace with the most 
advanced ideas and discoveries in his profession, 
he ranks among the most skillful dentists on 
this part of the Pacific Coast. He was one of 
the first to introduce the bridge and crown work 
in Southern California, and has attained consid- 
erable celebrity in these and in artificial palate 
and cleft work. He has a very large and lucra- 
tive practice, ranging from $500 to $800 a 
month. He employs an assistant in the work. 

Dr. Wilder is a charter member and one of 
the organizers of the Southern California Odon- 
tological Society. Mrs. Wilder was formerly 
Miss Taber, a native of New Bedford, Massa- 
chusetts. 



UISTOKY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 



Dr. Willard R. Bird was born in Galena, 
Illinois, in April, 1856. In liis childhood his 
parents moved to Mount Carroll, Illinois, where 
he was educated in the public schools and tiie 
seminary of that place. He came to California 
in his seventeenth year, and located in Nevada 
County, where he eiigai^ed in teaching schuol 
very successfully for several years, during which 
time he was preparing himself for tlie dental 
profession. Adding to his natural adaptation 
a thorough training for his chosen calling, he 
soon rose to the front rank of the profession. 

In December, 1883, he came to Los Angeles, 
and at once opened an office in the cozy rooms 
he and his partner now occupy, at 23 South 
Si)ring street. Dr. Bird soon acquired more 
business than he could attend to, and in 1886 
he formed a copartnership with Dr. Frank M. 
Palmer, which still continues. The superiority 
of tlieir work has created such a popularity for 
these gentlemen that they have more business 
than they, with two assistants in the mechanical 
department, can do. Their offices are furnished 
and equipped with the latest improved appli- 
ances and instruments for convenience and 
rapid execution in both the operative and me- 
chanical departments, and the work turned out 
by Palmer & Bird is not surpassed, if equaled, 
in quantity or quality in Southern California. 
Being courteous and obliging in manners, and 
thorough masters of their art, their patients 
find it a pleasure to do business with them. 

Dr. Loring W. French, one of the pioneer 
dentists of the Pacific Coast, was born in the 
town of Rising Sun, Indiana, January 31, 
1836. From 1852 to 1856 he was engaged 
with his brother, William M. French, in pub- 
lishing the Jeffersonville (Indiana) Republican. 
During the latter year he began the study of 
dentistry in Louisville, Kentucky, with Dr. J. 
A. McClellen, cousin of General George B. 
JVIcClellen. Locating in Greensburg, Indiana, 
he practiced six years, and upon the breaking 
out of the civil war he enlisted as a private in 
the Seventy-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 
for the term of six nionlhs. His regiment did 



post duty in Henderson, Kentucky, where he 
served a good portion of his term as Quarter- 
master. Soon after leaving the service he came 
to California, via the Nicaragua route, arriving 
in San Francisco in March, 1863. Going from 
there to Sierra County, and later to Plumas 
County, he ^;ettled in practice in La Porte, for- 
merly one of the most important mining towns 
in the State, remaining there six years. He in- , 
vested a large portion of the earnings from his 
professional work in mines and prospecting — 
with loss. In 1868 he came to Los Angeles, then 
a place of between 4,000 and 5,000 population, 
when the land in close proximity to the town 
could be bought for 50 cents per acre. At 
that time the only dentists in Southern Cali- 
fornia were one or two who traveled about, 
stopping a few days in a place, and who left 
soon after Dr. French settled here. He soon 
controlled the entire dental business of this 
part of the State, his patients often coming a 
hundred miles, and even from Arizona, to have 
work done. Dr. French is one of the original 
members of the Odontological Society of South- 
ern California, and has been its treasurer from 
its organization. He is a member of the A. 
O. U. W., was a charter member of Golden 
Rule Lodge, No. 160, Los Angeles, and three 
times its presiding officer, 

Henry E. Small, who is one of the leading 
dentists of the Pacific Coast, has been a resident 
and an active practitioner of his profession in 
Los Angeles since the summer of 1883. He 
is one of that best type of American manhood 
denominated self-made men. Born in the State 
of Maine, thirty-five years ago, he became self- 
dependent before entering his teens, his father 
having died while in the defense of the "Old 
Flag," as a Union soldier in the war of the Re- 
bellion. Most of the early life of young Small 
was passed in Massachusetts. Possessing a 
genius and taste for the finer mechanical arts, 
he chose dentistry as a vocation, and on reaching 
the proper age he entered the office of Dr. 
Fillebrown — now professor of operative dentistry 
in Harvard University — in Portland, Maine, as 



HISTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



a student. Upon the completion of his course, 
Dr. Small engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession in one of the suburbs of the city of 
Boston, until lie started for California si.v years 
ago. lie occupies a high rank in dental surgery 
and also in mechanical dentistry, and by the supe- 
riority of his work and gentlemanly treatment 
of his patients he hascreated a professional busi- 
ness rarely eqnaled anywhere either in quality 
or volume. His fifhces, in the California Bank 
Building, corner of Fort and Second streets, 
are the most elegantly fitted and furnished den- 
tal rooms in the city, being supplied with every 
instrument and appliance which will expedite 
work ur aid in securing a greater degree of per- 
fection in results. Each instrument and ma- 
chine is of the latest iinpioved design and the 
highest order of workmanship. Indeed, there 
is no dental office in the country better equipped, 
and but very few as well. 

Dr. James M. White, dentist, No. 41 South 
Spring street, Los Angeles, is a native of Ken- 
tucky. He was thrown upon his own resources 
early in life, and earned the money with which 
to obtain an education. He graduated at the 
Kentucky University at Lexington before his 
twentieth birthday, after which he went with 
several of his college mates to Missouri. Be- 
coming acquainted with a prominent dentist in 
that State, he was persuaded by him to enter 
the profession of dentistry, and thus was his 
life-work incidentally chosen. After mastering 
the science he practiced his profession in the 
city of Carthage, Missouri, about thii-teen years, 
when his health became so much impaired that 
he decided to come to California, and arrived in 
Los Angeles in 1883. His health immediately 
improved and he resumed practice. Soon after 
locating here he entered into partnership with 
Dr. J. S. Crawford, one of the oldest and most 
prominent practitioners in Southern California; 
but this relationship was discontinued in June, 
1889. Dr. AVhite has a very large and prosper- 
ous business. Although he has considerable real 
estate in this city, he concentrates his energies 
upon his profession, atid his thoroughness in 



work and manner of address are such as to make 
him a favorite among his professional brethren. 
He is now the president of the Southern Cali- 
fornia Odontological Society. His line suite of 
offices seem to be perfectly arranged and equip- 
ped, and are as large and commodious as any on 
the Pacific Coast. 

While a resident of the State of Missouri, the 
Doctor was united in marriage with Mrs. A. V. 
Scales, tiee Buckingham, a lady from the State 
of Mississippi. They have one son. 

THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ODONTOLOGICAL SO- 
CIETV. 

No city of equal population in America con- 
tains a greater number of practitioners of high 
rank in the dental profession than Los Angeles. 
Most of them studied for, and not a few of them 
had attained a prominent position in the pro- 
fession in tiie great centers of population in 
the East before coming to this sunny clime, 
and in order to maintain the highest standard 
and keep in the^ vanguard of progress of the pro- 
fession, the Southern California Odontological 
Society was organized November 19,1885, with 
the following objects, as stated in the by-laws. 

" The objects of this society shall be the dis- 
covery and promulgation of scientific truth 
relating to dentistry and oral surgery, and the 
pi'omotion of the highest excellence in the art 
and science connected herewith." 

Tlie first officers were: Dr. J. S. Crawford, 
President; Dr. F. M. Palmer, Vice-President; 
Dr. J. C. McCoy, Secretary; Dr. L. W. French, 
Treasurer; Dr. H. N. Urmy, Corresponding 
Secretary; Dr. K. G. Cunningham, Librarian. 
The society elects its officers annually. The 
present officers are: Dr. James R. White, Pres- 
ident; Dr. E. L. Townsend, D. D. S., Secretary; 
Dr. "W. R. Bird, Corresponding Secretary; Dr. 
L. W. French, Treasurer. The society numbers 
twenty active members, all active practitioners 
in good standing in the profession. The organi- 
zation is harmonious, and through its papers, 
discussions, and interchange of experience and 
ideas, is doing a good work for the advancement 
of dental science. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 




CI1APTP]R XVII. 



^TiOS ANGELES COUNTY is not without 
flt^ its record of crimes, and dark and bloody 
^^ it is. After the iirst spell of the gold 
fever, from 1848 to 1850, a large number of 
people were drawn here by the good times. 
The wine, fruit and cattle of Los Angeles found 
a market in the mines, and money and gold dust 
were plenty. . Men from every quarter of the 
globe, unaccustomed in the majority of instances 
to prosperity and away among strangers from 
the restraints of home, plunged into excesses of 
every kind. Uambling, drinking, figiiting, etc., 
were openly indulged in, and crime flourished. 
Murders grew not only to be daily but hourly 
occurrences. This era of crime, usual to all 
new countries, and sometimes re-occurring in 
older communities, at last ran its course. 

In April, 1851, there came a party of thirty 
rough men from the north, ostensibly bound for 
Arizona, under the command of a man named 
Irving. They threatened to hang two grandsons 
of Jose Maria Lugo, then in jail charged with a 
murder committed in Cajon Pass. They had pre- 
viously ottered a certain sum to Lugo to rescue 
the young men, but this he refused. They were 
prevented from carrying out their plans by the 
timely arrival of a military company. About 
the last of May the Irving party, then number- 
ing sixteen, left for Mexico, but endeavoring to 
kidnap some of the Lugos near San Bernardino 



they were all slain by Indians, except one man, 
in a ravine on the west side of Timoteo Valley. 

October 26, 1854, Felipe Alvitre, a half- 
breed Indian, was arrested for the murder of 
James Ellington at El Monte. He was hanged 
January 12, 1855. 

November 8, 1854, Mrs. Cassin, wife of a 
merchant, was murdered in her door by a Mex- 
ican. He was pursued and killed in the suburbs. 

The following account is from B. C. Truman's 
pamphlet on the bandit Vasquez: 

" Sluirtly after the capture and death of Joa- 
quin Murieta, Luis Bulvia, one of his lieutenants, 
came to Los Angeles County, bringing with him 
a remnant of Murieta's gang. Here they were 
joined by Atanascio Moreno, a bankrupt mer- 
chant, who in the reorganization of the party 
was elected Captain, Senati being a member of 
the same. Society in Los Angeles was in a 
most disorganized condition. It had been found 
necessary to equip a company of rangers, who, 
upon occasions, took the law into their own 
hands, and were always ready to assist in the 
arrest of malefactors or put down disturbances. 
In 1854 a party of lewd women, who had but 
lately arrived from San Francisco, signalized 
the opening of an elegantly iitted-up bagnio by 
a grand l»all, to which certain men were invited. 
While the revelry was at its height, Moreno, 
with his gang, numbering eighteen men, swooped 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



down upon the scene of the festivities, sur- 
rounded the house and demanded unconditional 
snrrender. Certain of the party were detailed, 
who entered the ball-room and relieved every 
man and woman of all the vahiahles they had 
about them. Leaving the ball-room, they went 
to the house of a then resident of Los Angeles, 
recently deceased, and robbed it in the most 
thorough and systematic manner; after which 
they committed an outrage too horrible for re- 
cital. A perfect reign of terror existed. Citi- 
zens were under arras; the rangers were scour- 
ing the country, but outrages seemed to multiply. 
But a short time after the events just narrated 
the same band made another raid upon Los An- 
geles, robbed several houses and carried otf a 
number of Mexican girls. 

" During one of their forages a deputy city 
marshal was assassinated by Senati. A price 
was set upon his head; $1,500 was oflered for 
his delivery at the jail-yard dead or alive. The 
jailor was awakened one night by a demand for 
admission. Opening his doors he found Mo- 
reno with an ox-cart containing the dead bodies 
of Bulvia and Senati. Moreno claimed that he 
liad been captured by Bulvia's gang, and that he 
managed at once to free himself and compass the 
death of the men whose bodies were in the cart. 
Bulvia and Senati were identified by the women 
who had been so cruelly outraged, as members 
of the party by whom the offense was com- 
mitted. The reward offered for the delivery of 
Senati's body was paid to Moreno. For a few 
days he was tlie lion of the town, and lived 
royally upon his blood money. He happened one 
day to step into the jewelry store of Charles Du- 
commun, who then did business on Commercial 
street, below his present stand, and offered a 
watch for sale. Mr. Ducommun recognized it 
at once as the watch taken from the husband of 
the woman above alluded to at the time of the 
assassination of her husband. Mr. Ducommun 
asked Moreno to wait until he stepped out for 
the money to complete the purchase. Instead 
of looking for motiey, Mr. Ducommun made a 
straight track for the headquarters of the rangers. 



and informed Captain Hope, who was then in 
command, of the facts above stated. 

"William Getman at once arrested Moreno- 
He was tried, convicted of robbery, and sent to 
the State Prison for fourteen years. It after- 
ward transpired that he had killed Bulvia and 
Senati in a most treacherous manner. He and 
Senati were left alone in camp, all the otiier 
members of the gang having left on a scout. 
While Senati was cleaning his saddle, Moreno 
blew his brains out, supposing he could get liis 
body into town and obtain the reward before 
any of their companions returned. Bulvia, how- 
ever, had not, for some reason, gotten out of 
sound of the shot which killed Senati. He re- 
turned to camp and asked the meaning of it, 
when Moreno told him that Senati's pistol had 
gone off accidentally. Bulvia inquired where 
Senati was, and was told that he was sleeping. 
Distrusting Moreno, he stooped to raise Senati's 
blanket from his face, when Moreno completed 
his murderous work by plunging a sword blade 
through his heart." 

The bodies of Senati and Bulvia were buried 
on Mariposa Hill, where they were disinterred 
in 1886 when excavations were made for the 
present county jail. .Their bones were carted 
to the city's dumping grounds. 

October 13, 1854, one David Brown killed 
Pinckney Clifford, in this city. This act created 
deep excitement. A public meeting on the next 
day was appeased only by the mayor's promise 
that if the laws should fail, he would resign and 
help to punish the murderer. Brown was tried 
November 30. The District Court — Benjamin 
Hayes, Judge — sentenced him to be executed 
on the 12th day of January, 1855. The same 
day had been fixed by that court for the execu- 
tion of Felipe Alvitre, for the murder of James 
Ellington, in El Monte. In Brown's case, his 
counsel, J. R. Scott and J. A. AVatson, had ob- 
tained from the Supreme" Court a stay of execu- 
ion. Public expectation waited for it, but a 
Hike stay did not come for the wretched, friend- 
ess Alvitre. This still more inflamed the na tive 
Californian and Mexican portion of the popula- 



UISroUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tion. The fatal day arrived, and with it an early 
gathering at the county jail of a great multitude 
of all classes. Meanwhile, the mayor had re- 
signed. Sheriff Barton posted within the yard 
an armed guard of forty men. Alvitre was 
hung — the rope broke, he fell to the ground. 
Arriba! nrrlha! (up! up!) was the cry from 
the outside; all was instantly adjusted and the 
law's' sentence carried into effect. Words fail 
to describe the demeanor then of that mass of 
eager, angry men. Suspense was soon over. 
Persuaded by personal friends, and in truth the 
odds against him seemed too great. Sheriff Bar- 
ton withdrew the guard. The gate was crushed 
with heavy timbers, blacksmiths procured, the 
iron doors, locked and well barred from within, 
were forced. "Within tiie next hour Brown was 
dragged from his cell to a corral across the 
street, where, amidst the shouts of the people, 
he uttered some incoherent observations, but 
quickly was hung from a beam of the corral 
gate. It is stated credibly, that a week there- 
after was received an order of the Supreme 
Court, in favor of Alvitre, whicli had been de- 
layed partly by the bad mail arrangements of 
that time, and more by reason of his applica- 
tion having been first forwarded to the Gov- 
ernor. Another cell held a third person 
condemned for a later day; him the infuriated 
crowd did not molest. He was finally allowed 
a new trial by the Supreme Court, and at Santa 
Barbara acquitted. 

May 30, 1856, Nicholas Graham was iiung 
in Los Angeles for the murder of Joseph 
Brooks on January 18 previous. A large crowd 
attended, but the execution took place without 
disturbance, the murderer confessing his crime 
from the scaffold. He was a native of Ireland, 
and only twenty-four years of age. 

In 1850 crime had increased to sucli a degree 
that a vigilance committee was organized, with 
Myron Norton as chairman and H. N. Alexan- 
der as secretary. They expelled a great many 
dangerous people, some of whom returned a dec- 
ade later to be greater frogs tlian ever in tlie 
angelic puddle. 



On January 22, 1857, came the band of 
Pancho Daniel and Juan Flores. Through the 
day they plundered the stores of Miguel Kra- 
zewsky, Henry Charles, and Manuel Garcia, 
finishing their work by cruel murder of the 
German tnercliant, George W. Pflugardt. Sheriff 
James R. Barton, on the night of the 22d, left 
this city with a party consisting of Wm. H. 
Little, Charles K. Baker, Charles F. Daley, 
Alfred Hardy and Frank Alexander. Within 
fifteen miles of San Juan, on the San Joaquin 
Rancho, next morning. Little and Baker ad- 
vanced a few hundred yards in pursuit of a man 
in view on horseback. The bandits sallied out 
from behind a hillock, eight in number, and in- 
stantly killed Little and Baker, and then attacked 
Barton and companions. After a short conflict 
Barton was killed, and Daley pursued with like 
fate. The other two, by the fleet ness of their 
horses escaped and brought the intelligence to 
Los Angeles. Five companies, French, Ger- 
mans, and Americans, were at once organized, 
and two besides of luitive Californians; one also 
at El Monte, one at San Bernardino. A com- 
pany of United States Infantry came from Fort 
Tejon under Lieutenants Magruder and Pender. 
At San Diego an express had brought infor- 
mation of the death of Pflugardt. Under a 
warrant issued by the district judge, Captain 
II. S. Burton placed at the disposal of Sheriff 
Joseph Reiner, thirty of his artillerymen, 
mounted, under Lieut"fenant Mercer, who pro- 
ceeded to San Juan. The Los Angeles com- 
panies scoured the country, and some of the 
bandits were taken and hung. A company 
under James Thompson was sent toward Tu- 
junga. Some of the United States Infantry 
with him were stationed on the look outatSimi 
Pass. Two of the soldiers, hid behind the 
rocks, suceeded in arresting a man who had 
come there for water. He was without arms, 
mounted on a poor horse, and had a little dried 
beef on the saddle behind him. He said his 
name was .Juan Gonzales Sanchez; that he be- 
longed to and had come from San Fernando 
I Mission; was out hunting horses, and would go 



HISrORT OJ^ LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



no further. Taken into camp, he was recognized 
by Don Pancho Johnson as Juan Flores. In the 
presence of almost the entire population, near 
the top of Fort Hill, he was executed February 
14, 1857, in accortlance with a voteot themassof 
tlie people. James R. Barton was cf Howard 
County, Missouri; emigrated to Mexico in 1841; 
came to California in 1843. William Hale 
Little was reared in Te.xas, near Palestine, An- 
derson County; aged thirty-three years. Charles 
K. Baker was born at Rock Spring, De Soto 
County, Mississippi; aged twenty-six years; he 
was last from Sequin, Texas. Charles F. Daley 
was a native of New York, thirty years of age. 
Pancho Daniel was captured by Sheriff Murphy 
in January, 1858, concealed in a haystack in the 
vicinity of San Jose. He was put in jail in Los 
Angeles. His case came before the district 



Various proceedings took place. 



It 



ap- 



pearing impossible to get a jury out of a venire of 
ninety-six persons, the case was continued. A 
challenge to the whole panel of ninety-six ju- 
rors was sustained by the triers, and a further 
panel of ninety-six jurors ordered to be returned 
on August 9. The court then sustained a 
challenge for bias of the coroner, and the case 
was continued until the next term. November 
15, the Elisor was challenged for bias in siim- 
moning a panel of ninety-six jurors. This 
challenge was not sustained. A motion for a 
change of venue was then made, argued, and the 
case transferred to Santa Barbara County. On 
November 30, about 6:30 a. m., Richard Mitch- 
ell, the jailor, was on his way to market. He 
was stopped by six or eight persons, wlio de- 
manded the keys of the jail, which he delivered 
after some hesitation. A piece of artillery was 
planted so as to bear upon the door of the jail, 
and a large number of men marched from a 
neighboring corral. The doors of the prison 
were opened and Pancho Daniel was summoned 
to leave his cell, which he did with coolness 
and resignation. At 7:20 a. m. he was hung 
within the jail yard. The body was delivered 
to his wife for interment. A coroner's jury 
examined a number of witnesses and rendered 



a verdict that "he came to his death by being 
hanged by some persons to the jury unknown."' 

September 27, 1857, in the Montgomery 
saloon, at Los Angeles, Thomas King and 
J.afayette King quarreled over a game of cards. 
As the latter was leaving the house Thomas 
King stabbed him to the heart, killing him in- 
stantly. The murderer was arrested, tried and 
convicted of willful murder. He was executed 
in company with Lenardo Lopez at Los Angeles, 
February 16, 1858. 

Late in the evening of March 30, 1857, James 
P. Johnson, of El Monte, entered the saloon of 
Henry Wagner, at Los Angeles, apparently in- 
tent on raising a disturbance. He was finally 
persuaded to leave, but returning, deliberately 
shot Mr. Wagner dead. After a long and tedi- 
ous trial he was convicted, and suffered death at 
Los Angeles, October 3, 1857. 

About the time Sheriff Barton and party were 
murdered at San Joaquin Ranch the citizens of 
El Monte hanged four Mexican desperadoes. The 
citizens of Los Angeles went further by hanging 
eleven Mexicans for conliection with criminal acts. 

February 16, 1858, Lenardo Lopez was 
hanged for the murder of George W. Pflugardt 
at San Juan Capistrano, January 29, 1857. 

January 7, 1858, Sheriff William C. Getman 
was killed by a maniac, who was in turn shot 
by citizens. 

A noted Mexican desperado named Alvitre 
was hanged by a Mexican mob at El Monte, 
April 28, 1861, for the murder of his wife. 

October 17, 1861, Francisco Cota was hanged 
by a mob for the murder of Mrs. Leek on Main 
street that morning. 

January 24, 1862, Syriaca Arza was hanged 
for the murder of an Irish peddler named Frank 
Riley, the previous May. 

November 17, 1862, John Rains, of Cuca- 
monga, was murdered near the Azusa Kanch. 
A Mexican named Manuel Cerradel was hung 
by citizens on Banning's tug boat at Wilming- 
ton, while being taken as a prisoner to the 
steamer Senator. He had been sentenced to 
ten years in San Qiientin. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



November 21, 1863, " Boston " Daimwood, 
Cbase, Wood and two Mexicans were taken 
from the county jail by citizens and Ijanged on 
Spring street. The victims belonged to the 
criminal class. 

December 17, 1863, Ciiarles Wilkins was 
hanged by the vigilance committee for the 
murder of Jolin Sanford, near Fort Tejon. 

Edward Newman was killed within five miles 
of San Bernardino in January, 1864. A posse 
killed Celestino Alipaz on the Santa Ana River. 
He was supposed to be one of Newman's three 
murderers. 

Santiago Sanchez was hanged June 3, 1864, 
for the murder of another Mexican. He was 
also thought to be one of Newman's murderers. 

April 28, 1865, Robert Parker, a carpenter, 
residing at the corner of Main and San Pedro 
streets, was called to the door and shot down by 
parties at the time unknown. One month later, 
Jose Domingo, a Mexican, was found guilty of 
this murder — second degree — -and was sentenced 
in the District Court to ten years' imprisonment. 

July 5, 1865, occurred one of the most des- 
perate and sanguinary affrays ever witnessed in 
Los Angeles. 

On the night of July 4, at a ball in the 
Bella Union (now the St. Charles) Hotel, under- 
Sheriff A. J. King had some difficulty with one 
Robert Carlisle, who cut him severely with a 
knife. About noon on the following day, as 
the stages were leaving for the steamers, and 
the hotel and express office were both crowded 
with people, Frank King and Heuston King, 
brothers of the under-sheriff, entered the bar- 
room of the Bella Union, and attacked Carlisle 
with pistols, who defended himself in like man- 
ner. Shot succeeded shot in great rapidity, 
and early in the engagement Heuston King fell 
disabled by a ball from Carlisle's pistol. His 
brother continued the fight alone. 

The people fled panic-stricken. A stray ball 
killed a stage horse at the door. A by-stander 
was shot down accidentally, and some eight or 
ten had their clothes pierced by the leaden hail. 
At last the combatants reached the sidewalk. 



Here Frank King seized his antagonist and be- 
gan beating him over the head with his revolver, 
injuring the weapon in such a manner as to 
make it useless. So far King was uninjured, 
but Carlisle was fairly riddled with balls. With 
a last effort the latter broke away, staggered 
into the doorway, leaned painfully against the 
casing, raised his pistol in both hands, and 
fired his last shot. Frank King fell, shot 
through the heart. Carlisle died three hours 
after. Heuston King finally recovered, was tried 
for the murder of Carlisle and was acquitted. 

fn July, 1865, George Williams and Cyrus 
Kimball, of San Diego, were oii their way to 
Los Angeles with their families, and had camped 
for the night by the Santa Ana River. 

About sunrise in the morning, while the 
women and children were at some little distance 
from the camp, seven American cut-throats (the 
leader being one Jack O'Brien) rode up and 
deliberately shot the two men dead. When the 
women came up to see what was meant by the 
firing, they found their husbands both dead, and 
were ordered by their murderers, under pain of 
death, to hand over all money belonging to the 
party. This they did, and the scoundrels left, 
having secured about $3,000. They 'vere never 
captured. 

In 1869 Horace Bell, formerly a ranger, was 
indicted for murder in the second degree for 
killing a Mexican. The principal witness dying 
before the case came to trial, a nolle prosequi 
was entered. 

October 31, 1870, a quarrel between Police- 
man Joseph F. Dye and City Marshal Warren 
led to a shooting affray between these two upon 
the public street, in which the latter was killed, 
and several spectators more or less wounded. 
Dye was tried and acquitted. 

TUE CHINESE MASSACRE 

occurred October 24, 1871. For two or three 
days previous to the event two Chinese factions 
quarreled over the possession of a China woman. 
Both sides purchased arms and ammunition and 
fortilied themselves on either side of Negro alley 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQBLES COUNTY. 



and exchanged shots. On the 23d four of the 
combatants were arrested, and after a prelimi- 
nary hearing were released on bail. On the 
morning of October 24 the fight was renewed, 
when several citizens as well as officers inter- 
fered to preserve the peace. Officer Bilderrain 
and two citizens were wounded, presumably by 
stray shots. One of these citizens, Robert 
Thompson, was wounded fatally. 

The news of his death spread like wild-fire, 
and brought together a large crowd, composed 
principally cf the lower class of Mexicans and 
the scnm of the foreigners. The more they 
talked and drank the more excited they became, 
till an unlucky Chinaman put his head out of a 
shanty and was instantly seized. The mob, now 
thirsting for blood, dragged him up to the 
corner of Temple and New High streets and 
strung him up ! The rope broke, and the poor 
wretch fell to the ground begging for mercy 
from his Christian persecutors, but in vain. In 
a minute more the poor " devil " was strung up 
again and his life was soon choked out ! 

The human tigers now had their infernal ap- 
petites whetted by the taste of blood, and they 
returned to Chinatown for fresh victims. The 
ti.rch was then applied, but cautiously, as a 
general conflagration was feared. Hose was 
then laid and efforts made to flood the China- 
men out. Excited individuals, more forward 
than the others, climbed up on the house-tops 
and shot through various openings into the 
rooms below. Wherever an unlucky celestial 
could be forced out, he was immediately run off 
and hanged! Five were suspended to an awn- 
ing in a row on the corner of Los Angeles and 
Commercial streets. Three more were hanged 
on the corner of Temple and New High streets. 

To the crime of murder was added that of 
theft. The houses in Chinatown were looted of 
their stores. The knife, rope and pistol were in 
active use for upward of three hours, till the 
dead bodies of eighteen Chinamen, one of them 
a child, were to be counted. The authorities 
endeavored in vain to quell tlie mob. Efforts 
made by such citizens as R. M. Widney, II. T. 



Hazard, H. C. Austin and others were success- 
ful in saving several Chinamen from being 
murdered or hanged. The excitement finally 
wore itself out. An inquest lasting several 
days was held. The leading perpetrators es- 
caped punishment. A few were imprisoned at 
San Quentin for a short time. The United 
States Government paid a heavy indemnity to 
the Chinese Empire. There are certain persons 
in Los Angeles who were helping to murder 
Chinamen that night who hold their heads high 
to-day. 

January, 1871, two brothers named Bilder- 
beck were murdered in Tejunga Canon. David 
Stephenson was shot by a posse in Lower Cali- 
fornia in resisting an attempt made to arrest 
him for this crime. 

In June, 1874, a Mexican named Gordo was 
hanged at Puente for a murderous attempt on 
AVilliam Turner, a storekeeper. 

TIBUEICO VASQUEZ. 

This noted outlaw was born in Monterey 
County in 1837. He early became a highway- 
man, stealing horses, robbing stages, and com- 
mitting murders without number. After the 
awful tragedy of Tres Finos he came to Los 
Angeles County. April 16, 1874, at the head 
of a band of robbers, he visited the ranch of 
Alexander Repetto, east of the city, and tying 
Repetto to a tree compelled him, under pain of 
instant death, to sign a check on Temple & 
"Workman's Bank, Los Angeles, for $800. A 
nephew of Repetto's was then dispatched to Los 
Angeles to get this cashed and was warned that 
at the first symptom of treachery liis uncle would 
be killed. Upon arrival at the bank, the boy's 
manner excited suspicion and the bank ofiicers 
detained him until he told why the money was 
needed so urgently. Sheriff" Rowland at once 
organized a posse and started for the mission, 
but the boy, by hard riding across country, 
reached there ahead of them, paid the ransom 
and released his uncle. T)ie robbers fled, and 
when not more than a thousand yards in ad- 
vance of the officers, roblied John Osl)orne and 



HISTORY OF LOS AN0ELE8 COUNTY. 



Charles Miles, of Los Angeles, whom they met 
in a wagon; then away again and made good 
their escape. This was the last exploit of Vas- 
quez. 

For a long time Sheriff William li. Rowland, 
of Los Angeles, had been quietly laying plans 
for his arrest. Again and again the game had 
escaped him, but " it is a long lane that has no 
turning." Early in May, in 1874, he learned 
that Vasquez was making his headquarters at 
the house of '' Greek George," about ten miles 
due west of Los Angeles, toward Santa Monica, 
and not far from the Cahnenga Pass. 

The house was situated at the foot of a mount- 
ain, and was built of adobe, in the form of the 
letter L, the foot of the letter being toward the 
mountain range, and the shank extending south. 
Behind the house ran a comparatively disused 
road, leading from San Vicente through La Brea 
llancho to Los Angeles. In front of the house 
a small bunch of willows surrounded a spring, 
and beyond these a vast rolling plain stretched 
westward and southward to the ocean. 

A window in the north end of the building 
afforded a lookout over the plain toward Los 
Angeles for many miles. Other windows in like 
manner commanded the remaining points of the 
compass. The middle section of the shank was 
used as a dining room, and a small room in the 
southern extremity as a kitchen. 

It was well known, that Vasquez had confed- 
erates in Los Angeles, who kept him constantly 
posted as to all plans laid for his capture. This 
being the case, the utmost secrecy was necessary. 
The morning of Thursday, May 15, was deter- 
mined on for making the attack, and during the 
following day horses for the sherifTs party were 
taken one by one to a rendezvous on Spring 
street, near Seventh. To disarm susp'cion, it 
was determined that Sheriff Rowland should re- 
main in Los Angeles, and the attacking force 
(eight in all) was placed in charge of the under 
sheriff, Mr. Albert Johnson. The remaining 
members were: Major II. M. Mitchell (attorney 
at law of Los Angeles), J. S. Bryant (city con- 
stable), W. E. Rogers (of the Palace saloon), B. 



F. Hartley (chief of police), D. K. Smith (a citi- 
zen), and Goerge A. Beers (special correspond- 
ent of the San Francisco Chronicle), and others. 
The party were armed with rifles, shot guns 
(loaded with slugs) and revolvers. 

At 1:30 A. M. they started, and by 4 o'clock 
had arrived at Major Mitchell's bee ranch, 
situated up a small canon not far from the house 
of Greek George. Here Mr. Johnson left a 
portion of his party, while with the rest he 
climbed the mountains to reconnoitre. A lieavy 
fog at first obscured all objects, but as this lifted, 
they could discern a horse, answering in appear- 
ance to that usually ridden by the bandit, pick- 
eted near the house. Twice a man resembling 
Vasquez came out of the dwelling, and led this 
horse to the spring, then back again and re- 
picketed him. Soon a second man, believed to 
'be the bandit's lieutenant (Chaves), went in pur- 
suit of another horse, and then Mr. Johnson 
prepared for action. 

His two companions (Mitchell and Smith) 
went in pursuit of the man last seen, while he 
returned to the bee ranch, marshaled his forces, 
and prepared to attack the house. Fortunately 
just at this moment a high box wagon drove up 
the canon from the direction of Greek George's 
house. In this were two natives, and the 
sheriff's party at once clambered into the wagon 
and lay down, taking with them one of these 
men. The driver they commanded to turn his 
horses and proceed ba^k to Greek George's 
house, driving as close thereto as possible, and 
promising him that on the least sign of treach- 
ery they would shoot him dead. He obeyed his 
instructions, and in a short time the house was 
reached and surrounded. 

As the party advanced upon the door leading 
into the dining-room, a woman opened it par- 
tially, then, as shecaught sight of them, slammed 
it to with an exclamation of aflright. They 
burst in just in time to see Vasquez spring from 
the table, where he had been eating breakL.st, 
and through the narrow kitclien window, in the 
end of the house facing south. As he went 
through an officer fired on him with his Henry 



UI8T0RY OF LOS ANQBLE8 COUNTY. 



rifle, and as lie rushed for his horse shot after 
shot showed him the utter liopelessness of es- 
cape. Throwing up his hands he advanced 
toward the party and sun-eudered, saying in 
Spanish: " Boys, you have done well; I have 
been a d — d fool, but it is all my own fault. I'm 
gone up." Two other men were arrested at the 
same time (the one Mitchell and Smith went 
after, and ajiother). A large number of arms, 
all of the latest pattern and finest workmanship, 
were found in the house. '' Greek George " 
(George Allen) was arrested in Los Angeles. 

Vasquez was conveyed to Los Angeles and 
placed in jail. Here he received the best of 
medical treatment, and as his injuries were only 
flesh wounds, soon recovered. Much maudlin 
sympathy was expended on him by weak-headed 
women while he remained in Los Angeles jail. 

His last victim, Mr. Repetto, of San Gabriel, 
called to see him. After the usual salutations, 
Repetto remarked: "I have called, Signor, to 
say that su far as I am concerned you cau settle 
that little account with God Almighty. I have 
no hard feelings against you, none whatever." 
Yasquez returned his thanks in a most impres- 
sive manner, and began to speak of repayment, 
when Repetto interrupted him, saying, " I do 
not expect to be repaid. 1 gave it to you to 
save further trouble, but I beg of you, if you 
ever resume operations, not to repeat your visit 
at my house." 

" Ah, Seiior," replied Vasquez, " if I am so 
unfortunate as to sufi'er conviction, and am com- 



pelled to undergo a short term of imprisonment, 
I will take the earliest opportunity to reimburse 
you. Seiior Repetto, Yo soy un cahellero, con 
el corazon de un cahallero! I am a gentleman 
with the heart of a gentleman! " This with the 
most impressive gesture and laying his hand 
upon his heart. 

He was taken to San Jose, and tried for mur- 
der. Being found guilty, he was there hanged 
March 19, 1875. 

Several others of the band were captured and 
sent to San Quentin. Some were shot by ofii- 
cers, a..d the whole band was thoroughly broken 
up. 

WALLER — FONOK. 

October 10, 1877, Victor Fonck was shot in 
the leg by C. M. Waller, keeper of the Land 
Company's bath-house at Santa Monica. The 
latter claimed to be acting under instructions 

from Parker, agent of the land company. At 

the time of the shooting, Fonck was erecting a 
private bath-house on the beach, in defiance of 
warnings not to do so. He died two days after- 
ward from the effect of the wound. 

Waller was found guilty of involuntary homi- 
cide, and was sentenced January 25, 1878, to 
one year in the penitentiary. Parker was found 
guilty of murder in the second degree (March 
8), and was sentenced to ten years in the 
penitentiary. This had such an effect on him- 
self and wife, that they both died broken-hearted 
before the sentence could be executed. 



%^^\l^ 
^><-1^ 



HISrORT OF LOIS ANGELEIS COUNTY. 




CHAPTER XVIII. 



POPULATION AND GROWTH. 

IT is impossible at present to state the exact 
population of Los Angeles, city or county. 
This can he known only when the official 
census of 18'J0 has been completed. Various 
estimates of the city's population, however, have 
been made recently. Such estimates are based 
on directories and school statistics. They fix 
the total population of the city at 70,000, and 
in some instances as high as 90,000. It is 
probable that about 75,000 comes nearest to the 
correct figures. In 1880, according to the cen- 
sus, the population was only 12,000. Daring 
the ensuing three years the increase was steady, 
but by no means rapid. Early in 1884 a tolera- 
bly lively influx of "new settlers" began, and 
from that period down to this summer of 1889 
the growth has been very rapid. In five years 
Los Angeles advanced from a comparatively ob- 
scure county seat, to the proud position of the 
second city on the Pacific Coast. In fact it is 
the fourth American city west of the Missouri 
River. Within the year 1888 a vast amount of 
building was accomplished, many such improve- 
ments being commodious and elegant business 
blocks, whose architecture and appointments 
would be creditable to any city in the United 
States. 

A sketch of Los Angeles City made in 1854 
by tlie artist of the Williamson survey, is here 



presented. It is taken from Fort Hill, looking 
east. The Catholic Church, the plaza, Main, 
Aliso and Los Angeles streets are plainly dis- 
tinguished. This view gives correctly every 
house as it then stood in the city. It is the 
first picture ever taken of the city, and is 
copied from a lithograph in possession of B. A. 
Stephens. 

The following table of assessments of city 
property is compiled from the books of the city 
assessor. Erom it the reader can obtain a cor- 
rect idea of the city's growth: 

VALUATIONS CITY 



Fiscal Real 
Year. Estate. 


Improve- 


Money. 


Property. 


Frau- 
chises. 


Total. 


1RH3-3 
188:3-4 
IK84-.'j 
1885-6 
1886-r 
1887-8 


$ 4.043,9.53 
5,160,283 

"8,384',4T5 
9212.508 
11,948,815 

■2T;832,468 


$2,179,985 

'8,977,12.1 
4,570,185 
4,943,030 


8 38,360 
59,642 

' 65,9.55 

108;0.t8 


$1,124,643 
1,370,221 

2,3i2:5i6 

2,347,720 
2,398,122 


■171,1.56 

173,915 
60,900 


$7,627,6')2 
9308447 
12,235,053 
14,721,215 
16,432,435 
18,451,525 
27,803,924 
39,479,172 


1888-9 


6,007,595 


1,396,954 


4,217,061 


3,io6 



The city has 
square miles, and 
a population of at 
of this wonderful 
fifteen years, the 
the number of its 
up into hundreds 

Its growth duri 
In 1880 the popu 



an area of nearly thirty-six 
hence is capable of containing 
least 1,000,000. If the future 
city is judged of by the past 
time is not far distant when 
i inhabitants will reach away 
of thousands. 

ng tliat period is phenomenal, 
lation of the city was 11,000; 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



now, according to popular estimate, it is about 
85,000, and steadil}' increasing. On the hill- 
sides in East Los Angeles a park of fifty acres is 
being beautified, and in the north part of the 
city a tract of 420 acres is also to be improved 
as a pleasure ground for the people. The city 
boasts four colleges and other institutions of 
learning, a medical college, public library, pub- 
lic schools, two score of church edifices, a board 
of trade, a chamber of commerce, banks pleth- 
oric with capital, and appliances for all kinds of 
business on a most magnificent scale. Of news- 
papers, those educators of the people and re- 
flectors of the city's prosperity, there are many, 
and as a rule they are managed with enterprise 
and tact. 

The following statement from the Federal 
census of 1880 to the present, shows the in- 
crease of population of Los Angeles City from 
1880 to 1887: 1880, 11,311; 1884, 28,285; 
1885, 32,528; 1886, 45,000; 1887, 65,000. In- 
crease of 1887 over 1880, over 474| per cent. 
The above figures give only the resident popu- 
lation, and do not include the thousands of vis- 
itors coming for health and pleasure. 

NATIONALITIES. 

Los Angeles is becoming quite a cosmopol 
itan city. Almost every nation in the world 
has here its tepresentatives. The controlling 
element is the genuine American, who is con- 
tent to speak and write the English language, 
without attempting to use any foreign dialect. 
But there are also many foreign-born residents, 
who, as a rule, are intelligent, industrious and 
honest. Among the Irish-Americans is Doctor 
Richard S. Den, for a long time a prominent 
physician of the city. He is a man of sterling 
character and scientific knowledge. 

Hon. John G. Downey, an Irishman who re- 
sides in Los Angeles, was one of California's 
most noted Governors, and is one of the early 
supporters of the University of Southern Cali- 
fornia. Hon. E. F. Spence, President of the 
First National Bank, another Irishman, was 
recently mayor of Los Angeles. Two years 



ago he gave $10,000 to the University, and 
more recently, as he was leaving on a European 
tour, gave his check for $50,000 to the same 
institution, with which to found an astronom- 
ical observatory. There are Irish lawyers, 
Irish clergymen, Irish doctors, and Irish mer- 
chant, who are a credit to the land of their 
adoption and to the city in which they live. 

The Germans are also quite numerous and 
influential. They support a daily paper and 
other enterprises peculiar to their nationality. 
The Turnverein Society is a rich and influential 
German organization. The German Lutheran 
Church, the German Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and the German Evangelical Church 
are all quite- wealthy organizations atid com- 
pletely out of debt. Hon. L. J. Rose, a native 
of Germany, was a State Senator from Los 
Angeles; and Isaiah W. Hellman, also a native 
of that country, is a member of the board of 
regents of the California State University. 
There are not numy Scandinavians, as they in- 
stinctively seek a colder clime. The French are 
here in large numbers. They comprise all 
classes, from the ignorant Breton to those who 
bear titles of nobility. Two weekly papers are 
published in the French, and one in the Basque 
language. 

There are about 4,000 persons of British 
birth residing in Los Angeles and vicinity. 
Their native land has long been ably repre- 
sented here by Hon. C. White Mortimer, Brit- 
ish Vice-Consul. The Queen's jubilee is cele- 
brated in Los Angeles with great eclat. D. 
Freeman, Esq., a wealthy member of the Eng- 
lish colony, is one of the best known and most 
popular citizens of the county. 

Canadians are very numerous, and almost all 
have, soon after their location here, become 
citizens of the United States. Hon. P. Beaudry, 
formerly of Montreal, has been mayor of Los 
Angeles; Dr. H. Nadeau has been coroner of 
Los Angeles County and president of the Los 
Angeles County Medical Society. Hon. G. W. 
Knox has represented Los Angeles County in 
the State Legislature. W. AV. Robinson, a 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



native of Nova Scotia, has held several im- 
portant public positions, and was for eight 
consecutive yeare city auditor. 

The Spanish-speaking population lias already 
been referred to. Scores of them have held im- 
portant positions, from tiiat of congressman 
down to that of constable, and their records in 
these places have ever been honorable. 

The Ciiinese are a prominent factor in the 
population of Los Angeles. There are between 
two and three thousand of them. They were 
formerly very extensively employed as servants 
for general housework, but latterly trained 
white and colored servants are gradually taking 
their places. The Chinaman, as a rule, with 
occasional exceptions, is not desirable help in 
the household. On the ranch, or elsewhere, if 
engaged at out-door work, he can be tolerated 
when white men are not obtainable. 

VOTKRS. 

The following table shows the number of 
legal voters in the City of Los Angeles, and 
the nativity of each. The list is compiled 
from the revised "great register" of JNovem- 
ber, 1888: 

NATIVE BORN. FOREIGN BORN. 





.... 103 


Africa 




.... 61 

. . 1,118 

10 




California 


Austria 


Colorado 


Belgium 




.... 160 






... 29 
8 




Fl.in.lM 


Carcliui- iNlimds 


Illin"i> 


95 
.... 859 


Ci-Hlrul Aiin.Tic(i 

China 












Cuba 




49 
.... 362 


Denmark. 


Kentucky 


East Indies 


Louisiana 


.... 121 


England 


Maine 


.. . 334 


Europe 


Maryland 


.... 140 










Michigan 


.... 227 


(ifr. .• 


Minnesota 






S=r;:::;-;-;-: 


86 
.... 455 


Holland 

Honduras .. 


Nebraska 






Nevada 




Ireland 


New Hampshire 


.... 114 


IsleofMan 


New Jersey 


. .. 175 


Italy 


NewYork 


.... 1,649 


Jamaica 








Ohio 


.... 1,352 


Montenegro 


Oregon 




New Brunswick 


Pennsylvania 


.... 980 


NewFoundland 


Khode Island 


44 


New Zealand 


South Carolina 


42 


Nicaragua 






Norway 

Nova Scotia 




. .. 193 
.... 185 




Poland ... .■.■.■.•.•.■.■.■.•.■.■; 






PorloKico 


West Virginia 


... .'54 


Portugal 












Russia 


Total, all States 


...,11.363 


ScoUand 



NATIVE BORN. 

Arizona 12 

Idaho 2 

Indian Territory 1 

Montana ' 3 

New Mexico 8 

Utah 17 

Washington Territory 10 

Total, all Territories 52 

District of Columbia ... 30 

United States 2 

Grand total native born. ..11,445 



FOREIGN BORN. 

Sicily 1 

South America 1 

Spain 8 

Surinam 2 

Sweden 51 

Switzerland 76 

Turkey 2 

West Indies 5 

Western Isles 1 

AtSea 5 

Nowhere 1 

Total foreign born 3,218 

Grand total all voters .... 14,662 



INTERESTS. 

Los Angeles does not boast of being a manu- 
facturing city, yet it contains quite a number of 
rather e.xteiisive manufactories, and. there is a 
prospect of the number increasing largely dur- 
ing the ensuing year. Among the establish- 
ments now in operation are nine iron foundries, 
with several hundred employes; three flour and 
feed mills, turning out about 500 barrels of 
flour daily; a dozen planing-mills, employing 
from twenty to sixty men each; several brick- 
kilns, turning out an aggregate of 250,000 brick 
daily; an extensive pottery; several factories 
for the manufacture of iron irrigating pipes, 
employing several hundred men ; several carriage 
and wagon factories; cigar-factories, employing 
150 men; six soap-factories, with about fifty 
employes; one ice-factory, two broom-factories, 
and one cracker-factory; there are six granite- 
works, employing a large number of stone- 
cutters; at least 200 men are constantly engaged 
in manufacturing artificial stone for sidewalks 
and water-pipes; two factories for the manu- 
facture of soda and mineral waters; an estab- 
lishment for the purpose of pulling wool by 
steam from sheep-skins; a hair- factory, where 
hair and moss is prepare! for inattress-makers 
and upholsterers ; several mattress-factories ; 
very large furniture-factories; two breweries, 
that use 20,000 sacks of barley and 300 bales of 
hops per year; several wineries and brandy- 
stills; one woolen-mill; canneries and fruit- 
crystallizing works; eight candy-factories, one 
very extensive; one wliolesale ice-cream factory; 
two vinegar and pickle works; several cooper- 
shops; shirt-factories; box-factories, for making 
boxes for oranges and other fruits; several coffee 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and spice mills; a bone-dust factory; and several 
establishments for the manufiicture of tin-ware. 
There are car-shops, where the cars for street 
railways are made. The car and locomotive 
repair shops of the Southern Pacific Company 
are also located in Los Angeles. There are 
jewelry worke, electric works, straw works, 
lithographic works, hat factories, tanneries, 
fruit-drying establishments, and a pork packing 
cold-storage company, with a capital of $300,000. 

Los Angeles City is the center of wholesale 
trade for Southern California, and also Ari- 
zona. The completion of the proposed Los 
Angeles & Utah Railroad would open up a 
great additional extent of tributary territory. 
Manufacturing has been largely stimulated by 
the cheapening of fuel; and when the petroleum 
pipe lines now in course of construction are 
completed, a large increase in this branch of 
business is certain to ensue. Already the list 
of manufacturing establishments is quite large. 
It numbers nearly 600, and in the list is the 
establishment for the manufacture of terra cotta 
and pressed ornamental brick, of which there 
are only two such manufactories west of the 
Rocky Mountains. 

It should be mentioned as a fact pertaining 
to the wholesale trade that the total receipts at 
the Custom House at the port of Los Angeles 
(San Pedro) for the fiscal year ending July 1, 
1888, were $139,330.79. 

The retail trade of the city is also very large, 
and steadily increasing. 

The business of raising and peddling vege- 
tables engages the attention of a large number of 
Chinamen in the vicinity of the city. Within 
the city limits hundreds of them follow the 
laundry business. The laundries run days only, 
Sunday and week-day. The butchers deal prin- 
cipally in pork, which is the Chinaman's chief 
meat. The merchants deal in Chinese special- 
ties, and do also a private banking business. 
The restaurants of the Chinese are not exten- 
sively patronized by whites. The " opium 
joint " is a typical Chinese institution. 

The California Sewer-Pipe Company was in- 



corporated June 1, 1888, by J. C. Daly, W. F. 
Fitzgerald, Horace Hiller, D. McGary, J. P. 
Moran, H. C. Witmer, J. A. Philbin and S. A. 
Fleming. They elected Mr. Daly President, 
Mr. Hiller, Vice-President; Mr. Moran, Secre- 
tary, and the California Bank, Treasurer. Their 
manufactory, including a floor space of about 
30,000 square feet, is at Yernon, between 
Wilmington and Central avenues, on the line of 
the California Central Railroad, where they turn 
out the best quality of salt-glazed vitrefied sewer 
pipe i'mm three to thirty inches in diameter. 
Their work gives satisfaction and they are en- 
joying an extensive patronage. At this manu- 
factory they have forty acres of land, but their 
clay beds are at Elsinore, where also they have 
a factory. They also make fire brick, pressed 
brick, terra-cotta work and the heavier grades 
of crockery. Since the first organization, more 
have become members of the company, and the 
present are the board of directors: J. C. Daly, 
Horace Hiller, J. P. Moran, John Dobler, of 
San Francisco, C. F. Webber and W. F. Fitz- 
gerald. 

The city of Los Angeles is now one of the 
most perfectly paved cities in the United States. 
Within the last three years most of the business 
streets and nearly all the fine residence streets 
are paved with asphaltum rock, smooth, elastic 
and durable as whitleather; and the sidewalks 
are of artificial stone, beautifully and substan- 
tially laid. 

The new court-house, to cost over a million 
dollars, is in process of construction; the new 
City-Hall building, on Fort street, between 
Second and Third, is just completed, — an im- 
posing structure; and the various mills, factories 
and business blocks are generally noticed in the 
biographical sketches of their respective pro- 
prietors in the latter portion of this volume. 

The Chamber of Commerce and the Los An- 
geles Board of Trade are worthy institutions 
deserving a more extended notice. 

The State Loan and Trust Cornpany, of Los 
Angeles, was organized in March, 1889, to 
answer a demand for loans of Eastern money 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



on better terms than were existing in the 
California monev market. Tiie traditional sus- 



picion existing amoiu 



Eastern canitalists con- 



cerning land titles in this State, their ignorance 
of the value of the unique products of the coast, 
and the fact that according to the laws of this 
State the mortgagee must pay the taxes on his 
loans, have been prejudicial. These dithculties 
are sought to be overcome by the organization 
of this company, with a large capital and suf- 
ficient responsibility to make its guarantee 
respected in the East, both by its capital and its 
management. Other objects, also, are to receive 
savings, and do a trust business, which was very 
much needed here, and the issue of debentures 
running several years and drawing a low rate of 
interest, secured by mortgages placed in the 
liands of a trustee and disposed of in the East 
and in Europe; and these debentures of course 
are disposed of at a lower rate of interest than the 
company receives. It is also the intention of 
the company to act as guardian and adminis- 
trator of estates and whatever kindred business 
may be presented. It has now a paid-up capital 
of over $200,000, with a subscription of nearly 
a million. 

The organizers and directors of the company 
are George H. Bonebrake, W. H. Perry, John 
Bryson, E. F. Spence, L. N. Breed, H. C. Wit- 
mer, L. W. Dennis, Perry M. Green, H. J. 
WooUacott, W. G. Cochran and S. B. Hunt. 
For the officers they elected Mr. Bonebrake, 
President; Messrs. Spence and Bryson, Vice- 
Presidents, and Mr. Hunt, Secretary. . 

The company also keeps a safety deposit vault, 
which is probably the finest in the State, con- 
sisting of 100 tons of steel! Just think of it! 
Counting a ton to the wagon-load, — the ordinary 
amount for a team in the country, — and count- 
ing in a procession about three rods to the team, 
the above quantity of steel would freight a car- 
avan a mile long! 

This vault, with the bank and offices of tlie 
company, are in the Bryson-Bonebrake Block, 
the most magnificent in the city, and costing 
$220,000, exclusive of lot. It was erected in 



1888-'89, at the corner of Second and Spring 
streets, five and a half stories high, besides base- 
ment, and with a frontage of 120 feet on Spring 
street and 103 on Second. The main floor is 
occupied by store-rooms and the Trust Company, 
and the upper rooms are fitted up for fine offices. 
The fifth floor and part of the sixth are occupied 
as a headquarters by the United States army, 
and a porfion of the fourth floor is occupied 
as a headquarters by the Grand Army of the 
Republic of the State, and the National Guard. 
The building has a grand entrance on Spring 
street, where there are a first-class elevator and 
splendid marble stairs. The red sandstone is 
from Sespe, Ventura County, and the other vari- 
eties from San Bernardino County; the marble 
for the columns in front from Colton, the green 
sandstone from Mentone, and the granite also 
from that county. A sketch of Mr. Bonebrake 
is given on another page. 

Mr. BitYSOX was born in Lancaster County, 
Pennsylvania, June 20, 1819, being one of 
thirteen children, and was in early life a cabi- 
net-maker. In 1847 he moved to Ohio, where 
he engaged in business for himself; in 1851 he 
went to Muscatine, Iowa; in 185G he located in 
Washington County, that State, where be was 
very successful in the lumber business, and 
erected a large hotel. Since coming to Los An- 
geles he has engaged in several large business 
operations, among them the erection of the Bry- 
son-Bonebrake Block, in partnership with Mr. 
Bonebrake. Was elected mayor of this city in 
December, 1888, and served one term. In 1843 
he married Emeline Sentinan, and they have 
had eight children. 

BANKS. 

Banks are the thermometer alike of the trade 
and the wealth of the community or common- 
wealth in which they are situated. From the 
founding of the first bank in Europe, in the city 
of Venice, in 1171, A. D., to the present time, 
banks have multiplied and increased in import- 
ance until now they are the commercial ma- 
chinery through which the business of the 



1II8T0UY OF LOIS ANGELES COUNTY. 



civilized world is transacted; and nothing else 
is so true an index to the tiiiuncial status and 
prosperity of a city or country as its banks. 
Measuring Los Angeles by this standard, there 
are few cities of its size in the United States, or 
the world, upon as solid a financial basis; for 
tiiere are none, perhaps, of equal population 
which has a greater number of thoroughl}- solid 
banking institutions. The aggregate working 
capital of the eleven banking houses of the city 
runs into millions of dollars, while the combined 
wealth of the gentlemen officially connected 
with them as officers and directors probably ex- 
ceeds §30,000,000. 

The First National Ba id' is ona of the great, 
solid financial institutions of Southern Califor- 
nia. It was organized in 1875 as the Cojnmer- 
cial State Bank, with a capital stock of $177,000. 
The first officers were: — Patrick, formerly of 
Chicago, President; Edward F. S])ence (now 
President), Cashier. 

In October, 1880, ilie bunk was natioiializi'd, 
and it became the First National IJank of Los 
Angeles. It w-as organized with $100,000 cap- 
ital stock, and with $50,000 surplus. J. E. 
llollenbeck (since deceased) became president, 
Mr. Patrick having dfed some time previous. 
On the death of Mr. llollenbeck, Mr. Spence 
was elected president, September 1, 1881, and 
Wm. Lacy then became cashier. In November, 
1884, Mr. Lacy resigned, and J. M. Elliott be- 
came cashier, which position he still holds. On 
the 13th of January, 1887, the bank doubled its 
capital stock, owing to the rapid increase of its 
business. The present board of directors com- 
prises: E. F. Spence, J. D. Ilicknell, S. II. Mott, 
William Lacy, J. E. Crank, II. Meabury and J. 
M. Elliott. The business of the bank has 
steadily increased ever since it opened, with the 
exception of the year 1887. It dot s a very large 
exchange business — the largest in the city — 
drawing direct on all the principal cities of the 
East and of Europe. It has open accounts with 
about 4,000 depositors. Its present capital stock 
is $200,000, with a reserve fund of $50,000, and 
undivided profits of about $1'J0,000. It has 



always paid moderate dividends. The aggregate 
wealth ot the directors is supposed to be $4,- 
000,000. The nuinagement has always been 
conservative and wise. The First National is 
also a United States Depository. 

The Los Angeles National Bank, one of the 
most substantial and enterprising banking- 
houses of the Pacific Coast, was organized in 
May, 1883, and opened its doors for business on 
the 12th of the following month, with a capital 
stock of $100,000, paid in. There has been no 
change in the officers of the bank, nor in the 
board of directors. The board is composed of 
George H. Ponebrake, John Bryson, Sr., Dr. 
n. g! Cochran, P. M. Green, F. C. Howes, H. 
II. Markham an<l Hiram Sinsabaugh. The 
officers of the bank are: George H. Bonebrake, 
President; John Bryson, Sr., Vice-President; 
and F. C. Howes, Cashier. 

The bank being managed by some of the most 
active and thorough-going business men of 
Southern California, its business soon became 
so large that it was found necessary to increase 
the caj)ital stock, which was enlarged about two 
years after it was opened to $300,000, and two 
years later to $500,000. Besides its half mill- 
ion dollars of capital stock, the bank has $50,- 
000 surplus, and has paid about $130,000 in 
dividends to its stockholders. The deposits of 
the bank average fully $2,000,000; and, as a large 
majority of its depositors are active business 
men who keep their money employed, the clear- 
ings of the Los Angeles National are larger 
than those of any other bank in the city, or in 
Southern California. It is a United States De- 
pository. 

The bank occupies elegant rooms in its own 
building, on the northeast corner of Spring and 
First streets, into which it moved on the com- 
pletion of the building in March, 1887. Tlie 
block is built of brick, with stone trimmings, 
and is one of the finest and most substantial 
pieces of architecture in Los Angeles. The 
bank is fitted up with a large double vault, and 
the best improved burglar and fire-proof safes. 
In September, 1888, a disastrous fire occurred 



UlSTURY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



in tlie upper part of the building, destroying 
much of the wood-work on the two upper floors, 
bnt not injuring the bank's quarters, save the 
heavy flooding by water, from which tlie beau- 
tiful frescoing was seriously damaged. The fire 
occurred after 7 o'clock in the morning, and at 
10 A. M. the bank was paying checks over its 
counter, though the ceilings were dripping with 
M'ater. All trace of the fire has been eliminated 
from the upper stories, the top one of wiiich is 
occupied by the order of Freemasons, and is 
unsurpassed in style and elegance of finish on 
this coast. The second story is devoted to 
offices, which arc metropolitan in finish and ap- 
pointments. 

The Los Angeles County Bank, the second 
oldest bank in Los Angeles City and one of the 
most prominent and solid monetary institutions 
of Southern California, was organized under the 
laws of the State and opened its doors for busi- 
ness in July, 1874, with a capital stock of $300,- 
000. The first four years of its existence it did 
both a commercial and savings business; but in 
1878 its management decided to discontinue the 
savings branch of the business and make it a 
commercial bank solely. Therefore the savings 
clause of the charter was forfeited and the cap- 
ital stock reduced to $100,000, the remainder 
of the original capital being placed in the sur- 
plus fund. The first board of directors was 
composed of J. M. Griflitli, 11. S. Baker, Jothem 
Bi.xby, J. S. Slauson, V. A. Hoover, H. B. Tich- 
nor and George S. Dodge. The first officers of 
the bank were: J. S. Slauson, President; J. M. 
Griffith, Vice-President; J. M. Elliott, Cashier. 
In July, 1878, the bank moved into its present 
quarters in theTemple Block, at the junction of 
Main and Spring streets. It is situated in the 
business center of the city, and occupies a 
commodious and benutiful suite of banking 
rooms, furnished with a large fire and burglar 
proof vault. The 1st of January, 1883, Mr. John 
E. Plater came into possession of a majority of the 
stock, and on the 3d of that month was elected 
president of the bank, since which time be has 
been its financial and managing head. The 



policy of the management has been conservative 
and safe, and the career of the bank has been 
one of uninterrupted prosperity. It has paid 
large dividends, and its stock is worth a 100 
per cent. ])remiuin. The deposits now aggre- 
gate $500,000, and its capital and surplus $220,- 
000. The present board of directors are John 
E. Plater, Jothem Bixby, E,. S. Baker, Llewel- 
lyn Bixby, George W. Prescott, IT. L. MacNeil, 
and George H. Stewart. The present officers 
are: John E. Plater, President, and George E. 
Stewart, Cashier. The bank does a large ex- 
change business, and draws on all the principal 
cities of the United States, Europe, China and 
Japan. 

Jon^f E. PL.vrKR, one of the brightest business 
men and ablest financiers in Southern California, 
has been in the banking business since August, 
1866, and hence has an experience of nearly a 
(]^uarter of a century in this field of activity. 
He was born in the State of Maryland forty- 
nine years ago, and was brought up from early 
boyhood in a commercial house in the city of 
Baltimore. At seventeen years of age he went 
to sea on board of a merchant ship, and during 
his marine experience of a year and a half he 
visited many of the principal ports of the 
world. On the breaking out of the civil war, 
his interests and his friends all being in the 
South, — he entered the Confederate army, a 
young mail of twenty-two, and served four 
years — till the close of the conflict; was Captain 
of Artillery in Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) 
Jackson's command when that dashing leader 
met his death. Captain Plater was a worthy 
follower of that intrepid commander, and was 
three times wounded during his military service. 
Coining West in 1866, the sui)ject of this 
memoir engaged in the banking business in 
Nevada; and during the fifteen years of his 
residence there was connected with three dift'er- 
ent banks, aijd also extensively identified with 
mining and smelting interests. After coming 
to the Pacific Coast, and before settling in Los 
Angeles, Mr. Plater was connected for some 
time with the Bank of California. Having 



HIISTORY OF LOS AISQBLES COUNTY. 



traveled extensively both l)j sea and land, and pos- 
sessing an active perceptive and receptive mind, 
Mr. Plater is exceptionally well-informed, and 
a very companionable gentleman among liis 
numerous friends. Seventeen years ago Mr. 

Plater was joined in marriage with Miss 

Patterson, daughter of A. D. Patterson, a prom- 
inent citizen of this coast, and ex-sheritf of 
Sacramento County. 

The Umversitij Bank. — This bank, which is 
one of the youngest financial institutions of Los 
Angeles, was incorporated March 23, 1887, and 
opened its doors for business on the 18th of the 
following month, with a capital stock of $100,- 
000. To this has been added an earned surplus 
of $20,000 and undivided profits of $37,717.22, 
as shown by the officers' sworn statement of De- 
cember 31, 1888. The board of director.^ is 
composed of R. M. Widney, D. O. Miltimore, 
S. W. Little, Clarence A. Warner, C. M. Wells, 
D. R. Rislej and J. P. Morrill. The ofiicers of 
the bank are: R. M. Widney, President; George 
L. Arnold, Cashier; George Sinsabaugh and J. 
R. Widney, Tellers. 

The University Bank, as its name implies, 
was established in the interest uf the University 
of Southern California, to provide a sale deposi- 
tory for and the profitable employ men t of the 
large and constantly increasing funds of that 
great educational institution, which had grown 
too large to be safely handled by any other 
method than a regular banking system. In this 
arrangement the interests of the University are 
thoroughly protected from any possibility of 
loss through the bank, while the stability and 
business success of the bank cannot be jeopard- 
ized by any mismanagement of the University. 
The University Bank does a regular commercial 
banking business, and draws directly upon Chi- 
cago and New York, and, through its corre- 
spondents, on the principal cities of Europe. 

This bank has also introduced a special new, 
independent banking feature in the way of first 
mortgage bonds, issued and for sale by it. These 
bonds are secured by a first mortgage on over 
thi-ee times their face value on improved real- 



estate, which mortgages are issued to the bank 
as trustee to secure the payment of the bonds to 
the bearer, the mortgage security being wholly 
independent of the solvency of the bank, as the 
failure of the bank would leave the holder of 
the bond secured by the borrower's first mort- 
gage on his property. 

The bank is located at No. 119 New High 
street, and occupies one of the finest banking- 
rooms in the city. 

The East Side Bank is one of the prosperous 
and growing financial institutions of Los An- 
geles. Its managing officers are men of fine 
business attainments, acquired by both educa- 
tion and experience in banking and other 
branches of commercial life, and conduct this 
banking-house upon a conservative and rafe 
policy. The East Side Bank was organized as 
a State Bank under the laws of California, and 
opened its doors for business on the 1st day of 
April, 1887, at No. 510 Downey avenue, with 
an authorized capital of $100,000, of which 
$50,000 was paid up. 

The board of directors is composed of the fol- 
lowing named gentlemen: William Vickrey, 
F. C. Howes, L. W. Dennis, Thomas Merideth, 
C. S. Newton, W. A.Clinton and Uri Embody. 
The officers of the bank are: William Vickrey, 
President; Thomas Merideth, Vice-President; 
Uri Embody, Cashier. 

The t)ank draws exchange direct upon San 
Francisco and the principal Eastern cities. From 
the date of its opening the bank has done a pros- 
perous business, and since the first six months 
of its existence has paid five per cent, semi- 
annual dividends to its stockholders. Hs busi- 
ness is steadily growing, and its average deposits 
are about $100,000. 

Southern California National Bank. — This 
institution, which ranks prominently among the 
great banking houses of the Pacific Coast, was 
organized in July, 1886, and opened its doors 
for business in its fine suite of banking rooms 
in the Nadeau Block, southwest corner of Spring 
and First streets, on August 21 following. The 
first officers of the bank were: H. H. Boyce 



lIIsrORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



rresident; L. N. Breed, Vice-President; W. F. 
Bosbyshell, Cashier. On February 26, 1887, 
Mr. Bojce's stock was purchased by otiier par- 
ties and he retired tVom tlie baiiic, Mr. John J. 
Ileddick being elected to succeed liim as Presi- 
dent. 

January 1, 1888, an accumulated surplus of 
|!10,000 was added to the capital of the bank. 
Owing to the growing demands of business the 
capital stock was increased May 1, 1888, to 
^200,000, §50,000 of it being taken by the old 
stockholders, and the other $50,000 was quickly 
taken by new men at twelve and a half per 
cent, premium. At that time a dividend of 
si.vteen per cent, was declared to the old stock- 
holders. July 1, 1888, the surplus was increased 
by §4,000; and December 31, 1888, another 
dividend of four per cent, was declared, besides 
§2,000 additional surplus and the same amount 
of undivided profits earned by the bank to that 
date. Daring that month the stock sold as high 
as §117. 

At the annual election in January, 1889, the 
following named gentlemen were elected as di- 
rectors: li. T. Newhall, Frank Rader, E. C. 
Bosbyshell, Charles E. Day, L. N. Breed, H. A. 
Barclay, M. Ilagan, W. F. Bosbyshell, Thomas 
Goss, Daniel Reinick and Louis Gotschalk. The 
present officers of the bank are: L. N. Breed, 
President; William F. Bosbyshell, Vice-Presi- 
dent; C. N. Flint, Cashier. 

The bank's business has made a steady growth, 
especially since the beginning of the present 
year. Besides its §200,000 capital stock paid 
in, it has an accumulated surplus, undivided 
profits, of $22,000. The policy of the manage- 
ment has always been conservative and safe. Its 
thirty-eight stockholders represent an aggregate 
capital of over §7,000,000. It does a large ex- 
change business ami draws dTrect on the princi- 
pal cities of the world. 

The California Bank was incorporated Au- 
gust 7, 1887, and opened its doors for business 
in its own building, corner of Fort and Second 
streets, November 1, 1887. Its subscribed cap- 
ital stock is §500,000. paid up §;500,000, and 



surplus $20,000. There has been no material 
change in its management since it commenced 
business. The directors are: H. G. Newhall, 
President; II. C. Witmer, Vice-President; J. 
Frankenfield, liewey Lindley, J. C. Kays, E. 
W. Jones and Juan Bernard. 

T. J. Weldon is cashier aid J. M. Witmer, 
assistant cashier. It was the last bank to join 
tiie Los Angeles Clearing House, being No. 8. 
The Seeuriii/ S'lvlngs B ink 'ind Trust Com- 
pany, of Los Angeles, was organized January' 11, 
1889, under the State law of California, to do the 
business of a savings bank and trust compiny, 
with an authorized capital of $200,000, and Feb- 
ruary 11 opened its doors for business in its 
commodious new banking rooms at No. 40 
South Main street. It is equipped with large 
burglar and fire proof vault of the most modern 
construction. This bank loans money on real 
estate, and pays interest on deposits. 

Mr. J. F. Sartori, its cashier, has been for 
the past two years cashier of the First National 
Bank of Monrovia, Los Angeles County. He 
is a native of Iowa, and came from that State to 
California in 1887. He was educated for the 
legal profession, and before coining to the Pa- 
cific Coast was engaged in the practice of law 
in Le Mars, Iowa, as a partner with Congress- 
man I. S. Struble, of the Eleventh Iowa District. 

EXPRESS BUSINESS. 

The amount of business done by the express 
company (Wells, Fargo & Co.'s) atiTords some 
indication of the activity and growth of Los 
Angeles City. The books of the company show 
a steady increase of business from 1885 to atid 
including 1888. The number of men employed 
in the city by the company in tlie last named 
year was forty-four; number of jtounds of 
freight handled here, 6,833,011; number of 
wagons in use, eleven. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The postoffice business of any city is always 
a pretty fair index to the general growth and 
increase of ]K)pulation. Here are a few statistics 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



showing the business of the Los Angeles post- 
office for four years. The receipts were: 

imb $46,006.42 

1886 '. 61,331.75 

1887 94,342.77 

1888 over 120,000.00 

And will be an increase in a dull year of over 25,000.00 

The money-order business for the year end- 
ing September 30, 1888, involved a total han- 
dling of $2,029,047.24 cash. The number of 
letters and packages legistered during the year 

1889 will reach about 26.000. All registered 
matter coming to and going from every point 
in Southern California is handled in this office. 
Seventy-live postoffices in Southern California 
depend on this office for their mail, every piece 
of mail coming and going from these offices is 
handled here and dispatched. Several millions 
of pieces of mail in transit are handled .at this 
office annually, and the percentage of errors is 
very small. The business portion of the city 
has five deliveries by carrier daily, and there 
are several branch stations in the outlying dis- 
tricts. 

TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH LINES. 

The city and the surrounding towns in the 
county are well provided for in the matter of 
telephone and telegraph lines. The Telephone 
Exchange of Los Angeles was organized in 
1882, with seven subscribers, and the patronage 
has steadily increased until there are now 1,050 
telephones in use in the city of Los Angeles, 
and some 200 more in the smaller towns of the 
county. Every town in the county is connected 
with this city by telephone. 

The Western Union Telegraph Company re- 
port a large extension of their wires, and claim 
that the telegraphic facilities at Los Angeles 
are superior to those of any other city of its 
size in the United States. 

THE WATEE SYSTEM. 

One of the first things done by the founders 
of Los Angeles City was to dig an irrigating 
ditch. A temporary dam made of sand and 
willow poles was thrown across the river at a 
point just north of what is now the Huena Vista 



street bridge. This dam has the local name of 
toma, from the Spanish verb tomar, to take, 
meaning the place where the water was taken 
out of the river. The toma has existed at this 
point for over 100 years, and though frequently 
destroyed by freshets, it was as often renewed. 
At any time it was never anything more than a 
temporary structure, though Stephen C. Fos- 
ter," one of the early alcaldes of the city, built 
a very substantial one that lasted for many 
years. From the toma the founders of the city 
in 1781 dug a main irrigating ditch called the 
Zanja Madre, the name which it has ever since 
borne, along the eastern side of the Sonora town 
bluff and west of the river on a level above the 
lands between the town and the river, probably 
as far south as First street. From this main 
ditch, lateral ditches of the customary temporary 
character conveyed the water down over the land 
and afforded the necessary moisture for the 
crops of corn, wheat and barley. 

This simple system of irrigation here prevailed 
agreeably to Spanish and Mexican laws, and was 
increased according to the demand as the popu- 
lation grew and more land was necessary for 
cultivation, until the American occupation. An 
act of the Legislature of 1854 construed a pre- 
vious act approved April 14, 1850, incorpora- 
ting the city of Los Angeles, as vesting in its 
authorities the same power and control over the 
distribution of water for the purpose of irrigation 
or otherwise among the vineyards, planting 
grounds and lands within the limits claimed by 
the ancient Pueblo of Los Angeles. By 1854 
the irrigation question had become so important 
that it became necessary to create for it a special 
department of the city government; and Mayor^ 
Stephen C. Foster, in his annual message for 
that year, was the first to recommend the ap- 
pointment of an "officer to be called a zanjero 
(or water overseer), to have control of the city 
water both for domestic and irrigating purposes. 

The irrigating system was gradually improved 
and enlarged under the administration of dif- 
ferent zanjeros until all the level lands in the 
city limits were fully supplied with water, by 



msrORY OF LOS ANGELAS COUNTY 



different ditches, taken out of the river, leaving 
a surplus of water, which the city sold to out- 
side land-owners. 

The Los Angeles River, which is the source 
of water supply, rises on the Eticino Ranch, 
about twelve miles northwest of the city. Ac- 
cording to the laws of the Indies, all pueblos on 
the banks of iiunavigable streams were entitled 
to the ownershi]) uf the water. The old Spanish 
pueblo of Los Angeles had some trouble with 
the San Fernando Mission encroaching upon its 
rights in this respect; and later, in order to clear 
up its title to all the water of the river, the 
American city of Los Angeles in 1884 pur- 
chased of G. J. Griffith, the owner of Los Feiiz 
Ranch, situated above the city, his fractional in- 
terest in the water of the river acquired by use 
and springs on his ranch, for the sum of $50,- 
000, thus giving the city a clear and undisputed 
title to all the water in the river. After the 
river rises on the Encino Ranch, except in times 
of freshet, it is seen no more until the Alamo 
House is reached, some three miles above 
Cahuenga Pass. Here, about half a " head " of 
water flows; keeping on its easterly course, there 
is about a full "head" at Cahuenga; and by 
the time the river passes through the Los Feliz 
Ranch, it is reckoned to contain eighteen 
" heads," — a veritable " hydra-headed " monster; 
thence flowing through the narrow pass be- 
tween the Los Feliz and San Rafael hills, it 
turns south and enters the city. The stream of 
water in the river disappears before reaching 
the southern limits. In times of very high 
flood the water runs down the channel of the 
river bed, and, uniting with the old San Gabriel 
River near the town of Clearwater, empties into 
the Pacific Ocean just west of the town of Long 
Beach. In ancient times, according to the ap- 
pearances of the land, the river once ran down 
Alameda street, which is now four feet lower 
than its present bed, out past the Washington 
Gardens and the old Dalton place, through 
Cienega and on into the Ballona. This course 
exists even in the traditions of the old Mexicans. 

The first irrigating ditch is taken out of tiie 



river three miles above Sepiilveda Station, and 
is called the main supply. It is brought down 
on the east side of the river across the Los Feliz 
Ranch. Near the city's northern limits the 
main supply ditch is divided into the East and 
West branches; the East branch is numbered 
9 and the capital letter E is added to this 
number to designate the east side of the river 
where it goes. Thus it is always mentioned 
"Zanja 9-E." In the summer of 1884 this 
zanja was piped across the river at a cost of 
$30,000. It runs across the low hills of the 
San Rafael Ranch, and is piped across the Arr- 
oyo Seco and empties into Reservoir No. 5, 
which is situated just east of the hill at the head 
of Downey avenue. From Reservoir No. 5 
" Zanja 9-R" takes water to Evergreen Ceme- 
tery, Boyle Heights, Brooklyn Heights, the 
Workman tract, and all the high table-lands east 
of the city. This zanja gets its letter R with 
its number because it is taken from the reser- 
voir. Zanja No. 7 is taken out of the river at 
the Macey street bridge and supplies the narrow 
tract of land between the river and the eastern 
bluff. The Zanja Madre supplies the central 
portion of the city. 

The western branch of the main supply zanja 
is called "Zanja C ife R," and empties into 
Reservoir No. 4. The water is taken from Res- 
ervoir No. 4 by Zanja 8-R, and supplies the 
entire western part of the city. Lateral ditches 
convey the water from all these principal zanjas 
to different tracts of land as desired, and are 
known by flieir respective numbers. Their 
original cost of construction was several millions 
of dollars. 

The city is divided into six irrigating dis- 
tricts, each of which is controlled b}' a deputy 
zanjero, who must keep two saddled horses for 
duty and are expected to work day or nigiit as 
occasion may demand. They keep the ditches 
in repair, divide out to each landholder his re- 
spective share of water, and guard against any 
water being stolen. 

As late as the year 1887, nearly 10,000 
acres of land was using the city water for irri- 



HIISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



gation; but the real-estate boom of 1886-87 
caused so many vineyards and orchards to be 
subdivided and sold as residence lots that the 
business of the zanjero's ofhce has greatly 
decreased. 

in 1857 the city granted to William G. Dry- 
den the right to place a water-wheel in the 
Zanja Madre to raise the water by machinery to 
supply the city with water; and this was fol- 
lowed by giving other citizens the right to take 
water from the zanja by wheels and hydraulic 
rams, for domestic purposes. 

In 1858 a corporation known as the Los An- 
geles Water- works Company was formed, with a 
capital of $10,000. The object of this company 
was to introduce water into that part of the 
city on the northwest and above the zanja. This 
was followed by many other schemes for pro- 
viding the city with water; yet they all seem to 
come to nnught, for as late as 1866 the citizens 
were so poorly provided with water that it had 
to be hauled in carts from the river. 

By an act of the Legislature, approved .-^pril 
2, 1870, the city was divided into three irri- 
gating districts, and a board of three water 
commissioners was provided for, to be elected 
by the actual irrigators of real estate within the 
city limits. Until the next ensuing municipal 
electioti, Manuel F. Coronel, Jose AVolfskill and 
J. 11. Toberman were appointed by the act as 
such commissioners. All the powers in regard 
to the control of water, formerly vested in the 
mayor and council, were transferred to this 
board. In December, 1870, L. 13. Martinez, 
J. J. AVarner and L. Bouchette were elected 
water commissioners. 

In 1872 this act was repealed, and the mayor 
and council were reinvested with their former 
powers, which they have ever since retained. 

THE WATER-WORKS 

were built by the city in 1864-'65. A dam was 
built across the Los Angeles River near where 
the Euena Vista street bridge now stands. This 
dam was constructed of piles and two-inch plank 
sheeting. It raised the water of the river about 



seven feet above its natural surface. At the 
west end of the dam in Zanja Madre a current 
wheel was built forty feet in height and six feet 
abreast. On the outer end of the arms, paddles, 
two feet by six and four feet apart, were placed. 
On each of the paddles a bucket was attached, 
holding about fifteen gallons of water from the 
dam, falling about six feet into the Zanja Madre. 
The buckets of the wheel tilled and discharged 
at each revolution of the wheel, filling from the 
zanja water and discharging at the height of 
thirty-six feet above the water of the zanja. The 
water thus raised was discharged into a receiver, 
and the water from the receiver was carried to 
the hillside in a flume twelve inches deep and 
two feet wide in the clear, dressed inside, and 
had a fall of two inches to the 100 feet. From 
this flume the water was passed into a ditch 
which carried and discharged it into a reservoir 
which was made in the side of the hill north of 
the Catholic cemetery. The reservoir had a 
capacity of about 700,000 gallons; the water 
from the reservoir was conducted to the city 
and through Main street as far as Third street, 
through wooden pipes made of San Bernardino 
pine, at the mills on the mountains back of San 
Bernardino, and was laid by contract made by 
Jean Louis Sansevaine, July 22, 1868. The 
works were leased to David W. Alexander for a 
term of four years, with the privilege of six, the 
rates of water that he should charge during his 
lease being fixed by the city. Owing to the 
bursting of the pipes Mr. Alexander assigned 
his lease to Jean Louis Sansevaine, D. Mar- 
chessault, then a councilman of the city, at the 
time managing and conducting the works for 
Mr. Sansevaine. The pipes continued bursting 
and Sansevaine cancelled his lease with the city, 
and Solomon Lazard, J. S. Griffin and P. Beau- 
dry went into a contract and lease with the city 
to furnish it with water. 

An agreement was made July 20, 1868, be- 
tween the city and John S. Griffin, Prudent 
Beaudry and Solomon Lazard, whereby the city 
leased to them, on certain c/msiderations, the 
exclusive use, control, possession and manage- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



inent of the city water-works for a period of 
thirty years, having, among other things, the 
right to sell and distribute water for domestic 
purposes, and receive the rents and profits 
thereof for their own use and benefit. This 
agreement also provides that at tlie end of the 
thirty years the city will pay the Water Com- 
])any the value of the improvements made \ipon 
the water-works; and in case the parties cannot 
agree upon the value, the same is to be deter- 
mined by arbitration. The city reserves the 
right to regulate the water rates. Messrs. Beau- 
dry, Griffin and Lazard then transferred their 
lease to an incorporation named tiie Los An- 
geles Water- works Company, the trustees of 
which were J. S. Griftin, J. G. Downey, P. Beau- 
dry, S. Lazard, A. J. King, Eugene Meyer and 
Charles Lafaon. 

' By November, the next year, upward of seven 
miles of iron pipe had been laid, superseding 
the old wooden pipes. 

A freshet in the Los Angeles River carried 
away the dam, which left the wheel without 
water to propel it, and, cutting ofi^ the water sup- 
ply for the city, caused a water famine, and 
water-carts had to be resorted to in order to 
supply the inhabitants with water. The city 
refused to rebuild the dam. This company, 
composed of Griffin, Lazard and Bi audry, then 
rebuilt the dam (without which the wheel, 
flumes, reservoir and wooden pipes were use- 
less), and built, nearly opposite the Catholic 
cemetery, in the Zanja Madre, a wheel to raise 
the water to a height sufficient to flow into the 
old wooden pipes until they could furnish a 
more permanent supply. At this time the Los 
Angeles City Water Company was organized. 
They purchased of Charles V. Howard, who was 
then the owner of the Keliz Ranch, seven miles 
north of the city, a portion of said ranch on 
which Crystal Springs is located, and the Water 
Company then secured right of way necessary, 
and cut a ditch from said springs to where the 
present reservoir is located, and built the present 
reservoir, and from thence laid iron pipes to the 
city and through the streets at their own cost. 



The old city works were entirely abandoned as 
useless. 

Several years prior to the building of the Los 
Angeles City-water Works, W. G. Dryden, 
acquired a right from the city to erect a wheel 
in the city zanja to pump water into the city 
and also a grant of the Plaza in front of the old 
Catholic Church, on which to erect a reservoir 
to be supplied by pumps operated by the wheel 
he built in the zanja near the present junction 
of Upper Main and Alameda streets. Later on 
the pump and wheel of these works were moved 
to the junction of Marchessault and Alameda 
streets, and as before propelled by the waters of 
the zanja. 

Patrick McFadden became interested and 
managed these water- works. From this reser- 
voir on the Plaza, water was distributed through 
some of the streets and furnished several houses. 
These works were bought by the Los Angeles 
City Water Company, and were also abandoned, 
returning the Plaza to the city for a considera- 
tion. 

Li 1888 the City Water Company purchased 
the water system of Ralph Rogers, which ob- 
tained its supply in the Ari'oyo Seco. 

The Canal Reservoir Company was organized 
in 1867. The officers were: George Hanson, 
President; J. W. Green Smith, Treasurer; J. J. 
Warner, Secretary. The capital stock was $200,- 
000. The ne.xt year work was commenced by 
this company upon the canal and reservoir which 
now supply what was the old woolen mill, but is 
now an ice factory. This was the first turning 
of attention to the hill lands west of what was 
then the city, which had before that been con- 
sidered practically valueless. Certain lands were 
granted to the city in consideration (>f their work. 

THE orrizENs" water coXipany. 
In the year 1872 improvements were com- 
menced in the hills west of Los Angeles City. 
These hills, although offering delightful sites 
for residences, from lack of water and difficulty 
of access had not shared in the prosperity of 
the city, but had remained comparatively value- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



less and neglected. To the energy and perse- 
verance more especially of two men, P. Beaudry 
and J. W. Potts, is due the change that has 
taken place. Mr. Potts expended in grading, 
principally upon tlie lines of Temple and Second 
streets, upward of $30,000. Mr. Beaudry in 
like manner expended upward of $50,000. The 
work with wliicli Mr. Beaudry's name has been 
more especially linked is the furnishing of an 
abundant supply of water to these hill lands. 
Mr. Beaudry excavated a large basin amid the 
springs lying along Upper Alameda street, from 
which, with a sixty horse-power engine running 
a Hooker pump of the capacity of 40,000 gallons 
per hour, the water was forced to an elevation 
of 240 feet, where it was received by two reser- 
voirs with a storage capacity of 3,500,000 gal- 
lons, and thence distributed through eleven 
miles of iron pipes over the tops of the highest 
hills. These works cost $95,000. 

The Citizens' Water Company, which fur- 
nishes water to the hill portion of the city, was 
organized in August, 1886, and bought the 
Beaudry & Rogers' system. The latter was 
supplied with water, which was the seepage from 
Reservoir No. 4. Ralph Rogers has had this 
water pumped by steam into a reservoir since 
the year 1884, and had nearly 40,000 feet of 
pipe laid, supplying 120 houses. At the time 
it was purchased by the Citizens' Water Com 
pany the Beaudry system had 66,000 feet of 
pipe laid and was supplying 612 houses. The 
company's lease on the spring near the junction 
of Alameda and Upper Main streets expiring 
February 1, 1887, it obtained its water after that 
date from the river, about four miles above the 
city. The water is piped into a reservoir in 
Victor Heights tract, and is pumped from this 
reservoir to a. higher oue back of the Sisters' 
Hospital. The company has a lease of ten 
years for this source of water supply. M. L. 
Wicks is the principal stockholder in the com- 
pany. 

THE EAST-SIDE SPRING WATER COMPANY. 

The East-Side Spring Water Company was 
incorjiorated in 1886 for the purpose of sujiply- 



ing the residences on the eastern side of the 
river. Tiie water is pumped from an artesian 
well near where stood the old Tarbox distillery, 
just north of the Macey street bridge, to a reser- 
voir on the top of Lacey Hill, in the orange 
slope tract on Brooklyn Heights. From this 
reservoir the water is distributed in mains. 
Mayor Henry T. Hazard is the principal stock- 
holder. 

THE BIG TUNNEL. 

Whoever chances to wander up the track of 
the Southern Pacific Railroad, just above the 
Buena Vista street bridge, will notice certain 
openings and drifts in the great sand-stone 
bluff along whose base runs the railroad. If 
he has the curiosity to enter one of these 
drifts he will find himself after a few yards in a 
big tunnel, whose general course runs parallel 
to the railroad. Should it be asked. Why was 
that deserted hole made? the answer will be an 
interesting bit of municipal history. 

In 1877, when F. A. McDongal was mayor, 
the water supply for irrigating purposes was 
very scant; and in deference to the popular 
clamor for a better service, it was proposed to 
take some extensive action. The matter was 
referred to a board of engineers, consisting of 
B. F. Alexander, A. Boschke and Isaac W. 
Smith, who made a report on July 27, 1877, in 
which they advocated the digging of a tunnel 
680 feet long through the limestone blutf, six 
feet high and five feet wide, to cost $12,300. 
On August 17, the committee on water supply 
recommended the proposed tunnel to leave the 
river above the Southern Pacific Railroad bridge 
on the north and emerge from the bluft' on the 
south at the lower waste gate of the toma. 
October 11 the bid for digging the tunnel was 
awarded to William Monks, at $3.88| per lineal 
foot; William Moore was the builder of the 
tunnel. So singular was its construction • that 
on May 30, 1878. the committee on water sup- 
ply reported that the engineers found the tunnel 
then made of no practical value. The timbers 
were too light, and nearly 500 feet of new tun- 
nel would have to be made to correct the 



UISTOliT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



aligniuent so that water would nin through; 
600 feet more of the tunnel would have to be 
timbered and 230 feet arched with brick. The 
additional cost was estimated at $6,900. On 
August 29 the contract was let to Bell & Carr 
to line the tunnel, and William Monk was to 
do the brick-work. Tlie tunnel was surveyed 
by J. E. Jackson and W. T. Lambie. 

November 7, 1878, the committee on water 
supply recommended Mr. Moore be paid for 
his work, it having been done as specified. 
The committee, however, found that the tunnel 
was still valueless, as a great deal more brick- 
work had to be done. But at last it was made 
so that the water would run through; but it 
was finally abandoned on account of so many 
caves. In 1885 the zanjaro estimated tliat the 
construction and repairs of the tunnel had cost 
the city from $35,000 to $40,000. It is still 
unused, except by tramps. 

THE ELECTEIC-LIGHT SYSTEM. 

December 31, 1882, the city was lighted for 
the first time with that crowning glory of 
modern inventions, la luz electrica. It was 
due to the indefatigable labors of Colonel 
Charles H. Howland, who had worked all sum 
mer long in getting the citizens to invest in the 
stock of the company, and the patronage of the 
city council. He met not only the opposition 
of the gas company, but also that of many 
others. The favorite arguments against it were 
that it had been started in the London fish 
markets, that it soiled ladies' complexions, that 
it produced color-blindness, and besides had a 
bad eifect on the eyes, that it magnified objects 
and caused optical illusions, that it was costly, 
that gas was good enough to light the city, that 
it kept the chickens awake all night, that it 
was a new thing, and therefore an experiment 
and dangerous, tliat the wires attracted light- 
ning, that the ligiits attracted bugs, and finally 
that it was a speculation and therefore a 
swindle. 

As silly as these arguments may seem, they 
w-ere soberly advanced hy many capitalists and 



various business and professional men of the 
city. But finally all opposition was overcome, 
and on New Year's eve tlie light from the seven 
masts'bathed the city in electric glory. 

The city of Los Angeles is now lighted 
wholly by electric lights. The city contracted 
in 1882 to be lighted with the electric light 
under the Brush system. The light is distrib- 
uted by what is called the mast system. These 
masts are placed at such distances as may be 
desired by the council, ranging from 2,500 feet 
to over a mile apart. 

There are two mast circuits in the city. One 
is known as the " north circuit," and the other 
as the " south circuit." There are thirty-one 
miles of wire. On these mast circuits there 
are fifteen masts, each 150 feet high, carrying 
three lamps, each of 3,000 candle-power, or 
9,000 caudle-power on each mast. There are 
two masts on this same circuit, each 150 feet 
high, carrying four lamps of 3,000 candle-power 
each, or 12,000 candle-power for each mast. 
There are nineteen sixty- foot masts, each carry- 
ing one lamp of 3,000 candle power; a total of 
seventy-two lamps of 216,000 candle-power, 
with which tlie city is lighted, and is paid for 
out of the municipal treasury. 

There are also three other circuits for private 
lamps. The first runs till 12 o'clock, mid- 
night, for hotels, saloons, restaurants, etc. The 
other two circuits are known as the •' mer- 
chants," and run week-day nights till 9 o'clock, 
except Saturday, when they are continued to 
10:30 p. M. On these three circuits there are 
at present 175 lamps of 2,000 candle-power 
each. The city now pays $19,000 per annum 
for its electric lights. Store lights cost $5 per 
week on the middle circuit, and $3.50 on the 
9 o'clock circuit. 

The city lias an official area of six miles 
square, or thirty-six square miles. Previous to 
the lighting by electricity it had a small area 
lighted by gas. This would cover about five- 
eighths of a mile square, at a cost of about 
$9,000 per annum. Under the electric system 
about twenty square miles in area are fairly 



IIISrORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



lighted at a cost of a little more than $20,000 
per annum. 

THE LOS ANGELES ICE AND COLD-STORAGE COMPANY, 

incorporated, one of the most important indus- 
tries in Southern California, comprises C. E. 
Ilendrick. President; C. D. Simpson, of Scran- 
ton, Pennsylvania, Vice-President; L. A. Bas- 
sett. Secretary and Treasurer; T. Watkins and 
M. J. llealey, who manufacture ice in tliis city, 
and are the only company in the State to em- 
ploy the Hendrick process, thus turning out a 
quality of ice superior to all others. The works, 
whicli are located on Mesquite street and the 
Santa Fe Railroad, have a capacity of 100 tons 
per day — seventy-iive tons for general nses and 
twenty-five for cold storage. The manufactory 
is the largest in the State. The cold-storage 
warerooms have a capacity for 150 car-loads, 
and are adapted to the preservation of meats 
and fruits of all kinds and other perishable prod- 
ucts. The building is 150 feet square and 
three stories high. The company are the pro- 
prietors and manufacturers of the celebrated 
" Lilly " brand of meats. They have six smoke- 
houses, with a combined capacity of 150,000 
pounds, and are thereby enabled to place upon 
the market fresh meat everyday. The " Lilly" 
is the only meat smoked on the coast south of 
Sacramento, and is superior to the Eastern 
smoked meats, for the following reasons: All 
hams and bacon smoked in the East are four to 
ten days old before shipping, and six to ten days 
en route; and, owing to the excessive heat in 
crossing the desert in the summer, the products 
are canvased in order to insure safety in trans- 
portation, thus entailing a loss to the consumer 
of one to two pounds, or an average of 25 cents, 
per ham. 

The provision department is under the man- 
agement of F. W. Guard, who has had an ex- 
tensive experience in this kind of business, hav- 
ing been connected with some of the largest 
jiacking-houses in the East. The cold-storage 
department is under the management of P. R. 
IJeviin, Assistant Treasurer, who also has chafi-ge 



of the executive and fitiancial part of the busi- 
ness in this city. He is a native of Scranton, 
Pennsylvania, and received his education in his 
native State, and was for a long time in the em- 
ploy of Simpson & Watkins before coming to 
Los Angeles, in April of last year. 

Mr.M. Dodsworth, general manager, is a native 
of Cincinnati, was reared there, and after reach- 
ing manhood came to California, in 1852, engag- 
ing for several years in mining in the northern 
parts of tills State, and then in the butchers' 
trade for fifteen years, and finally, in 1879, he 
came to Los Angeles, where he has since been 
engaged in packing bacon and lard. 

All these men are thoroughly identified with 
the public welfare of Los Angeles. The com- 
pany, succeeding to the " Los Angeles Pork- 
packing Company " in February, 1888, have 
now a business outlook which is one of the 
most important in Southern California. 

PUBLIC LIBKAKY. 

The Public Library Association of Los An- 
geles was organized in December, 1872, and the 
library transferred to the city in April, 1878. 
It is supported by a direct levy not to exceed 
five cents on each $100 of all real and personal 
property in the city, and by quarterly dues of 
$1.00 from each subscribing member. 

Number of papers and magazines to be found 
in reading news rooms: Daily papers, twenty- 
seven; weekly, thirty-two; monthly, twenty- 
two; quarterly, three; number of volumes in 
library, June 1, 1888, 5,748; 913 added during 
the year; book loan for the year, 17,071. 

The library and free reading-room are open 
daily except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 9:30 p. m. 
The trustees in 1888 were W. H. "Workman, 
President; A. W. Barrett, E. C. Bosbyshell, B. 
Chandler, B. Cohn, M. T. Collins, John Mori- 
art}', E. A. Gibbs, James llanley, H. Miller, J. 
F. Humphreys, J. H. Book, J.' W. Lovell, N. 
Mathews, H. Sinsabaugh and M. Teed. 

PUBLIC parks. 
The city is only tolerably well provided with 
public parks at present. It has the little 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT V. 



" Plaza," on North Main street, opposite the 
old Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Angels, 
and the Sixth Street Park, bounded by Sixth, 
Hill, Olive, and Fitth streets. The last men- 
tioned is a beautiful little park and a popular 
resort for people who wish to spend a restful 
hour surrounded by semi-tropical trees, plants 
and flowers. Diagonally across the street from 
this park is the building occupied by Brigadier- 
General Grieison, U. S. A., as headquarters for 
the Department of Arizona. Surrounding this 
building are extensive and beautiful grounds 
open to the public. 

Elysian Park is a large body of very hilly 
land, that is as yet wholly unimproved. East 
Los Angeles Park is also a park only in pros- 
pect. 

Westlake Park, of thirty-live acres, is in the 
western part of the city, near Ninth and Elev- 
enth streets; and Prospect Park, in Boyle 
Heights, a small park in the Brooklyn ti'act. 

I'LACKS OF AMUSEMENT. 

The principal places of amusement in Los 
Angeles are the Grand Opera House, on Main, 
near First street; the Academy of Music, on 
Fifth and Olive streets; and the Los Angeles 
Theatre, on Spring street, between Second and 
Third streets. The latter is a new substantial 
brick edifice, which was opened to the public 
early in the winter of 1888-'89; the Academy 
of Music is a large wooden structui'e, and is 
often used for mass meetings, festivals, etc., as 
well as for dramatic purposes. 

FIRE DEPAKTMEXT. 

Ever since February 1, 1886, tiie Fire Depart- 
ment has been under pay; prior to that date it 
was a volunteer department. During 1888 
about !?70,000 was expended in the purchase of 
four new engines, hose and carts, and in the 
erection of new buildings. Each engine house 
is supplied with a telephone, also fire alarm 
gong of Richmond Fire Alarm System. The 
increase in tiiis department of the public service 
serves well to illustrate the growth of the city. 
In 188G there were required but two engines. 



one hook and ladder company, five hose-carts, 
3,200 feet of hose and a force of thirty-two men. 

POLICE. 

The headquarters of the city police are at the 
city hall; but there is a branch station, and also 
a small jail, at Holt" and Hayes streets, in East 
Los Angeles. The force at present consists 
of seventy-four members, ranking as follows: 
Chief, captain of detectives, four detectives, 
secretary of police, police captain, two police 
sergeants, ten mounted oflicers, fifty foot officers, 
two drivers of patrol wagon, a matron, and a 
police surgeon. 

CEMETEKIES. 

Los Angeles is by no means behind the age 
in the matter of cemeteries, of which there «re 
five The Roman Catholic Cemetery is beauti- 
fidly located on an elevation on Buena Vista 
street, just overlooking the Southern Pacific 
depot. The City Cemeterj' is situated on Cas- 
telar street, between Bellevue avenue and Sand 
street. The Hebrew burying-gronnd is on 
Reservoir street. These three are old ceme- 
teries, and are near the center of the city. They 
will doubtless ere long be closed. Chief among 
the new places of sepulture is Evergreen Ceme- 
tery, on Aliso avenue. It is reached directly 
by the First street and also the Aliso street 
railway. The Rosedale, on "West Washington 
street, can be reached by the electric railway, 
which can be taken at First and Los Angeles 
streets. At the Rosedale Cemetery there is the 
only crematory in the United States west of the 
Rocky Mountains. It was built by the Los 
Angeles Crematory Society, under the super- 
vision of an expert who came for that purpose. 
The first incineration took place in June, 1887. 
The body, which had been regularly interred a 
few months previously, was that of the wife of 
Dr. O. B. Bird, a prominent homeopathic physi- 
cian. The cremation was a complete success, 
and attracted as much attention as the most 
sanguine friend of the movement could have 
wished. 

H. Sinsabaugh, D. D., a prominent member 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 



of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is president 
of the Cremation Society, and Dr. William Le 
Moyne Wills, Professor of Anatomy in the 
Medical College of the University of Soutliern 
California, is secretary. Dr. Wills is a promi- 
nent Los Angeles surgeon, and inherits his 
enthusiasm for cremation, his grandfather. Dr. 
F. Julius Le Moyne, of Washington, Pennsyl- 
vania, having constructed at his own expense 
the first cremation furnace in the United States. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

In 1838 the iirst primary school was estab- 
lished in Los Angeles. The teacher was Ensign 
Guadalupe Medina. The term lasted five and 
a half months, when Medina was called to the 
ariijy. The attendance averaged 103 scholars, 
whose progress and proficiency in studies were 
gratifying. The city had appropriated $500 
for expenses, and had purchased the necessary 
furniture at San Gabriel. Later, Don Ignacio 
• Coronel taught school here. 

The first proposition for the establishment of 
a college came from Eev. Antonio Jimenes, May 
18, 1850, in his application for a grant of town 
land to that end. 

About the same time Rev. Dr. Wicks, Pres- 
byterian, seconded by J. G. Nichols, opened the 
pioneer English school. Li January, 1853, 
there were four small schools, two of them 
teaching English. 

The oldest public school-houses were on Bath 
and Spring streets. Both were built uiider the 
supervision of Trustees J. G. Nichols a!id Joiin 
O. Wheeler. 

At San Gabriel, J. F. Burns and Caesar C. 
Twitchell were teachers in 185i. 

In 1856 Dr. John S. Griffin was elected 
superintendent of common schools, with Francis 
Melius, Agustin Olivera and William A. Wallace 
as school commissioners. William McKee and 
Mrs. Thomas Foster taught for some time. 
Mrs. rioyt had a school in 1857, and her daugh- 
ter. Miss Mary E. Hoyt, two years later, as also 
Miss Anna McArthur. 

Concerning the public schools of the city. 



the following statistics were furnished by the 
school superintendent for the year 1888: 

Number of wliite children between o and 17 10,631 

Number of negro children between 5 and 17 

Number of Indian children between 5 and 17 33S) 

Number of Chinese children between 5 and 17 

Total number of census children 10,970 

Number of children under 5 3,S69 

Number of children between 5 and 17 who have at- 
tended public schools during year 5,303 

Number of children between 5 and 17 who have at- 
tended private schools only 1,330 

Number of children between 5 and 17 who have 

not attended any school during year 4,438 

Number of pupils enrolled in public schools 5,665 

Number of teachers employed 136 

Average number of pupils per teacher 46 

Cost per capita on total enrollment f 15.77 

Cost per capita on average enrollment 34.68 

Cost per capita on average daily attendance 36.14 

The great discrepancy between the number 
enrolled in the schools and the number reported 
. by the census marshal as having attended the 
public schools during the year is accounted for 
by the fact that the school census is taken in 
May, when many people have betaken them- 
selves to the mountains or the seashore. 

From tlie annual report of the secretary of 
the city board of education, from January 1, 
1888, to January 1, 1889, we take the follow- 
ing statistics: The total receipts for the year 
were $211,338.86; total expenditures, $186,- 
987.64; balance on hand at the end of the 
year, $24,351.22. 

The Los Angeles City board of education 
employs over 100 teachers. The average salary 
paid the teachers is $85 per month. The Los 
Angeles school department has always been 
liberal toward women. Mrs. Chloe B. Jones 
was long principal of the Uigh School and also 
city superintendent of schools. At least seven- 
eighths of the teachers are women. The rapid 
increase of population within the past three 
years has crowded the school buildings to their 
utmost capacity and necessitated the erection 
of new buildings as well as the enlargement of 
several old ones, in order to meet the require- 
ments of the community. The excellent com- 
mon-school system is the pride of California, 
and in lio portion of the State do the people 
take more pains to foster and encourage popu- 
lar education than in Los Angeles County. 



IIISrORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Besides the public schools there are nuincrous 
private schools in the city, iiiclnding kinder- 
gartens, primary, grammar, schools of elocu- 
tion, business colleges, and dancing schools. 
There are also many private teachers of music, 
painting, drawing, etc. 

TUE I.OS ANUKLES HIGH SCHOOL. 

The first organization of a Higii School was 
made in 1873 by Di'. W. T. Lucky, then super- 
intendent of the schools of the city. P'or a time 
Ur. Lucky performed also the duties of princi- 
pal. The first class was graduated in 1875, 
and consisted of seven members, five young 
women and two young men. Throughout the 
history of the school both boys and girls have 
been received into the same classes and have 
pursued the same studies. In one class a young 
man has received the highest honors for schol- 
arship, and in another a young woman. The 
number of graduates each year has gradually 
increased, but with some fluctuation, the largest 
number, twenty-si.x, having been reached by 
the class of 1885. The present senior class 
began with an enrollment of thirty-one. 

From 1873 until 1882 the High School occu- 
pied a part of the wooden building that for- 
merly stood upon the site of the new county 
court-house. In the latter year, on account of 
pressure in the lower grades, the school moved 
to rooms in the State Normal Building, where 
it remained for three years. In 1885, the 
normal school having grown so as to require its 
whole building, the High School moved to rooms 
in the brick building near the corner of Sixth 
and Spring streets, where it still remains. A 
building for the special use of the High School 
is one of the most urgent needs of Los An- 
geles, and one that an increased school fund 
under the new city charter ought to satisfy. 

The city superintendent of schools continued 
to act as princii)al of the High School until the 
summer of 1881, Dr. Lucky being succeeded 
in 187G by C. H. Kimball, a- 1 the latter gen- 
tleman, in 188U, by Mrs. C. B. Jones. For 
the school year of 1881-'82 Mrs. Jones filled 



the now separate position of principal, suc- 
ceeded the following year by L. D. Smith, who 
in 1883 was made city superintendent. F. H. 
Clark, the present principal, was teacher of the 
senior class during the school year of 1883-'84. 
and was elected principal in the summer of 
1884. 

The course of study of the school was ar- 
ranged in 1884 so as to provide the requisite 
preparation for any of the departments of the 
University of California, to which institution 
a considerable number of the graduates of the 
school have gone as students. It is the aim of 
the school to maintain a course of instruction 
everywhere thoroughly practical, adapted both 
to those that become students at college and to 
those that enter business and home life at once. 

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

Normal schools for the special instruction of 
teachei-s were first established in the United 
States by Massachusetts, in 1839, at old Lexing- 
ton, overlooking the battle-ground ; and at 
Bridgewater and Westfield in 1840 and 1841. 
The fourth school was built by New York, at 
Albany, in 1844. These schools are all in pros- 
perous condition to-day; and the movement thus 
begun has gone forward until at the present 
time nearly 150 public normal schools are in 
successful operation; and a very large numbei' 
of private normal schools, either partly or wholly 
engaged in the work of preparing teachers for 
the public schools, find plenty of work to do. 

California established her first normal school 
at San Francisco in 1862, afterward removing 
it to San Jos^, where it has grown to mammoth 
proportions, being one of the largest in the 
United States. The Normal School at Los An- 
geles was established as a branch of the school at 
San Jose by the Legislatureof 1881, the bill being 
signed by Governor Perkins March 14 of that 
year. The sum of $50,000 was appropriated for 
the building, and the trustees were directed to 
proceed to Los Angeles and select a site. Of 
several sites offered, the trustees, on March 26, 
1882, chose the Bellevue Terrace orange grove 



UISroiiY OF LOS ANOELEti COUNTY. 



of five and a quarter acres on Charity street 
(Grand avenue), at the head of Fifth street, and 
the building was begun forthwith. This beau- 
tiful tract of land was then lield at $8,000, and 
was purchased with money raised by private 
subscription of the citizens. The building was 
finished for occupancy and the school opened 
August 29, 1882, with sixty-one pupils and 
three teachers. Principal teacher, C. J. Flatt; 
Preceptress, Emma L. Hawks; and Assistant, 
J. W. Red way; Charles H. Allen, also principal 
at San Jose, being Principal. The number of 
pupils increased to an aggregate of 126 during 
the school year of 1882-'83. The Legislature 
of 1883 appropriated $10,000 for finishing and 
furnishing the building, which was thus put in 
excellent condition for school work. 

In 1883 a separate principal was appointed 
for this school, the trustees selecting Ira More 
for the purpose. He had been principal of the 
Minnesota State Normal School at St. Cloud, 
and had taught for some years in the sciiool at 
San Jose. The school cot. tinned to flourisii, 
the aggregate attendance increasing each year 
until it is now more than 300. The ground has 
been graded, retaining walls were built, trees, 
shrubbery and hedges planted, and it is fast 
becoming an attractive feature of that part of 
the city where it is located. 

The first class, numbering twenty-two, gradu- 
ated in 1884. Since then two classes a year have 
gone out, the whole number of graduates being 
now 240. Nearly all of these are actively en- 
gaged in teaching, and promise to make at least 
as good a record as lias been made by the grad- 
uates of the earlier normal schools. The history 
ofthese schools abundantly shows that the normal 
graduate will average ten years of teaching. 

A school of 150 pupils, comprising the first 
five grades of the public schools, is attached to 
the normal as a practice school for the senior 
classes. The young teacher is here trained in 
exactly the work he is required to do in the 
"public schools, and thus goes out thoroughly 
fitted; and that this practice results in no injury 
to the little people under his charge is shown 



by the fact that no school in the city stands 
higher in public estimation than tiie Normal 
Primary School. 

AVe close this article by an extract from the 
Principal's Report upon a point mucli inquired 
after by the people: 

" Another statement frequently made by the 
friends as well as the opponents of special train- 
ing schools for teachers is that the supply will 
soon be greater than the demand; the market 
will be overstocked; we are educating more than 
can find places. A little arithmetic will not 
here be out of place: The number of teachers 
employed by tlie State is given in the report 
of the superintendent of public instruction at 
4,000. Ruling out accidental and occasional 
elements, we may safely say that more than 
3,000 of this number depend upon teaching for 
a livelihood. Horace Mann states that three 
years was the average school life of the teachers 
of his day. Young women will marry, and 
young men leave this for other trades or pro- 
fessions. Since then, as he foresaw, the term 
has been increased, the teachers specially edu- 
cated remaining longer in the field, until the 
average term in this State is from four to five 
years. Sucii statistics as can be gathered show 
that it will not exceed this estimate. More than 
600 teachers are needed each year to take the 
place of those who retire from the work. The 
normal schools now graduate about 150. It 
does not seem likely that the supply will exceed 
the demand for many years to come, certainly. 
In confirmation of this it may be stated that 
although the school at San Jose has been send- 
ing out its graduates for more than twenty years, 
less than twelve per cent, of the teachers in tiie 
State are graduates of California normal schools, 
while six per cent, come from the normal schools 
of other States, making but eighteen per cent., 
or less than one-fifth, graduates of any normal 
school whatever." 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. 

This is one of the most important and suc- 
cessful educational institutions of the State, and 



HISTUUY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



one which does liouor to tlie city and that part 
of the State wherein it is located. 

The College of Liberal Arts of the University 
stands upon an eligible site in what is known 
as West Los Angeles, not far from the Agri- 
cnltnral Park grounds. It is surrounded by 
many of the most beautiful residences, orange 
groves and flower gardens in the city. It is far 
enough from the business center to be exempt 
from disturbing influences, and yet it is easily 
accessible from any other portion of the city by 
lines of street cars. As for the plan, the make- 
up and the management of the institution, they 
are very nearly, if not actually, up to the line 
of perfection. A brief history of the institution 
will be appropriate in this connection: 

In May, 1879, Hon. K. M. Widney invited 
Rev. A. M. Hough to his residence and laid 
before him the plans of the University, as it 
now is, and as planned by Judge Widney. He 
had previously drawn up a deed of trust wherein 
Dr. J. S. Griffin and Mr. H. M. Johnson offered 
to convey certain real estate in East Los An- 
geles for a campus and endowment fund to 
establish the University at East Los Angeles, 
on the same terms and conditions as the present 
deed of trust. After a quiet consultation be- 
tween Judge Widney and Mr. Hough it was 
decided to invite Hon. E. F. Spence and Dr. 
J. P. Widney to meet with them at an early 
date. A consultation of these four gentlemen 
resulted in their determination all to join in the 
enterprise of establishing a University in this 
city. Another meeting was arranged for, at 
which Rev. M. M. Bovard, then pastor of the 
Fort Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
Mr. G. D. Compton were also present, by in- 
vitation. At this meeting it was decided to 
look around for some other donation of land in- 
stead of locating in East Los Angeles. Various 
offers were received, but it was finally agreed 
to accept an offer of land in West Los Angeles, 
where the College of Liberal Arts of the Uni- 
versity was subsequently established. The offer 
of land was secured by Mr. Hough, and the 
name adopted for the institution was the Uni- 



versity of Southern California. The deed of 
trust was executed July 29, 1879, by ex-Gov- 
ernor J. G. Downey, O. W. Childs and Isaiah 
W. Uellman, to A. M. Hough, J. P. Widney, E. 
F. Spence, M. M. Bovard, G. D. Compton and 
li. M. Widney. The site selected is on Wesley 
avenue, a few rods south of Jefferson street. It 
was at that time almost "in the wilderness," 
and it required strong faith to believe that the 
institution would within ten years be surrounded 
by such attractions as are now visible in every 
direction from the balcony or upper windows of 
the spacious building. Later on several liberal- 
minded persons contributed considerable money, 
in the aggregate, toward an endowment fund 
for the University. In June, 1880, the trustees 
decided to sell thirty lots in the tract, at $200 
each, and with the proceeds erect and furnish a 
frame building in which to begin the educa- 
tional work. A contract was soon let, and the 
corner-stone of the building was laid October 
4, by Bishops Simpson and Wiley. 

In August, 1880, Revs. M. M. and F. 
D. Bovard entered into a contract with the 
directors for five years to carry on the educa- 
tional work of the institution. Rev. M. M. 
Bovard was elected president of the University, 
and he and his brother have conducted the work 
very successfully. In July, 1880, Mr. and 
Mrs. William Hodge donated "Hodge Hall" to 
the institution. In September, 1883, Hon. E. F. 
Spence donated $600 to establish the Spence 
scholarship. 

In 1882 Judge R. M. Widney procured 
Messrs. George and William B. Chaffey to 
tender a deed of trust for about $200,000 
worth of land at Ontario for a "Chaffey College 
of Agriculture of the University." Strange to 
say, the offer was earnestly opposed by a large 
part of the directors of the University, but 
through the persistent efforts of Judge Widney, 
the offer was finally accepted. 

In due time a fine two-story brick and stone 
building was erected. In October, 1885, edu- 
cational work was begun therein by Professor 
W. F. Wheeler. In June, 1885, Mrs. Sarah E. 



UltSTOliY OF LOa ANGELS a COUNTY. 



Taiisey donated to the University lands valued 
at $20,000, to endovtr a chair of Moral Christian 
Ethics. In 1885 Dr. J. 1*. Widney organized 
and put in successful operation the College of 
Medicine in Los Angeles City. It is now in 
fine working condition, with an able corps of 
professors. 

The University has an Annual Council, with 
deliberative functions, but with no executive 
powers. This council has proved a very useful 
element in the management of the institution. 

Besides the Ontario College of the University, 
tliere are several flourishing colleges at otiier 
places outside the city. There is the Maclay 
College of Theology at San Fernando, estab- 
lished in 1885 by Hun. C. Maclay, who donated 
some $300,000 worth of lands and erected a 
tine college building; also the Tulare Academy, 
established in 1886 at Tulare City, through the 
efforts of Revs. J. B. Green and J. A. McMil- 
lan. In March, 1886, the Escondido Land and 
Water Company, the owners of the Eacondido 
Bancho in San Diego County, througli the 
efforts of Kev. R. W. C. Farnswortli, Presiding 
Elder, and Rev. E. S. Chase, offered property in 
that ranciio to the value of $100,000 to build 
and endow the Escondido Academy, to be a 
branch of the University. By the efforts of 
Rev. F. S. Chase and D. Choate there were re- 
ceived deeds donating to the University about 
$200,000 worth of city property to endow and 
build the San Diego College of the University. 

In June, 1886, Judge R. M. AVidney donated 
property in the San Fernando Ranch to estab- 
lish a reserve endowment fund for the Univer- 
sity. From this property sales have already 
been made aggregating over $100,000, with 
some $200,000 worth of lands lett. This dona- 
tion should eventually realize not less than 
$400,000. 

The new college building in West Los An- 
geles, which was completed in 1886, cost 
$37,000. Liberal donations were made for its 
erection by many persons, Mr. G. W. Morgan 
donating lands from which $6,500 has been 
realized, and Hon. E. F. Spence making a gift 



of real estate from which $5,000 has been ob- 
tained, with a prospect of many thousands 
more. Ex-Governor Downey also donated lands 
w-orth $6,000 or more. The building is a four- 
story brick, with stone foundation. It is 100 
feet square, with a total floor area of nearly one 
square acre. The total valuation of the Uni- 
versity property is nearly $1,000,000. 

The Freeman College of Applied Sciences is 
founded upon a donation of about $200,000 
worth of latid by Mr. Freeman, of Inglewood. 
The building is now in course of erection. 

lion. E. F. Spence, ex-Mayor of the city, 
donated a lot of land on the corner of Sixth 
and Pearl streets, upon which there is a three- 
story building. This property, worth about 
$70,000, is to be used for the erection of the 
"Spence Observatory" of the University of 
Southern California. The trustees of this fund 
have contracted with Alvan Clark & Sons for a 
forty-inch telescope, the glasses for which ara 
now being made by M. Mantois, of Paris, who 
also made the glasses for the Lick Telescope. 

Rev. A. C. Hazard, of Downey City, has 
donated $40,000 worth of land to constitute an 
endowment fund for the post-graduate course of 
the University. 

Several other enterprises of a similar charac- 
ter are now in process of maturing, which will 
in all probability result in the establishment of 
several other colleges, constituting parts of the 
University. 

The educational course consists, first, in an 
academic course in each one of these colleges, 
designed to furnish education to the masses. 
The college course is intended to tit students 
for the pursuit of the ordinary professions and 
the higher departments of business and general 
educational work. The post-graduate course 
will be under the supervision of a faculty com- 
prising the president of the University and the 
deans of each college. Thus students desiring 
to make a specialty of any department of science 
will be enabled to continue their studies in dif- 
ferent institutions and under as many different 
instructors as they may deem advisable in order 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



to perfect them in that specialty, returning to 
this institution (the University) to pass their 
linal critical examination, and, if successful, to 
obtain tiie diploma of the University of Southern 
California as to their titness for, and mastery of, 
any specialty which they may have studied. 

Something should here be said concerning 
the plans on which the educational part of this 
successful University is conducted, especially as 
it diifers in several essential particulars from 
the systems used in almost every other similar 
institution. The plan aims specially at unity 
in arrangement and a wise division of labor. In 
dividing the labor great care is taken to place 
each subdivison in the hands of those skilled in 
that specialty. The finances, including the en- 
dowment funds, are controlled by six trustees, 
whose characters and business experience tit 
them for the responsible duties assigned them. 
They elect their own successors. This plan is 
designed to prevent schemers from* ever getting 
control of the funds, and to secure unity and 
permanency. Each trustee is made financially 
responsible for any loss to the fund in conse- 
quence of his carelessness, negligence or misap- 
propriation. The directors may bring any 
action necessary to protect or preserve the funds. 
The books and accounts are always open to 
inspection by the directors. The net income 
from the funds is used in paying the current 
expenses of the institution. The educational 
work is separated from the financial work, and 
is placed under the control of conference. Con- 
ference elects the board of directors annually, 
and this board elects the faculty, controls the 
course of study and management of the educa- 
tional work throughout. Each 'college or 
academy has also its local board of regents, who 
are annually appointed by the trustees of the 
Endowment Fund and by the board of directors. 
These boards of regents are local executive 
boards, for administering during the year the 
educational work in their locality. 

The course of study in all the colleges and 
academies and the text books are so arranged that 
the years of study run parallel, anil at any time a 



student can move from one college or academy 
to another and enter classes and studies the 
same that he left. The scheme is based upon a 
unity and continuity of plan, and a division of 
work. 

The system is cjuite novel, embracing a new 
combination which fits the institution for the 
highest degree of efficiency and adapts it to the 
wants of modern civilization. The late Bishop 
Simpson said he considered this the best planned 
and best guarded institution belonging to the 
Methodist Church. His opinion has since been 
indorsed by Bishops Wiley, Fowler and other 
leading lights of that denomination. 

The general plan and many of the details of 
work alluded to in this account are the inven- 
tions of Judge R. M. Widney, while the exe- 
cution is largely in the hands of the president, 
Rev. M. M. Bovard, D. D. 

Following is a list of names of the persons 
who constitute the boards and faculties connected 
with the University and its branch institutions: 

Trustees of the Endowment Fund of the 
University. — Hon. R. M. Widney, Hon. E. F. 
Spence, Rev. M. M. Bovard, Rev. A. M. Hough, 
Dr. J. P. Widney; G. D. Compton. 

Directors of the University. — Hon. E. F. 
Spence, Dr. H. Sinsabangh, Hon. R. M. Wid- 
ney, Rev. A. M. Hough, Rev. E. S. Chase, Rev. 
P. F. Bresee, Hon. S. C. Hnbbell, Rev. W. A. 
Knighters, Rev. T. E. Robinson, Hon. Chas. 
Maclay, Rev. R. W. C. Farnsworth. 

Associate Directors. — Ex-Governor John G. 
Downey, Hon. T. R. Bard, Rev. A. W. Bunker, 
Rev. E. S. Chase, C. H. Bradley, Rev. Charles 
Shelling. 

Officers of the Faculty.— Kef . M. M. Bovard, 
Miss Ida R. Lindiey, Prof. E. R. Shrader, Mrs. 
C. S.*Nellis. 

Trustees of the Chaffee College of Agricult- 
ure. — Rev. A. M. Hough, Hon. E. F. Spence, 
C. E. White, G. E. Compton, Dr. J. P. Wid- 
ney, Hon. R. M. Widney. 

Board of Regents of the Chaffee College of 
Agriculture.— lion. S. L. Dyar, Rev. S. J. 
Fleming, George Chaffey, W. B. Chaffee, Dr. IT. 



376 



HISTORY Or LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Sinsabaugh, Eev. T. H. Bcdkin, Rev. A. M. 
Hough, Hon. C. Maclay, Eev. R. W. C. Farns- 
worth, Hon. E. F. Spence, P. M. Green, Joseph 
Holmes. 

Principal of ChaJfeeColleye. — Prof. Randall. 

Trustees of the Maclay College of Theology. 
— Bishop C. H. Fowler, W. H. Griswold, M. 
M. Bovard, J. P. Widney, A. M. Hough, C. 
Maclay and R. M. Widney. 

Tntstees of Escondido Academy. — "Watson 
Parish, R. A. Thomas, Philip Morse, E. S. 
Chase, R. M. Widney, R. W. C. Farnsworth. 

Tntstees of the College of San Diego. — Mr. 
Grunedyke, R. A. Thomas, Philip Morse, E. S. 
Chase, A. M. Hough, R. M. Widney. 

Officers of the Alumni Association. — Rev. G. 
F. Bovard, F. E. Lacy, Mrs. M. C. Miltimore, 
Miss E. F. Walton, George Sinsahaugh. 

Conference Visiting Committee. — Rev. T. E. 
Robinson, Rev. S. S. J. Kahler, Rev. M. F. Col- 
burn, Rev. C. W. White, Rev. J. A. McMillan, 
Eev. C. Leach. 

Presiding Elders. — Rev. R. W. C. Farns- 
worth, Rev. W. Nixon, Rev. J. B. Green, Rev. 

C. H. Bolinger. 

Faculty of the College of Medicine.— Hew 
M. M. Bovard, W. C. Cochran, M. D.; Joseph 
Kurtz, M. D.; G. W. Lasher, M. D.; Walter 
Lindley, M. D.; J. H. Utley, M. U.; C. A. H. 
de Szigethy, M. D.; E. A. Foliansbee, M. D.; 
J. P. Widney, M. D.; H. Nadeau, M. D.; H. 
H. Maynard, M. D.; W. L. Wills, M. D.: H. S. 
Orme, M. D.; F. T. Bicknell, M. D.; W. B. 
Percival, M. D.; A. McFarland, M. D.; J. S. 
Baker, M. D.; A. F. Darling, M. D.; Hon. R. 
M. Widney. 

The present faculty of the University is made 
up as follows: Rev. M. M. Bovard, A^. M., 

D. D., President, Tansey Professor of Christian 
Ethics; Rev. W. S. Matthew, A. M., Dean, 
Professor of Mental and Political Science; 

E. R. Shrader, A. M., Ph. D., Registrar, Pro- 
fessor of Physics and Chemistry; Rev. C. A. 
Weaver, A. M., Professor of Mathematics; Eev. 
E. E. Watson, M. A , Professor of Modern Lan- 
guages; C. R. Gnnne, M. A., Secretary, Pro- 



fessor and Principal of University Seminary; 
Tamar Gray, A. M., Pi-ofessor of Greek; Rev. 
George A. Coe, A. M., Professorof English and 
History; E. E. Whittit, A. B., Instructor in 
Mathematics; Frank H. SuflPel, B. A., Instructor 
in Latin and Greek; Fanny Sherman, A. M., 
Preceptress, Professor of Natural History; 
Philena S. Tufts, B. S., Instructor in Prepara- 
tory Year; Etta M. White, Instructor in Draw- 
ing and Painting. 

LOS ANGELES COLLEGE. 

The preliminary steps for the organization of 
a non-sectarian Christian school for the higher 
education of girls and yonng women were taken 
in June, 1885. It was the design of the organ- 
izers ti) establish a school which in time should 
afford for our Pacific Coast what Wellesley does 
for the Eastern, — a college whose course of study 
should be full and complete in all its particulars. 

The school was opened formally on the second 
day of September, 1885, under the management 
of its president, D. W. Hanna, with an attend- 
ance of forty students, in a building erected for 
its temporary accommodation near the corner 
of Fifth and Olive streets. The building on 
the corner was occupied as the boarding depart- 
ment, and a small brick Imilding that stood there 
between as a music hall. 

The growth of the institution was rapid, and 
though many additions were made to the build- 
ings it was soon found that they could not be so 
arranged as to accommodate the numbers apply- 
ing for admission. During the summer of 
1887, stock was subscribed by a number of our 
prominent citizens, and a building erected on the 
corner of Eighth and Hope streets, at a cost of 
$62,000, including the furnishing thereof. The 
building, heated by steam and lighted by elec- 
tricity from its own electric plant, is capable of 
accommodating 100 boarding pujjils and 300 
day students. It has now in daily attendance 
over 250, with eighteen teachers. 

Two courses of study have been adopted. The 
first, or the literary course, can be completed in 
four years. It is fully as complete as that re- 



UISTOHy OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



quired by the best seminaries for yonng ladies 
and is sufficiently extensive to fit young wo'men * 
for those employments in wliich they are likely 
to be most useful. It will qualify them to be- 
come competent teachers; it will tit them to be 
intelligent members of society; it lays a solid 
foundation for future acquisitions of knowledge; 
it fits them to observe closely, to think consec- 
utively, to reason logically, and to form inde- 
pendent judgments in regard to art, science, 
literature, government, morals and religion. 

Complete philosophical apparatus enables 
instructors to give all the experiments in 
mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, 
acoustics and optics. The study of physiology 
is pursued with the aid of a skeleton, manikin 
and dissection of the different organs of the 
lower animals. A chemical laboratory enables 
the pupil to master the study of chemistry by 
tiie aid of practical experiments. Where prac- 
ticable, the classes are taken to visit and see for 
themselves the application of 4;hese principles 
in the manufacture of things of daily life. The 
mind is thus aroused to see beauties and subject 
for thought in every object of use, as well as in 
every work of nature. 

In addition to these tliere are special courses 
of study in the modern languages and music, 
upon the satisfactory completion of which suit- 
able diplomas will be given. Class lessons in 
elocution are given to the whole school. The 
time of a special teacher is devoted to this de- 
partment. Particular attention is paid to the 
principles that underlie good reading, and the 
drill is so conducted as to lead the pupils to 
apply their knowledge in reading correctly at 
sight. Regular drills in gymnastics, including 
the complete manual for free gymnastics, the 
dumb-bells and wands, are given to all the stu- 
dents. This systematic exercise is conducive to 
the perfect development of the physical being. 
All students are required to take part in this 
exercise, unless specially excused by the teacher 
in charge. 

The faculty of the institution comprises the 
following conijii'tent anil earnest educators; 



Rev. D. W. Hanna, A. JVI., President, Mental 
and Moral Sciences; Alice M. Broad well. Lady 
Principal, History; Christine Moodie, Litera- 
ture and Rhetoric; Lucy S. Hanna, Secretary; 
Mary C. Noyes, A. M., Mathematics; Prof. D. 
O. Barto, Natural Sciences ; Mary A. Roe, 
ZooL>gy and Geology; Rev. J. C. Neviii, Botany; 
Amy Saxton, Assistant Preparatory Depart- 
ment; Luisa Carver, Principal Preparatory De- 
partment; Mary Russell, Laura Moore, Primary 
Department. 

Department of Elocution. — Kate Seaver 
Downs. 

Department of Languages. — Prof. Haver- 
mann, Latin; Prof. A. P. Dietz, French; Rev. 
Charles Bransl)y, Spanish; Herr Arnold Kut- 
ner, German. 

• Department of Music. — Prof. Adolph Wil- 
hartitz. Piano, Organ, Theory and Harmony; 
Miss Bertha Butler, Voice, Piano and Har- 
mony. 

Art Department. — Mrs. C. F. Merrill. 

Alice M. Broadwell, Director of Gymnasium; 
Miss Stewart, Matron. 

Rev. D. W. PLvnna, A. M., President of Los 
Angeles College, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, 
September 20, 1886. His father, Thompson 
Hanna, was a prominent paper manufacturer of 
that place. During boyhood Mr. Hanna at- 
tended the schools of his native town and of 
Marietta, Ohio, and finally graduated at Jeffer- 
son College in 1855. For several years there- 
after he assisted his father in paper manufacture. 
Next he was ])rincipal of the public schools in 
Middletown, Ohio. Meanwhile he gave some 
attention to science, and invented vulcanized 
fiber for electric purposes, and also " leatheroid," 
a valuable device. Both these commodities are 
manufactured largely under jtatents granted to 
himself and brother. 

In 1878 Prof. Hanna resumed his educational 
work, taking charge of the young ladies' semi- 
nary at Monroe, Michigan. In 1881 he came 
to California and took charge of McDonald 
Seminary at Napa, in the fall of 188-t became 
to Los Angeles and opened Fills College, and 



HISrORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the following year established Los Angeles Col- 
lege, corner of Fifth and Olive streets. In 
Marcli, 1888, he moved the school into the 
present large and commodious building, corner 
of Eighth and Hope streets. It is a large and 
prosperous school. 

Prof. Ilanna was ordained in the ministry of 
the Presbyterian Church in Napa, California. 
He married Miss Margaret Lippincott, of Mor- 
ristown, Belmont County, Ohio. They have 
two children, namely: Lucy Stanton, who is as- 
sisting her father in school work, and Fred, now 
in college. 

Eev. S. H. Wellee, D. D., President of the 
Occidental University, was born September 9, 
1833, in Dayton, Ohio. He received his ele- 
mentary education in his native State, and gradu- 
ated in 1856, at Wittenberg College, Springtield, 
Ohio, taking the lirst honor of his class. For 
a term he had charge of the High School in 
Davenport, Iowa, and then pursued a theological 
course at a seminary, ajid for the succeeding 
twenty years he labored successfully in the min- 
istry of the Presbyterian Church. Then, after 
.serving for a short time as president of the 
Kansas City Female College, he came to the 
Golden Coast, in 1885, since which time his 
efforts have been devoted to the establishment 
of the University above mentioned. He mar- 
ried Miss Ella Eraser, of Morrison, Illinois. 
They have a son, Harold Eraser by name. 

Eev. Caklos Beansbt, Professor of Spanish 
in the Occidental University, is a native of the 
Republic of Columbia, South America. His 
father was John Bransby, Esq., a cousin of Sir 
Ashley Cooper, the eminent English surgeon, 
and his mother, Seilora Doiia Ana Gomez, a 
lady of pure Castilian extraction. He was born 
in the city of Bogota, and received his early 
preparatory and Spanish education in his native 
place, completing the course in the higher 
schools. In 1870 he came to North America 
and entered the New Jersey State Normal 
School, where he graduated the following year. 
In the fall of 1871 he entered Lafayette College 
at Easton, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his 



studies three years, taking a full classical course. 
• In 1874 he entered Union Theological Semi- 
nary, New York, and graduated in 1877. He 
spent the following winter on a lecturing tour; 
then he came to Missouri to take charge of the 
Presbyterian churches of De Soto and Ironton, 
and was ordained at the latter place in April, 
1879. In the fall of the same year he accepted 
a call to the Presbyteriai. Churcii of Kinsley, 
Kansas, where he remained till the close of 
1881. On January 1, 1882, he arrived in the 
Golden State, and engaged in ministerial work 
until 1886, since which time he has devoted his 
time and attention, almost exclusively, to edu- 
cational interests and literary pursuits. 

Prof. Bransby has translated into the Spanish 
language Ryle's Expository Thoughts, also the 
American Tract Society's text-book and other 
religious works, and written the Second Spanish 
Book of the "Worman series, published by A. S. 
Barnes & Co. He has also contributed articles 
on educational subjects to the Colombian papers, 
and is a contributor to La America, an able 
Spanish weekly published in New York; to JEl 
Faro, of the city of Mexico, and to other secu- 
lar and religious papers. 

THE I.OS ANGELES BAPTIST UNIVEESITV. 

This flourishing young institution of learn- 
ing is, as its name implies, the representative 
seat of advanced education of the Baptist de- 
nomination in Southern California; and, judg- 
ing the future by the past, it is destined to soon 
become one of the leading great centers of 
learning on the Pacific Coast. At the annual 
meeting of the Baptist Association held in San 
Diego, in 1883, the subject of the need of a 
Baptist College in Southern California was first 
presented. At the meeting of the association, • 
held in Los Angeles, in 1884, the matter came 
prominently before that body and the discussion 
of it consumed a large part of the session. It 
was shown that, although this great Christian 
society had a college in the northern part of 
the State, yet, being separated from this by 500 
miles distance and intervening mountain ranges, 



HISTORY OF LOS ASOBLEi COUNTY. 



with the attendant expense and loss of time in 
travelincp, rendered it impracticable for the ma- 
jority of students living in Southern California 
to attend it; that the rapid increase of popula- 
tion of a cosmopolitan character, who need the 
moral stimulus of a Christian college in their 
midst, and the future promise and great proba- 
bilities of this Italy of America made the 
founding of such a school of imperative im- 
portance. An affirmative decision being reached, 
and Los Angeles ciiosen as the most appropriate 
location for the University, several propositions 
were received to furnish a site for it. Tiie one 
offered by John S. Maltman and (i. H. Shatto, 
embracing fifteen acres of choice land contigu- 
ous to the western city limits, for a campus, 
and ten city lots besides, as a donation, was ac- 
cepted, and preparations were made to build. 
The corner-stone of the University building 
was laid February 3, 1887, • and it was com- 
pleted in time to open school the next fall. It 
is a substantial and ornate structure — of brick 
with stone trimmings — four stories high, in- 
cluding basement, and cost $25,000. The rooms 
are large, well lighted, airy and inviting, ad- 
mirably adapted to the purposes for which they 
were designed. It stands near the middle of 
the campus, comprising nearly sixteen acres, 
on the apex of a gently sloping eminence, 
which commands a charming view of ocean, 
plain and snow-capped mountain peaks of the 
Sierra Madre, composing a landscape unsur- 
passed in picturesque beauty, while the fresh 
mountain breezes in the morning and the in- 
vigorating wave-kissed breezes from the Pacific 
in the afternoon render the climate delightful 
and healthful. The ladies' dormitory is a two- 
story frame structure, standing a few rods to 
tlie west of the main building, and contains 
twenty-five bay-window rooms, very commo- 
dious and pleasant. 

The first term of school opened September 
14, 1887, with Dr. William Shelton, LL.D., as 
president. At the close of the first college 
year Dr. Slielton resigned, and on July 15, 
18S8, Rev. J. il. lieider was electo.l his suc- 



by an unanimous vote of the board. 
President Reider consented to accept the 
proffered honor on condition that he should 
have financial as well as literary control of the 
institution. On assuming charge, he infused 
new life and vigor into the young University. 
During the first year of his management he 
raised $6,000 outside of the regular income and 
paid off the indebtedness incurred the year 
previous; and the attendance increased so that 
two new teachers were added to the faculty, 
making eleven instructors. The educational 
facilities of the University were enlarged and 
improved, so that the curriculum of studies is 
as full and comprehensive as that of the East- 
ern colleges and universities; and comprises 
classical and scientific courses, as well as a com- 
plete conservatory course in music, and a course 
in art. The attendance in 1889 is 107 students, 
and the total enrollment since the opening of 
the University is 225. Within the past year 
large accessions have been made to the Univer- 
sity library; the campus has been nicely graded 
and over 900 ornamental trees have been planted 
on the grounds, besides shfubbery. The insti- 
tution is free from debt and has property of 
* $100,000 in value. A large sum will be raised 
the present year for an endowment fund; and the 
board of trustees are making provisions for erect- 
ing anotlier and still larger University building. 
President J. II. Reider was born in Woos- 
ter, Ohio, July 6, 1848, is descended from 
German ancestry and belongs to a family of 
ministers, five cousins being preachers, and Dr. 
Reider, the distinguished clergyman, late of 
Chicago, was an uncle of his. Being a mem- 
ber of a family of eight children, he, from 
choice, and with his father's consent, started 
out to earn his own living at sixteen years of 
age, and supported himself through college, 
chiefly by teaching. He took a classical course 
in Denton University, graduating with honors; 
and before leaving college accepted a call to 
preach in Columbia City, Indiana. During his 
five years of ministerial labors there the cliurch 
grew from a memhcrsliip of twenty to 150. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



His next charge was at Bluffton, where he re- 
mained eight years; and by excessive labor 
injured his health, preaching in one instance 
113 sermons in 113 evenings, during a series 
of revival meetings, and riding three and five 
miles alternately to his appointments. In 
obedience to urgent recommendations of phjsi 
cians he resigned; and, with a view to seeking 
a milder climate, removed to Winfield, Kansas, 
taking pastoral charge of a prosperous church, 
which had one of the finest church edifices in 
the State. After two years and three months 
of successful work there, the failing health of 
his daughter demanded a change, and in April, 
1887, he came with his family to Southern 
California, accepting a call the same month to 
the Baptist Church of Monrovia, where, during 
the year of his pastoral work, before resigning 
to accept the presidency of the University, he 
increased the membership of the church from 
twenty-five to 164, and built a house of w-orship. 
Mr. Keider is a polished, thrilling speaker, 
his masterly eloquence having won for him in 
the East the title of "golden-tongued orator." 
In the fourteen years of his public ministry he 
baptized into the church 856 persons. Before 
being ordained for the ministry, he was joined 
in marriage with Miss McLoud, of Columbus, 
Ohio, on June 11, 1872. Of their two chil- 
dren, one died in infancy. Lenella G., their 
living daughter, is a bright, promising miss of 
twelve years, who, when they brought her to 
California, was threatened with catarrhal con- 
sumption, and was scarcely able to walk, but 
now enjoys robust health. 

IICCIDENTAL UNIVERSITY. 

The principal building of this institution is 
a fine three-story brick structure on a beautiful 
slope just east of the city of Los Angeles, be- 
tween First and Second streets. The view from 
this point in every direction is magnificent. 
School was opened here in 1888. The prepara- 
tory department is the old McPherron Academy, 
at No. 526 South Grand avenue, which was [ 
opened September 28, 1886, by A. S. and J. M. i 



McPherron, as a boarding and day school for 
boys, and which is now named the Occidental 
Academy. Both boys and girls are of cour^ 
admitted to the University. 

Corps of instructors in the University: Rev. 
S. II. Weller, D. D., President and Professor of 
Moral Science and Mental Philosophy ; J ohn Mc- 
Pherron, A. M., Vice-President and Professor of 
Mathematics; Kev. J. W. Parkhill, A. M., An- 
cient Languages; Mrs. L. M. Stevens, Special 
Teacher in Latin and Instructor in Elocution; 
Rev. John A. Gordon, D. D., English Literature 
and Belles-lettres; Mrs. Laura A.Dunlap, Gram- 
mar Department; Rev. Carlos Bransby, A. M., 
Modern Languages; Miss Asbury Kent, Piano 
and Class Instruction in Voice Culture; Miss 
Kate Eraser, Painting and Drawing; Mrs. J. 
M. McPherron, Matron. 

The instructors in the Academy are: Rev. S. 
H. Weller, D. D., President; Horace A. Brown, 
A. M.. Principal; General C. W. Adams, Mathe- 
matics; Rev. J. W. Parkhill, A. M., Ancient 
Languages; Mrs. H. A. Brown, Primary School; 
Miss Asbury Kent, Piano and Class Instruction 
in Vocal Music; Miss Kate Eraser, Painting and 
Drawing; Mrs. Emma H. Adams, Matron. 

ELLIS COLLKOE. 

This institution is located on " College Hill," 
in the western part of the city, being accessible 
from the business center by cable-cars of the 
Second- street line. The building is fairly well 
adapted to college purposes, and is surrounded 
by well-kept grounds which command a lovely 
view of mountain and valley scenery. The 
course of study comprises thorough training in 
tlie various English branches, in ancient and 
modern languages, and in music, painting and 
oratory. The preparatory department has been 
graded to cover a period of five years. The art 
department, under the management of a resident 
teacher, is one of the strong features of the in- 
stitution. The fundamental principles of voice- 
building, expressive reading and systematic 
physical training form an important part of the 
regular school work. 




i_X^'U'&^ 



ay l_y^<-'^^-'^_,^^ 



LAL School. jjOSAMGELas 'Jal 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



The faculty of the college is made up as fol- 
lows: Henry Ludlam, B. E., President, Voice 
Culture and Expressive Reading; Mrs. Henry 
Ludlam, Preceptress, Phonics, Physical Training 
and Gesture; Emily A. Rice, Literature, Rhetoric 
and History; Alice E. Stillman, Mathematics; 
Ora Poring, Natural and Rational Sciences; Es- 
sie H. Junkin, Preparatory; Marie L. Cobb, 
Piano; Julia A- Long, Vocal Music; E. A. Rice, 
Art; M. L. Cobb, Modern Languages. 

ST. Vincent's college. 

Among the numerous and prosperous educa- 
tional institutions is St. Vincent's College, lo- 
cated on South Grand avenue and Washington 
street. It is a chartered institution, conducted 
by the priests of St. Vincent's Parish. The 
course of studies is classical, scientific and com- 
mercial, comprising all the branches usually 
taught in colleges. The. modern languages, 
Spanish, German and French, receive special 
attention. The college buildings are commo- 
dious and well equipped. There are good 
accommodations for boarding pupils in the 
institution. 

The officers of the college are: Very Reverend 
A. G. Meyer, President; Rev. M. Dyer, Profes- 
sor of Logic, Metaphysics, Higher Mathematics 
and Ancient Languages; Rev. L. P. Landry, 
Professor of Physics, Chemistry and English; 
Rev. J. Cooney, Professor of the Commercial 
Department; Rev. J. J. Murray, Professor of 
English Literature, Rhetoric and History ; Rev. F. 
X. Antill, Professor of English and Mathemat. 
ics; Professor Fernandez, Teacher of Sjjanish; J. 
Murphy, of Primary Department. 

rATHKOKAL SCHOOL. 

This, a parochial school, organized in 1880, 
for both sexes, is located on South Los Angeles 
street, between Second and Third streets, and is 
conducted by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. 
The builditig, of brick, is new and commodious. 
A board inir-school for young ladies is coniiecteil 



with the institution. The average attendance at 
the Cathedral School is about 300. 

Ira More, Principal of the State Normal 
School at Los Angeles, was born in Parsons- 
field, York County, Maine, May 20, 1829. He 
is of early New England stock, his great-grand-' 
father, John More, who lost his life fighting the 
Indians in the war of 1756, being one of the 
early settlers of Scarboro, Maine. His grand- 
father, also John More, was the first settler of 
Parsonsfield, and served in the Revolutionary 
army about Boston from before Bunker Hill 
until the British were driven out; and afterward 
served in New York. The young lad Ira was 
early inured to hard work in the flinty New 
England fields, a training which afterward did 
him excellent service; for both father and 
mother died before he was twelve, and the 
property left him being soon squandered by in- 
competent management on the part of those 
having it in charge, he found himself truly in 
a "parlous state, shepherd." However, with a 
courage born of blissful ignorance, not knowing 
the certain dangers and the hai'd struggle of 
life, nor the laws of "natural selection" and 
"survival of the fittest," he faced the situation 
as well as he could, and took up the work which 
his hands found to do. 

He went to Massachusetts in the early spring 
of 1847, and graduated at the State Normal 
School at Bridgewater, at Christmas, 1849; 
afterward taught in the same school, and in 
Hingham, Milton, and Newburyport; graduated 
in the scientific department of Yale College in 
1855; was elected first assistant of the Chicago 
High School in 1856, and helped to organize 
that institution, taking special charge of the city 
Normal School which was placed in connection 
with it. Mindful of his duty to his native 
place, he returned to his early home for a wife, 
marrying Lucy C. Drew, April 16, 1857. They 
are still walking the "long path" together. In 
1857 Mr. More was elected to the mathematical 
department of the State Normal University at 
Bloomington, Illinois. "In the summer of 18()1 
he enlisted in the Thirtv-tliird Regiment 111!- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



iiois Infantry, saw three years of liard service, 
the siege and capture of Vicksbiirg being one 
of the campaigns. Resigned as Captain of 
Company G, in the summer of 1864, broken in 
health by the malaria of the Western Louisiana 
bayous; removing to Minnesota in the spring 
of 1865, he was Professor of Mathematics in 
the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis in 
1867-'69. In the latter year he was elected 
principal of the Minnesota State Normal School 
at St. Cloud. Migrated to California in 1875; 
was principal of the San Diego public schools, 
1875-'76; taught in the State Normal School 
at San Jose, 1876-'83, since which time he has 
been principal of the State Normal School at 
Los Angeles. 

Few men still in the work have so long a 
public-school record. Of the thirty-nine years 
since he began teaching, thirty have been de- 
voted to the school-room; and of these, twenty- 
five years have been given to normal-school 
work. A frank, outspoken manner, and a fear- 
lessness in putting down factious opposition, 
have sometimes made him enemies, who have, 
however, usually become friends on knowing 
him better. He is growing old in the comfort- 
able belief that the world is growing better, and 
that the position and treatment a man receives 
in this life are, on the average, as good as he 
deserves. 

C. J. Flatt, Vice-Principal of the State Nor- 
mal School at Los Angeles, is a native of the 
State of New York. Most of his life has been 
passed in the school-room, having been engaged 
in teaching twenty-five years, a greater portion 
of the time in this State. Few teachers are 
more widely known in California. His pupils 
may now be met in every section of the State, 
engaged in her various industries, and bearing 
evidence of the efHcieney of his instruction. 

Mr. Flatt's early education was received from 
the public schools of his town, and from an 
academy in a neighboring village. He engaged 
in the study of medicine, but teaching school 
from time to time to jiay e.xpt'iises, he was so 
well pleased with tiio work that he determined 



to fit himself for teaching as a life pursuit. 
Normal schools at that time were something 
new. New York State had recently established 
at Albany her first school of this kind, and each 
county was entitled to nominate a certain num- 
ber of pupils. The young man sought and re- 
ceived a nomination to this school, which was 
fortunately presided over by the celebrated edu- 
cator, D. P. Page, whose influence. rarely failed 
to create in his pupils an enthusiasm for the 
pursuit in which they were to engage. After 
graduating, he taught some time, when, feeling 
the necessity of wider culture, he entered the 
Genesee Wesleyan College, where his scholastic 
course ended. After teaching again some time 
in his native State, he emigrated to this coast. 
Here he engaged in mining till an opportunity 
was offered him at Benicia to commence his 
school work again. 

In 1857 he established at Benicia the Collegi- 
ate Institute, which for some years was the lead- 
ing boarding school of the State. Its growth 
led to its incorporation as the Benicia College. 
During the eleven years that Professor Flatt 
was at the head of this institution, it enjoyed a 
high degree of prosperity. The college finally 
passed under the control of the Episcopal 
Church, and Mr. Flatt resigned and moved to 
San FrancisiCo. 

When the Branch State Normal School was 
located in Los Angeles, Mr. Flatt was appointed 
vice-principal, and sent to organize it. He has 
remained in the school since, filling tiie duties 
of a proiessor of mathematics, and largely iden- 
tified with the eminent success of that valuable 
institution. 

Professor Flatt married. Miss Mary Verhavre, 
daughter of Dr. Verhavre, of Oakland, Cali- 
fornia. 

Melville Dozier, Professor of Physics and 
Book-keeping in the State Normal School, Los 
Angeles, was born in Georgetown, South Caro- 
lina, May 22, 1846, and received his education 
at the State Military Academy and at Furman 
University, in his native State. In 1868 he 
emigrated to California and engaged in teach- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLBS COUNTY. 



iug in Solano County for two years and in the 
State of Nevada two years. In 1874 he was 
elected principal of the High Scliool at Santa 
Kosa, and he held that position ten years; and 
in 1884 was elected to the Chair of Physics in 
the State Normal School at Los Angeles, and 
since then he has been zealous in its interests- 
Yery few teachers have had so long an ex- 
perience on the Pacific Coast. 

Prof. Dozier married Miss Elizabeth W. Ed- 
wards, daughter of Prof. P. C. Edwards, of 
Furman University, South Carolina. They have 
one son, by name Melville, Jr. 

C. K. GuNNE, Professor of English and His- 
tory in the University of Southern California, 
is a native of Canada, and a son of the late Rev. 
John Guniie, Kector of Florence. Born Decem- 
ber 10, 1855, he was educated at Ilellmuth Col- 
lege, London, and at the University of Trinity 
College, Toronto, where he graduated in 1876. 
He was afterward a head master of High Schools 
in Ontario. Li 1886, on account of the ill health 
of his wife, he came to tiie Golden State, and 
in 1887 accepted his present position. He is 
secretary of the University, and zealous and 
efficient in its interests. He has given special 
attention also to the study of ihe cultivated 
languages and of mineralogy. 

Prof. Gunne married Miss M. S. Suft'el, of St. 
Thomas, Ontario, Canada, and they have two 
children. 

Edwin Kuthven Shradek, Professor of Phys- 
ics and Chemistry in the University of South- 
ern California, was born in Wood County, Ohio, 
May 15, 1841. His parents, John and Marga- 
ret Shrader, were among the pioneer settlers of 
the Western Reserve, and the thriving town of 
Fostoria now occupies a part of the old home 
farm. Prof. Shrader received his academic ed- 
ucation at Hedding Seminary, Abingdon, Knox 
County, Illinois, then two years at Genesee Col- 
lege, Lima, New York, and finally, in 1871, 
graduated at the Northwestern University, Evans- 
ton, Illinois, receiving the degree of A. B., and 
in due time that of A. M. He then acted as 
assistant j>rofessor of y)hysics and chemistry in 



the latter institution until 1876, when he was 
elected to the chair of natural science at Chad- 
dock College, Quincy, Illinois; subsequently he 
was elected superintendent of schools for Mt. 
Sterling, Brown County, Illinois, which position 
he held five years. In 1885, on account of the 
ill health of his wife, he came to Califoraia and 
directly became connected with the University 
in which he now holds a chair. He is the 
"senior professor" in this institution. In June, 
1888, he received the degree of Doctor of Phi- 
losophy from Mallieu University at Bartley, 
Nebraska. 

In 1874 Prof. Shrader was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Eva Mattison, of Evanston, 
Illinois. She is a daughter of S. A. Mattison, 
Esq., noiv a prominent citizen of Los Angeles, 
and for more than a quarter of a century one of 
the most prominent and successful insurance 
men in the United States. Prof, and Mrs. Shra- 
der have three children, namely: Edwin Roscoe, 
Ada May and Sarah Etliel. 

Mrs. C. p. Beadfield, Principal of Drawing 
in the public schools of Los Angeles. Among 
those who have been prominently identified 
with educational interests in the public schools 
of this city, the subject of this notice is worthy 
of special mention. She is a native of Ver- 
mont; received her education in New York, 
and completed her studies under the tuition of 
Miss Jeffi-ies, who for many years has enjoyed 
a wide reputation throughout the country as a 
teacher of drawing. Mrs. Bradfiuld came to 
Los Angeles in 1873, since which time she has 
been teaching in the schools and universities. 
In 1880 she was appointed principal of drawing 
in all the public schools of the city, which 
position she has since held, giving entire satis- 
faction.' She is an enthusiast in her favorite 
calling; and the high standard attained by the 
pupils in this department of study gives ample 
evidence of the qualifications and earnestness of 
their teacher. Indeed, it is not too much to say 
that in no department of the public schools is 
so much care taken and ambition manifested. 
She visits all the schools at least once a month. 



284 



HIHTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



instructs the teachers and sees that the work is 
properly done. 

The course in drawing is systematically graded 
throughout the city, and is taught in all the 
scliool grades. It comprises lessons in object 
and working drawings, drafts for models and 
patterns, drawing to a scale, designs for floral 
and surface decorations of all sorts, for carpets, 
oil-cloths, table-cloths and other textile fabrics, 
wall paper, wood carving, mantels, tiles, vases, 
dishes, historical ornaments, etc., etc. In floral 
decorations the designs are drawn from nature. 
The principles of shading are also taught in 
connection with all this work. The school- 
rooms throughout the city are supplied with 
sets of models. No better work is done in the 
West, if even in the United States. 

Mrs. Bradfield is the compiler of a neat 
series of drawing blanks, with instructions, 
just published by that celebrated school-book 
publishing house, A. S. Barnes & Co., of New 
York. 

Miss Maria E. Murdoch, Principal of the 
Breed Street Public School of Los Angeles, has 
been connected with the educational interests of 
Los Angeles since 1883. For three years she 
was in the Normal Training School, and was 
then appointed teacher in the Breed Street School. 
For the past three years she has acceptably tilled 
that position. She is a native of California. 
Miss Murdoch j'eceived her education in this 
State, and is a graduate of the San Jose Normal 
Scliool. 

Miss E. P. Mykick, Principal of the San 
Pedro Street School, is a native of New York 
State. After graduating at the State Normal 
School at Bufi'alo, she taught public school in 
that city for a time, and in 1886 came to Cali- 
fornia. For the past two years she has been 
connected with the public schools of Los An- 
geles, and has been in her present p isition one 
year and a half. 

G. D. IIowLAND, Principal of the Sand Street 
Public School, Los Angeles, is a son of Gardner 
Howland, and was born in Troy, New York, 
February 10, 1861. lie received his element- 



ary education in the schools of his native town, 
and in 1874 came with his parents to Los An- 
geles. Here, after graduating at the High 
School, he took a two years' course in the Uni- 
versity of Southern California. Next, he taught 
school four years, a portion of this time as 
principal of the schools at Wilmington, this 
county, and Anally, since 1887, he has had his 
present position. 

Miss Jeannj: Ross, Principal of the Macy 
Street School, Los Angeles, is a native of Pictou, 
Nova Scotia. Her parents, William and Isa- 
bella Ross, were both experienced teachers, and 
she enjoyed excellent educational advantages 
and completed her studies in the Normal School. 
She emigrated to California in 1872 and engaged 
in teaching in Napa County and in San Fran- 
cisco until 1882, when she came here and taught 
two years in East Los Angeles. For the past 
five years she has tilled her present position, 
above mentioned. 

Miss Vesta Olmstead, Principal of the Eighth 
Street Public School, Los Angeles, is a native 
of California. Her father, S. H. Olmstead, was 
a native of the State of New York, and came 
to California in 1852. Her mother, also a 
native of the Empire State, came to the coast in 
i 1862, and engaged in teaching. Miss Olmstead 
received her early education in the public schools, 
and completed her school career at the State 
Normal School here and at a business and com- 
mercial college in San Francisco. In 1887 she 
was employed to teach in the Eighth Street 
School in this city, and the following year was 
appointed to her present position. 

Miss Addie C. Murray, Principal of Amelia 
Street School, Los Angeles, has been engaged 
in teaching in the city public, schools since 1882. 
Seven teachers are employed in this school be- 
sides herself, and there are 860 pupils on the 
roll. Miss Murray is a native of New York 
State. Her education was received in Minne- 
sota, where she graduated at the Normal School. 
Since completing her education she has had a 
large experience in teaching. 

Miss A. Weiinick, teaciicr of music an 1 Ian- 



HISTOHY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



guages, Maple avenue, near Twelfth street, Los 
Angeles, is a native of Southern Germany, 
where she received her literary education, in- 
cluding a course in French and Italian. Having 
from early childhood evinced a taste for music, 
she was given opportunity for developing her 
talents, with especial regard to piano music, in 
Germany, and to the mandolin in Italy. In 
November, 1887, the family emigrated about a 
third of the way round the globe, alighting in 
this favored spot, whither the only son had come 
two years previously. Since that time Miss 
"Werner has been successfully engaged in teach- 
ing piano and mandolin music and the German, 
French and Italian languages. 

Miss Janet IIendekson, Principal of the 
Ilellman Street Public School, has been con- 
nected with the scliools of the city of Los An- 
geles for the past live years. She is a native of 
Nevada County, this State, where her parents, 
Alexander and Mary (Archibald) Henderson, 
are still living. They are natives of Scotland, 
and came to this State in 1853. Miss Hender- 
son graduated at the State Normal School at 
San Jose, and, coming to Los Angeles in 1884, 
she took charge of the Pearl Street School the 
first year, the Griffin Avenue School in East 
Los Angeles the second year, the Hellman 
Street School the third year, the school on Pine 
street the fourth year, and the present year of 
the Ilellman Street School again, the school 
year closing in July, 1889. Here she has ten 
assistant teachers, and 450 to 500 scholars in 
attendance. 

Miss L. F. Keller, Principal of the Mont- 
gomery Street School, Los Angeles, has been 
connected with the schools of this city since 
1883. She was assistant principal of the Sand 
Street Scliool when it was located where the 
new court-house now stands; then had charge 
of the primary department of the Castelar Street 
School, and during the past year was appointed 
to her present position as princial of the Mont- 
gomery Street Public School. Miss Keller is a 
native of California. Her father, John W. 
Keller, is one of the early pioneers of the Pacitic 



Coast. Miss Keller attended school in San 
Francisco, and completed her education at the 
State Normal School at San Jose. 

A. J. Stamm, Professor of Music, 118 East 
Fifth street, Los Angeles, was born in Germany, 
January 27, 1849, and began the systematic 
study of music during his early childhood. His 
father, although in good circumstances, desired 
him to cultivate habits of economy and thrift, 
and accordingly, during his boyhood, earned 
and saved his money to assist in defraying his 
expenses, as for a number of years he pursued 
his musical studies. He was in the army four 
years, connected with the band, and also played 
in the Eoyal Opera in Hanover. In 1874 he 
emigrated hither to the greater land of oppor- 
tunity, engaged in teaching, and was organist 
in churches for several years. Going to Bing- 
hamton. New York, he taught music there in 
the schools; likewise in Amsterdam, that State, 
three years; then a like period of time in Al- 
bany, same State, as teacher and organist; and 
finally, in 1885, he came to Los Angeles. Here 
he has been engaged in teaching and conducting 
singing societies, taking a leading position in 
musical matters. He was organist at the 
Cathedral two years. 

In 1877 Prof. Stamm married Miss Margaret 
A. Veith, a native of Mayence, Germany. 
They have one son: Julius G. 

Fred Bornemann, Professor of Music, Los 
Angeles, was born in Prussia, at the foot of the 
Brockenberg Ilarz Mountains, April 18, 1842, 
and at an early age he begun the study of music 
in Berlin. In 1871 he came to America and 
for several years made New York his home. 
During this time he made a trip to South Amer- 
ica with an opera troupe. After his return lie 
sang in all the principal cities of the United 
States, East, West and South. Coming to Cali- 
fornia in 1876, he accepted a position in a San 
Francisco opera troupe and went with it to old 
Mexico and South America, including Chili. 
Returning to San Francisco, he built the Oak- 
land Opera House and opened it. Next he as- 
sumed the management of Winter Garden in 



IIISI'ORY OF LOS ANOEl ES COUNTY. 



San Francisco. He took the part of the " Friend " 
in the opera "Satanella;" was next engaged for 
same part in the Standard Theater in New 
York; then in McCanl's Opera Company, sing- 
ing with it in all the large cities in this conntry; 
and afterward went to Germany and studied 
the best methods of voice culture in Berlin for 
a year and a half. Eeturning to America he 
sang again in opera. Managed for a season tlie 
McCaul Opera Troupe at the Spanish fort in 
New Orleans. He was stage manager in 
English Opera for several years and always was 
successful, also, as singer and actor in his part. 
In 1887 he came to Los Angeles and asso- 
ciated himself with Prof. Stamm and since then 
has been engaged in teaching music, giving 
vocal and dramatic lessons. 

A. G. Gaedner, organist and professor of 
music, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, Au- 
gust 30, 1847. His father was a professor of 
music, his mother was a musician, and his 
grandfather was also a professor of music. He 
well inherited his taste for music. When five 
years of age his parents emigrated to America 
and settled at Lebanon, in Lebanon County, 
Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in 
teaching. He began the study of music, ap- 
plying himsely closely for three years, taking 
leiBons on the violin and organ. The family all 
being of a musical turn, his parents traveled all 
over the United States, giving family concerts. 
The subject of this sketch attracted wide atten- 
tion as the "great boy violinist" when only 
nine years old, and challenged the world. Upon 
he breaking out of the Rebellion, they were 
living in New Orleans, and he and his father 
enlisted in the United States army, in which his 
father was the leader of a band, and the young 
professor taught the boys. After liis discharge 
he engaged in teaching in New Orleans, and 
taught the violin, piano, accordeon, guitar, flute 
and clarionet, being familiar with all those 
musical instruments. 

While living in New Orleans, Prof. Gardner 
was united in marriage with Mrs. Barbara 
Yom Hofe, widow of Gnstave Vom Hofe, a 



piano-maker in that city. Her maiden name 
was Miss Grunnwald, and she was a native of 
Bavaria, Germany. Her father was a school- 
teacher and prominent musician and organist. 
He received an extra pension from the Govern- 
ment and the protection of the King, and had 
letters from bis majesty. Prof, and Mrs. Gard- 
ner remained in New Orleans and were promi- 
nently identified with musical interests there 
until January, 1887, when they came to Los 
Angeles, and since then he has been engaged in 
teaching music, on the piano, organ, violin, 
guitar, cornet and flute, and also in giving les- 
sons in voice culture. He is also organist at 
the Cathedral, and is a composer of music. 
Mrs. Gardner, too, is an accomplished musician, 
having an excellent voice; has sung in church 
choirs ever since she was eight years old, and 
is now alto leader in the Cathedral choir. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have six children, all 
of whom inherit the musical tastes of their 
parents. Marie played organ in church when 
but fourteen years old; Edward, violinist and 
pianist, is now organist in New Orleans, where 
his father was, in Notre Dame Church (French 
Catholic), on Jackson street, near Magazine 
street: his choir and music are supreme; Eliza, 
sopranist; Louis, who has a remarkably good 
bass voice; Cecelia, who has a fine voice, is 
studying piano and violin; and Aloys is a prom- 
ising violinist. 

C. S. DeL.^no, Professor of Music, Los An- 
geles, is a native of Wisconsin, being born in 
the town of Ripon, that State, October 6, 1863, 
a son of J. S. and Harriet H. De Lano, natives 
of the State of New York; graduated at the 
State University at Madison in 1886; pursued 
his musical studies on the guitar under the in- 
struction of Prof. Hancock, of New York, and 
engaged in teaching in Racine, Madison and 
other places. Coming to Los Angeles in 1886, 
he engaged in teaching music. He organized 
the Arion and Mandolin Club. More recently 
he has organized the Arion Quintette, which 
has since become prominent in musical circles. 
He is a thorough student in his profession, and 



IlISTOUY OF LOS ANOELEti COUNTY. 



has coiiipoeed many pieces of excellence. Is a 
member of tiie musical facultj of the Los An- 
geles College, teaclung the guitar in that popu- 
lar school for young ladies. 

Prof. De Laiio was married February 1, 1887, 
to Miss Myrtie Coburn, of Oconto, Wisconsin.' 
Pkof. G. W. Hersee, Professor of Music, 
Los Angeles, was born in the State of Maine, 
May 2, 1842, and is a son of Samuel S. and 
Ptelief (Dyer) Hersee. After attending the 
common schools during boyhood, he pursued 
his preparatory studies and enttred Amherst 
College, where he completed his education. He 
studied medicine at Bowdoin College, and after 
practicing his profession a short time gave his 
attention to the study of music. His mother 
was a great lover of music, and had a very un- 
usual voice; and he developed a taste for music 
at an early age. He pursued his m usieal studies 
in Boston, at the New England Conservatory of 
Music, and was afterward engaged in teaching, 
and for many years conducted musical conven 
tions in cities and towns throughout the Eastern 
States, and also in Illinois, Wisconsin and Min- 
nesota and other Western States. He came to 
Calilornia in 1887, and since then has been 
identified with the musical interests of Los 
Angeles and Southern California. 

He has also a decided talent for literature 
and has written many stories for Eastern liter- 
ary syndicates. "Hello, Central!" was pro- 
nounced by the McClure syndicate to be one of 
the best stories of its class ever written. He 
has also nearly completed a book of 250 manu- 
script pages entitled, " The Strange Story of the 
Last Man on Earth." 

In 1877 Prof. Hersee was united in marriage 
with Miss Anna E. Geran, a native of JSfew 
York City. They have one daughter, Grace. 

M. S. Akevalo, Professor of Music and one 
of tiie leading guitarists on this coast, now 
of Los Angeles, was born in Guadala.vara, 
Mexico, July 5, 1843, attended school during 
his boyhood, and at the age of fifteen years be- 
gan the study of music. I„ 1870 he came to 
California and taught music in San Francisco 



two years. In 1872 he came to Los Angeles to 
giv^^ncerts; and on the solicitation of friends 
he located here and has since been successfully 
engaged in the practice of his favorite profes- 
sion; he has been prominently identified with 
the musical interests of the city generally. 
For a. long time he was a singer lor various 
churches here. He was an efficient worker in 
the establishment of the Spanish newspaper. La 
Chronic, and was connected with it for several 
years. 

SiGNOE Caklo MoDiNi, music teacher, Los 
Angeles, is a native of Illinois. He inherited 
his taste for music from his father, who was a 
singer but made no pretentions to musical cult- 
ure. From early childhood Sig. Modini ex- 
hibited great fondness for music, and all the 
friends and acquaintances of the family advised 
his parents to give him a musical education. 
Accordingly, while very young he commenced 
the study of music in New York; but in order 
to complete his course lie went to Italy and 
pursued liis studies under Lamperti, the most 
noted vocal teacher of the nineteenth century. 
He afterward sang at various points in Italy, 
France, the islands of Java and Ceylon, Egypt^ 
India and Australia, making a tour of the world.' 
Peturning to America, he stopped in New York 
City; but the severity of the climate so aflected 
his voice that he came and settled in Los An- 
geles, where he is a leading singer and teacher 
ot music. 

Henry Ludi.am, Professor of Elocution, Los 
Angeles, is a native of New Jersey. He was 
born July 25, 1857, and during his early boy- 
hood his parents removed with him to Philadel- 
phia, where he received his early education. 
Afterward he attended the Hackettstown, New 
Jersey, Institute, and then the National School 
of Oratory at Philadeli)hia, in which he gradu- 
ated. After teaching elocution in several 
schools and colleges, he was elected to the Chair 
of Voice Culture and Expressive Reading in the 
National School just mentioned, which position 
he sustained until January, 1887, when, on 
account of his wife's ill health, he emigrated to 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COifNTY. 



this State. In September, 1888, he was called 
to the Chair of Elocution in the University of 
Southern California. He took charge of Ellis 
College for a time, and since then has devoted 
his entire attention to the organization of a 
school of oratory and arts. 

Miss Kittie Richards, Teacher of Elocution, 
Los Angeles, is a native of Illinois. Her par- 
ents, William II. and Mary L. Richards, were 
for many years residents of Palatine, one of the 
suburbs of Chicago, and in 1879 removed in 
the city to enable Miss Richards to pursue her 
elocutionary studies. She entered the Chicago 
School of Oratory, and graduated in March, 
1888, after which she came to Los A.ngeles and 
engaged in teaching. She has a large class and 
is very thorough in her work, and a brilliant 
future awaits her. 

Miss L. E. Garden, Principal of the School 
of Art and Design, Ramona, corner of Spring 
and Third streets, Los Angeles, is a native of 
London, England, and a daughter of English 
parents, Robert Spring and Louisa Garden. 
She began the study of art at seven years of age. 
Having obtained the highest diploma and prizes 
awarded by the South Kensington School of 
Art, she exhibited a picture at the Royal 
Academy, London, at the age of sixteen; it 
attracted much attention, and sold at a high 
price. Encouraged by this marked success, she 
went to Germany, where she studied several 
years under the best masters. After the com- 
pletion of her studies, she taught nine years 
in the celebrated London Art. School. Her quiet 
and unassuming manner covers a deep enthusi- 
asm for her art. Her methods of teaching have 
that old-world thoroughness and patience which 
are the only solid foundation of success. Miss 
Garden's school in Los Angeles was established 
in May, 1887, and is becoming widely and 
most favorably known. Doubtless it will event- 
ually be one of the leading institutions of Cali- 
fornia. 

Professors N. W. Murch and H. L. Lunt 
established the Harvard Military Academy at 
Los Angeles, March 19, 1888, and are fully 



equipped to give a regular scientific and classi- 
cal course, including all the English branches. 
Pupils are fully prepared here for the higher 
institutions of learning. The building is on 
the same ground formerly occupied l)y St. Vin- 
cent College, one of the most prominent loca- 
tions in the city. 

Professor Murch was born in Ellsworth, 
Maine, April 10, 1864, received his preparatory 
education through his own exertions, and en- 
tered Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachu- 
setts, taking a full course and graduating in 
1884. Going then to Rochester, Minnesota, he 
entered the law office of Kellogg & Eaton, and 
pursued law studies for two years, and also 
engaged in teaching. On account of ill-health 
he came to California, in January, 1887. 

Professor Lunt was born in Durham, Maine, 
February 22, 1862, a son of Alfred and Ellura 
Lunt, natives also of that State. He was grad- 
uated at Bowdoin College in the class of 1885, 
and in 1887 came to California and assumed his 
duties in his present relation. 

L. D. Smith, deceased, was born January 19, 
1847, in Ohio, graduated at the Wesleyan Uni- 
versity at Delaware, that State, in 1870, and 
then engaged in teaching. In 1874 he married 
Miss Annie Casad, who died in 1880, leaving 
one son: Hermon. During 1875-'76 he was 
coimected with the High School in Springfield, 
Ohio; then he came to Los Angeles and con- 
tinued in his chosen profession until 1881, 
when he was appointed Collector of Customs at 
Yuma. After holding that position one year 
he returned to Los Angeles and resumed his 
profession. He served as principal of the High 
School for a time, and then was elected city 
superintendent of schools, which office he held 
until his death, September 1, 1885, from illness 
caused by overwork. He was both zealous and 
efficient in his efforts to raise the standard of 
education, and his influence was felt at many 
points throughout the State. In 1883 he mar- 
ried Miss M. A. Prescott, a native of Massa- 
chusetts, who received her education in New 
England and became a teacher. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



THE LOS ANGELES FURNITURE COMPANY 

is the outgrowth of a l)nsiness organized by 
Dalter & Riiiakli in Los Angeles, in the year 
1868, at No. 13 Commercial street. In 1872 
Mr. C. 11. Rinaldi disposed of his interest in the 
business to Mr. I. W. Lord. In 1876 Mr. Lord 
was succeeded by C. H. Bradley, and the busi 
ness was conducted by Dalter & Bradley until 
August 1, 1S84, when the present company 
was incorporated, absorbing the stock in trade 
and the good-will of the concern, and in which 
both Messrs. Dalter and Bradley took shares of 
stock. The Los Angeles Furniture Company 
was incorporated with a cash capital of $100,000, 
which has since been increased to $150,000. 
Its present officers are: Colonel II. H. Marka- 
ham, of Passadena, President; C. H. Bradley, 
of Los Angeles, Vice-President; General E. P. 
Johnson, of Los Angeles, Secretary, Treasurer 
and Business Manager. The mammoth sales- 
rooms of this company at Nos. 259 and 261 
North Main street are models of their kind, 
being roomy, liglit and airy, conveniently ar- 
ranged, fitted up with all tlie modern appliances 
for the rapid transaction of business, including 
passenger and freight elevators connecting with 
the three floors, which are 50 x 170 feet in area, 
with fronts on both North Main and New High 
streets. Their stock includes everything in the 
line of house-furnishings and office furniture, in 
styles, variety and prices to suit people of wealth 
and most fastidious taste or those of moderate 
means. To illustrate: Parlor-sets are sold from 
their stock at $1,500, chamber-sets of their own 
designs and finish for $600, while well-made 
chamber sets ranging in price as low as $25, 
and in a variety of popular styles, are kept on 
sale. 

In their furniture salesrooms none but sample 
pieces are exhibited, all orders being tilled from 
their warehouse. The first floor is devoted to 
the exhibition of their sample stock of office fur- 
niture, comprising desks, chairs, etc., dining- 
room furniture; chamber furniture, embracing 
an elegant line of folding-beds. On the second 



floor may be found parlor goods, better quality 
of chamber-sets, hall-racks and chairs, reed and 
rattan goods, book -cases, wardrobes, parlor cabi- 
nets, ladies' secretaries, music-racks, etc. The 
third floor is devoted to a complete line of 
carpets, linoleums, rugs, mattings, etc., these 
goods carried in a large variety of styles, quali- 
ties and widths. And in the rear of the carpet- 
room is the carpet-making and fitting rooms, 
and window-shade making department. The 
upholstei'y department of the house is likewise 
complete in all of its appointments. Its stock 
is replete with all of the delicate and modern 
shades of plushes, velours, furniture coverings, 
fringes of most elegant styles and shades; lace 
curtains are also in this department, ranging in 
prices as high as $75 a pair. The most compe- 
tent, artists in their lines of work are employed 
in this department as designers and upholster- 
ers. They take measures, design and hang all 
kinds of draperies. 

The manufacturing department is in an ad- 
joining number connected with the main sales- 
rooms on the second and third floors, where 
elaborate and expensive parlor goods and dra- 
peries are designed and built. 

The main warehouse, from which all furniture 
orders are tilled, is located on Keller street, and 
connected by switch with the Southern Pacific 
Railway. The stock of the Los Angeles Furni- 
ture Company invoices about $250,000. They 
employ a force of from forty to fifty men and 
clerks as business at various seasons of the 
year requires. Their spacious and elegant 
offices are located in the rear of the first floor 
and are presided over by General Johnson, as- 
sisted A. II. Voigt. Mr. Dalter, who is the 
pioneer furniture merchant of Los Angeles, and 
essentialh' the founder of this immense business, 
has entire management of all help in the insti- 
tution and superintends the manufacturing. It 
is safe to say that, without a single exception, 
this is the largest and in all of its departments 
the most complete furniture house on the Pa- 
cific slope, and is an institution of which any 
American city might feel justly proud. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Los Angeles contains forty-four cliureh or- 
ganizations, of twelve different denominations, 
besides a few rejiresentatives of other faiths, as 
spiritualism, theosophy, Parsaism, Mohammed- 
anism, Buddhism, Confucianism, etc., and an 
organization auxiliary to the National Secular 
Union. 

CATHOLIC. 

The early history of Catholicism in Los An- 
geles was naturally given in chapters IV., V. 
and VI. of this volume. The later history is 
as follows: 

"When, on account of the discovery of gold, 
in 1848, the population began to increase 
rapidly throughout the State, Dr. Alemany was 
made Archbishop of San Francisco, and he 
selected Dr. Thaddeus Ainat as Bishop of Mon- 
terey. The latter was born in Barcelona, Spain, 
December 31, 1810; held various positions in 
Eastern (Southern) States, was consecrated 
Bishop in Rome March 12, 1854, and was the 
first to bear the title of " Bishop of Monterey 
and Los Angeles^ After residing in Santa 
Barbara for some time, he had the see trans- 
ferred to Los Angeles. Perceiving that his 
health was failing, he asked for a coadjutor, and 
the Very Rev. Francis Mora, who liad been con- 
secrated in 1873, was appointed to tiiat position. 
The many churches, colleges and orphanages 
erected during his time demonstrate Dr. Amat's 
energy and zeal. He brought a goodly number 
of clergymen from Europe to provide for the 
churches of his flock. During his administra- 
tion the Sisters of Charity were invited to open 
houses in tlie diocese; and subsequently he 
brought from Spain another religious commun- 
ity, — that of the Sisters of the Immaculate 
Heart of Mary, — who at once opened schools in 



various pai 



■ts of the diocese. He found the 



missions nearly in ruins and church property 
in the hands of "squatters;" but after many 
years of patience and litigation, and after spend- 
iu^r thousands of dollars, he had the consolation 



of seeing every inch of church property re- 
stored to its proper owner. 

From a small chapel in the last years of the 
last century, the growth of church capacity has 
been such that Los Angeles can now boast of a 
Catholic Cathedral, the old Church of our Lady 
of the Angels, the new Church of St. Vincent, 
tlie German Church, and the Church of the 
Sacred Heart in course of erection in East Los 
Angeles. 

The CInirch of Our Lady of the Angels, at 
the Plaza on Main street, was built in 1821-''25, 
for the special use of the Spanish soldiers, as 
already intimated. In 1841 the building was 
greatly improved, and in 1862, under the di- 
rection of Fatiier Raho, the grounds adjoining 
the church wire tastefully laid out and planted 
in trees and flowers, and the front of the chnrch 
was frescoed and ornamented with holy images 
and inscriptions. The seating capacity is about 
600. The parish is presided over by Rev. 
Peter Verdaguer, assisted by Revs. P. Grogiian 
and Joseph Genier. By the year 1870 the 
membership of this parish liad so increased that 
the Cathedral of St. Vibiana was erected from it. 

Rev. Peter Vekdaguer, Pastor of the Church 
of Our Lady, Los Angeles, is a native of Spain, 
and received his elementary and classical tuition 
in that country. September 27, 1860, he left 
Barcelona for this land of opportunity and en- 
terprise, and spent the first two years in theo- 
logical study at St. Vincent Seminary, Cape 
Girardeau, Missouri. He was ordained in San 
Francisco, December 12, 1862, and was sent as 
assistant priest to San Luis Obispo, and the 
following year as parisli priest to San Salvador 
and San Bernardino. He built th& first church 
at the latter place, in 1865-'66. In 1867 he 
was transferred to the San Gabriel Mission, 
where he remained four years, having charge of 
Anaheim, Santa Ana, Pomona and other places. 
He built the first church in Anaheim in 1869. 
In 1871 he was sent to San Bernardino, where 
he remained till May, 1872, when he was trans- 
ferred to Los Angeles. Here he was parish 
priest of the whole city until December 21, 










y-y^Z^ 



i^t'i'-i-t/ ^(L^e^~^ —■'1^^^ ^ 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



1879, when tlie parish was divided. In 1880 
lie established the parochial school for boys, and 
afterward built coiiiiiiodions rooms for the bet- 
ter accomniodatidn of the pupils. In 1888 he 
received pei'inission from the Bishop to build 
a church in East Los Angeles; he bought the 
lots, built a small room for Sunday-school, and 
then another ])riest was appointed to take 
chai-ge of it. He holds services also at San 
Fernando, Newhall, Kavenna and Lancaster. 
He has been in the church here longer than any 
other clergyman in the city at the present time. 
In December, 1887, he celebrated his silver 
jubilee, when $1,510 were presented to him by 
his many friends in Los Angeles. 

The Cathedral of St. FiJ<a;iawasbuiltin 1871 
-'76. April 9 of the latter year. Palm Sunday, 
it was opened for public service; but the formal 
dedication took place on the 30th of that month, 
conducted by Archbishop Alemany. Size of 
building, 80x160 feet, and the architecture 
similar to that of the Puerto de San Miguel, in 
Barcelona, Spain. Seating capacity, about 
3,000. The Cathedral is a finely decorated one, 
and its erection is due to the energies of Dr. 
Amat, Bishop Mora and Father V^erdaguer. 
The parish is now a large one, and is presided 
over by Very Rev. J. Adam, V. G., the rector, 
assisted by Revs. M. Liebarne, P. 'Garvin and 
A. J. Allen. Right-Rev. Francis Mora is the 
Bishop of the diocese. 

Rt.-Rev. Francis Mora, Bishop of tiie Dio- 
cese of Monterey and Los Angeles, was born in 
the city of Vich, in Catalonia, a province of 
Spain, November 25, 1827, and was thus by 
birth a fellow-countryman of many of the most 
energetic missionaries in California, Texas and 
Florida. It was therefore natural that a taste 
for foreign missions should early have been 
awakened in him. Although at the early age 
of three years he lost his parents, he was cared 
for by devoted servants of the church, and in 
early youth devoted himself to the service of 
God in the sanctuary and to the studies of Latin, 
philosophy and theology in the Episcopal Semi- 
nary of Vich, in Spain. 



In 1854 Bishop Ainat went to Spain in order 
to obtain assistants in ministerial work here. 
In response to his appeal at Vich, young Fran- 
cis ofl"ered his services, and, without waiting to 
receive priestly orders, accompanied the Bishoji 
across tiie Atlantic. After remaining in the 
State of Missouri for a time to familiarize him- 
self with the English language, he came on to 
California in 1855, and March 19, 1856, at Santa 
Barbara, he was ordained to the priesthood by 
Bishop Amat and placed in charge of the Mon- 
terey Parish. Subsequently he was rector of 
the parishes at San Juan Bautista, Pajaro Vale 
and San Luis Obispo. 

In 1862 the parish of Los Angeles was de- 
prived of its Vicar-General by the death of 
Father Bias Ralio, and the next year Father 
Mora was chosen by Bishop Amat to be the 
rector of the pro-cathedral of Los Angeles, and 
July 25, 1866, Vicar-General of the diocese. 
Afterward, when the Bishop required the serv- 
ices of a coadjutor, he selected Rev. Mora for 
the see of Mosynopolis, May 20, 1873. 

On the 12th of May, 1878, Dr. Amat died, 
and Bishop Mora at once succeeded him, as he 
had been appointed coadjutor with the right of 
succession. He has followed the steps of his 
illustrious predecessor, and under his fostering 
care young Levites have been educated in differ- 
ent colleges of Europe or in the seminaries of 
the United States, and brought here to work in 
Christ's vineyard. At his invitation the Sisters 
of St. Joseph opened an academy at San Diego, 
and last year a parochial school in St. Vincent's 
Parish in this city. He invited also last year 
the Dominican Sisters, who opened a convent 
at Anaheim. Under his energetic zeal new 
Parishes have been formed here in Los Angeles 
and throughout the whole diocese. He is a 
man that never spares himself, but he is at the 
service of those who call upon him from morn- 
ing till night. 

Some years ago, as he was going to administer 
confirmation to the Indians, he met with a pain- 
ful accident that put his life in great danger, 
and he felt the effects of it for two years after- 



HISTORY OF LOS AJSGELES COUNTY. 



ward. His voyage to Europe in 1886 enabled 
liiin to recover his forces so that now-a-days he 
is full of vigor, and, though sixty years old, 
promises to live long enough to see other dioceses 
springing out of the ecclesiastical province of 
San Francisco. 

Eev. J. Adam, Kector of tlie Cathedral of St. 
Vibiana, V. M., Los Angeles, and Vicar-General, 
is a native of Barcelona, Spain: was educated 
at the College of the Propaganda at Rome for 
the mission of California, and ordained in June, 

1862. The following year he came to this dio- 
cese, and for fourteen years otiiciated as pastor 
of the church at Santa Cruz. In 1883, at the 
request of the Bishop, he came to Los Angeles 
and assumed his present relation. As rector 
and vicar, he celebrated his " silver jubilee " in 
June, 1887. He is a thorough scholar, a zeal- 
ous student, and earnestly devoted to the inter- 
ests of his church. 

Church of St. Vincent a Paul was established 
in 1887, under the ministrations of Father A. 
J. Meyer, who is still the rector. The build- 
ing, 46 X 110 feet, with tower 120 feet high, was 
erected in 1886-'87, under the supervision of 
Father Meyer, and is located on the northwest 
corner of Grand avenue and Washington street. 
More than a hundred families worship here. 
An account of the large school adjoining is 
given elsewhere. 

Rev. a. J. Meyer, Rector of this church, and 
President of St. Vincent's College, Los Angeles, 
is a native of Germany, where he received his 
early education. Eniigratingto America in 1856, 
he pursued his theological studies in St. Louis, 
Missouri, and was ordained to the ministry in 

1863. Next he held a professorship in a college 
in Baltimore, Maryland, and then the presidency 
of St. John's College, Brooklyn. He came to 
California in 1884, since which time he has 
been connected with the college of which he is 
now the president. Under his supervision the 
interests of the institution are in a prosperous 
condition. 

St. Joseph's Churcli, German, is located on 
Santee street, half a square south of Twelfth. 



It was erected this year, is 32 x 70 feet in dimen- 
sions, and is two stories in iieight, being designed 
ultimately for a school building, as soon as a 
brick church near by is erected. The second 
story is only half floored, which portion is used 
now as a choir and school-room. Religious 
services were first commenced here last January. 
About 300 families worship at this place. Rev. 
Joseph Florian Bartsch is the pastor. 

Church of the Sacred Heart, East Los An- 
geles, corner of South Sichel and Baldwin 
streets, has yet only the foundation completed, 
which is roofed and temporarily furnished. It 
is 56 X 120 feet in dimensions. The parish was 
organized near the close of August, 1888, by 
Rev. P. Harnett, who came from Carlow, Ire- 
land, about seven years ago. He is still in 
charge of this parish, which now comprises 
about 180 families. 

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. 

On May 4, 1859, an organization was formed 
by Rev. William E. Boardinan under the title 
of the " First Protestant Society," with a con- 
stitution declaritig that its members, " unite for 
purposeof supporting Protestant worship here;" 
signed by Isaac S. K. Ogier, William McKee, 
A. J. King, C. Sims, Charles S. Adams, Wm. 
S. Morrow, D. McLaren, Thomas Foster, Wm. 
H. Shore, and N. A. Potter. In 1864 they 
built the church located on the corner of Temple 
and Nevv High streets. Shortly afterward the 
society reorganized under the title of the St. 
Athanasius Episcopal Church, to whom the 
church ediiice was transferred. 

In the early part of 1857, there being no 
Episcopal clergytnan in the vicinity of Los An- 
geles, Dr. Matthew Carter was authorized and 
licensed by the Right- Rev. W. Ingraham Kip, 
Bishop of California, to act as "Lay Reader"' 
for the district. Tlie first services were held at 
the rooms of the Mechanics' Institute, Sunday 
evening, July 19, 1857, Dr. Carter reading the 
service and Rev. Dr. Smith (at that time presi- 
dent of Princeton College, New Jersey) ] reach- 
ing the sermon. The church was organized 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOMIJiS COUNTY. 



August 23, 1857, under the name of St. Luke's 
Church, and the following named gentlemen 
were elected trustees: Dr. T. J. White. Dr. 
Matthew Carter and William II. Shore. A 
building was rented on Main street, where 
services were held. In May, 1865, the church 
was reorginized, and tlie name changed to the 
St. Athanasius Cimrch. Tiie following named 
gentlemen were chosen officers: Senior Warden, 
G. J. Clark; Junior Warden, H. F. Dibblee; 
Vestrymen, J. M. Griffith, S. E. Briggs, T. 
Woolweber, J. llenfield, R. T. Hayes and C. R. 
Conway; Secretary, S. E. Briggs; Treasurer, J. 
M. Griffith. Tiie edifice which the church now 
occupies was built in 1864 by the First Protes- 
tant Society, and afterward transferred to the 
St. Athanasius Cluirch. 

The pastors of the church have been: Elias 
Birdsall, J. Talbot, H. H. Messenger, C. F. 
Loop, J. B. Gray, AVilliam H. Hill until 1880, 
since which time Rev. E. Birdsall has been the 
rector. 

The society continued worship in that build- 
ing until Christmas day, 1883, in the meantime 
selling the property to the county. It is now 
used temporarily for county ofKces. On the day 
mentioned the society began holding services in 
a new church on Olive street, between Fifth and 
Sixth, and fronting upon that beautiful city 
park; the edifice is still unfinished. The name 
of the society was changed in 1884 to "St. 
Paul's Church," and at present it comprises 
about 500 communicants. The vestrymen are: 
H. G. Lee, Senior Warden; J. F. Towell, Junior 
Warden; J. M. Elliott, James Cuzner, Hugh 
Vail and C. J. Fox. 

A very fine parsonage, in a commanding posi- 
tion at No. 955 Seventhstreet, was built in 1887. 

The Episcopal churches in East Los Angeles 
and Boyle Heights were established by Rev. 
I'.irdsall and his assistant, as oft'-shoots from St. 
Paul's; and at least three missions have been or 
are under its supervision. St. Barnabas Mis- 
sion, in Vernondale, is fully organized, and there 
are the Ellis Avenue and Alpine Street branches I 
of the St. Paul's Sunday-school. j 



Rev. Elias Birdsall was born at Hammonds- 
port, Steuben County, New York, February 21, 
1831. He graduated at Nashotah, Wisconsin, 
and was ordained an Episcopal minister in 1856. 
He became rector of St. Paul's Parish at Evans- 
ville, Indiana, and from thence, in 1864, he 
came to California, arriving in Los Angeles on 
Christmas day. He came as a missionary, Los 
Angeles at that time being entirely destitute of. 
Protestant religious service. Mr. Birdsall re- 
lates that before he came down here, he met at 
San Jose a Methodist clergyman who had been 
here, and who reported Los Angeles a hard field, 
and that the Methodists, who are usually pio- 
neers, iiad given it np, for the time being at 
least. 

Mr. Birdsall held his first service the ne.xt 
Sunday after his arrival, January 1, 1865, at 
Odd Fellows' Hall, in the Downey Block. Tho 
few Protestants here then, who had erected the 
frame and roof of the building, corner of New 
High and Temple streets, now occupied by the 
county tax-collector, proposed that Mr. Birdsall, 
whom they liked from the first, should hold 
services, from the lack of any other suitable 
place, in this building. Of course he readily 
assented to this, on condition that it be trans- 
ferred to the Episcopalians. Everybody who 
had contributed to its erection was perfectly 
willing that this should be done. People here 
who 4iad long been without religious services, 
except in a foreign and dead language, and who, 
unless they were Roman Catholics or Free- 
masons, were deprived of all religious cere- 
monies at their marriages or funerals, cared 
very little about the petty differences of sects. 
Although the first Protestant church edifice in 
Los Angeles was erected under the ministra- 
tions of the Rev. Mr. Hoardman, who happened 
to be a Presl)yterian, the people would have 
contributed just as freely if he had been an 
Episcopalian, or a Methodist or a Congrega- 
tionalist. So the necessary legal proceedings 
for the transfer were consummated, and every- 
body then who was interested was perfectly 
satisfied; all the steps tak(!n were regular, opjn 



HI STOUT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and above-board, and everj way honorable to all 
the parties concerned. The building was com- 
pleted and was occupied as a place of worship 
for many years, first by Mr. BirdsaU as rector, 
and afterward by Eevs. Messrs. Talbott, Gray, 
Burton, Loop, Hill, and then by Mr. Birdsall 
again, till it was finally sold and a new and 
more commodious edifice was erected on Olive 
street, where Mr. Birdsall is still rector. 

Many old residents remember well the occa- 
sion of the funeral ceremonies of President 
Lincoln, held on the 19th of April, 1865, in the 
upper hall (then a theatre) of the old court- 
house, where a lai'ge concourse of citizens gath- 
erec to listen to a discourse which Mr. Birdsall 
had been invited to deliver, and which was one 
of the most admirable ones of the thousands 
that were pronounced simultaneously through- 
out the United States on that sad day. From 
186G to 1880 Mr. Birdsall was rector of a par- 
ish either in Stockton or San Francisco. In 
1880 he returned to Los Angeles, and has re- 
mained here ever since. In 1860 he married 
Miss Bennett, and they have four children — 
three sons and one daughter. Paul, the eldest 
son, graduated at Trinity College, Hartford, 
Connecticut; he is now attending the Berkley 
Divinity School at Middletown, preparatory to 
entering the ministry. He is the private secre- 
tary of Pight-Rev. Dr. John Williams, Presiding 
Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United 
States. Godfrey, the second son, was three 
years' at West Point. 

Mr. Birdsall is a very earnest as well as able 
clergyman, as lie is also an admirable man in 
every relation of life. He is a logical thinker 
and a fine elocutionist. He holds — and most 
laymen will entirely agree with him— that every 
person who expects to make public speaking his 
life business, in whatever profession, should fit 
himself therefor by making a special study be- 
forehand of elocution. How many preachers 
and lawyers and legislators mar their labors 
and tire out and disgust their auditors by ap- 
parently totally neglecting this most essential 
art! 



Mr. Birdsall is still rector of the same parish 
which he organized in 1865, twenty-four years 
ago, which was then composed of but a few 
families or persons of different Protestant sects; 
but which is now a strong, prosperous parish, 
composed almost wholly of members distinct- 
ively Episcopalian. 

It is believed that the arrival of Mr. Birdsall 
in Los Angeles antedates that of any other 
Protestant clergyman now living here. 

Christ (Jhxirch was organized November 1, 
1887, with about 125 communicants; there are 
now about 250 This is also an offshoot from 
St. Paul's Parish. The leading members in this 
organization were Judges Stephens and Ander- 
son, C. E. Thorn, William Pridham and others. 
The present vestrymen are: J. A. Anderson, C. 

E. Thorn, William Pridham, George W. Par- 
sons, Dr. A. E. Gresham, W. B. Shaw, W. F. 
Fitzgerald, J. D. Bethune and W. B. Hughes. 
Rev. Thomas W. Haskins, Rector. Meetings 
were first held in the A. O. U. W. Hall. Shortly 
afterward they leased for four years the Y. M. 
C. A. Hall, on Fort street, near Second; but at 
present they meet in the W;. C. T. U. Hall, 
corner of Eighth and Fort streets. 

Church of the Ascension, in Boyle Heights, 
on St. Louis street, near Brooklyn avenue, is a 
mission, and was established in 1886, by Rev. 
H. S. Jeffreys, with about a dozen members. 
Rev. T. W. Haskins took charge in the spring 
of 1887, built the chapel and placed Rev. D. 

F. McKenzie, the present pastor, in charge. 
There are now about sixty communicants, and 
the vestrymen are: O. F. Marx, Warden; H. 
F. Shorting, Secretary; S. P. Owsley, Treasurer; 
J. H. Masters, E. A. Willis, C. R. Hodgers and 
J. D. Holdridge. 

Church of the Epiphany, East Los Angeles, 
was first started some years ago as a mission, 
and in 1888 was organized as a parish by Rev. 
Henry Scott Jeffreys, who is now a missionary 
in Japan. The vestrymen are: H. G. Newhal, 
S. W.; William Ingram J. W.; E. A. Coxhead, 
W. E. B. Partridge, Robert Pollard, and Mr. 
Pymer. Their house of worsliip, which will 



UISTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



seat 130 or 140, on the corner of North Sickel and 
Patrick streets, was erected early in 1888, and the 
society began holding services therein during the 
month of July, that year. The present rector is 
Rev. Charles A. Kinsley, recently from Colorado- 

St. Paul's Hospital, on Sand street, near 
Philadelphia street, was incorporated in Sep- 
tember, 1887, under the auspices of the Episco- 
pal churches of Los Angeles and vicinity, and 
is under the immediate supervision of "Sister 
Mary." The present building, occupied only 
temporarily, is full of patients, having a capacity 
for only twenty-live. The corporation has about 
$15,000 worth of propert}', a donation from St. 
Paul's Church, which will be used in the con- 
struction of a good building. J. F. Towell is 
the active man in this enterprise. 

Room 35 in the California Bank Bnilding is 
maintained as a kind of headquarters for all the 
Episcopal churches in the community. 

MKTH<il>IST. 

Fort Street Methodist Episcopal Church. — 
The first Methodist sermon in Los Angeles was 
preached in June, 1850, by Rev. J. W. Brier, 
at the adobe residence of J. G. Nichols, where 
the court-house now stands. Mr. Brier was an 
emigrant of 1849, on the Salt Lake route. At 
Death Valley, on the desert, he had to put his 
wife and two children on an ox, himself afoot, 
and so entered Los Angeles. In 1853 Rev. 
Adam Bland was sent by the California Con- 
ference to this, the " Southern California Mis- 
sion." At this time Mr. Bland and J. W. 
Potts constituted the entire membership. In 
these early days meetings were held in the 
court-house. The ])astors in charge of the 
church have been: Revs. Adam Bland, 1853; 
J. McIIenry Calwell and W. R. Peck, 1855; 
Elijah Merchant, 1856; David Tuthill, 1857; 
C. Gillett, 1866; A. P. Hernden, 1867; A. 
Coplin, 1868; A. M. Hough, 1869-'70; P. Y. 
Cool, 1871; S. H. Stump, 1872; J. W. Camp- 
bell, 1873; George S. Mickey, M. M. Bovard 
and E. 8. Chase to October. 1883; V. F. Brazee 
to October, •1886. and li. S. Cantine thence to 



the present time. The membership has varied 
greatlj' on account of spasmodic impulses of 
immigration and formation of separate churches. 
The number now remaining is 1,405. 

The church edifice, on Fort street between 
Third and Fourth, when erected in 1875, cost 
$18,000, but $14,000 was expended in 1887 in 
enlarging and improving the building. On ac- 
count of the rise in real estate, the whole prop- 
erty in October, 1888, was valued at $75,000. 
A good parsonage is at 425 Fort street. 

Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, at 445 
East First street, was erected some five or six 
years ago. The building and lot in the fall of 
1888 was valued at $23,860. The parsonage, 
at 37 Banning street, was built in 1887. There 
are probaltly about 200 members in connection 
with this church. The pastors have been Revs. 
Vandevender, Learned, and since September, 
1886, William A. Knighten. 

Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church, named 
in honor of the late Bishop Matthew Simpson, 
was incorporated February 26, 1887, and has 
now a membership of about 175. Rev. A. C. 
Williams, D. D., is the pastor. 

The church edifice, popularly known as the 
''Simpson Methodist Episcopal Tabernacle," is 
located at 666 Hope street, and has a more im- 
posing style of architecture than any other in 
the city. It is now (September, 1889,) about 
completed. It cost about $40,000, and the lot, 
134x165 feet, cost $9,000. In lot and building. 
Judge R. M. Widney alone has contributed 
nearly $20,000. The structure is of brick, 
terra cotta, granite and iron, no wood being 
used excepting for floors and joists. The terra- 
cotta work cost $5,000, and the pressed and 
matched brick — over a million in number — 
about $3,000. The bricks are ]n-cssed closely 
down, instead of being loosely laid upon the 
mortar, as is the custom, and the masonry 
throughout is said to be the best in Southern 
California. The window lighting and the tran- 
soms are of Venetian, cathedral and opalescent 
glass. There are two galleries, making the 
total seating capacity of the Tabernacle about 



296 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTT. 



2,500. The seats are opera chairs, "style No. 
4," with self-adjusting backs, from the Grand 
Rapids (Michigan) Furniture Company. On 
tlie main floor are large double parlors, for 
minor and social meetings, especially those con- 
ducted by the ladies. To the audience room 
are eight broad exits. Well equipped libi'ary 
and i-eading rooms are also furnished, and in 
the basement are several commodious rooms 
eventually to be used for calisthenic and gym- 
nastic exercises — one of the leading ideas of 
the corporation being the encouragement of 
young people in such entertainments and men- 
tal and physical development as are in keeping 
with the strictest rules of Christian propriety. 
The fine parsonage, on the same lot, will be, 
when completed, of a style of architecture simi- 
lar to that of the Tabernacle. 

Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church 
was organized September 12, 1885, in the theater 
at Washington Gardens, with only " two " 
(twelve?) members, out of a mission that had 
been started there the year previously. There 
are now 100 members, of whom the Class-Lead- 
ers are: A. Z. Taft, S. J. Lamphere, Theodore 
Kemp, S. H. Kingery, G. E. Johnson and II. 
E. Sisson. Rev. I. L. Spencer was pastor from 
1885-'88, and Rev. Edward Thomson, D. D., 
thence to date. This minister is the son of the 
late eminent University president and bishop, 
Edward Thomson, of Delaware, Ohio. Tiie 
house of worship, 30x50 feet, was erected in 
1886-'87, on Main street, near by, and removed 
to Cells street, near Main, in 1888, and im- 
proved. The church property in October, that 
year, was valued at $2,000. 

University Methodist Episcopal Church is 
at the University, for the accommodation of the 
professors and students of that institution. 

Vincent Methodist Ejnscopal Church was 
organized May 1, 1889, with about thirty mem- 
bers. Rev. W. B. Barber is pastor. The 
church building, 45 x 85 feet, on Shaw avenue, 
near Main, was erected this year, and dedicated 
July 14, by Bishop J. 11. Vincent, after whom 
it is named. Having a gallery at each end its 



seating capacity is about 800. It has also a 
library room, pastor's study, and other small 
rooms. 

Bellevue Avenue M eth odist Episcopal 
Church, corner of Pearl, was organized in Octo- 
ber, 1887, and has now nearly 180 members. 
Value of church property, $6,500. Pastor, 
Rev. Frank L. Morrill. 

The Central Avenue Methodist Ejnscopal 
Church was organized March 18, 1888; charter 
members, twelve; present membership, seventy- 
one. The corner-stone. of the church edifice was 
laid June 17, 1888. The lecture room was 
finished and furnished in August following. 
The main church, which was estimated to cost 
$8,000, is not yet built, though the foundation, 
36x48 feet in dimensions, was all complete at 
the corner-stone laying. The size of the lecture 
room is probabl}' about 24 x 38 feet. 

The lecture or Sunday-school room will hold 
the relation of transept to the main building. 
The cost of the lecture room was $2,850; its 
seatiiig capacity, including gallery (end), is 
about 250. Its location is on Vernon avenue, 
near the corner of Central avenue. Dr. Daniel 
Cobb organized the church, and has been its 
pastor since February, 1888. They have a 
Sunday-school, organized the 22d of April, 1888, 
with thirty-two scholars, officers and teachers. 
At the present time there are 125 on the 
general roll. The church also has a " Band of 
Hope," numbering over 100 members. This 
church is incorporated according to State law 
and has a promise of coming strength. It also 
has two lots, giving 100 feet front and 165 feet 
in depth. " There is abundant room for a 
parsonage." 

Ashury Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
East Los Angeles, was oi-ganized several years 
ago; Rev. Daniel Cobb, D. D., was tlie first 

pastor, followed by Revs. E. S. Chase, 

Robinson, and Henry Cox since October, 1887. 
There are now about 260 members, counting 
also the probationers. The membership has 
nearly doubled within the last year and a half. 
Their house of worship is a neat frame struct- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



ure located on the east side of Workman street, 
north of Downey avenue. The building, erected 
several years ago, has been considerably im- 
proved within the last year. The parsonage is 
at 44 North Sichcl street. 

Boyle Heights Methodist Episcopal Church 
was organized about four years ago. A Snnday- 
school, however, had been commenced in a 
building where a saloon now exists, at the 
junction of Chicago avenue with First street. 
The membership of the church has increased 
from eighteen to 150. The church building, a 
neat frame, is located at the intersection of St. 
Louis street and Pennsylvania avenue. The 
ministers have been: Revs. P. Peterson, Charles 
Shillings, J. A. Wachob, F. W. Johnson, and J. 
B. Holloway, the present pastor. Mr. Sanborn 
is superintendent of the Sunday-school. 

German Methodist Episcopal Church. — This 
denomination was first represented in Los An- 
geles County in July, 1872, and the first 
services held in Los Angeles, the first Sunday 
of that month and year, were conducted by 
Rev. G. H. Bollinger. In 1876 Mr. Bollinger 
was appointed by the Conference to organize 
the mission into a church, which organization 
was perfected the second Sunday in November, 
1876, in the old Fort Street Methodist Church. 
The church when organized had nine members. 
The building which they now occupy, on Fourth 
street, between Hill and Fort, was dedicated 
the second Sunday in November, 1879; cost of 
the edifice and lot, $6,000. The Sabbath- 
school, also organized in November, 1876, has 
now a good attendance, with John Fuhrer as 
superintendent. The present membership of 
the church is 130; Class-Leaders: Dr. Carl Zahn 
and Y. Maeder. The ])astors since Rev. Bol- 
linger's time have been : Revs. William Schuldt, 
L. E. Schneider, and, since September, 1887, 
G. J. Schultz. The parsonage is at 246 South 
Hill street. 

The Los Angeles German Methodist Episco- 
pal Mission embraces three " appointments," — 
Pico Heights, Hyde Park and Main street 
German Methodist Episcopal Church; on Cells 



street, — which are now served by Rev. William 
Schuldt, just referred to. 

The German Methodists, while holding their 
membership in the old English-speaking con- 
ferences, have their work in this State, since the 
fall of 1888, distinctly organized. 

Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church was 
organized December 25, 1887, with thirteen 
!uembers, by Rev. August Peterson, who served 
as the first pastor until September, 1888, since 
which time Rev. John O. Wahlberghas been in 
charge. This people began holding their meet- 
ings in the German Methodist Episcopal Church 
on Fort street, but now worship in the Trinity 
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, on the same 
street, near Sixth. They have a lot, upon which 
a parsonage is built, at 38 Earl street, and they 
contemplate the erection of a church building 
at no distant day. Sunday nights they have 
services at Grand Army Hall, 25 North Main 
street. The present membership numbers forty- 
seven, of whom John Peterson is the leader. 
The church is in a flourishing condition. 

Wesley Chapel (colored) Methodist Episco- 
pal Church was organized August 24, 1888, 
with twenty-three members and eighteen pro- 
bationers; now there are fifty-six members and 
seventeen probationers. They hold services in 
a hall on Los Angeles street, near Boyd street. 
They are mostly from Texas,— a few from other 
Southern States. Rev. F. H. Tubbs (white) 
has been the pastor from the first to the present 
time. 

There was formerly an African Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Religious services were 
first held by this domination in Los Angeles at 
the "house of Robert Owen (familiarly called 
" Uncle Bob ") in 1854. A church was organ- 
ized and a house erected on the corner of Fourth 
and Charity streets, in 1869, and dedicated l)y 
Bishop T. M. D. Ward. The first members of 
the church were: Mrs. Winnie Owen, Mrs. B. 

Mason and Miss Alice Coleman. Rev. 

Moulton was the first pastor. 

Trinity Methodist Episcopal Chnrch, South. 
— As early as 1871-'72 ministers of the Metli- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



odist Episcopal Church, Soutli, began to preach 
in Los Angeles and vicinity. Meetings were 
first lield in private lionses and in the old county 
conrt-house, under the direction of the Rev. 
Abram Adam?, now of Savannah, and others. 
Later the congregation assembled in a small 
hall, rented for tlie purpose, on Spring street. 
It was, however, not until the year 1873 that a 
permanent organization was effected. The Rev. 
A. M. Campbell was that year transferred from 
tlie East and became the first regular pastor. A 
lot was then purchased on Spring street, near 
the intersection of First, and in 1875 the origi- 
nal " Trinity " Church was erected. Under the 
pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Campbell the church 
enjoyed signal pros])erity, but his health failing 
in 1876, before the conclusion of his term, he 
was relieved from the work and Rev. H. W. 
Featherstone, of the Mississippi Conference, 
was transferred to fill the pastorate. He was 
succeeded in the following year by the Rev. M. 
J. Law, wlio occupied the pulpit until October, 
1879, when Rev. Thos. R. Curtis, now of 
Downey, was appointed his successor. Mr. 
Curtis filled a full pastoral term of four years, 
and was succeeded November, 1883, by the Rev. 
W. B. Stradley, of the Halston Conference. 
Mr. Stradley also filled the full term, and under 
his energetic supervision the church grew to be 
one of the largest and most prosperous congre- 
gations of the city. 

During his pastorate plans were matured for 
the erection of a larger house of worship in a 
more eligible location. The old church and lot 
on Spring street were sold and the present site 
on Fort, between Fifth and Sixth streets, was 
secured. In 1885 the present elegant churcli 
was erected, at a cost of some $50,000 or more. 
A handsome organ was also placed in the choir 
loft, at a cost of $4,000. In 1887 the Rev. I). 
C. Browne, of Kansas City, became pastor by 
appointment of Bishop Hargrove. That year 
the second church, known as " Bellevue Avenue 
Church," was organized from the congregation 
of Trinity, with Rev. Stradley as pastor. Rev. 
Fitzgerald Parker, son of the late Bishop Par- 



ker, was made temporary pastor October, 1888, 
and filled the pulpit two months. In Novem- 
ber, 1888, the Rev. Horace M. Du Bose, the 
present pastor, was appointed by Biahop Gallo- 
way. 

During the present year three new churches 
have been organized under the auspices and 
from the congregation of Trinity, viz.: Wash- 
ington Street, with Rev. Geo. Bou^h, Pastor; 
San Mateo, on Mateo street, and the congrega- 
tion at Pasadena, with Rev. J. A. Harmon, 
Pastor. The first two named have erected beau- 
tiful and commodious houses of worship. The 
Pasadena congregation worships in "Webster 
Hall. This church now lias twenty-one mem- 
bers. Three hundred and twenty-five yet re- 
main as members of the old Trinity Church, 
and the number is constantly increasing. 

The German Evangtlioal Association of Los 
Angeles was organized in 1884, by Rev. Her- 
mann Brauer, who served as its pastor one year, 
followed by Theodore Suhr three years, and 
John Berger, from Wabash, Indiana, since May, 
1888. There are now about seventy-five mem- 
bers, of whom Ervin Althaus is leader, George 
Gehring is an exhofter, and J. J. Kocher is the 
superintendent of the Sunday-school. The 
church building, about 34x56 feet, was erected 
in 1885, under the supervision of Rev. Suhr, and 
is located on Olive street, east side, between 
Seventh and Eighth streets. A fine parsonage, 
built by Rev. Brauer, adjoins the premises. 

PRESBYTERIAN. 

In November, 1854, the first Presbyterian 
service was held by Rev. James Woods, in a 
little carpenter shop on Main street, where the 
Pico House now stands. The first permanent 
organization of the First Presbyterian Church 
was in March, 1855. In the old adobe building 
on Spring street, Mr. Woods held regular Sun- 
day services for one year. When organized 
there were just twelve members. Mr. H. D. 
Barrows furnished music with his flute, and Mr. 
Granger (a lawyer and ex-Baptist minister) led 
the sinirinir. Rev. Mr. Davis succeeded Mr. 



II I STOUT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Woods and remained one year. Rev. J. M. 
Boardman (author of the "Higher Life") suc- 
ceeded and remained several years. Tlie church 
pulpit was then vacant for some years, save 
when occasional services were held, until the 
year 1875, when Rev. ¥. A. White, LL. D., re- 
suscitated the church and preached for several 
years. Rev. F. M. Cunningham (since deceased) 
came next and remained about a year and a half, 
and was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Ellis. From 
the fall of 1885 to October, 1888, Rev. W. J. 
Chichester, D. D., was the pastor, and since 
that time Rev. Mr. Russell, from Pennsylvania, 
sustains that relation. In October, 1888, there 
were about 800 members of this body, but on 
the formation of Immanuel Church soon after- 
ward about 100 were taken away; a number, 
however, have since joined. The Ruling Elders 
are: Angus Polsou, Wm. B. Herriott, J. B. 
Hunt, E. S. Fields and A. B. McBurney. 

This church assisted in the erection of what 
is known as the St. Athanasius Episcopal 
Church, located on the corner of Temple and 
New High streets, which was built in 1864 by 
the P'irst Protestant Society. They held serv- 
ices in this church until 1864, when they were 
refunded the amount they had contributed for 
its erection, and the building was transferred to 
the Episcopalians. 

Their house of worship is a line large edifice 
at the corner of Fort and Second streets. 

The Second Preshi/terian Church is in East 
Los Angeles, worshiping in their building, 
45 X 50 feet, on the southwest corner of Downey 
avenue and Daly street, and beginning here six 
or seven years ago. At present there are 150 
members. Pastor, R. Mayne Irvine since Jan- 
uary 1, 1888, who is a native of California, but 
graduated in the London (England) Presbytery; 
Stated Clerk, Robert Strong; Ruling Elders, 
Thomas Meredith, Dr. A. C. Stephenson and W. 
F. Poor; Sunday-school Superintendent, D. B. 
Sumner. 

Immanuel Presbyterian Church was organ- 
ized in October, 1888, with 130 members, by 
Rev. W.J. Chichester, D. O. Tiie membership 



has already (June, 1889,) increased to about 350. 
Elders, Samuel Miner, E. A. Saxton, M. S. 
Hewes, John S. Ward, L. D. Bell, M. H. Mer- 
riman, W. H. Chamberlain, Lyman Stewart and 
Dr. J. M. Boal; Treasurer, R. A. Crippen. This 
church is now temporarily meeting in tlie Los 
Angeles College building. They have purchased 
a lot on the corner of Tenth and Pearl streets, for 
$10,000, where they expect soon to erect a 
handsome house of worship. 

Bethany Presbyterian Church was organized 
December 28, 1887, by Rev. J. S. Giltillan, 
from Pennsylvania, who has ever since been the 
pastor. The membership has increased from 
thirty-one to seventy-eight. Ruling Elders, E. 
E. Galbreth and J. R. McKee; the latter is also 
superintendent of the Sunday-school. The house 
of worship, about 40 x 50 feet, is located on 
Bellevue avenue, about a square north of Tem- 
ple street. The seating capacity of the main 
room is about 250 probably, and of the infant- 
class room about fifty. The building was com- 
pleted in March, 1889. A lot for a church was 
originally deeded to the First Presbyterian 
Church by Hall & Stilson, but after the death 
of the latter Mrs. Stilson substituted the lot now 
occupied, which is more valuable. 

Boyle Heights Presbyterian Church was 
organized May 3, 1885, in Kintz Hall, with 
eighteen members, by Rev. W. S. Young, who 
has been the pastor since he was installed Sep- 
tember 20, 1886. The membership now num- 
bers 134. Ruling Elders: J. G. Bell, John 
Cowan, Prof. J. M. Coyner, Robert Hall, Jr., 
Dr. L. R. Patty and P. A. Mulford; Deacons, 
C. M. Richardson, L. C. Wester velt and L. R. 
Patty; Superintendent of the Sunday-school, A. 
K. Miller; Assistant Superintendent, P. A. 
Mulford. The church edifice was built during 
July and August, 1885, and used the first Sun- 
day of the next month. Cost, $3,500, exclusive 
of the lots, which were a donation; size of 
main room, 26 x 40 feet; lecture-room, 26 x 20, 
with session-room, 10 X 12; primary-class room, 
15x16; organ loft, 8 x 11. The church is lo- 
cated on Chicago avenue, near First street. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



J^irst United Preshyterian Church was or- 
ganized April 26, 1883, with fifteen members; 
now there are about seventy. The Elders are 
Dr. W. C. Parker and S. E. Manning. At first 
the meetings were held in the Chinese Mission 
building on Wilmington street, where the or- 
ganization was effected under the auspices of 
the San Francisco Presbytery. Next their place 
of meeting was in the Nadeau Block, until the 
present neat church, on the northeast corner of 
Eighth and Hill streets, was erected, costing a 
little ever $4,000, not counting the lot. The 
magnificent parsonage, on a lot adjoining, was 
erected under the supervision of the present 
pastor. Rev. Henry W. Crabbe, at a cost of $3,100. 

The ministers were " supplies " at first, — 
Revs. McKee and J. C. Nevin (and possibly 
others) ; and the regular pastors have been Revs. 
W. J. Golden(?), J. M. Hervey from July 7, 
1884. to the fall of 1887, since which time Rev. 
Mr. Crabbe has been in charge. 

A church of this denomination also exists at 
Pasadena, where Rev. Thomas Kelso is pastor. 
It was established in 1888, and the place of 
meeting is the hall of the Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association. 

CONGREGATIONAL. 

First Congregational Church. — In April, 
1865, Rev. J. H. Warren, D. D.. from the 
American Home Missionary Society, visited Los 
Angeles, at which time there was not in this 
city a Protestant minister, Sunday-school, nor 
even a house of worship. There had been min- 
isters of all denominations here excepting Con- 
gregationalists, but all had gone away. On 
July 7, 1866, Rev. Alexander Parkercomnienced 
laboring in Los Angeles at the instance of the 
American Home Missionary Society, and held 
services at the court-house. In May, 1867, a 
lot for the church was bought, and on the 21st 
of July, 1867, the church was organized with 
six members. Rev. J. A. Johnson, of Santa 
Barbara, and Rev. B. F. Crosby, of San Bernar- 
dino, assisted in the organization. The church 
edifice was erected on New Hisrh street, atid 



dedicated in the year 1867. Rev. Alexander 
Parker, however, resigned and left in August, 
1868, and that organization ceased to exist. At 
the instance of Rev. Mr. Warren, Superintend- 
ent of American Home Missionary Society for 
the State of California, a meeting was held at 
the residence of Rev. Isaac W. Atherton, No- 
vember 28, 1868, at which tliere were present 
eight persons, all of whom concurred in the de- 
sire to re-organize as a Congregational church, 
adopting as a basis the articles of faith and cov- 
enants of the First Congregational Church of 
Oakland, California. 

On Sunday, November 29, 1868, service was 
held in the church on New High street, the 
sermon was preached by Rev. Ur. Warren, and 
after the sermon. Rev. Dr. Warren was chosen 
moderator and Rev. I. W. Atherton, clerk. The 
articles of faith and covenants were adopted and 
the following persons then entered into covenant 
with God and each other as the First Congre- 
gational Church of Los Angeles: Isaac W. and 
Adelia H. Atherton, H. K. W. Bent, Arthur 
Lee Thompson, J. H. and Amanda Post, John 
C. Brown, Edwin D. Sweetser, Esther Allen and 
Harriet B. Fuller. Mr. Post was elected and 
ordained deacon. Articles of incorporation were 
adopted September 18, 1878. The present num- 
ber of members is 420, and the officers are: 
Deacons, H. W. Mills, W. H. Griffin, N. S. 
Averill, A. B. Clapp, H. E. Storrs and Dr. B. 
Todd; Clerk and Financial Secretary, W. R. 
Blackman; Treasurer, J. R. Brown; Superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school, Don A. Judd. 

The pastors have been: Revs. Isaac W. Ather- 
ton, 1868-'71; J. T. Wills, 1871-'73; D. T. 
Packard, 1873-'78; C. J. Hutchins, 1879-'82; 
A. J. Wells, 1882-'87; Robert G. Hutchins, 
1888 to the present. 

The first house of worship, at the corner of 
Hill and Third streets, was erected in 1882-83, 
at a cost, including lot, of $22,273, and dedi- 
cated May 3, of the latter year. In November 
following a very fine pipe organ was placed 
therein, costing $2,500. In May, 1888, this 
church building was sold to the Central Baptist 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT i'. 



Church, and a lot purchased on the southwest 
corner of Hill and Sixth streets, whereon a line 
modern structure, capable of seating 1,200 to 
1,500, was erected this year (1889), at a cost, 
with furnishings and lot, of about $72,000. It 
is seated with assembly or opera-house chairs, 
and appro])riately linisiied and urnamented 
throughout. 

The Second or Park Congregational Church 
was organized June 8, 1884, as a mission Sundaj'- 
school, by liev. Mr. Ijillings, who also organized 
the church proper there the following October. 
A number of ministers have since been in charge 
of the church. Kev. E. R. Brainerd, the first 
permanent pastor, has been in charge now for 
nearly three years. He has been very success- 
ful. The membership has grown from about 
twenty in number to 135, and the Sunday-school, 
of which Mr. Brainerd is also superintendent, 
lias a membership of about 150. This is the 
pioneer church in that hill district. The Dea- 
cons are: James Gillespie and George F. Hill; 
Clerk, J. Mills Davies. 

Tiie congregation was organized in a tent on 
Beaudry avenue, near Temple street. In 1886 
a building costing $700 was erected on a lot in 
" Park Circle," near Temple street. In 1888 
this was sold, and the present building — which 
is only a wing to the main church yet to be 
erected — was occupied. It is situated on a lot 
78x175 feet in dimensions, at the corner of 
Metcalf and Temple streets. A parsonage is in 
the rear; these two buildings cost about $3,500. 
The seating capacity of this temporary church 
is about 250. The cost of the main building 
will probably be about $10,000. It will be a 
handsome structure. The success and present 
prosperity of this church is due largely to the 
talent of the pastor. 

The Third Congregational Church was or- 
ganized in 1884, after religious services had 
been held in that neighborhood for several 
months. Rev. W. H. Ramsay, the organizer, 
remained as pastor for a few months, and has 
since been succeeded by Revs. E. B. Hooker, 
George Hemas, O. C. Weller, J. H. Phillips, 



W. PI. Hanscom, E. S. Williams, George A. 
Rawson and J. H. Collins, the present incum- 
bent, since June 15, 1889. The membership 
has increased from sixteen to thirty. Deacons, 
O. B. Hall and G. T. Hanly. The house of 
worship was erected in the autumn of 1883, on 
the corner of Railroad and North Main streets, 
at a cost of about $3,500; ground and building 
are now valued at $5,000. Seating capacity, 350. 
East Los Angeles Congregational Church 
was organized March 20, 1887, by Rev. J. H. 
Phillips, the present enterprising pastor. The 
membership has increased from thirty-two to 
about 200. Deacons: W. A. Kennedy, F. P. 
Howe, Joab E. Cushman and Peter Warner. The 
Sunday-school, numbering about 260 pupils, 
is superintended by I). Gilbert Dexter. The 
" Phillips Club " numbers ninety young men, 
whose headquarters are in the gymnasium and 
reading-room which the pastor has had added to 
the church building, at a cost of $2,100. The 
" Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor'' 
has sixty to eighty members. This is said to 
be the most flourishing church in that beautiful 
suburb. The church edifice, 51x114 feet, is 
located on North Daly street. Cost, about $10,- 
000. Dedicated March 11, 1888. The society 
is out of debt. Rev. Mr. Phillips is a native of 
Ohio, was formerly an attorney at law in Colo- 
rado, and was for three or four years pastor of 
the church at Leadville, that State. His resi- 
dence is in a cosy nook in the hills, 123 Prim- 
rose avenue. 

The VernoJi Congregational Chiirch, south 
of the city, with a membership of about eighty, 
has a church building, which with lot cost prob- 
ably about $4,000. The society there was first 
started as a mission Sunday-school l)y G. T. 
Hanly, and it is still aided to some extent by 
the Home Mission Society. Rev. George A. 
Rawson is the pastor. 

The West End Congregational Church is a 
small society west of the city. 

BAl'TIST. 

Thisdenomination was represented in Los An- 
geles County as early as 1853, the first services 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



being held at El Monte by Rev. 



Free- 



The First Baptist Church was organized in 
Los Angeles September 6, 1874 under the min- 
istration of Rev. Dr. Wm. Hobbs. Tlie first 
members were: Dr. and Mrs. Hobbs, Mr. and 
Mrs. Isaac N. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Han- 
cock, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Shirley, J. W. Pater- 
son, J. T. Gower and Annie E. Rose. The 
pastors who have been in charge are: Revs. 
Dr. William Hobbs, Wintield Scott, H. I. 
Parker, P. W. Dorsey, 1881-'87 (vacancy here 
for fifteen months), and Rev. Daniel Read, LL. 
D., since December 1, 1888. There are now 
320 members; a goodly number have been 
recently dismissed to form the new society at 
Parker Chapel. The present officers are: Clerk, 
Prof. Melville Dozier; Treasurer, Richard 
Green; Deacons, James Chapin, A. C. Potter, 
W. G. Shaw, Melville Dozier, A. H. Hovey, C. 
O. Adams and L. Lumbard; Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school, Y. J. Cressey. 

In Los Angeles, Baptist services were first 
held in a small building on Spring street, near 
Fifth, belonging to Dr. Zahn; next in Good- 
Templars' Hall on Main street; and now the 
FirstChurch meets in a fine edifice of their own, 
about 70 X 100 feet, costing $25,000, and located 
on the northeast corner of Sixth and Fort streets. 
■ The Central Baptist Church was established 
in 1885, with eighteen members. Rev. J. B. 
Tombs, D. D., was the minister for a short time 
that year, and since September, 1886, Rev. W. 
H. Pendleton, from San Francisco, has been the 
pastor. There are now 340 in membership. 
Elders: Revs. Lyman Whitney, Jesse Shaw, 
John Austermell, Lillard and E. C. Hamil- 
ton; Deacons, John Walker, A. G. Phelps, A. 
M. Palmer, W. B. Martin and H. C. Tiiomas; 
Charles H. Barker, superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school. This society worshiped in a hall 
until they bought the First Congregational 
Church property on the corner of Third and 
Hill streets, in December, 1888. Tlie building 
will seat abont 800 or 900. The lot is 115 x 
120 feet. 



Memorial Baptist Church. — A Sunday- 
school was established in 1886 at "Parker 
Chapel," which rapidly grew into a church of 
about fifty members, organized last January 
(1889), and whicii now is still stronger. Their 
house of worship, probably about 40x70 feet 
in dimensions, was built as a mission chapel by 
the First Baptist Church in 1887, on York 
street near Grand avenue. Rev. A. W. Rider 
is the pastor. 

The East Los Angeles Baptist Church was 
organized in the fall of 1885, by Rev. C. W. 
Gregory, who is now a general missionary in 
the southern counties of this State. The con- 
gregation at first held their services in Bridges' 
Hall on Downey avenue, and in 1886-'87 they 
built a neat church, which will seat about 450, 
on the southeast corner of Hawkins and Work- 
man streets, and which was dedicated May 1, 
1887. A neat parsonage is on an adjoining 
lot. Tiiere are now 120 members in the 
society. Rev. W. W. Tinker, from Bhiffton, 
Lidiana, and formerly of Louisiana, his native 
State, has been the pastor since December, 
1887. Mr. Gregory was the preceding pa.^tor. 

The Swedish Baptist Church was organized 
May 13, 1887, with thirty members, by Rev. 
P. Andersen, who was the pastor for a year, 
followed by Rev. A. Olson since the beginning 
of 1888. There are now seventy-three mem- 
bers. Elders, R. Stone and P. Lindquist; 
Deacon, A. F. Wernlund. The pastor is also 
superintendent of the Sunday-school. The con- 
gregation worships in the First Baptist Church 
and in the basement of the Harvard School 
Building. 

A Second Baptist Church (colored) exists 
in the southern part of East Los Angeles, with 
Rev. C. H. Anderson as pastor. 

LUTHERAN. 

Trinity Church, First German Lutheran, 
was established in 1882, when Rev. Wyneken 
was the minister in charge; since March, 1883, 
Rev. George Runkel has been the pastor. The 
congregation has increased from about eight 



lUSTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



families to 240 soiils", including children; tliere 
are 180 communicants. The Elders are Messrs. 
Hickman, Ilommel and Boettger. The pastor 
is superintendent of the Sunday-school. Emil 
Schaefer is the teaclier of the parish school 
during the week, wliere tiiere are tiiirty to fifty 
pupils. A liouse of worsliip, about 35x70 
feet, on Fort street between Sixth and Seventh, 
was completed in November, 1883, but in 1888 
it was sold, preparatory to building a new edi- 
fice on the northwest corner of Eighth and 
Flower streets, adjoining which lot are the 
school building and a magnificent parsonage, 
costing $3,000. Tlie school-house, which also 
cost $3,000, is now temporarily used for public 
worship. 

The First English Luthenin CJiurch, was 
first organized as a mission in January, 1887, 
being supported by the Woman's Board of the 
General Synod. The congregation is now half 
self-sustaining, and soon will be fully so. The 
membership has increased from twenty-three to 
about 125. Kev. C. W. Ileisler, A. M., of 
Pennsylvania, the organizer of this congrega- 
tion, is still the pastor. William Ronnel super- 
intends the Sunday-school, whicii averages 
about 120 pupils. The Elders of the church 
are S. A. Crnmrine, S. Lipp and Joseph Kin- 
singer; and the Deacons, H. A. Getts, John 
iJundore, H. W. Stewart and C. W. Burrell. 
The liouse of worship, a new and beautifully 
designed structure, is located on the southeast 
corner of Eighth and Flower streets. Cost of 
building and lot, $26,000. Adjoining the lot 
on the east is a neat parsonage, of an architect- 
ural appearance similar to that of the church, 
designed by E. A. Coxhead, an architect of East 
Los Angeles. 

There is also a Swedish Lutheran Church in 
Los Angeles. 



ITHEE CHURCHES. 



Christian Church. — Religious services of 
this denomination were first held in October, 
1874, and continued at intervals until Febru- 
ary, 1875, when a church was organized by 



Elder G. 11. Hand, and the following Elders 
elected: B. F. Coulter, W. J. A. Smith, G. 
W. Linton, and T. O. Morgan. These gentle- 
men jointly ministered until August, 1875, 
when W. J. A. Smith was appointed presiding 
elder, and ofiiciated until December 1, 1876, 
since which time services have been conducted 
by Elders B. F. Coulter, John C. Hay, W. J. 
A. Smith and others, who have acted jointly. 
When first organized the church had twenty- 
seven members; the present membership is 
between 500 and 600, including two missions, 
one in East Los Angeles and one at the corner 
of Grand avenue and Morris s reet. Revs. 
Kirkham and T. B. Garvin have been preachers 
here, and Rev. James B. Jones has been in 
charge here since January, 1888. At that 
date he came from Columbia, Missouri. The 
present Elders are B. F. Coulter and W. J. 
A. Smith; and Deacons, R. S. Moore, M. San- 
ders, John Scheerer, F. M. Coulter, R. M. 
Parcells, Charles Allin, William Mann and W. 
H. Wagner. At Grand avenue the Elder is 
Charles Worth, and Deacon, W. II. Harper; and 
at the other mission the preacher is B. F. 
Coulter, and Deacons, David R. Groves ana 
Martin Hastings. 

The house of worship is located on Temple 
street, near Fort street. 

Church of the Unity (Unitarian) was organ- 
ized January 1, 1885, by Rev. Eli Fay, D. D., 
Pii. D., who has ever since been the minister. 

The first meetings of Unitarians in Los An- 
geles were held at the residence of T. E. Sev- 
erance in March, 1877. In May of the same 
year the church perfected its organization. The 
first services were conducted by Rev. John D. 
Wells, who was afterward pastor. The follow- 
ing-named persons were the first members: T. 
C. Severance, M. S. Severance, J. S. Severance, 
Mrs. C. M. Severance, Colonel and Mrs. B. C. 
Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Dobinson, Dr. 
and Mrs. A. S. Shorb, Dr. and Mrs. W. W. 
Ross, Mrs. C. F. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. 
Judson, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Gibson, Mrs. J. 
J. Melius, Miss Susan. A. Bartlett, Miss H. A. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Stevens, and Messrs. C. J. Ellis, S. B. Caswell, 
W. A. Spauldiiig, William Niles, W. F. Mar- 
shall, F. W. Wood, and Bryant Howard. The 
number of members has increased from twenty- 
five in 1885 to 160. They held their services, 
after organizing, in the Opera House and in 
Armory Hall until they occupied their new 
church edifice, dedicated June 16, 1889. The 
building is 45x100 feet in general area, located 
on Seventh street, between Fort and Hill streets, 
and cost, with lot, between $25,000 and $30,- 
000, mostly a donation from Dr. Fay. Of the 
board of trustees, Thomas Barnard is Chairman 
and Heiman, Secretary. Tiiey have a Sun- 
day-school of about 100 pupils. 

Dr. Fay, a native of New York State, has 
been preaching in Sheffield, England, for the 
eight or ten years previous to his coming to 
Los Angeles. 

German Evangelical Friedenskirclie was or- 
ganized early in tlie summer of 1887, by Rev. 
P. Branke, now in Illinois, who served as pastor 
about a year. Since P'ebruary, 1889, Rev. J. A. 
Schilling, from Pomona, has been in charge. 
About fifty families belong to tliis congregation. 
The cluircli edifice is a neat new frame structure 
on Earl street, near Seventh, 40x60 feet, erected 
in the summer of 1887. An addition to the 
rear of the church is temporarily occupied as a 
parsonage. 

Seventh-Day Adventist Church has about 
eighty members. The leader is Eider G. K. 
Owen, since November, 1887; Lay Eiders: 
William Yarnell, E. L. Caukins and S. K. Gib- 
son. Mr. Caukins is also superintendent of the 
Sabbath-school, which now has eighty-seven 
members. 

Of this denomination there are also churches 
at Pasadena, Norwalk and Santa Ana. 

Reorganized Church of Latter-Day Saints 
in Los Angeles was organized in the autumn of 
1882, with about a dozen members; there are 
now about eighty. The presiding priest ever 
since organization has been F. P. Snell. J. 
Morris is teacher of this branch. The presiding 
otiicers have lieen J. R. Badham, until his death 



in January, 1889, and ex-Judge A. S. Sparks, 
the present incumbent. Superintendent of the 
Sunday-school, Mrs. Wyman. This people now 
worship in a iiall at 24 South Spring street. 
They claim to be organized according to the 
ancient pattern; believe in the Book of Mormon 
as the "stick" prophesied of in Ezekiel xxxvii., 
and "book" in Isaiah xxix., and have no connec- 
tion or sympathy with the " latter-day apostasy " 
at Salt Lake City. 

Congregation B^7iai B'rith. — This congrega- 
tion was organized in 1862, under the pastorate 
of Rabbi A. W. Edelman. The "reformed" 
service was introduced in 1886, and Rabbi E.E. 
Schreiber served as lecturer until October, 1888, 
and since April 1, 1889, Dr. A. Blum has been 
the rabbi. The congregation has a very large 
membership, with many recent accessions. At 
the Sunday-school there is also a large attend- 
ance. Connected with the congregation are two 
eflicient benevolent societies, a gentlemen's and 
a ladies', besides a ladies' society which assists 
in furnishing and beautifying the synagogue. 
President of the first mentioned, E. Lasard; of 
the second, Mrs. S. Hellmann; and of the third, 
Mrs. I. W. Hellmann. President of the Congre- 
gation, S. Hellmann; Vice-President, M. Levy; 
Secretary, B. Sanders; Treasurer, I. Harris. 

The synagogue was built in 1873, and dedi- 
cated August 8, that year, and is located on 
Fort street, between Second and Third. It is a 
fine brick structure, but tlie trustees contem- 
plate the early erection of a new synagogue on 
ground which they have already secured, at the 
corner of Ninth and Hope streets. 

Dr. Blum has been for fifteen years the rabbi 
for the congregation at Galveston, Texas, the 
first in that State. 

Dr. E. Schreiber, who was rabbi of this con- 
gregation from September, 1885, to February, 
1889, and is now holding a -similar position at 
Little Rock, Arkansas, is an eminent scholar 
and author. Born in Austria in 1853, he was 
educated at several of the highest institutions 
of learning among his people in that country, 
and also received many superior testimonials 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



from eminent rabbis in Europe. After teach- 
ing in several places in the old country, in 1881 
he answered a call to come to Mobile, Alabama; 
in 1883, to Denver, Colorado; and in 1885 to 
Los Angeles. Here lie introduced reform into 
the Hebrew service; taught Latin, Greek and 
German in Los Angele.s College; aided in or- 
ganizing the "Associated Charities of Los An- 
geles;" contributed to the press, and read 
lectures before the Historical Society, Theo- 
sophical Society and Secular Union, etc., leaving 
prominent marks of good work in many chan- 
nels of philanthroj)ic endeavor. 

SOCIETIES. 

The list of secret societies in Los Angeles is 
as follows, the Masonic order having the lai'gest 
number of lodges: 

Maso7iic. — Coeur de Leon Commandery, No. 
9, K. T.; Los Angeles Council, No. 11, R. & 
S. M.; Signet Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M.; Los 
Angeles Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M.; Pentalpha 
Lodge, No. 202, F. & A. M.; Southern Califor- 
nia Lodge, No. 278, F. & A. M.; Sunset Lodge, 
No. 281, F. & A. M.; Acacia Chapter, No. 21, 
O. E. S. ; King Solomon Lodge of Perfection, 
No. 4, A. & A. S. Rite; Robert Bruce Chapter, 
Rose Croix, No. 6, A. & A. S. Rite; Huguesde 
Payens Council Knights Kadosh, No. 3, A. & 
A. S. Rite. The Masonic Board of Relief dis- 
penses large siims of money in charity. The 
membership is very large, and an assessment is 
levied on each member for the relief of dis- 
tressed brethren and their families. 

Odd Fellows.— iioXdew Rule Lodge, No. 160; 
Los Angeles Lodge, No. 35; Good Will Lodge, 
No. 323; East Side Lodge, No. 325; Orange 
Grove Encampment, No. 31; Canton Orion, No. 
12, Patriarchs Militant; Arbor Vit?e Rebekah 
Degree Lodge, No. 83; Eureka Rebekah De- 
gree Lodge; South Star Degree Lodge. 

Knights of Pythias. — Meet at Pythian Cas- 
tle. Olive Lodge, No. 26; Tri-Color, No. 96; 
La Fratertiite, No. 79; Gauntlet, No. 129; Sam- 
son, No. 148; Magnolia Division, No. 21, U. R.; 



Los Angeles Division, No. 25, U. R.; Castle 
Guard Division, No. 12, U. R. 

A. 0. U. ir.— Los Angeles Lodge, No. 55; 
Southern California Lodge, No. 191; East Los 
Angeles Lodge, No. 230; Fellowship Lodge, 
No. 294; Select Knights, California Legion, 
No. 1; Los Angeles Legion, No. 6; Pacific 
Legion, No. 16; Germania Lodge, No. 260; 
St. Elmo Lodge. 

Independent Order of Red Men. — Massasoit 
Tribe, No. 59. 

American Legion of Honor. — Good Will 
Council, No. 629; Safety Council, No. 664. 

G. A. R. — Frank Bartlett Post, No. 6; Stan- 
ton Post, No. 55; Gelcich Post, No. 106; John 
A. Logan Post, No. 139. 

Sons of Veterans. — Nathaniel Lyon Camp, 
No. 1; John C. Fremont Camp, No. 14. 

0. U. A. II. —Los Angeles Council; Israel 
Putnam Degree Council; Daughters of Lib- 
erty; Martha Washington Council. 

Knights of Honor. — Los Angeles Lodge, 
No. 2,925. 

Native Sons of the Golden ^Yest.— \uO& An- 
geles Parlor, No. 45; Ramona Parlor, No. 109. 

Native Daughters of the Golden VTest. — La 
Esperanza, No. 24. 

Independent Order B^nai B^rith. — Seini- 
Tropical Council, No. 341; Orange, No. 224. 

Ancient Order of Hibernians. 

United Friends of the Pacific. — Orange 
Council, No. 26. 

Order of Chosen Friends. — Guardian Coun- 
cil, No. 90. 

Order of the Golden Cross. 

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 

has its headquarters in Los Angeles, and has 
been in existence six years. Though its mem- 
bership has been comparatively small, meetings 
have been held regularly each month, except 
during the usual summer vacation. A large 
amount of historical matter has been collected, 
such as books, pamphlets, newspapers, relics 
and curios. A number of historic and scientific 
articles have been written by its members and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOEl ES COUNTY. 



otliers, wbicli liave mostly l)eeii printed in four 
anmial piililicatiuiis in tiie form nf neat i)ain- 
].lilets. Its constitntion (Icclares: 

" Tlie objects of tiiis society shall be the col 
lection and ]ireservatioii of all material which 
can have any bearing on the history of the 
Pacific Coast in general and of Southern Cali- 
fornia in particnlar; the discussion of historical, 
literary or scientific subjects; and the reading 
of papers thereon; and the trial of such scientific 
experiments as shall be determined by the so- 
ciety." 

Noah Levering, Esq., is the justly accredited 
father of the society. In the fall of 1883 he can- 
vassed among his friends, and obtained a list of 
persons who agreed to become members. At the 
first meeting in the Normal School building in 
Los Angeles, there were only five persons pres- 
ent: Judge N. Levering, Colonel J. J. Warner, 
John B. Niles, General John Mansfield and 11. 
N. Rnst, Esq., of Pasadena. After discussing 
their plans fully, they determined to adjoxirn 
for one week, and in the meantime urge tije 
attendance of all whom they could. Their sue 
cess was flattering. 

In accordance with notices published in the 
newspapers, requesting those to meet in the 
city court-room, now the breakfast- room of the 
Nadeau House, there assembled ("olonel J. J. 
Warner, II. D. Barrows, General John Mans- 
field, Major C. N. Wilson, ex-Governoi- John 
G. Downey, Professor J. M. Guinn, George 
Hansen, Professor Ira More, J. B. Niles, Judge 
A. Kohler, Don Antonio F. Coronel, A. J. Brad- 
field, Judge N. Levering, Major E. W. Jones 
and Professor Marcus Baker. Colonel Warner 
was chosen president, and Major Wilson, secre- 
tary. At subsequent meetings a constitution 
was adopted modeled after that of the Philo- 
sophical Society of Washington. This consti- 
tution provided, among other things, that all 
business should be transacted by a general com- 
mittee consisting of a limited number of the 
members. This feature with several others 
proved unsatisfactory in the latitude of Los An- 
geles, and accuidingly were omitted in March, 



1887, when the constitntion was revised, and 
the workings of the society were very much 
simplified. By a vote, on December 22, 1883, 
the following twenty-two persons were declared 
to be the founders of the society: Marcus 
Baker,* E. Baxter, A. J. Bradfield,* A. F. 
Coronel, J. G. Downey, G. B. Griflin, J. M. 
Guinn, George Hansen, V. E. Howard, •]• E. W. 
Jones, Isaac Kinley, A. Kohler,-|- N. Levering, 
John Mansfield, Ira More, J. B. Niles, J. W. 
Redway,* H. N. Bust, J. Q. A. Stanley ,f J. J. 
Warner,:]; J. P. Widney and C. N. Wilson. 

In 1886 the society moved its place of meet- 
ing to the council chamber in the old City Hall 
on Second street, in which place it has ever since 
met. 

The ex-presidents and their years of service 
are as follows: J. J. Warner, 1888-'84:; John 
Mansfield, 1885; Isaac Kinley, 1886; Ira More, 
1887; Henry D. Barrows, 1888. The ofiicersfor 
1889 are: Edward W. Jones, President; C. N. 
AVilson, First Vice-President; Edwin Baxter, 
Second Vice-President; B. A. Stephens, Secre- 
tary; J. M. Guinn, Treasurer, and Ira More, 
Curator. 

Among others things which the society has 
done, has been the celebration of the anniver- 
sary of Washington's birthday in 1885, and it 
has given formal receptions to Professors Asa 
Gray and W. G. Harlow, of Harvard (March 16, 
1885), and celebrated the centennial of Wash- 
in<);ton's inauguration. The society has been 
cheered in its prospects by Don Antonio F. 
Coronel's generous lie(jnest in his will of $100,- 
000. 

■rUE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION, 

was organized in October, 1885, by Fred. L. 
AUer, Hon. George W. Knox, Dr. W. G. Coch- 
ran and others. It was originally composed of 
former residents of Illinois, but after a time its 
entertainments became so j)opular that the doors 
were thrown open to others. The membership 
numbers several hundred. The organization was 
incorporated in the spring of 1889. Their weekly 
entertainmenis comprise musical and literary 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY 



exercises, but diii'ing the suinmei' meetings are 
suspended. Present officers: Kalpli E. Hoyt, 
President; W. A. Bryan, First Vice-President; 
C. L. De Lano, Second Vice-President; Henry 
Harrison, Secretary; Frank L. (xrosveiior. Treas- 
urer. 

There is also a tlourisiiing Iowa Association, 
of which Hon. A. ,] . Doiinen is president. 



THE GRAXI 



WAY CONDUt 



a benevolent protective association with in- 
surance, was organized in Los Angeles, Novem- 
ber 13; 1888, with 104 charter members, 
consisting of. railway -conductors running on 
the various lines centering in Los Angeles; but 
its geographical scope is the whole of North 
America. Its chief mission is the use of all lion- 
orable means in its power to prevent the hiring, 
by railway companies, of men for brakesmen 
who lack the necessary qualiiications to make 
respectable, competent and intelligent con- 
ductors. None but conductors who have served 
three years as such are eligible to membership. 
Already auxiliary associations are organized in 
many other railroad centers of the Union, as 
Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; Ogden, 
Utah; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Ashland, Wis- 
consin; Chicago, Illinois; Dubuque, Iowa; Louis- 
ville, Kentucky; San Antonio and Denison, 
Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pasco, Washing- 
ton Territorj'; Fort Scott, Kansas; Tucson, 
Arizona; La Crosse, AVisconsin; De Soto, Mis- 
souri; Bay City, Michigan, etc. The total mem- 
bership is already 2,700. The home office is 
150 South Main street, Los Angeles, and the 
present officers are: Grand Chief Conductor, 
George W. Howard, of Evansville, Indiana, 
who is master of transportation of the Evans- 
ville & Terre Haute Railway, and has held 
every position in the railway service from 
freight brakeman to the one he now occupies; 
Grand Senior Conductor, W. J. Bigelow; Grand 
Junior Conductor, J. G. Ward; Grand Secre- 
tary and Treasurer, D. J. Carr, of Los Angeles, 
who has been sixteen j-ears in the railway ser- 



vice, commencing in 1868 as a freight brakemau 
with the Baltimore & Ohio Company and ter- 
minating as a ]iassenger conductor on the St. 
Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad, the Central 
Pacific, the Northern Pacific and Southern Pa- 
cific; Grand Inside Sentinel, S. Elliott; Grand 
Outside Sentinel, J. E. Hartell; Rev. William 
M. Usher, of Santa Ana, is Chaplain. W. H. 
Sheesby, of Los Angeles, altliough not an officer 
of the organization, is one of its promoters and 
one of its most active working members. The 
first grand annual convention was held Septem- 
ber 16 last, in Los Angeles. 

TOUNG men's christian ASSOCIATION. 

This organization has long been doing a 
practical work among the young men of the 
city, and its membership and influence have 
steadily increased. It now has over 400 mem- 
bers, including many prominent business men 
of the community. During the past year a 
new building was erected by the so?iety which 
is at once a credit to the organization and an 
ornainent to tlie city. It is locate<I on Fort 
street, south of Second street. 

woman's christian temperance union. 

In Southern California no Union existed prior 
to 1883. The first one in this county was 
formed by Miss Frances E. Willard, in the 
spring of that year, in Los Angeles City. Five 
others had a beginning the same year, so that 
when a convention was held in 1884 for countv 
organization, six unions were entitled to repre- 
sentation. These charter unions were Los An- 
geles Central, Pasadena, Orange, Tustin,Pomono 
and Westminster. In five years the number of 
unions in the county has increased to thirty-six, 
with an aggregate membership of nearly 1,000. 
There are besides sixteen children's organ- 
izations, numbering over 1,500. In the county 
not less than 1,700 boys under fifteen years of 
age are pledged against the use of tobacco in 
every form. 

The county is thoroughly organized, with an 
efficient corps of officers and a union in every 



hi STOUT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY . 



community large enough to support one. The 
county president visits all the unions once or 
twice a year, organizes new unions whenever 
practicable, and holds a county convention in 
the spring of every year. A county fund is 
raised by paying litteen cents per member an- 
nually into tlie county treasury. 

Eight of the unions report no saloon. In 
several instances this liappy condition of things 
has been brought about largely through the 
ell'orts of the women in securing jirohibitury 
enactments. 

nUMANE SOCIETY. 

As is the case with every city of considerable 
inMgnitnde, Los Angeles offers a good field for 
a humane society. Unfortunately "man's in- 
humanity to man "is manifest here as elsewhere; 
and tlie same spirit that begets cruelty to mem- 
bers of the human family al.-o extends to gross 
;ind pcrr^istent abuses of dumb brutes, whicli can 
neither speak for nor protect themselves. Hence 
the necessity of a humane society, which Los 
Angeles has had for several years. The objects 
(if the organization are, '-the prevention of 
cruelty to children and animals and the pun- 
ishment of offenders against the laws made for 
their protection. The chief aim is to create 
and foster such a public sentiment as shall ren- 
der such offenses rare." 

The officers of this useful organization are: 
IL T. Lee, President; Mrs. J. 13. Hooker, Secre- 
tary; M. V. Wright, Otticer. 

Among other institutions of a charitable char- 
acter are the Young Women's Christian Tem- 
perance Union; the Associated Charities of Los 
Angeles, for the prevention of pauperism, the 
promotion of thrift and the relief of the worthy 
poor; Los Angeles Orphan Home; Ladies' Be- 
nevolent Society; Italian Benevolent Society; 
Unione e Frattelanza Garibaldina; Order of 
Good Templars; Sons of Temperance; Ladies' 
Aid Society; Ladies' Missionary Society; Arion 
Band of Little Missionaries; Flower Festival 
Society, etc. 

The Flower Fe^tivjil Society is an unique or- 



ganization. Taking advantage of the floral 
wealth of this country, it holds every year, in 
the month of April, a festival lasting a week, 
at which the display and decorations are entirely 
of flowers. Millions of roses, wagon loads of 
callas, tons of flowers of every description, are 
worked into ingenious designs and kept con- 
stantly renewed. These festivals are very popu- 
lar. The lady managers realize large sums of 
money, whicli are expended in the maintenance 
of the AVoman's Home and the Woman's Ex- 
change. For the former, they have a large, 
handsome building, with accommodations for 
seventy, where working girls and women can 
have a respectable liom'e at a moderate price. 

Besides the above there are the Los Angeles 
County Hospital, Los Angeles Infirmary, con- 
ducted by the Sisters of Charity, St. Paul's 
Hospital, Southern Paciflc Railroad Hospital, 
Santa Fe Railroad Hospital, French Hospital, 
and two orphans' homes, one non-sectarian, at 
the corner of Yale and Virgin streets, and the 
other Catholic, at the corner of Alameda and 
Macy streets. 

CITY OFFICERS. 

Mayor. 



1850. A. P. Hodges. 




1851. B. D. Wilson. 




1852. John O. Nichols. 




1853. A. F. Coronel. 




1854. S. C. Foster. 




1855. Thomas Foster. 




1856. S. C. Foster. Resigned; 


succeeded 


by John G. Nichols. 




1857-'58. John G. Nichols. 




1859. D. Marchessault. 




1860. II. Melius. 




1861-'64. D. Marchessault. 




1865. Jose Mascaril. 




1866. C. Aguilar. 




1867. D. Marchessault. 




1868. C. Aguilar. 




1869-'70. Joel H. Turner. 




1871-'72. C. Aguilar. 




1873-'74. J. R."'Toberman. 




1875-76. P. Beandry. 




1877-'78. F. A. McDougal. 




1879-'82. J. R. Toberman. 




1883-'84. C. E. Thorn. 





BISTORT OF LOS AYQBLEi COUNCr. 



1885-'86. E. F. Spence. 
1887-'88. W. H. Workman. 
1889. John Brysoti, succeeded by H. T. 
Hazard, March 21, under new charter. 
1889. II. T. Hazard. 

2[arshal. 



1850. 


Sanil. Whitini;. 


1851. 


Alex. (iil.-oM.' 


1852. 


Win. Header. 


1853. 


A. S. Beard. 


1854. 


Geo. W. Cole. 


1855. 


A. Shelhj. 


1856- 


'57. W. C. Getman. 


1858- 


-'59. F. H. Alexander. 


1860- 


'63. Thomas Tratford. 


1864. 


J. P. Ownby. 


1865- 


'67. Wm. C. Warren. 


1868. 


John Trafford. 


1869- 


'70. Win. (I Warren. 


1871- 


'72. Francis Baker. 


1873- 


'74. R. J. Wolf. 


1875- 


'76. J. J. Carrillo. 



Chief of Police. 

Office of city marshal discontinued, and that 
of chief of police created. 

1877. J. F. Gerkins. 

1878. E. Harris. 

1879. Henry King. 

1880. Henry King. 

1881. G. E. Gard. 

1882-'83. Henry King (resigned June, '83). 
1883-'84. T. J. Cuddy. 

1885. E. M. McCarthy (removed May 12) ; 
William Stoermer, acting. John Horner (from 
May 14). 

1886. J. W. Davis (removed), C. A. Ketler, 
acting for three months. 

18S7. J. K. Skinner (removed); P. M. 
Darcy, for three months. 

1888. T. J. (Juddy (removed); H.H.Bene- 
dict, fur three months. 

1889. Turrence Cooney (went out under new 
charter). J. F. Burns (removed July 24); J. 
M. Glass. 

Attorneij. 

1850. Benjamin ITayes. 

1851. W. G. Dryden. 

1852. J. L. Bent. 

1853. C. E. Carr. 

1854. Isaac Hartman. 

1855. Lewis Granger. 
1856-'57. C. E. Thorn. 



1858- 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863- 
1865. 
1866- 
1868. 
1869- 
1871- 
1873- 
1877- 
1881- 
1883- 
1885- 
1887- 
1889. 



'59. J. H. Lander. 

S. F. Reynolds. 

J. H. Lander. 

M. J. JSJewmark. 
'64. A. B. Chapman. 

J. H. Lander. 
'67. A. J. King. 

C. 11. Larabee. 



'70. 

'72. 
'76. 
'80. 
'82. 
'84. 
'86. 
'88. 



William McPhersn 
F. II. Howard. 
A. W. Hutton. • 
J. F. Godfrey. 
H. T. Hazard. 
W. D. Stephenson. 
J. W. McKinley. 
J. C. Daly. 



Charles McFarland. 
Clerk. 



succeeded by J. 



1850-'59. W. G. Dryden. 
1800-'62. W. W. Stetson, 
F. Crawley, August, 1862. 
1863. B. S. Eaton. 
1864-'65. C. R. Ayers. 
1866. O.N.Potter. 
1867-'70. ^N. G. Dryden. 

M. Kremer. 

S. B. Caswell. 

W. W. Robinson. 

F. G. Teed. 
1889. M. F. Stiles (went out with old char- 
ter), F. G. Teed. 

Assessor. 

1850-'52. A. F. Coronel. 



1871-'75. 
1876-'78. 
1879-'86. 
1887-'88. 



Yg. Coronel. 
M. Keller. 
J. D. Hunter. 
W. H. Peterson. 
B. S. Eaton. 
M. Coronel. 
W. H. Peterson. 
J. Metzker. 
J. C. Swain. 
N. Williamson. 

No assessor elected, and so far as 
known no assessment made. 

1864. J. I). Woodworth. 

1865. J. W. Beebee. 
1866-'68. J. Bilderrian. 

Antonio Rocha. 
Juan Robarts. 
L. Seebold. 
J. Z. Morris. 



1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 



1869-'70. 
1871-'72. 
1873-'74. 

1875-'78. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT T. 



1879-'82. K. Bilden-ian. 
1883-'84. G. A. Vignolo (resigned), John 
Fischer (appointed March 10, 1883). 
1885-'86. John Fischer. 
1887-'88. W. R. Stephenson. 
1889 John Fischer. 

Tax Collector-. 
1850-'76. City Marshal (ex-officio). 
1877-'78. J. J. Carrillo. 

1879. A. J. Hamilton (absconded), C. H. 
Dnnsinoor. 

1880. M. Kremer. 
1881-'82. H. Burdick. 
1883-'86. H. S. Parcels. 
1887-'88. I). W. Field. 
1889. L. J. Thompson. 









Treasurer. 


1850. 


Fi 


anc 


SCO Figneroa. 


1851. 


F. 


P. Temple. 


1852- 


'56. 


S. 


Arbnckle. 


1857- 


'59. 


n 


JM. Ale.xander. 


1860. 


T. 


G. 


Barker. 


1861- 


'62. 


H 


. N. Alexander. 


1863- 


'64. 


J. 


L. Morris. 


1865- 


'67. 


J. 


F. Burns. 


1868- 


'70. 


Tl 


lomas Eowan. 


1871- 


'74. 


G 


R. Butler. 


1875- 


'76. 


J. 


J. Melius. 


1877- 


'78. 


I. 


M. Ilellman. 


1879^ 


'80. 


L. 


Lichtenberger. 


1881- 


'86. 


J. 


C. Kays. 


1887- 


'88. 





Macy. 


1889. 


M 


I). 


Johnson. 

Surveyor. 


1874. 


Milliani Moore. 


1875. 


J. 


M. 


Baldwin (resigned), succeeded 


by M. Kelle 


lar. 




1876- 


'78. 


M 


. Kellehar. 


1879. 


John ( 


Toldsworthy. 


1880- 


"82. 


Jc 


hn E. Jackson. 


1884- 


'85. 


G 


C. Knox. 


1886- 


'87. 


F 


Eaton. 


1888. 


W 


. T. 


Lambic. 


1889. 


H 


L. 


Dockweiler (went out with old 


charter). 








1889. 


F. 


Eaton. 



Health Officer. 
1875-'77. J. H. McKee. 

1878. T. C. Gale. 

1879. W. Lindlev. 
1880-'82. J. B. Winston. 



1883-'84. T. C. Gale, 

1885-'86. J. S. Baker (died in office). 

1886. H. S. Orme. 

1887. M. 8. Hagar. 

1888. J. W. Reese. 

1889. Dr. G. McGowan. 

COUNCIL.* 

1850. D. W. Alexander, A. Bell, M. Re- 
quena, J. Temple, M. L. Goodman, C. Agiiilar, 
J. Chaves (B. D. Wilson, W. Jones). 

1851. S. C. Foster, J. O. Wheeler, D. W. 
Alexander, A. Olvera, M. Requena, Yg. Coro- 
nel, T. A. Sanchez (J. L. Brent). 

1852. M. Requena, J. G. Downey, M. Nor- 
ton, Y. del Valle, M. Keller, M. Botello, Yg. 
Coronel. 

1853. W. T. B. Sanford, W. H. Rand, A. 
Jacobi, J. F. Jones, M. Requena, J. M. Doporto, 
Pio I'ico (E. Drown). 

1854. M. Requena, C. Wadhams, W. T. B. 
Sanford, L. Granger, F. Melius, S. Lazard, A. 
F. Coronel (J. M. Doporto, li. R. Myles). 

1855. William Lloyd, J. H. Nichols, H. Z. 
Wheeler, E. Drown, I. H. Stewart, Obed Macy, 
John W. Ross (Timothy Foster, II. Uhrbroock, 
R. Glass, J. Schumacher, C. Aguilar). 

1856. E. Drown, M. Requena, I. Gilcrist, 
N. A. Potter, J. G. Downey, A. Ulyard, Y. del 
Valle (C. Aguilar, J. Schumacher, R. Glass, 
Obed Macy, H. Uhrbroock). 

1857. A. Ulyard, G. Carson, A. F. Coronel, 
Juan Barre, John Frohling, J. Mullally, 11. 
McLaughlin (N. A. Potter, M. Norton, M. 
Requena, E. Drown). 

1858. A. F. Coronel, D. M. Porter, J . S. 
Griffin, J. GoUer, C. Aguilar, P. Banning, S. 
C. Foster (Juan Barre, H. McLaughlin, G. N. 
Whitman, J. Mullally, John Frohling). 

1859. D. M. Porter, N. A. Potter, J. Bald- 
win, A. M. Dodson, E. Drown, W. Woodworth, 
J. Ybarra (A. F. Coronel, S. C. Foster, C. 
Aguilar, J. Goller, V. Hoover, P. IJatining, J. 
S.^'Griffin). 

1860. D. Marchessault, T. B. Collins, J. 
Edwards, A. Stearns, V. Hoover, E. Moulton, 

P. Baltz ( Anderson, Peterson. N. A. 

Potter, W. Woodworth, J. Baldwin, E. Drown, 
J. Ybarra). 

1861. A. F. Coronel, A. M. Dodson, J. B. 
Winston, E. Drown, C. Aguilar, N. A. Potter, 

*The names eDClosed thus ( ■), are of members noi elected at the 
stated city election, but who acted during some portion of the year, 
either by appointment to fill vacancies, or by holding oyer, or by 
special election. The names not enclosed are those of the council 
men regularly elected, at the usual city < 



HISTOUT OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



S. Lazard, (W. Woodworth, Peterson, 

Moore, Anderson, J. Huber, E. Moulton, 

V. Hoover). 

1862. N. A. Totter, A. F. Coronel, A. 
Poulain, P. Sicliel, J. Wei.xel, J. Turner, J. 
Huber (A. M. Dodson, J. IS. Winston, S. Laz- 
ard, (J. Aguilar, E. Drown). 

1863. .1. Turner, A. F. Coronel, P. Siclie], 
J. Ilnber, J. V>. Winston, E.Taylor, T. 8ignoret 
(J. Weixel, N. A. Potter, A. Poulain). 

1864. J. lluher, P. iSicliel, J. Mascarel, A. 

F. (-uronei, M. Jveqiiena, V. Hoover, W. Wood- 
worth (J. Turner, E. Taylor, J. B. AVinston, T. 
Sigiioret). 

1865. H. Taft, J. GuUer, J. Chaves, W. S. 
Van Dusen, J. Jones, C. Vejar, W. H. Perry 
(W. Woodworth, J. Huber, M. Requena, J. 
Mascarel, P. Sichel, V. Hoover, A. F. Cor- 
onel). 

1866. E. Workman, L. Roeder, J. Schu- 
macher, M. Morrison. J. King, A. F. Coronel, 
M. Morris (W. H. Perry, W. S. Van Dusen, J. 
Jones, J. (,:haves, J. C. Vejar, H. Taft, J. Golier). 

1867. M. Morris, M. Requena, A. F. Coro- 
nel, J. C. Vejar, A. A. Eoyle, J. Wolfskill, V. 
Hoover (J. Kin^, J. Schumacher, L. Roeder, 
M. Morrison, J. Mascarel). 

1868. J. King, J. R. Toberman, J. Metzker, 
M. Kremer, A. J. King, T. Geary, W. H. Perry, 
H. Wartenberg, J. Golier, F. Sabichi (J. Schii- 
macher, L. Roeder, J. Mascarel, M. Morrison, 
A. A. Boyle, G. Dalton, L. Botiller). 

1869. L. Roeder, O. W. Childs, J. King, H. 
Wartenberg, M. Keller, D. Botiller, M. Morris, 
W. H. Perry, J. Mascarel, J. Metzker. 

1870. J. Mascarel, E. H. Workman, S. B. 
Caswell, M. Morris, J. Metzker, J. King, D. 
Botiller, L. Roeder, O. W. Childs, A. A. Boyle 
(H. Wartenberg, J. R. Toberman, L. B. Marti- 
nez, J. C. Vejar). 

1871. J. Chaves, J. Jones. B. Dulourdiux, 

G. Fall, W. Ferguson, M.Teed, H. Dockweiler, 
F. Sabichi, J. Osborn, W. Hammel. 

1872. F. P. Campbell, Obed Macy, J. Val- 
dez, P. Beaudry, E. H. Workman, H. K. S. 

O'Melveny, Dennison, M. Teed,F. Sabichi, 

W. Ferguson. 

1873. J. Valdez, J. Mullally, E. E. Long, 
P. Beaudry, M. Teed. W. Osborn, W. H. Work- 
man, F. Sabichi, E. F. de Cells, H. Dockweiler. 

1874. J. Chaves, J. Gerkins, J. Mascarel, 
F. Sabichi. C. E. Huber, P. Beaudry, W. H. 
Workmati, E. F. <le Celis. H. Dockweiler, J. 
Valdez. 



1875. F. P. Campbell, R. Sotello, J. Mul- 
lally, J. G. Carmona, M. Teed. L. Lichtenberger, 
W. W. Robinson, J. Mascarel, C. E. Huber, E. 
FL Workman. L. Wolfskill, T. Leahy. 

1876. R. Sotello, J. Gerkins, W. H. Work- 
man, J. Kuhrts, D. V. Waldron. T. Leahy, AL 
Teed, L. Lichtenberger, J. Mullally, E. Huber, 
L. Wolfskill, F. 1'. Campbell. 

1877. F. Tannet, B. Valle, W. Cohn, J. W. 
Potts, E. K. Green, J. S. Tliomi)soM, R. Sotello, 
W. H. Workman, J. Kuhrts, I). V. Waldron, 
T. Leahy, J. Mullally. 

1878.' J. Mullally, C. Apablasa, J. E. Hol- 
lenbeck, C. C. Lipps, J. H. Jones, A. F. Ker- 
cheval J. S. Thompson, E. K. Green, J. W. 
Potts, B. Valle, F. Tannet, B. Cohn. 

1879. S. M. Perry, L. Meinzer, J. Shaffer, 
J. H. Butler, W. B. Lawler, S. A. Francis, R. 
Moloney, J. Robenreith, C. Brode, N. R. Vail, 
E. JN. Hamilton, S. H. Buchanan, J. G. Mc- 
Donald, W. H. Workman, S. J. Beck. 

1880.— L. Meinzer, R. L. Beauchet. W. N. 
Monroe, R. Molony. H. Schumacher, J. 
Kuhrts. S. H. Buchanan, E. K. Green, E. F. 
Spence, S. J. Beck, W. H. Workman, O. H. 
Bliss, W. B. Lawlor (President), J. G. Mc- 
Donald, J. P. Moran. 

1881.— R. L. Beauchet, W. N. Monroe (re- 
signed June 18, 1881), J. G. Bower, J. Kuhrts, 
J. Mascarel, M. Teed, E. K. Green, E. F. Spence 
(President), G. Gephard (resigned November 
12, 1881), O. H. Bliss, B. Chandler, B. Cohn, 
J. G. McDonald, J. P. Moran and W. S. Moore. 

1882.— J. G. Bower, J. Mullally, C. Schieffe- 
lin, J. Kuhrts, J. Mascarel, M. Teed, J. S. 
O'Neil, A. W. Ryan, Robert Steere, B. Chand- 
ler, B. Cohn, G. Kerckhoff, W. S. Moore, J. P. 
Moran (President), O. G. Weyse. 

1883.— J. Mullally, C. Sehieffelin, C. W. 
Schroder, J. Kuhrts, IL Hammel, P. Ballade, 
A. W. Ryan, R. Steere. C. Gassen, G. Kerck- 
hoff, A. L. Bush, J. W. Wolfskill, J. P. Moran, 
(President). O. G. Weyse, W. S. Moore. 

1884.— C. W. Schweder, W. T. Lanibie, E. 
M. Hamilton, H. Hammel, P. Ballade, F. R 
Day, C. Gassen, ]j. W. French, C. R. Johnson, 
J. W. Wolfskill, D. E. Miles. V. Sabichi, W. S 
Moore (President), D. M. McGarry, J. B. Niles. 

1885.— E. M. Hamilton, W. T. Lambie. J. 
Velsir, F. R. Day, M. V. Biscailuz, J. F. Hol- 
brook, L. W. French, C. R. Johnson (resigned 
June 9), A. Brown, D. E. Miles (I'resident), J. 
I). Bullis, M. Santee, D. M. McGarry, J. 1^. 
Niles (resigned October 6), H. Sinsabaugh. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQBLES COUNTY. 



1886.— J. Velsir, T. Goss, G. L. Stearns, M. 
V. Biscailus, J. F. Holbrook, J. Kiilirts, A. 
Brown (resigned), L. N. Breed, E. W. Jones, 
Charles li. Jolinson (vice Brown), J. D. ]5ul]is, 
M. Santee, S. M. Perry, H. Sinsabaugli, J. 
Fraukenfield, C. Willard. 

1887.— T. Goss, G. L. Stearns, E. A. Gibbs, 
M. Teed, M. T. Collins, J. Knhrts, Charles L. 
Johnson, L. J*^. Breed, E. W. Jones, J. Loveli, 
J. Hyans, S. M. Terry, PI. Hiller, J. Franken- 
field, C. Willard. 

1888.— E. A. Gibbs, James Hanley, N. Math- 
ews, M. Teed, J. Moriarty, M. T. Collins, J. 



H. Book, J. F. Humphreys, E. C. Bosbysbell, 
J. Loveli, B. Cohn, B. Chandler, H. Hiller, A. 
W. Barrett, H. Sinsabaugli. 

1889.— A. W. Barrett, J. H. Bryant, C. N. 
Earl, J. F. Humphreys, E. C. Bosbyshell, A. 
C. Schafer, E. R. Threlkeld, A. McNally, J. 
Hanly, J. Moriarty, G. O. Ford, H. Sinsabaugh, 
H. T. D. Wilson, J. Kuhrts (President). This 
council went out with the old charter in March. 

Council under new charter: H. V. Van Dusen, 
G. P. McLain, W. H. Bonsall, J. Fraukenfield 
(President), A. C. Shafer, A. N. Hamilton, J. 
T. Brown, T. Summerlaud, R. E. Wirsching. 




UI8T0HY OF LUi> AN U ELKS CUUNTY. 




mfmfmmimm^mi^^ 



h.^^, 






$ PASADEM, AND THE STORY OF RANCHO SAN PASCUAL, i 







CHAPTER XIX. 



I5V MRS. jf;anne c. carr. 
" Happy," I said, " whose home is liere ! 
Fair fortunes to the moiintaineer ! 
Boon nature to his poorest shed 
Has royal pleasure grounds outspread ! " 
—R. W. Emenon. 

SOR all that makes Southern California pre- 
eminent for salubrity, picturesque beauty 
and productiveness, she is in debt to the 
sea and to her mountains. And among the 
many snow-born rivers whose sources lie far 
back in the forested summits, the Arroya Seco 
is the most enchanting to lovers of wild nature. 

The ascent from Pasadena to Mounts Wilson 
and Disappointment Peak, by either fork of 
this marvelous stream, is literally by water, so 
frequent are the cascades, so numerous the 
crossings where one is tempted to linger under 
the canopies of oak and sycamore, or to lose 
himself in the fragrant chapparal, that richest 
many-colored robe woven only for the mountains 
of the Pacific Coast. 

The Arroyo Seco anciently flowed through a 
richly wooded and populous region before en- 
tering the Los Angeles River; and several large 
Indian rancheros formerly occupied the lands 
now covered by Pasadena, Garranza and Lincoln 
Park. Evidence of this abounds in the fre- 
quency with which stone mortars and other 
implements of Indian life are met with, wher- 
ever the virgin soil is opened for cultivation. 

The first visit of white men to this territory 
occurred on the 17th of January, A. D. 1770, 



when Governor Gaspar de Portoloa, returnino- 
southward with the first land expedition sent 
out from Loreto in search of Monterey, having 
missed the trail along the coast, entered the 
San Fernando Valley through the Simi Pass; 
and moving on, having crossed the Verdugo 
Hills, mistook the Arroyo Seco, then a full 
stream, swollen by winter rains, for the Porci- 
linculla, or Los Angeles River. The hungry 
and travel-worn soldiers found the hospitable 
natives ready to share their simple stores of 
dried meat and acorns; and the Capitan, filling 
his long-stemmed pipe with leaves of the wild 
tobacco, presented it to the Spanish ofiicer, 
whose supply of the foreign weed had been long 
exhausted. Thus the consoling " Pespihuta," 
the Indian name of this plant, became the 
foundation of a lively traffic between the abo- 
rigines and Spaniards, who paid for it in trinkets 
and beads. 

Ere long a well-broken trail through the ter- 
ritory connected the parent missions of San 
Diego and Monterey, and was known as Cam- 
ino del Rey, over which all the dispatches were 
sent northward from Mexico and Guatemala. 

According to the earlier records, this Indian 
Capitan was baptized at Old Mission San Ga- 
briel by the name of Pascual. It is uncertain 
whether this circumstance gave the locality its 
name, or the subsequent grant through the in- 
fluence of Father Sanchez, of the San Gabriel 
Mission, of three anil a half leagues of its lands 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



to Eulalia Perez, in consideration of her serv- 
ices as nurse and midwife; and also in teaching 
the Indians the arts of civilized life, an event 
which occurred on the day of San Pascual. 

The Indian name of the region was Acur- 
angna, signifying "where streams meet." 

After the removal of Mission San Gabriel to 
its present site, the San Pascual Indians were 
employed as herders; the "bell mare," fleetest 
and most beautiful of the padres stock, ranged 
in the glades and led the band of wild horses 
to crop the grasses of the Altadena uplands. 

La Sabanellas de San Pascual was the name 
given by Spanish sailors to the vast iields 
of poppies seen far out at sea, the same glo- 
rious "altar cloth," or bridal veil, which adorns 
the foothills of North Pasadena with the re- 
turn of every spring. 

It was the wooded slopes of the Arroyo Seco 
which furnished timber for the dwellings of the 
"City of Our Lady, the Queen of the Angels," 
and there also the bears were lassoed for the 
rude sports which entertained her people in 
primitive times. The removal of the San Ga- 
briel Mission to its present site greatly affected 
the destiny of the San Pascual Indians. 

California, one of their number, was held 
in great esteem by the padres and the intend- 
ants of the Mission. During the intendency of 
Juan Bandini he was major domo, and he gave 
Mr. Coronel many interesting reminiscences of 
primitive conditions; of the discovery of silver 
in the San Gabriel Mountains, and penances 
imposed upon the discoverers. 

He died about 1840 more than a century old; 
and with his dark-skinned fellow laborers had 
built all the houses in the country and planted 
all its fields and vineyards. In the report of B. 
D. Wilson to the United States Government in 
1852 he said: "Under the missions the wild 
Indians had become masons, carpenters, plaster- 
ers, soap-makers, tanners, shoemakers, black- 
smiths, carters and cart-makers, weavers and 
spinners, saddlers, shepherds, vignerons and 
vaqueros; in a word, they filled all the occupa- 
tions known to civilized society; all of which 



marvelous changes had fallen under the eyes of 
old California. 

A "Mexican grant" carried witli it the obli- 
gation to occupy and improve the sane, and as 
Eulalia Perez, devoted to her beneficent labors, 
failed to comply with this requirement, it came 
to pass that Manual Garfias, a gay and popular 
soldier, received from his friend Gm-errior 
Micheltorena, the title to the liancho San Pas- 
cual. A house of considerable pretension for 
the time, delightfully placed among the spread- 
ing oaks on the banks of the Arroyo Seco, was 
the scene of much rural hospitality during 
several years, when the Garfias family suddenly 
abandoned it for a home in Mexico. Thence- 
forth it swiftly lapsed to ruin, and Nature had 
effaced nearly every trace of human occupancy 
when the California colony, of Indiana, in Au- 
gust, 1873, sent out from Indianapolis a com- 
mittee to select the most favorable spot for a 
settlement, and for the culture of oranges and 
other fruit. 

After a careful survey of many charming 
locations in Los Angeles, San Diego and San 
Bernardino counties, the association purchased 
the interest of Dr. J. S. Griffin, consisting of 
about 4,000 acres of the rancho San Pascual. 
One of the incorporators, B. S. Eaton, was 
already residing in the neighborhood, and ren- 
dered invaluable services to the new-comers, 
especially in the management and supervision 
of the water-works, by which an ample supply 
of pure mountain water was secured to every 
homestead. 

To Dr. Elliott the colony is indebted for its 
pleasing name, Pasadena — an Algonquin word, 
signifying the Crown of the Valley. 

Thomas Croft, at a critical moment in the 
negotiations for the purchase, laid down the re- 
quired amoutit, and was for a brief period sole 
owner of this fair domain. 

John II. Baker and D. M. Berry, "the Caleb 
and Joshua" of the California Colony of Indi- 
ana, were present on the bright winter morning 
of January 27, 1874, when the twenty-seven 
incorporators met for the selection of the indi- 



UmrURY OF LOS ANQELEU COUNTY. 



vidiial homesteads. Among them was Calvin 
Fletcher, a wealthy citizen of Indiana, who was 
one of the largest stockholders. Many were 
wealthy, others had brought their careful savings 
to secure a humble home and summer all the 
year round. Nearly all had a choice spot in 
view, and it was an anxious moment when, the 
lovely landscape at their feet, and the maps out- 
spread, the bidding was about to begin. Mr. 
Fletcher moved that the owners of a single 
share be first invited to make their selections. 
And such was the diversity of soil, location and 
topography, that each of the twenty-seven stock- 
holders secured his chosen homestead, without 
interfering with that of his neighbor. 

Two years latei- C. F. Clarkson, of Iowa, at 
the second anniversary dinner, paid a glowing 
tribute to the wisdom and foresight which had 
selected so rare a location, laid so broad a foun- 
dation of social prosperity, and predicted a future 
which the most sanguine of Pasadenians had 
not conceived of. They had not overestimated 
their obvious advantages. The elevation of 
nearly 1,000 feet above the city of Los Angeles, 
eight miles distant, was a sufficient guaranty of 
exemption from malaria; soil, drainage and the 
apparently inexhaustible water supplj' were 
most satisfactory. The Arroyo Seco flowed in 
perpetual benediction through wooded glens and 
sylvan openings, game and fish were abundant, 
the mountain barriers shut out the north winds; 
the blue Pacific, with Catalina Island in the dis- 
tance, enchanted the eye and tempered the mid- 
day heats. Los Angeles was ten miles distant, 
and three miles to the east was the Southern 
Pacific Railroad station of San Gabriel Mission. 
The great, busy commercial world was near, yet 
not too near for the purposes of an ideal life in 
nature's most delightful seclusion. 

The original purchase also included mountain 
lands upon the slopes of the Sierra Madre, Ar- 
royo lots tilled with valuable timber, a magnifi- 
cent grove of live oaks on the road to Los 
Angeles, covering 400 acres, making a natural 
park exactly suited for picnics, camp-meetings 
and holiday enjoyments of evory kind. 



But Pasadena was even more favored in the 
practical encouragement of the great ranches 
which surround it. Santa Anita and Sunny 
Slope, the estates of Messrs. Baldwin and Rose, 
had already become famous for the variety of 
their products. An orange grove of 16,000 
bearing trees; the rosy snow of blossoming 
almonds; the rich verdure of alfalfa fields, in 
which fine cattle were feeding; the long avenues 
of eucalyptus trees, leading to stables where the 
perfect horse, from colthood to the fullest per- 
fection of equine power, were but a small part 
of the attraction of the Santa Anita Ranch. The 
superb orange orchards of the Duarte were near, 
and Riverside was making immense strides for 
pre-eminence in semi-tropic cultures. 

The first Pasadena marriage was that of 
Charles II. Watts to Millie, a daughter of Major 
Erie Locke, one of the pioneers. The bachelor 
quarters of Mr. Watts had served also as a place 
of worship for the Presbyterians, in 1874; the 
advent of Harvey Watts, the first man-child 
born in the colony, made it necessary to secure 
a more suitable place of worship, and the first 
church edifice was erected in 1875-'76, at a cost 
of $2,300. To this a parsonage was soon added, 
costing $1,800 more. The Woman's Flome and 
Foreign Missionary Society of Pasadena, or- 
ganized in this church, has been among the 
most useful institutions. 

The first Methodist society was organized in 
1875, and their first chapel dedicated January 
7, 1887. 

Both these denominations have long since 
outgrown their primitive temples; indeed the 
story of the development of schools and churches 
reads like a fable to those who have not watched 
its growth. While the eleven congregations of 
Pasadena are all provided with commodious 
places of worship, those of the Universalists, 
Presbyterians, Congregationalists and Method- 
ists would be objects of interest in any city of 
the East. With their neatly-kept lawns, occu- 
pying commanding sites, they seem to preserve 
the traditional consecration of the land, which 
was made at San (iabriel in the last century. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



From the simple meetiiig-liouse of the Friends 
to the spacious Tabernacle, built as an annex to 
the Methodist Church, every denomination is 
sustained by large congregations, and the 
churches and church property represent an in- 
vestment of more than $400,000. 

The public schools are the pride of Pasadena. 
IJuginning in 1874, in a private house, with oidy 
two pupils, the San Pascual school soon increased 
to the capacity of a one-room school-house near 
a grand old oak which sheltered a lovely play- 
ground. 

In 1878, a large and well furnished school- 
house in a central location required three teach- 
ers for its crowded rooms; while yet another in 
South Pasadena was conveniently arranged for 
iifty-six pupils. Ten years later, it was shown 
by official reports that " Pasadena had the best 
ventilated, the best lighted, and handsomest 
school buildings of all towns of its size in the 
United States," with an enrollment of 1,354 
pupils. The instructional force, besides the 
superintendent, includes four principals, three 
vice-principals and seventeen teachers. The 
school property, valued at |200,000, is the 
choicest in the city as to pleasantness of loca- 
tion; and in every case the lands have been do- 
nated for sites and ample play grounds From 
1874 to 1889, a leading citizen, Hon. Sherman 
Washburn, has served upon the board of trus- 
tees; and while ready to adopt every modifica- 
tion demanded by tlie spirit of the age, the 
motto of the faithful guardians of the Pasadena 
schools has ever been, " Prove all things, hold 
fast tiiat which is good.'' 

An excellent private seminary for young la- 
dies, St. Margaret's Hall, is well patronized, and 
furnished with every facilit}' for the pursuit of 
mtisical and art study, and of the modern lan- 
guages. The Pasadena Academy is yet another 
flourishing private school, for both sexes. 

Professional teachers of music and the fine 
arts, of high repute, having made their homes 
in Pasadena from considerations of health, have 
created opportunities for culture in those direc- 
tions. Classes for foreisju travel have been 



formed, the first being now in attendance upon 
the French Exposition. 

These are among many evidences of the excep- 
tionally high character of the pioneers of Pasadena. 

It was a singular fact that there was not a 
professional and hardly a practical horticulturist 
or farmer among them, but the spell of the 
neighboring orchards and vineyards soon trans- 
formed them into enthusiastic culturists of the 
orange and the vine. The worn-out physician 
found the fountain of youth in the pure Cali- 
fornia sunsliine, which turned his grapes into 
delicious raisins. In the first nine years of the 
history of the settlement, not a single criminal 
prosecution occurred among a population of a 
thousand souls, and quarrels were unknowi\. 
Lawyers issued writs of ejectments to gophers 
and squirrels, of \ohich there was no lack. 

In March, 1880, Pasadena held her first citrus 
fair, in the school building, in which the display 
of oranges, lemons, limes, raisins, deciduous 
fruits, fresh or dried and preserved in glass, 
received the highest praises from hundreds of 
interested visitors. The pnblic prints abounded 
in descriptions of the orchard products of the 
little hamlet, so lately a sheep ranch. A year 
later the Southern Horticultural Society held its 
great citrus exhibition, and Pasadena, exhibit- 
ing a huge pyramid of oranges, lemons and 
limes, with scores of individual exhibits, bore 
off the first premium above all competitors, the 
blue ribbon, and $100, awarded to it as the 
largest and best exhibit of the kind ever made 
in the State. 

Later in the year, at the annual fair of the 
Southern California Horticultural Society, Pasa- 
dena took the first premiums for quality and 
display of citrus fruits. It is a well-known fact 
that young trees, growing upon virgin soil, 
produce the very finest exhibition fruit; but the 
San Gabriel orange belt was the earliest known 
in American fruit culture, and trees in the Mis- 
sion garden, sixty years old, are still producing 
fruit of excellent quality. A single tree in 
Pasadena, eleven years old, yielded in one year 
3,000 fair-sized, well-flavored oranges. 



n I STORY OF LOS ANGEl.ES COUNTY. 



What tlie citrus culture was worth to South- 
ern California, and what loss its destruction 
entailed, is a subject beyond tlie limits of this 
article. Now that Australia, whence the insect 
destroyer came, has sent a devouring parasite 
equal to the task of its extermination, the or- 
chards are lenewiiiy their long lease of life. 
Tliere seemed no limit to the iiorticultural pos- 
sibilities of rasudeiKi and the adjacent high- 
lands. 

The colony which first incorporated under the 
nameof tlie San Gabriel Orange Grove Associa- 
tion had included in their purchase a dense 
growtli of chaparral high up in the foot-hills for 
which they gladly accepted $5 an acre. Pur- 
chasing certain water rights in the adjacent 
canons, these far-sighted lowans proceeded to 
develop princely estntes, which from an altitude 
2,000 feet above the sea, command a view of the 
entire San Gabriel Valley, with a wider stretch 
of the blue Pacific. Upon a portion of this 
tract Messrs. Green and McMally have charm- 
ing homes, enriched within and without with 
treasures of art, and the application of instructed 
taste in the management of grounds, 'i'he Al- 
tadeiia Railroad makes several trips daily to this 
pleasant suburb, starting from the Eaymond 
Hotel depot. 

Still farther toward the Heart of the High- 
lands the homes of the Giddings are found at 
the entrance of the Millard Canon, famous for 
its picturesque waterfall. Numerous other 
perches have a local interest, while the Gleeson 
Sanitarium and the eyrie of John Brown's sons, 
attract visitors from all parts of the country. 

The selection of Wilson's Peak, which over- 
looks Pasadena, for the site of an astronomical 
observatory which promises to become a point of 
world wide scientific interest, adds still more to 
the myster'ous charm of the mountains. For this 
observatory the largest lens yet known is being 
prepared, through which " the azure sea with 
golden shores" will be more fully explored. 
The ob.servatory will soon be accessible by an 
excellent wagon road, which will no doubt be 
displaced by one similar to that provided for 



tourists to the top of Mount Wasliington. No 
one has seen the beauty of the San Gabriel Val- 
ley who has not stood upon Wilson's Peak; 
and an almost unbroken burro train is seen em- 
ployed in the service of tourists who go up to 
view the glory of the earth, even more than the 
wonders of the sky. From Wilson's Peak the 
whole main range of the Sierras, the lofty 
crests of San Antonio, San Jacinto and San 
Bernardino, the brightness of snow-clad peaks 
intensified by daik forests, and the emerald 
hues of countless orange groves, and all the de- 
))endent valleys, make a scene of enchantment 
which no pen can describe. 

Southern California is a land of strange con- 
trasts, of inexhaustible delights; and the growth 
of Pasadena from its simple conditions as a 
model colony, to an almost ideal young city, 
with 10,000 inhabitants, who love it as the 
Swiss their mountain chalets, is no marvel, 
when one remembers how through long ages 
Nature has been weaving the tapestries of hill 
and plain, and Providence has been preparing a 
race to inherit this choicest climate, these varied 
products of all tlie zones. Pasadena, with its 
outlying districts of South Pasadena, Olive- 
wood, Lamanda Park, Sierra Madre, Monk's 
Hill and Altadena, covers about twenty square 
miles. 

In 1880 Pasadena was served with a tri- 
weekly stage and mail; now a liveried servant 
of the Government delivers the mail at every 
door, while almost hourly trains over the Atchi- 
son, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad convey the 
population east or west. Then, the people de- 
pended wholly upon Los Angeles; now with a 
manufacturing company which operates one of 
the largest planing mills in the State; with 
brick-yards producing 60,000 bricks a day; with 
twenty miles of horse-car lines running in every 
direction; with three banks and two daily news- 
papers; with the peerless Raymond Hotel in its 
fifty-acre flower garden on the south, and the 
homelike Painter Hotel on the north, while the 
opening of a third in the heart of Pasadena is 
near at hand, and numerous boarding houses 



HISTORY OF 



ANGELES COUNTY. 



ready to meet the special requirements of winter 
guests or birds of passage: with a well fur- 
nished free library; with society halls and club 
liouses, a fine opera house, at an hour's distance 
from the ocean beaches, with all their varied 
delights; within the sound of the mission bells 
of Old San Gabriel, where in a typical Mexican 
village the old life of the land may be studied 
and enjoyed; it is not unlikely that the native 
Pasadenians prove to be like those who — 
" Born in Boston, need no second birth." 
The natural advantages of Pasadena which 
have drawn hither scholars and artists, health- 
seekers, retired capitalists, and soldiers of fort- 



une who ride on the crest of every wave of 
material progress, creating and dissolving booms, 
are permanent; and the laws which govern the 
movement of population and of capital are 
equally irresistible. Everything points to Los 
Angeles County as the seat of a dense and 
choice population culled from all nations, cli- 
mates and zones. 

Here the first gold and silver were discovered, 
and here was the early home of the orange, the 
olive and vine; and here if anywhere upon the 
planet is the prophecy of good Bishop Berkeley 
to be fulfilled. 

" Westward the star of empire takes its way." 




HISTOKY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 







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CHAPTER XX. 



fNE of tlie prominent and most tlonrishing 
among tlie larger cities of tlie county is 
Pomona, thirty-tliree miles east of Los 
Angeles and near the connty boundary line. 
The Sierra Madre average an elevation of 9,000 
feet above the sea, with snow-capped peaks, and 
are distant six miles north, and Mt. San Ber- 
nardino (height 11,000 feet) and Mt. San Jacinto 
— about the same height — forty and fifty miles 
eastward. The lower "range, called the San Jose 
Hills, midway between the Sierra Madre Range 
and the ocean, terminate at the city, and the 
great valley widens at this point to twenty-five 
and thirty miles. 

Thus these high mountain ranges protect 
this valley equally from harsh sea winds and 
the unpleasant dry winds and sand-storms of 
the desert. The altitude of the city is 860 feet 
above the sea, the valley rising gradually to 
2,000 feet at the foot of the mountains. This 
immediate locality bears a similar relation to 
the mountains and the ocean as the celebrated 
health ret-orts of Mentone and Nice. 

The valley is believed to be one of the mildest 
and healthiest in Southern California, free from 
ocean dampness or desert heats. The Southern 
Pacific Railroad, main line from San Francisco 
to New Orleans and all points south and east, 
runs through the heart of the city, while the 
depot of the great Santa ¥<i Railway is located 



in the north part of the city, tiius giving ship- 
pers and passengers the choice of two great over- 
land routes. 

The soil of the Pomona Valley is a gravelly 
loam in the greater portion, although there ex- 
ists a large number of acres of moist, adobe 
land peculiar to tlie Los Angeles Valley, which 
requires little or no irrigation. Without exag- 
geration it may be said that for richness and 
capability to produce great quantities to small 
portions, this soil is unequaled. It has been 
practically demonstrated that all citrus and de- 
ciduous fruits may be grown, and when located 
properly in the right class of soil and elevation 
(the valley varies from 900 to 2,000 feet in this 
respect), results even greater than anticipated 
may be obtained. 

HISTORY OF THE GEANT. 

The title to its lands is undoubtedly the best 
of all the present town sites in Los Angeles 
County. The rancho San Jose, on which the 
town is situated, in early days, under Spanish 
and Mexican government, constituted a portion 
of the lands appendant to the old mission of 
San Gabriel, which was founded in 1771. The 
first grant of the rancho San Jose was made 
on April 19, 1837, by Juan B. Alvarado, Gov- 
ernor pro tern of Alta California, to Ignacio 
Palomares and Ricardo Vejar, Mexicans by 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



birtli. The conveyance was afterward approved 
by tlic Department Assembly, and judicial pos- 
session given to the grantees on the 3d day of 
August of the same year. Subsequently, on 
the petition of these two grantees, togetlier with 
Luis Arenas, the same rancho was re-granted 
by Governor Alvarado on March 14, 1840, with 
an extra league of land known as the San Jose 
addition, which lay on the west next to the 
mountains of the San Gabriel. Judicial pos- 
session was given to the grantees, thus consti- 
tuting Ignafio Palomares, Ricardo Vejar and 
Luis Arenas owners in common of the entire 
rancho San Jose and the addition. 

Some time afterward Luis Arenas sold his 
undivided portion of this land to Henry Dalton 
who, in connection with Vejar, presented a 
petition to Juan Gallardo, first alcalde and judge 
of the first instance of Los Angeles City, pray- 
ing for a partition of the whole rancho among 
Dalton, Palonjares and Vejar. This partition 
was decreed and carried into effect on the 12th 
day of February, 1846, againt the protest of 
Ignacio Palomares, who declared himself dis- 
satisfied with the division made by the sur- 
veyors. 

This partition was not, however, recognized 
in the patent granted by the United States Gov- 
ernment, for which reason, among others, the 
Supreme Court of this State had in a recent de- 
cision, filed January 10, 1884, in the case of the 
Mound City La. d and Water Association vs. 
Phillips et al., confirmed the decision of the 
Superior Court, setting aside the decision made 
by Juan Gallardo, and ordering a new partition. 
This late decision does not affect the title to any 
of the lots on the Pomona town-site, or any part 
of the Pomona tract, inasmuch as this was 
especially stipulated by the parties to the suit. 

On April 30, 1884, the interest in the rancho 
of Ricardo Vejar, one of the original grantees, 
was sold for $29,000 to H. Tischler and J. Schles- 
inger, by whom it was afterward conveyed to 
Louis Phillips, one of the present owners. The 
United States Land Commission, created under 
an Act of Cougress of March 3, 1856, to ascer- 



tain and settle private land claims in California, 
rendered its decision in favor of tiie original 
grantees and those holding under them, which 
decision was confirmed on appeal by the United 
States District Court for the District of Southern 
California, at the December term in 1836. 

A patent was on December 4, 1875, duly is- 
sued by the United States Government to Henry 
Dalton, Ignacio Palomares and Ricardo Vejar, 
under which the grantees took 22,380.41 acres, 
embraced in the San Jose rancho. 

It is of course apparent that whatever rights 
were acquired under the United States patent 
inured to the benefit of the successors in inter 
est to every portion of the lands conveyed. The 
original grantees and those to whom they con- 
veyed continued to hold and improve the land 
apportioned to them under the partition made 
February 12, 1846, by the judge of the first 
instance. 

From the portion allotted to Vejar and through 
him conveyed to Louis Phillips the Pomona 
tract was parceled out, and through mesne con- 
veyances were purchased by the Los Angeles 
Immigration and Land Co-operative Association. 

To this now defunct corporation is to be at- 
tributed the credit of bringing to early life the 
now thriving town of Pomona, and, therefore, a 
reference to its brief career will not be inappro- 
priate. This association was incorporated De- 
cember 10, 1874, with a capital stock of $250,- 
000, divided into 2,500 shares, at the par value 
of $100 per share. Its board of directors con- 
sisted of the following: Tliomas A. Garey, 
President; C. E. White, Vice-President; L. M. 
Holt, Secretary; Milton Thomas, Manager; R. 
M. Town, Assistant Manager; H. G. Crow, 
Treasurer. 

In tlie early part of 1865, Louis Phillips con- 
tracted to sell the Pomona tract to P. C. Ton- 
ner, Cyrus Burdick and Francisco Palomares, 
who in turn the same year contracted a sale 
with the Los Angeles Immigration and Co-oper- 
ative Association. This company through vari- 
ous negotiations acquired the control of about 
2,700 acres of laud in the rancho San Jose, the 



IIISTOUY UF LOS ANGICLES VOUNTY. 



Pomona tnict heiiig comprised tlicreiii. At this 
time the greater portion of the valley was a 
siieep and cattle range, and not a dwelling-house 
was upon the present town site. The tirst sale 
made on the town site was in June, 1875, to J. 
M. Hamilton, who bought a ten-acre tract near 
the railroad depot. Previous to this the rail- 
road terminus was at Spadra, and wlieii the line 
was completed to Pomona an impetus was given 
to the sales of property, and the Land Associ- 
ation directed its energies to speculation in 
Pomona lots. 

The city is now a Nourishing place of 5,000 
or 6,000 inhabitants, with fine churches, school- 
houses and all the institutions demanded by a 
refined community. The city is out of debt, 
except to the e.xtent of a portion of the school 
indebtedness in the Palomares school district. 

The city was iticorporated December 31, 1887. 
The tirst board of trustees of the present cor- 
poration, elected in 1888, were: Charles French, 
Chairman; C. E. White, James Harvey, Robert 
Cuzner and John Johnson; and the officers were: 
W. S. Carson, Marshal; J. A.Clarke, Recorder; 
Arza Crabb, Clerk; Stoddard Jess, Treasurer; 
W. H. H. Scott, Superintendent of Streets; W. 
A. Bell, City Attorney. 

At the next election (April, 1889,) the present 
board of trustees was chosen, namely: W. M. 
Woody, Chairman; S. J. Rolph, R. S. Bassett, 
George Rohrerand C. C. Johnson. The present 
officers are: T. N. Short, Marshal; W. A. Bell, 
City Attorney; Arza Crabb, City Clerk; C. E. 
Sumner, Recorder; W. W. Soper, Assessor; J. 
L. Stewart, Superintendent of Streets; Stoddard 
Jess, Treasurer; O. J. Newman, Night Watch- 
man. 

After this election all saloons were closed by 
city ordinance. 



Pomona and vicinity is now one of the best 
watered sections in California. The water is 
both pure and abundant, that for irrigation 
being supplied from the San Antonio Canon, 
fifteen miles distant, in "Old Baldy" Mountain, 



and that which is used fur domestic ])nrposes 
being supplied by the sixty or seventy tine ar- 
tesian wells in the neighborhood. 

The Pomona Land and Water Company is the 
oldest on the ground and has large possessioiis 
of land. The title to the water from the San 
Antoniu Canon was in early times indefinite and 
for a long time involved in litigations and 
changes of proprietorship too tedious to be re- 
hearsed in this volnme. It is now held by the 
above company, who supply, through the "city 
water- works," artesian water for domestic use 
and mountain water for irrigation purposes. It 
is said that this company has sold over $2,- 
000,000 worth of property, on time, and have 
not yet foreclosed upon any one who was not 
able to meet his final payments, or brought suit 
for the recovery of deferred payments. The 
presidents of this company have been C. T. 
Mills, of Mills' Seminary, H. A. Palmer and 
Dr. B. S. Nichols; and P. C. Tonner has been 
the attorney from the beginning to the present 
time. 

In May, 1889, an opposition company was 
formed, consisting of Fred J. Smith, J. B. 
Smith and Robert Cathcart, who now have a 
total of thirteen miles of mains and supply the 
city and vicinity with ])ure artesian water. 

Near Pomoma are sixty or seventy artesian 
wells, with an average flow of 200,000 gallons 
in twenty-four hours. San Antonio Caiion yields 
so much water that half the supply is diverted 
to the Ontario region, furnishing plenty of 
water for both sections. This canon, by the 
way, is a favorite resort during the hot season 
of the year. 

RAILRO.VDS AND THE ENVIKONlS. 

Two trunk lines of railroad pass through 
Pomona, — the Southern Pacific, and running 
along parallel with it, at a distance of two to 
five miles north of it, is the California Central 
Road, a portion of the great Santa Fe system. 
The latter was constructed within the past three 
years, to connect Los Angeles with the Santa 
F'e's main line at San Bernardino. The road 



HISTORY OP LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



runs along near the foot-hills, and through a 
very rich section of country, wherein there has 
already been wonderful growth, (xoing east- 
ward from Los Angeles over this road, the 
traveler soon reaches Santa Anita, the tirst 
station in El Monte Township. This is the 
nearest station to the village of Sierra Madre, 
and it is also tiie nearest to the celebrated 
Santa Anita Ranch, the home of E. .1. ]'>aldwin, 
better known as "Lucky" Baldwin. Here, at 
Mr. Baldwin's home, fourteen miles from Los 
Angeles, are many acres of orange groves, 
hundreds of acres of vineyard, beautiful lawns, 
an artificial lake and fountains, and a stable of 
probably the most noted horses in the United 
States. Tlie several ranches in this vicinity 
owned by Mr. Baldwin aggregate 46,000 acres. 
lie also owns several tliousand acres in other 
portions of the county, and much valuable busi- 
ness property in Los Angeles City. 

HOTELS, HANKS, STKEKT RAILWAYS AND I.IBUAKY. 

I'rown's Hotel, a three-story brick structure, 
is a tirst-class house, centrally located. The 
Palomares, north ot the depot, is a modern 
three-story frame, just com]ileted, with a total 
frontage of 216 feet and 125 guest rooms, all 
those on the iirst floor having a tire-place. 

The Pomona Bank was incorporated Septem- 
ber 13, 1883, and commenced business in 
August, 1884, in the Palmer Block. II. A. 
Palmer, President; R. S. Day, Cashier. The 
First National Bank was opened in the spring 
of 1884; changed to First National Bank in 
18.86. C. Seaver, President; Stoddard Jess, 
Cashier. The People's Bank began business in 
October, 1887. William P.. Dole, President; 
John H. Dole, Cashier. 

The Orange Grove Street Railway, since its 
consolidation with the Second Street Railway, 
has four miles of track, and three cars, which 
run regularly every thirty minutes, through the 
main business portion of the city. The Po- 
mona Pleights Company has one line, running 
al)0ut two miles, from the central depot south- 
westerly to Pomona Heights. Tiie Holt avenue 



line is about two miles in length. Tiie Pomona 
Street Railway Company run a steam car be- 
tween the depots. 

The Pomona Library Association was organ- 
ized in 1887, Mrs. Bartlett, the president, 
being prominently active in the enterprise. 
There are now about a thousand volumes in the 
library, which is in the magnificent new First 
National Bank building, but which, it is con- 
templated, will be turned over to the city ere 
long. The library is mainly supported by the 
annual flower festivals, the fees being scarcely 
sufKcient for current expenses. The library, as 
well as the reading room annexed, is open every 
day and evening. Soon a building will be 
erected, into which the library will be removed, 
and in which there will be a museum, includ- 
ing the famous statue of tlu Go Ideis Pomona, 
now ill the reading room. 

RliV. UUAIJLKS F. LOOP. 

It is to men of intelligence, keen foresight, 
and sound practical knowledge that Los Angeles 
County is indebted for the prominence she takes 
in the agricultural and horticultural world. To 
the subject of this sketch, more than to any 
other man, the beautiful San Jose "Valley is 
indebted for the wonderful and varied produc- 
tions that her soil produces. Mr. Loop may 
well be styled the pioneer fruit grower of the 
valley. Coming here in 1874, when littleorno 
attention had been paid to horticultural or viti- 
cultural pursuits, he coniinenced operations 
upon the Loop and Me^erve tract, which con- 
tains 2,500 acres of the finest fruit lands of the 
valley. There was at that time only a small 
orchard upon his place. The intelligent care 
and attention displayed by Mr. Loop in planting 
and cultivating a large variety of citrus and 
deciduous fruits as well as wine, table and raisin 
grapes, soon produced wonderful results, and 
proved conclusively that the soil and climate of 
the comparatively valueless sheep ranges con- 
tained untold wealth when devoted to horticult- 
ural and viticultural products. His success, 
when shown to the world, received well merited 



IIISTOliY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



attention, tmd induced settlement and cultiva- 
tion, until tlie increase of population and iin 
proveinents Sdun transferred the seeming desert 
lands of the valley into a veritable garden. 
■ A sketch of Mr. Loop's life, although briefly 
given, is of interest. He was born in St. Law- 
rence County, New York, June 7, 1825, his par- 
ents being David and SaraJi (Fletcher) Loop, 
also natives of that State. His father was a 
physician, and he, too, devoted considerable 
attention to agricultural pursuits, and was well 
known in St. Lawrence and Madison counties, 
having moved to the latter county when the 
subject of this sketch was a mere lad. Mr. Loop 
was reared upon his father's farm, at the same 
time receiving an academical education at 
Oneida and Whitesboro. In his young man- 
hood he spent several years as a teacher, and at 
the age of twenty-eight years entered upon his 
theological studies at the St. Paul's College, 
Palmyra, Missouri. After graduating at that 
institution he located at St. Louis, when he was 
ordained as a minister of the Episcopal Church, 
in Christ's Church of that city, in 1857, after 
which he located at Brunswick, Missouri, and 
was there engaged in ministerial labors in Mis- 
souri and Hlinois until 1868. In the latter 
year Mr, Loop was sent by the Episcopal Domes- 
tic Missionary Board of New York to Califor- 
nia, and was engaged in mission labors at Santa 
Cruz, and while there organized the lii-st Epis- 
copal Church in that town. In 1868 he came 
to Los Angeles County and for a year or more 
had charge of the St. Paul's Parish at Los An- 
geles. In 1869 he commenced his horticultural 
and viticultural pursuits upon 160 acres of land 
at San Gabriel, which he had purcliased in 1868. 
Upon this land he took up his residence and 
planted an orchard and vineyard. At the same 
time he was actively engaged in his missionary 
work in Los Angeles and San Bernardino 
counties. He was the pioneer of his church, 
and officiated at the first Episcopal services ever 
held in the now prosperous towns of Anaheim, 
Riverside, Ontario, San Buenaventura, San Ber- 
nardino, Colton and San Dimas, The first Epis- 



copal service held iu San Jose Valley was in 
1874- or 1875, at Rev. Mr. Loop's residence, the 
old Palomares homestead. Mr. Loop has for 
nearly thirty years been actively engaged in the 
ministry of his chosen church. Asa conscien- 
tious, upright and faithful foUowerof his Master, 
he has gained the universal respect and esteem 
of a large circle of friends and acquaintances 
throughout Southern California. He is a strong 
believer in the future prosperity of his section,- 
and a liberal contributor to and supporter of all 
enterprises that tend to develop the resources 
of the beautiful San Jose Valley. Foreseeing 
tlie profitable cultivation of the olive, that is 
destined to become one of the leading industries 
of the valley and State, he has devoted both time 
and money toward securing the most approved 
varieties that are adapted to the climate, soil, 
etc. In 1883 and 1888 Mr, Loop made ex- 
tended tours through the olive sections of South- 
ern France and Italy, which have resulted in his 
importing several varieties of olives from those 
countries, such as iiis study and research has 
convinced him can be profitably cultivated in 
Los Angeles County. He was a director, and 
one of the original iiicorporators of the Orange 
Growers' Union of Southern California. 

At Utica, New York, in 1853, Mr. Loop was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Loomis, 
the daughter of Thomas and Sophia (DeFerriere) 
Loomis. From this marriage there are two 
children living: Charles F. and John Daven- 
port, both of whom are residing with their par- 
ents. Mr. Loop has sold all his landed interests 
in the Loop and Meserve tract except a home- 
stead of fourteen acres, which is located about 
three miles north of Pomona, upon which he is 
now (1889) erecting a well ordered and beautiful 
home, 

Li 1889 Mr, Loop presented to tlie city of 
Pomona a life size marble statue of the Goddess 
of Pomona, which was made in the studio of 
Antonio Frilli, of Florence, Italy, and is &fac 
shnile of the famous Antique No. 74:, of the 
Uffizi Gallery, Florence. In the spring of 1888, 
while visiting Europe, in comj)any with his wife 



HltiTOkY OF LOS ANGELEti COUNTY. 



and two sons, he saw the original statue, was 
impressed with its beauty, and learned that it 
was of antique origin, unearthed from the ruined 
palaces of the Mediterranean, where it had been 
buried for centuries. He accordingly had a copy 
of it made, — it is said, at an expense of about 
$9,000, — and brought to his favored city, where 
it was unveiled July 4, 1889. 

THE POMONA REGISTEK, 

a weekly Democratic newspaper, was established 
in March, 1889, by the Register Company, 
John Symes, Editor; W. E. Morton, Local 
Editor. Three months later Mr. Morton with- 
drew and assumed the control of the Santa Ana 
Blade. It is a four-column quart.i, and, con- 
sidering the times, has met with very encour- 
aging success. It is Djmocratic in politics. 

John Symes, editor of the Pomona Register, 
considering his years has had a long and lavor- 
ably-known journalistic career. He was ijurn 
on the Western Reserve, in Trumbull County, 
Ohio, in 1842. His parents, William and Mary 
(Giftbrd) Symes, were born, reared and married 
in England. Fifty-three years ago they crossed 
the Atlantic and settled in Ohio, where eight 
cliildren were born to them. In 1853 they be- 
came pioneers of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 
settling on a farm a few miles south of the 
present line city of La Crosse. There three 
more children were added to their family. At 
sixteen years of age the subject of this sketch 
commenced to learn the printing trade, at which 
he has ever since been employed, having passed 
all the grades from "printer's devil," composi- 
tor, local editor to business inanager, to editor- 
in-chief and proprietor. 

Mr. Symes was associated with the somewhat 
notorious M. M. Pomeroy (Brick Pomeroy) in 
the publication of the La Crosse Democrat, and a 
portion of the time Pomeroy's business manager. 
When Pomeroy went to New York, Mr. 
Symes and George W. Peck, now widely known 
as the editor and proprietor of Pech^s Sun, pub- 
lished in Milwaukee, became the owners of the 
La Crosse Democrat. Later, Mr. Symes was 



the sole proprietor, and still later was associated 
with E. B. Usher in its publication. Mr. Usher 
became the owner finally, and changing the 
name to La Crosse Chronicle, still continues its 
publication. In 1877 Mr. Symes, in partnership 
with W. C. Swain, opened a job office in Mil- 
waukee. Some six years later, being afflicted 
from a stroke of paralysis, he sold out and came, 
as soon as able, to California. Mr. Symes has 
gained each year in health in this State, but the 
old-time vigor is far from being his. 

In 1878 Mr. Symes wedded Miss Allie Alter 
who was of one of the old La Crosse families. 
They have had two children, of whom only the 
youngest, a bright sunny lass of eight years, is 
living. 

John H. Brinkerhoff, born April 14, 1835, 
near Tiffin, Ohio, a son of Hezekiali, who was the 
son of Henry, of Adams County, Pennsylvania, a 
descendant of Jaris Derickson Brinkerhoff. The 
latter came fiom Dreuth, in the Netlierlands, in 
1638, through his son, Hendrick Jorisen, who 
married Claare Boomgaert and settled on a farm 
bought of Hendrick Epke Banka, between the 
Hackensack River and Overjeck Creek, in Ber- 
gen County, New Jersey, in 1665. This place 
is yet owned by members of the family, where 
he built a house that was tired and destroyed by 
sparks from a passing engine, in 1870. On its 
site, in 1885, was held the 200th aimiversary of 
its jnirchase, to which over 5,000 of the pur- 
cliaser's descendants were invited, and many 
hundi'eds, coming from all parts of the Union, 
were present. The old heraldry book gives the 
name as "Brinkcrhofie,"and their motto, "Con.- 
stans fides et integritas.'"' The record shows the 
family were always an honored one in trade and 
statesmanship. 

John II. was bred on a farm, and schooled in 



a backwoods acadenn 



id th 



printitij 



offices at 



Republic and Milan, Ohio, serving a good, long 
four years' apprenticeship. In 1855 he went to 
Wisconsin, working in offices at Watertown, 
Jefferson and Beaver Dam, until the fall of 1857, 
when he established the Times at Waupnn, of 
which he disposed some ten years later. In 



inSTOIiY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



1861 lie was appointed postmaster of Waupun, 
which position lie iield until June, 1885, when 
he resigned and moved on a farm in Waupaca 
County. He was a member of tlie Wisconsin 
Legislature of 1864-'65, has l)een an Odd Fel- 
low ever since his majority, and for two years 
was a grand officer of the Knighta of Honor in 
Wisconsin. 

His first wife was Lucy T. Stoddard, of 
Laona, New Yurk, by whom he has one living 
son, James Edwin, with a manufacturing lirm 
at Waupun. His second wife was Jennie H. 
Gillette, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, wlio has 
borne him three daughters, two of whom, Lola 
J. and Margaret Minton, are living. In 1887 
he came to Pomona, engaging in ranch work 
until the spring of 1889, when, associating him- 
self with John Symes, he estal)lislied the Po- 
mona lieyister. 

THE POMONA WINE COMPANY. 

This is tiie largest and most extensive in- 
dustry in Pomona, located on the corner of El- 
len and Libbie streets. The principal building 
is a large brick structure, with double walls, 
and was erected in the spring and summer of 
1887 at a cost of $50,000. Tiie engine is of 
eighteen horse-power and the boiler forty. The 
number of gallons of wine manufactured since 
they began operations is over 3,000,000, and 
at present they have 100,000 gallons stored in 
the warehouses. The different qualities manu- 
factured are the sweet, dry, claret and white 
wines, and they are now making preparations 
to manufacture the sherry wine. It is one of 
the most interesting sights in Pomona to watch, 
during the wine-making season, the great loads 
of grapes waiting to be delivered at the eleva- 
tor. As many as fifty wagons have been 
counted at one time, standing in line. The wine 
interests of this section are very great. The 
Pomona Wine Company is an incorporated in- 
stitution, and the list of officers comprises the 
following well ami fuMirably known iutlncMitial 
citizens of Pcmnua: V. . W. McCJIary, I'resi- 
deiit; Fred .1. Smith, Sccn'tarv: (). Seaver, 



Treasurer, and the following Directors: J. A. 
Packard, Stoddard Jess, C. vSeaver, Fred J. 
Smith and G. W. McClary. 

CHUKCHES. 

The Catholic Church. — Prim- to the erection 
of the beautiful Catholic Cluirch, which stands 
on the corner of Ellen and Libbie screets, the 
Catholics of Pomona worshiped in an adobe 
building, about a mile from town, in the old 
Palomares Tract, where it is said the first resi- 
dence in this fertile valley was erected. As 
population rapidly increased, the Catholics in 
1885 began to raise funds for tlie erection of a 
house of worship, and had the building com- 
pleted by Christmas, under the auspices of a 
committee consisting of Messrs. O'Connor, 
Haley, O'Brien, Doyle, Dunn and others. 

In the month of April, 1886, Father P. J. 
Fisher took charge of the parish, and raised 
money sufficient to pay the debt that was re- 
maining, and also to furnish the church, build 
a $2,000 parsonage, and provide a bell costing 
$200. Total cost of church and furnishings, 
$4,800. Father Fisher, who is still the rector, 
has raised altogether about $8,000 for church 
purposes, all of which has been economically 
expended. The membership of this church is 
now about 400. 

St PauVs Episcopal Church. — In the fall of 
1876 Rev. P. S..Ruth held the first church serv 
ices at Pomona, in a room of an old building 
on the corner of Third and Main streets, where 
a brick builditig now stands. From the spring 
of 1877 to that of 1878 services were held 
at the residence of Mr. Ruth, near where he 
now resides. Next, a house which had been a 
saloon was rented, on Second street, and services 
were held there five or six months. Then a 
subscription was started for raising money 
wherewith to build a small church, and in the 
meantime the society conducted their worship 
at the residence of Rev. Mr. Ruth airain. The 



church bui 
Decern lior 



nig 



was riisi 



ith,-^- 



iilier 11 t.. .Luiiiary 11, ISTil, wiu-i 
>ci'ui)ied. Tilt- rite of cunfiriiiation ' 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



first administered May 18, 1880, by Bishop 
Kip. During the foregoing period Rev. Charles 
F. Loop and wife made many important dona- 
tions for the support of the ciiurcli. November 
30, 1884, Eev. John D. H. Browne, from Hali- 
fax, Nova Scotia, took charge of the " mission," 
as this church is still termed in the ecclesiasti- 
cal language of that denomination. He imme- 
diately began raising funds for the building of 
a good and substantial church edifice, and soon 
the present fine structure at the southeast corner 
of Thomas and Fourth streets was erected, at 
a cost of about $3,300; but the value of the 
property is actually about $4,500. During Mr. 
Browne's ministry the membership increased 
from seventeen to sixty. He resigned July 1, 
1886, and was succeeded by Rev. James 
Simonds, till the spring of 1887. From Sep- 
tember 1888, to Easter, 1889, Rev. M. McCosh 
was the rector; and since July, 1889, Rev. ^Y. 
B. Burrows, from New York State, has been in 
charge of tliis parish. 

The number of communicants is now over 
100. O. M. Kenyon is Warden, and S. Sorby, 
Treasurer. 

Rev. Peter S. Ruth is one of the early set- 
tlers or pioneers of Pomona. He came to that 
place in 1876, when it was a hamlet of scarcely 
a dozen houses, and entered upon his missionary 
work in serving his Master and establishing an 
Episcopal church. From that time until 1884 
he was earnestly engaged in his ministerial la- 
bors, and has seen a city spring up as by magic 
upon the comparatively desert plain. His la- 
bors have resulted in establishing a large and 
united congregation, and the building up of a 
substantial church edifice. He has well merited 
the approval of his Lord and Master, and to 
him may well be applied the term of "Good and 
faithful servant." 

Mr. Ruth is a native of Kent County, Dela- 
ware, born near Dover, in 1812. His father, 
William Ruth, was a native of Maryland, and 
his mother, nee Rebecca Stout, was born in 
Delaware. Her family were among the early 
.settlers of New Jersey. Mr. Ruth's youth was 



spent near Dover, receiving a thorough educa- 
tion, finally graduating at Kenyon College, at 
Gambler, Knox County, Ohio, A. D. 1836, 
after which he studied law under Judge John 
M. Clayton, and was admitted to the bar. After 
some years in the practice of the law, lie lo- 
cated in Philadelphia, and in 1851 entered upon 
the study of theology. In 1852 he was or- 
dained as a minister in the Episcopal Church, 
and, entering heartily into his work, was as- 
signed to a parish in Bradford County, Penn- 
sylvania; thence removed to Schuyler County, 
New York. In 1860 he located at Worthing, 
ton, Ohio, and was there the principal of a 
grammar school until 1862, when he removed to 
Minnesota, neir Rochester. In 1870 he went 
to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he was en- 
gaged in his labors until 1872, when he removed 
to Memphis. In 1874 the subject of this 
sketch came to California and was assigned to a 
parish in San Luis Obispo. The next j-ear he 
went to San Diego, thence to San Bernardino, 
being employed in mission work until July, 
1876, when he came to Pomona. . Upon his ar- 
rival there he entered heartily into his work. 
The first Episcopal service ever held in that 
city was under the direction of Mr. Ruth, and 
for many months the small congregation assem- 
bled at the modest cottage home of their clergy- 
man, whose earnest efforts finally resulted in 
the building of a church, and the foundation of 
a large and earnest congregation and member- 
ship in the Episcopal Church. As before stated, 
Mr. Ruth continued his charge of St. Paul's 
Church of Pomona until 1884. He then re- 
signed his charge to younger but not more 
earnest ministrations, and sought the rest that 
his years of faithful service so well entitled him 
to receive. Although nearly eighty years of 
age, Mr. Ruth possesses keen mental faculties, 
with a mind richly stored with the reminiscences 
of a well-spent and active life. His comforta- 
ble cottage home, with two acres of land in 
block No. 83, on Ellen street, is designed for a 
pleasant rest for his declining years. He is also 
the owner of one half of block 86, which is well 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



337 



improved and planted with citrns and deciduous 
fruits. He is also owner of some of the best 
business property in Pon^ona. In addition to 
Mr. Ruth's labors in the ministry-, he lias been 
an earnest worker in building up Pomona and 
supporting enterprises tending to advance the 
welfare of the community in which he resides. 
His consistent and earnest life and genial man- 
ner have gained him the respect of all, and the 
love and esteem of a large circle of friends. 

In 1840 he married Miss Sarah W.Cannon, a 
native of Delaware, who died in 18-19, leaving 
four children: Theodore, who married Miss 
Margaret Faris, and is now a resident of Po- 
mona; P'ondelia, now the wife of Fi'anklin W. 
Griswold, and living in Worthington, Ohio; 
Albert, a resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, and 
Ellen Bcswick, wife, first of Rev. James Walker, 
afterward of Samuel Keiser, and died in Indiana. 
In 1850 Mr. Ruth married Miss Sarah A. 
Henry, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
She died in 1866. No children were born from 
that marriage. In 1867 Mr. Ruth contracted 
his third marriage, by uniting with Miss Julia 
M. Charnock, a native of England. I5y this 
marriage there are two children living: Anna 
Frances and Constance Evelyn, both now at 
school at the "Irving Institute," San Francisco. 

First Presbyterian Church of Pomona, Cal- 
ifornia, consisting of fourteen persons, was or- 
ganized May 2, 1883, by Rev. Thomas Fraser, 
assisted by Revs. Oliver C. Weller and B. 13. 
Bonham. The following have been officers: 
Pastors — Rev. O. C. Weller, from May 2, 
1883, to June 29, 1884; L. P. Crawford, from 
December 5, 1884, to April 2, 1886; J. Rice 
Bowman, D. D., from December 6, 1886, to 
December 1, 1888; J. A. Gordon, D. D., 
from May 1, 1889, and now serving. El- 
ders — Henry Curtis, from May 9, 1883, to 
May, 1884; Cassius C. Johnson, from May 9, 
1883, to May 2, 1887; Elias Finck, from May 
9, 1882, to May, 1886; Herbert St. John, from 
October 23, 1885, now serving; L. D. Rutan, 
from January 22, 1887, to May 2, 1889; ,). W. 
Ileckinan, fnnii June 2r), 1887, now serving; 



David Boss, from June 26, 1887, now serving; 
J. E. Crawford, from June 26, 1887, now serv- 
ing; B. B. Brown, from June 26, 1887, to April 
29, 1888; Dr. J. M. Hurtt, from Jnly 29, 1888, 
now serving. Deacons — C. C. Johnson, from 
June 26, 1887. now serving; W. M. Moody, 
from June 26, 1887, now serving; Allen J. 
Lorbeer, from June 26, 1887, now serving. 

Under Rev. William H. Clagett, who held 
revival services, assisted by the singer, E. C. 
Avis, in the winter of 1888-'89, lifty-one per- 
sons united with the church. The whole num- 
ber of members at this time is 151. Their 
house of worship is a handsome structure on 
the corner of Garey avenue and Third street. 
The first building was erected here in 1885, at 
a cost of about $3,000, and in 1888 an addition 
of eiqual cost was made. Total seating capacity, 
abont 500. Besides, there is a wing in which 
minor meetings are held. 

The First Presbyterian Church of La Verne, 
California, was organized July 1, 1888, by the 
Presbyterial committee appointed for the pur- 
pose; namely, Kev. J. Rice Bowman, D. I)., 
Pastor of Pomona, California, Presbyterian 
Church, and Rev. F. D. Seward, Synodical Mis- 
sionary. The church consisted of eleven mem- 
ber.-*, who elected as Elders: J. F. Cumberland, 
B. B. Brown, Elias Finck and A. H. Pogue; 
and as Deacon, Eugene J. McFadden. Dr. 
Bowman was chosen pastor, to serve in con- 
nection with his Pomona pastorate. 

Pilgrim Congregational Church. — When the 
Presbyterian church was organized here, the 
question was debated whether to have a Presby- 
terian or Congregational church polity. There 
were more Congregationalists than Presbyte- 
rians; but the latter, being able to secure more 
money from outside, carried their point. Both 
denominatiotis, however, worked together in 
harmony. There was an understanding that 
the Congregationalists should occupy Otitario 
until growth should justify another church, and 
the Presbyterians Pomona. 

May 26, 1887, under the ministration of 
Kev. (). P>. Sumner, the ( 'ongregationalists or- 



HISTORY OF LOS AJSGELES COUNTY. 



ganized in Pomona, with thirty-six names. Dr. 
■I. M. Case, Eev. C. B. Sheldon and J. C. Gar- 
lick were chosen Deacons, and E. T. Palmer, 
Clerk. A chapel, on the corner of Third and 
Thomas streets, was completed the ne.xt fall, 
being occupied for the first time on Thanks- 
giving eve, by a prayer- meeting. Seating 
capacity, 250. Cost, $4,600. 

In May, 1888, Rev. Sumner resigned as pas- 
tor, in order to devote his time to the interests 
of Pomona College, noticed in the next para- 
graph. He was succeeded by Rev. L. H. Frary, 
formerly of Weymouth, Massachusetts, who is 
the present pastor. The membership numbers 
now about 180, and the church is filled at regu- 
lar services to its utmost capacity. Seating 
capacity, about 300. The Deacons are: L. T. 
Bishop, J. D. Garlick and I. N. Case; Sunday- 
school Superintendent, E. P. Shaw, an extraor- 
dinarily successful man. The attendance at the 
school is about 140. 

Pomona College is a new institution of great 
promise. The main building, now in process 
of erection, is on the Piedmont mesa, a beau- 
tiful site a mile from the railroad at North 
Pomona, commanding an extended view of the 
valleys of San Gabriel, Pomona and San Ber- 
nardino. The cost of this building will be 
about $40,000. But the school has been already 
commenced (in 1888) in the Claremont Hotel, a 
fine building donated permanently to the enter- 
prise. A large grant of land adjoining has 
also been made. This building is known as 
Claremont Hall. Claremont is a village a mile 
distant from the college campus. The attend- 
ance last term numbered fifty pupils, and there 
are about seventy the present term (autumn of 
1889), with promise of more. 

In the summer of 1887, a committee of the 
General Association of California (Congrega- 
tional Church), established this college here, 
with the proviso that a majority of the board 
of trustees should be members of the Congre- 
gational Church, but free from ecclesiastical 
control in the management of the college, 
which is to be "thoroughly evauijelical and 



earnestly evangelistic," but of course not sec- 
tarian. The present board of trustees are: H. 
A. Palmer, of Berkeley, President; H. K. W. 
Bent, Pasadena; Revs. A. J. Wells, R. G. 
Hntchius, D. D., and J. T. Ford, and H. W. 
Mills, Los Angeles; N. W. Hlanchard, Santa 
Paula; Rev. C. W. Weitzel, Santa Barbara; 
Rev. J. H. Howard, D. D., Santa Ana; Rev. 
G. W. Marston, San Diego; Rev. T. C. Hunt, 
Riverside; Revs. C. B. Sumner and C. B. Shel- 
don, Pomona; Rev. J. K. McLean, D. D., Oak- 
land; and A. S. McPherron, Lugonia. 

The faculty are: Rev. E. C. Norton, M. A., 
Principal of Preparatory Department and 
Teacher of Greek; F. P. Brackett, B. A., 
Teacher of Mathematics and Latin; Theodore S. 
Palmer,B. A., Teacher of Science andLatin; Miss 
Estelle P. Spalding, B. L., Teacher of English 
Literature, History, and Modern Languages; 
Mrs. Mary Caldwell Smith, Teacher of Piano, 
Harmony and Theory; Miss Stella I. Fitch, 
Teacher of Vocal Culture, Piano and Organ; 
F. P. Brackett, B. A., Director of the Choral 
Union. 

The First Baptist Church of Pomona was 
organized in 1871, by Rev. R. C. Fryer, in 
Spadra school-house, with only twelve souls. 
Under his pastorate the membership increased 
to thirty. Rev. ,[. B. Tombes, D. D., succeeded 
Mr. Fryer, but after a time resigned. In 1883 
Rev. Mr. Latourette, missionary of the Los 
Angeles Baptist Association, was sent to Po- 
mona, to organize a Baptist church. By his 
advice the Spadra people agreed toliave their 
place of worship changed to Pomona, which was 
done October 3. 1883, anil the name changed to its 
present form. They then held regular services 
in an old house on Fourth street, Mr. Latourette 
acting as pastor. In a few weeks a commodious 
house of worship was erected on the corner of 
Ellen and Fourth streets. 

Rev. J. F. Moody became pastor in August, 
1884, when the membership numbered forty- 
eight. It has since increased to about 150. 
Rev. Mr. Bennett is the present pastor. 

The Christian Church.— h\ 1883 a half dozen 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELRS COUNTY. 



persons of this denomination connnenced lidd- 
ing meetings in the second story of a l)uilding 
provided by W. E. Martin. A few months 
later the court-room of Judge Joseph Wright 
afforded hospitable Sunday accommodations for 
their increasing numbers. A house of worship 
at the corner of Gordon and Center streets, was 
erected in ISS-t-'SB, at an expense of $3,000, 
and was occupied from the time it was enclosed in 
1884. The Eiders are, W. E. Martin and Prof. 
W. T. Tibbs. There are about 125 members at 
the presenttime. Prof. W. T. Tibbs occupied the 
pulpit from the first until the fall of 1888, when 
he was succeeded by Elder Pennington for a 
short time. Tiiere is no regular pastor now. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church. — In Feb- 
ruary, 1876, Rev. M. M. Bovard preached at the 
railroad station — the first sermon ever preached 
in Pomona by a Methodist minister. There was 
occasional Methodist preaching until Maj', 1877, 
when Rev. A. M. Hough, Presiding Elder of 
Los Angeles District, organized the church, with 
seven members. In July following a small 
church was built on the corner of Third and 
Gordon streets, in which worship was conducted 
until September .30, 1883, when the edifice was 
dedicated free from debt, having been erected 
and furnished at a cost of $2,250. 

In November, the same year, a small parson- 
age at the rear of the church was built at an 
expense of about .$600. Additions have since 
been made. An addition 16x28 feet was also 
made to the church edifice, making the total 
seating capacity 280. But since the advent of 
Rev. J. W. Phelps in September, 1888, a large 
addition has been made, sixty feet square, 
making the total seating capacity about 1,000. 
The cost of this addition was about $10,000. 
It has a raised floor, with a semi-circular ar- 
rangement of opera chairs, and an imposing 
spire. Under Mr. Phelps's ministry there has 
also been a wonderful addition to the member- 
ship; during the eleven weeks of protracted 
meetings held in 1888-'89 there were about 
300 conversions, resulting in an increase of 175 
to the membership of his church and of large 



numbers to others in the city, 
city leaps over across the street 
bayous as wel 



A big fire in a 
A flood fills 
bayous as well as the main channel. The total 
number of members now is 397. 

The pastors, since organization, have been, 
counting by Conference years from September 
to September: Isaac M. Leighy, 1877-'78; I. 
R.Conlee,1878-'79; B. A. Washburn, 1879-'80; 
J.D.Crum,1880-'82;R. M.Kirkland,1882-'83; 
F. D. Mather, 1883-'85 ; W. W. Bailey,1885-'86 ; 
S. A. Thomson, 1887-'88; J. W. Phelps, 1888 
to the present. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 
was organized first in 1882, but "went down." 
In the spring of 1887 it was reorganized, with 
eighteen members, and for a year worshiped in 
the Univeralist church. A neat edifice of their 
own has just been completed on the northeast 
corner of Fifth and Ellen streets, size 28x48 
feet, and cost about $2,000, besides the lot, 
which cost about $1,500. During the first year 
of the present organization Rev. H. H. Heimer 
was pastor; the present preacher in charge is 
Rev. Cason, and the membership twenty to 
twenty-five. Josiah Gregg is class-leader. A 
Sunday school is maintained. 

Of this denomination there are also a church 
and society at Azusa, of which Mr. Cason is also 
pastor. 

The African Methodist Episcopal Church, 
organized in 1888, is flourishing. 

The German Lutheran Church is also repre- 
sented in Pomona by a society, of which Rev. 
J. A. Schilling is pastor. 

The Unitarian Church in Pomona was or- 
ganized in the spring of 1888, by Rev. Oscar 
Clute, from Iowa City. In May, 1889, he ac- 
cepted the presidency of his alma mater, the 
State Agricultural College of Michigan, after 
which time the society was without a regular 
minister, until recently, when Rev. E. C. L. 
Browne, from Charleston, South Carolina, ac- 
cepted the place. This society, numbering now 
about thirty members, worship in the Opera 
House. Mrs. Miles 'is superintendent of the 
ay-school. 



Sunda 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



The First UrilversaUst Socletij of Pomona 
was formed in May, 1884, and at tlieir request 
Eev. G. H. Deere, of Riverside, organized a 
parish here of seventeen members. Until July 
meetings were held in tlie house of one of the 
members, and from that time until January in 
Eates's Hall. Their church on Fourth street 
was dedicated in January, 188G, by Rev. Deere. 
The first pastor of the society was Rev. E. C. 
Miles, formerly a Congregational minister, who 
served until July, 1885. February 28, 1886, 
Rev. C. E. Churchill began preaching here. 

Holiness Church. — December 3, 1882, a band 
of seven members was organized in Pomona. 
They erected a house of worship, 24 x 30 feet 
in size, on Parcells street, near Second, which 
was completed in November, 1883. But the 
church was formally organized July 19, 1884, 
which has since grown to a membership of 
about thirty. The ministers have been: L. Par- 
ker, George Quinan and G. V. D. Brand. 

This new denomination emphasizes the doc- 
trine that entire freedom from a sinful nature 
or condition, called "holiness," "entire sanctifi- 
cation," "perfect love," "perfection," etc., is 
always subsequent to "justification," at the time 
of conversion, at the first repentance, and of 
course that il is absolutely essential to the 
Christian character and to final salvation in 
heaven after death. Quaker-like, they eschew 
all worldly show, the ornamentation of churches, 
the wearing of jewelry and gorgeous dress, in- 
strumental music in the church, choir singing, 
rented pews, the use of tobacco and intoxicating 
liquors, jesting and light conversation, civil liti- 
gation with one another, etc. Indeed, total ab- 
stinence from all these things is a condition of 
membership. 

Of this denomination in Los Angeles County, 
there are societies at Los Angeles, tabernacle on 
Fourth street, between Spring and Fort; East 
Los Angeles, tabernacle on Patrick street, near 
Sichel street; Garvanza, tabernacle on Ruby 
street, between Fair Oaks and Mountain ave- 
nues; Pasadena, 90 and 92 South Fair Oaks 
avenue; Downey, East Second street; Norwalk, 



half a mile southeast of town; Azusa, fourth of 
a mile southwest of postoffice; Monrovia, Ivy 
avenue, between Oi-ange and Olive; El Monte, 
near depot; Cerritos, near Wilmington. 

The Young Melt's Christian Association 
was organized January 21, 1884. The first 
officers were: Dr. C. W. Brown, President; J. 
W. Henderson, First Vice-Presidetit; D. Holla- 
day, Second Vice-President; Frank E. Reeves, 
General Secretary, and J. A. Dritfill, Treasurer. 
Dr. Brown is still president. A reading-room 
and employment office is maintained. 



F. & A. M. — A call for a meeting of those 
interested in the formation of a lodge of Free 
and Accepted Masons in Pomona w-as made 
early in the month of February, 1887. The- 
meeting was held at the residence of James H. 
Egan, and the following officers were duly in- 
stalled on January 25 1878: W. T. Martin, 
Worshipful Master; L.D.Conner, Senior War- 
den; J. II. Egan, Junior Warden; T.Mercer, 
Senior Deacon; J. B. Parker, Junior Deacon; 
Charles Weile, Treasurer; J. Schlesinger, Secre- 
tary; J. J. Jester, Tyler; John Whyte, Steward. 
The installation ceremonies were performed by 
Brother R. C. Fryer, P. M., of Lexington Lodge, 
El Monte. 

At the time of the installation there were but 
ten members. At present the society is known 
as Pomona Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M. 

The Inilependent Order of Odd Fellows 
was organized the 30th of May, 1876, with tha 
following officers: N. G., II. Eno; V. G., J. E. 
McComas; Secretary, George C. Egan; Treas- 
urer, Louis Phillips. 

Kniyhts of Pythias. — This society was or- 
ganized the 30th of August, 1884, through the 
combined efforts of Past Chancellors De Camp, 
of Los Angeles, and Schumacher, of Sedalia, 
Missouri. It is known as JEtna Lodge, and 
started out with a charter membership of twenty- 
five, and soon had some of the best and most 
influential citizens among them. Since its 
foundation the lodge has been, and is now, in a 



niSTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



very flourisliing condition, and on a steady in- 
crease financially and otherwise. The first offi- 
cers were as follows: E. A. DeCamp, Chancellor 
Commander; li. N. Loucks, Vice-Chancellor; 
F. C. Scliumacher, Prelate. 

Pomona has also a Uniform Rank, K. of P., 
who have elegant uniforms. 

Pomona Lodge., No. 225, Ancient Order of 
United Worhmen, was organized June 4, 1883, 
and instituted by District Dejmty Grand Mas- 
ter Cobler. The charter was granted to Past 
Master Workman, "William I). Morton; Master 
Workman, W. J. Henderson; Foreman, V. De 
Brunner; Overseer, P. J. Vawter; Recorder, J. 
R. Garthside; Financier, A. N. Harris; Re- 
ceiver, R. N. Loucks; Guide, N. P. Oakes; In- 
side Watchman, J. J. Henry; Outside Watchman, 
W. J. Kessler, who were the first officers. This 
is a strong, active society. 

Viekshurg Poht, No. 61, Department of Cali- 
fornia., G. A. P., was organized on the 16th day 
of May, 1884, with J. E. McComas, Commander; 
H. W. Crampton, Senior Vice-Commander; E. 
B. Smith, Junior Vice-Commander; H. Eno, 
Quartermaster; C. H. Boutelle, Chaplain; M. M. 
Sheldon, Surgeon; Lyman Cowles, Officer of the 
Day; Joe Cro well. Officer of the Guard ; and fifteen 



charter members. There are now forty mem- 
bers. T. C. Thomas is the present commander. 

Woman^s Pelief Corps. — This corps was or- 
ganized the 16th day of February, 1887, with 
the following officers: President, Mrs. S. M. 
Sweet; Senior Vice-President, Mrs. Julia A. 
Howe; Junior Vice-President, Mrs. Union A. 
Howe; Secretary, Mrs. Jessie Crank; Treasurer, 
Mrs. U. Tilden; Chaplain, Mrs. C. Williams; 
Conductor, Mrs. E. H. Bailey; Guard, Mrs. 
Priscilla Cowles; Assistant Guard, Miss Amelia 
Parker; Assistant Conductor, Mrs. Cora Lewis. 
Mr. Con Howe, at that time commander of 
Vicksburg Post, officiated as installation officer. 
Mrs. Sweet is still the president, and tlie corps 
is active and efficient. 

Pomona Court, Independent Order of For- 
esters, effected a preliminary organization in 
July, 1889, with twenty-two members, and 
during the next month received their charter. 
H. B. Westerman, Chief Ranger; W. S. Win- 
ters, Vice-Chief Ranger; C. H. Marshall, Re- 
cording Secretary; V. De Bruner, Financial 
Secretary; Henry Hanson, Treasurer; Rev. J. 
1). H. Browne, Chaplain; Dr. T, H. Smith,' 
Physician. The court meets the last Monday 
of each month. 



niSTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



^ 



^*'^:<:^:5" 







.^_____^^|^ 



^ 



CllArXER XXI 



SAX rp:nRO 
|yS tlie principal liarl)or of the county. It 
|1 was often lively in 1840 — and had been 
W so in Mission times — by the trading vessels 
engaged, with active competition, in the pur- 
chase of hides and tallow. Francis Melius 
gives a list of those on this coast, August 22 
of that year, thirteen in number, as follows: 
"Ships — California (Captain Arthur), Alciope 
(Clapp), Monsoon (Vincent), Alert (Phelps); 
Barques — Index (Scott), Clara (Walters); Her- 
maphrodite brigs— ^-Leonidas (Stevens), Ayacucha 
(Dare); Brigs — Juan Jose (Dunkin), Bolivar 
(Nye); Schooners — Fly (Wilson), California 
(Cooper), Nymph, formerly Norse (Fitch), and 
two more expected." From 1844 to 1849 the 
merchants at Los A\ngeles City were: John 
Temple, Abel Stearns, Charles W. Flugge 
(found dead September 1, 1852, on the plains 
below this city), B. D. Wilson and Albert Pack- 
ard (Wilson & Packard), and Alexander Bell. 
To these add, in 1849, Antonio Cota, Jose An- 
tonio Meneudez, from Spain; Juan Domingo, 
Netiierlands; Jose Mascarel, of Marseilles, an 
John Behn, of Grand Uutchy Baden. The last 
named came in 1848. He quit business in the 
fall of 1853, died December 6, 1868. Madame 
Salandie is to be added to those of 1849. She 
came on the same ship with Lorenzo Lecke 
from Pennsylvania in that year, started at once 
a little store, liutt'her shop, loaning money and 



general speculation. Juan Domingo came to 
California in 1829, b^' way of Lima, married 
here, was quite noted, died December 20, 1858. 
The first steamer that ever visited San Pedro 
was the Goldhunter, in 1849 — a side-wheel, 
which made the voyage from San Francisco to 
Mazatlan, touching at way ports. The next was 
the old Ohio. At San Pedro, from 1844 to 
1849, Temple ct Alexander (D. W. Ale.xander) 
had the only general store, and they carried 
on all the forwarding business. The first four- 
wheel vehicle in this county, except an old- 
fashioned Spanish carriage belonging to the 
Mission priests, was a rockaway carriage which 
this linn bought of Captain Kane, Major Gra- 
ham's Quartermaster, in January, 1849, paying 
him $1,000 for the carriage and two American 
horses. It created a sensation like that of the 
first Wilmington railway car on the 26th day 
of October, 1868. Goods were forwarded to 
Los Angeles, twenty-four miles, in carts, each 
with two yoke of oxen, yoked by the horns. 
The regular train was of ten carts, like the Cali- 
fornia car fetus. The body was the same, but 
they had spoked wheels tired, which were im- 
ported from Boston. Freiglit was $1.00 per 
hundred weight. This style of importation con- 
tinued until after 1850. The first stage line 
was started by Alexanders & Banning in 1852; 
the next by that man of iron, J. J. Tomlinson, 
whose death was early for the public good, June 



niHTOUY OF LOS AUGKLEU VOUHTY. 



7, 1867. In 1851 D. W. Alexander purchased 
at Sacramento ten lieavy freiglit wagons tliat 
had been sent in from Salt Lake by Ben Holli- 
day, and in 1853 a whole train, fourteen wagons 
and 108 mules, that had come through from 
Chiliuahua, paying therefor $23,000. So ox- 
carts were supplanted. 

San Pedro, so noted as a port under the former 
regime, since 1850 has been, until recently, the 
only outlet for our productions. 0.\ carts could 
not remain long after the management of trade 
fell into the hands of Douglass & Sanford, John 
Goller, J. J. Tomlinson, J. M. Griffith, A. W. 
Timms, A. F. Ilincliman, Don Jose Rubio, 
David W. Alexander, Pliineas Banning, all of 
whom have done so much to build up our com- j 
merce. General Banning went there a young ' 
man. In 1851 was formed the firm of Alexan- 
der & Banning, commission and forwarding 
merchants. Subsequently for four years he con- 
ducted this business alone, marked i)y sagacity, 
foresight, and energy. In 1858 Old San Pedro 
was abandoned. Wilmington then became the 
real port for Los Angeles commerce. When he j 
commenced, 500 tons would have been a fair 
average for the trips botli ways per month. 
Now, there has been as high as 15,000 tons 
afloat at one time, to say nothing of the enor- 
mous amount of produce which the same vessels 
carried away on their departure. General Ban- 
ning liad tlie opportunity to see the passengers 
ride from the port to Los Angeles City on Mexi- I 
can ox-carts, with no iron in their construction, 
and has seen them at length make the trip on 
as tine railway cars as there are in the United 
States; and saw them increase from fifty persons 
per month to near 3,000. One may justly say, 
that no one of our citizens has contributed more 
of labor with perseverance, or more of business 
ability than he, to the accomplishment of this 
result. 

In the year 1871, after several careful pre- 
liminary surveys, the United States Government 
ooinmenced the work of improving Wilmington 
Harbor, which work has ever since been going 
steadily on; §125,000 have so far been appro- j 



priated for the breakwater and the clearing out 
of the bar. When work was commenced the 
bar had upon it only eighteen inches of water at 
low tide, and was only crossed by lighters which 
waited for the Hood. There are miw about nine- 
teeti feet of water upon the bar at low tide. To 
the indefatigable exertions of General Phineas 
Banning, of Wilmington, is due, more than to 
the efforts of any other one man, the inaugura- 
tion of this work. 

In the explosion of the little steamer Ada 
Hancock, April 29, 1863, near Wilmington, 
among many lost were, of our merchants, 
William T. B. Sanford, Dr. Henry R. Miles, 
Loeb Sciilessinger; with Captain Thomas Seeley, 
of steamer Senator, Captain J. S. Bryant, Fred 
Kerlin, Thomas Workman, the young Albert S. 
Johnston, son of General Albert Sidney Johns- 
ton, iliss Medora Hereford, sister- n-law of 
Mr. B. D. Wilson, soon after died of injuries in 
this deplorable calamity. 

The harbor has several picturesque peninsulas 
and high points of land stretching into the sea, 
and Dead Man's Island is the most conspicuous 
object in the bay. At the mouth of the harbor, 
beyond this island, riding safely. at anchor, are 
vessels from various domestic and foreign poi-ts, 
including one or more large steamships of the 
coast line, which ply regularly between San 
Francisco and San Diego. 

Twenty miles out is the great summer resort, 
Catalina Island, described in the first chapter. 

Ever since the early settlement of Califoriiia, 
San Pedro has been a commercial point of more 
or less itnportance. It is now second to none 
except San Francisco; for though the town itself 
is small, as compared with San Diego, it is tlie 
shipping and receiving point for the city of Los 
Angeles and the populous, rich and growing 
towns and rural districts surrounding it. Until 
1873 the port was known as San Pedro, butin that 
year Congress decided that it should be called 
Wilmington, that town, located at the head of 
the inner bay, being the place where nearly all 
the business was done. In 1882 an act of Con- 
gress established the customs district of Wil- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



iniiigton, with that town as tlie port of entry, 
and Haeneine, San Buenaventura and Santa 
Barbara as ports of delivery, — neitlier of tliese 
three places being in the same county with Wil- 
mington. 

Until the extension of the railroid to San 
Pedro all the business of the port had to be 
transacted by means of lighters, for the convey- 
ance of merchandise between vessels and the 
landing places. The construction of a railroad 
from Los Angeles to the harbor in 1869 gave a 
fresh impetus to the development of agricult- 
ural resources in the county as well as to busi- 
ness generally in the city. Better facilities for 
commerce were just what the people needed, 
and the completion of this short branch of the 
railroad was hailed with delight by every body 
having the least interest in the growth of the 
county. 

In 1870 the anchorage for vessels touching 
at this harbor was nearly five miles from Wil- 
mington, in San Pedro Bay, and about one mile 
from Dead Man's Island. During that year, 
however, Government engineers examined the 
bay carefully, and reported to the Government. 
The result was the adoption of plans for the 
Construction of a breakwater and other improve- 
ments, and for projier dredging, etc., to make an 
inner harbor. The inner harbor was known as 
Wilmington Bay, having an area of nearly 1,200 
acres, and a narrow entrance from the outer bay 
between the main land and Rattlesnake Island. 
From this island to the rocky pile called Dead 
Man's Island, one and a quarter miles, the Bay 
of San Pedro was comparatively shallow, except 
in a narrow channel near Dead Man's Island. 
Timms's Points was the nearest point to this 
channel on the main land. 

The improvements decided upon by the Gov- 
ernment included a training wall from Rattle- 
snake to Dead Man's Island, closing the old 
channel; and another wall from Timms's Point 
to Dead Man's Island, establishing the channel 



between the latter wall and the island. These 
walls form a channel 500 to 800 feet wide, con- 
necting the outer witli the inner bay, the latter 
having an area of over 1,100 acres. Lumber 
vessels, and all but two or three of the larger 
steamships coming to this port, reach the wharf 
at San Pedro at high tide. Vessels that cannot 
reach the dock find safe anchorage about two 
mil s outside. 



Further imnrovements 



th 



harbor are 



greatly needed, and some are now in progress, 
carried on not only by the Government, but by 
railroad companies having important interests 
there. Congress recently made an additional 
appropriation of $500,000 for improvements at 
San Pedro Harbor. 

WILMJNGTON. 

The village of Wilmington was laid in 1858, 
by General Phineas Banning, and named by 
him in honor of his Eastern city, Wilmington, 
Delaware. It flourished until the Southern 
Pacific Railroad was completed to San Pedro, 
since which time it has not been able to com- 
pete with that point. 



a little further down the coast, is becoming a 
noted resort, and at present is specially adver- 
tised by the Methodists as a camping-ground. 
The village is located upon a smooth plateau 
which slopes gently down to the water. From 
any portion of the town a charming view greets 
the eye. At low tide the beach is hard, smooth 
and level for seven or eight miles, constituting 
a perfect boulevard upon which twenty teams 
can be driven abreast, and their hoofs heard to 
clatter as if on a solid turnpike. 

Long Beach has an intelligent and refined 
class of citizens, excellent public schools, four 
church societies, no saloons, enterprising busi- 
ness men, and a live newspaper, the Long Beach 
Journal. 



IIISTOIIY VF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 




CHAPTER XXII. 



SANTA MONICA. 

fHIS place is one of the most charming 
seaside )•► sorts. The location of the town 
is on a level plateau, between whicli and 
the ocean there is a perpendicular descent of 
about 100 feet. At the foot of the bluff stretches 
a long line of beach, well adapted to siirf-bath- 
ing; and it is this delightfully invigorating 
pastime which makes Santa Monica so popular. 
The place is reached by a branch of the South- 
ern Pacific, and the new Los Angeles County 
Railroad between Los Angeles and Santa Mon- 
ica. The Santa Fe also is expected to throw a 
branch into the town soon. It is estimated that 
during the bathing season 2,000 people per day, 
on an average, visit Santa Monica, and on Sun- 
days the number is much larger. There are 
several liotels, the largest being the Arcadia, 
and the large bath-houses upon the beach. A 
wharf is also to be built. The permanent pop- 
ulation of the town is about 1,500. The sur- 
roundings of the place are e.xceedingly pictur- 
esque. From almost any portion of town one 
can enjoy a most delightful view of mountains, 
foot-hills, and plain and ocean. This town was 
founded, in 1875, by United States Senator John 
P. Jones and Colonel R. S. Baker. Three miles 
up the coast is the famous Santa Monica Caiion, 



a very romantic spot, where visitors enjoy the 
wild beauties of nature. 

TUE soldiers' noME. 

One of the great institutions of Los Angeles 
County is the National Soldiers' Home, located 
about fifteen miles from the city and four miles 
from S inta Monica Beach, with both of whicli 
places it is in communication by the Los An- 
geles County Railroad. It is a national home 
for disabled volunteer soldiers. When the man- 
agers appointed by the Government to locate 
such an institution on the Pacitic Coast visited 
Los Angeles, they were hospitably received and 
entertained by the city council, the board of 
trade and others. 

They had visited and inspected other counties 
in California, and received tempting offers from 
some of them; but it remained for Los Angeles 
County to secure the coveted prize. A tract of 
300 acres, with a sufficient water right (the 
water coming from the mountains), and thirty 
acres additional, for a reservoir, were offered 
free; and an adjoining tr^ct of 300 acres was 
set aside for sale and guaranteed to yield $100,- 
000 in cash, to be applied to the improvement 
of the grounds. Congress appropriated $190,- 
000 for the erection of buildings, and the work 



IIItSTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



was speedily begun. At tliis date they are com- 
pleted. 

Here are four barracks, each 50 .\ 200 feet, 
affording quarters for 125 men; a residence for 
the surgeons and other officials, an imposing 
building of two stories, with a lofty tower, and 
with accommodations for 2,010 men. The ar- 
rangement of this building is unique, tiie 
kitchen being in the second story, the fian tries 
and serving-rooms on the ground floor, and 
sculleries in the basement, all connected by five 
elevators. The ground is a gentle slope toward 
the south, and this building crowns the emi- 
nence. Immediately in front is a large lawn, 
with music pavilion and flagstafl'. On either 
hand are twenty-live barracks, so arranged as to 
secure the maximum amount of sunlight, while 
the porches are sheltered from the cool trade- 
winds. In a depression of thirty five feet below 
the general level of the slope are the boiler- 
house and laundry, from which the other build- 
ings are heated by steam, and to which the 
sewage is conveyed, to be removed by steam 
])umps. A hospital in the shape of a cross, 
450x50 feet and 200x50 feet, with accommo- 
dations for about 500 patients, occupies a con- 
spicuous position. There are also commissary 
and quartermaster's buildings, headquarters 
building, treasurer's residence, memorial build- 
ing and guard-house. A side track from the 
railroad runs to the laundry, boiler-house and 
commissary buildings, and a grand boulevard 
from Los Angeles to Santa Monic;i will pass 
through the grounds. The reservoir among the 
hills constitutes a charming little artificial lake. 

CoMFfON was laid out in 1869, and named in 
honor of G. D. Compton, then the sole resident. 
It is eleven miles south of Los Angeles, on the 
Wilmington Branch of the Southern Pacific 
Railroad. The distinctive industry is butter 
and cheese making. Deciduous fruits and ber- 
ries of many kinds are also raised successfully 
here, though it is not considered a first-class 
region for the culture of citrus fruits. 

Downey is the center of a rich farming land. 
In 1855, Don Antonio Maria Lugo, owner of 



San Antonio Rancho, nearly 30,000 acres, lying 
between Los Angeles City and the San (Tabriel 
River, and finally granted to him in 1838, par- 
titioned the satue — reserving a homestead for 
himself — among his sons, Jose Maria, Felipe, 
Jose del Carmen, Vicente, Jose Antonio, and 
daughters, Dofia Vicenta Perez, Dofia Maria 
Antoiiia Yorba, and Dona Merced Foster. In 
1860, Dona Merced Foster and Don Vicente 
Lugo sold their respective portions to parties 
who immediately resorted to sub-division and 
sales in small lots. The first deed is from 
Isaac Heiman, dated June 21, 1865, to David 
Ward; followed by several other sales in 1865 
and 1866 to Jameson and others. But before 
this Governor John G. Downey had commenced 
the sul)-di vision of Santa Gertrudes Rancho, 
lying along the San Gabriel River, and contain- 
ing near 22,000 acres. His first deed is of date 
April 22, 1865, to J. II. Burke. Others fol- 
lowed to Neighbors and Hutchinson, and many 
afterward. This last is the locality known as 
Los Nietos. It had a settlement of over 200 
persons in 1836, broken up subsequently. Here 
is Downey City, twelve miles southeast from Los 
Angeles — a newsjMper, business houses, a happy 
circle of farmers, with good title, upon a soil 
as rich as can be found on the face of the earth. 
This, with all the river land, and into El Monte, 
is our "corn county," emphatically. 

Whittieu is a village founded by a body of 
Quakers from Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, who 
own ai'ouud the town a large body of land. It 
is twelve miles east of Los Angeles, and has an 
elevation of about 1,500 feet. All kinds of 
fruit and grain known to Southern California 
can be raised here. There is a commodious 
Friends' meeting-house, a public school, and a 
prospective college that is to be under the con- 
trol of Friends. 

Santa Fe Springs is a neat village, with a 
Methodist Episcopal church, school-house, etc. 
This place has become famous on account of its 
iron-sulphur wells. There are a half-dozen wells 
here that contain water rich in medicinal vir- 
tues. This town is twelve miles from Los An- 



II I STORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



geles, and connecteci with Los Aiijjeles by the 
San Diego branch of the California Central 
Railroad! 

NoKWALK, in this township, is a flourishing 
village, seventeen miles from Los Angeles, on 
the Santa Ana branch of the Southern Pacific 
Railroad. There are numerous artesian wells, 
alfalfa tields and corn-tields. Thoroughbred 
stock is protitably and extensively raised. Near 
this place is the site of the oldest ostrich farm 
in America, established by Dr. C. J. Sketchel 
in the fall of 1882, who brought about twenty- 
flve of the birds direct from the Cape of Good 
Hope. Several other such farms have since 
been established in this State. 

San Gabriel is a very old town, nine miles 
from Los Angeles, on the Southern Paciflc Rail- 
road. One mile from this town is the Sunny 
Slope Vineyard, which was sold to an English 
company for three-fourths of a million dollars. 
The place has long been noted for its salubrious 
climate and aged people. For the mission, see 
under head of '-Missions." 

Alhambka is also a beautiful jjlace. It has 
an elegant hotel, a bank, a school house, several 
churches, and orchards of almost every variety 
of fruits — apricots, nectarines, apples, pears, 
plums, guavas, oranges, lemons and limes. 
Near Alhambra is the winery of the San Ga- 
briel Wine Company, said to be the largest 
building of the kind in the world. 

Lamanda Pakk is a place with stores and 
other village accessories. This is the nearest 
station to the Sierra Madre Villa, a noted hotel 
for tourists. Kinneyloa, the ranch of the Hon. 
Abbott Kinney, is near this point. It contains 
one of the largest orange orchards in California. 

siKKKA madre. 
N. C. Garter, the god father of Sierra Madre, 
stood first at the christening, ajid, thus far, 
stands first in its history. Sierra Madre is a 
scion of the world-famous Santa Anita Rancho, 
belonging to the no less famous E. J. Baldwin, 
one of the several-times millionaire pioneers of 
California. 



In February, 1881, Mr. Carter purchased 
1,100 acres of the choicest portion of the beauti- 
ful Santa Anita Rancho, which was then in its 
original wild state, a tract sloping from the 
Sierra Madre Mountains gently to the south, 
partially covered by magnificent oak trees, and 
backed by numerous springs and streams of 
purest mountain water. It was immediately 
surveyed into smaller tracts of twenty, forty, 
and eighty acres, for the location of self-sustain- 
ing and healthful homes. From abundant springs 
in the mountains immediately north of the oft- 
styled '> model colony," a large main brought a 
bounteous supply of the purest soft snow water 
to the tract, where distributing pipes received 
and conveyed it to the highest portion of every 
lot and building site. And it is in this matter 
of water supply that Sierra Madre claims prece- 
dence over many of her most enterprising sister 
settlements. The water right runs with the 
realty. Land at this early period sold at $50 to 
$65 per acre. The pioneers were John Rich- 
ardson, James Smith and Mr. Bailey. The first 
purchasers of land were K. D. Trussell, A. 
Gregory, Miss Fannie II. Hawks, Messrs. Bur- 
lingame. Cook, Hosmer, Pierce, White, Row- 
land, Clements, Seaman, Spalding, etc. 

The next year, 1882, was a busy one. Mr. 
Carter, above mentioned, built and donated to 
the public a school-house; also erected the Ocean 
View House, which was opened for business by 
J. E. Richardson; and many other buildings 
were erected, and a postoffice was established. 
E. T. Pierce was the first teacher. 

During 1883-'84 there settled here Mrs. C. 
B. Jones, previously City Superintendent of 
Schools of Los Angeles; Professor John Hart, a 
musician ; W. B. Crisp, W. H. Robinson, Messrs. 
Andrews, Wilson, Hook, Jones and Hilton. The 
first marriage in the place was that of E. B. 
Jones to Miss Winona Trussell, March 7, 1883. 
This year at least twenty-five new cottages were 
built. In 1884 the present school-house was 
built, costing about $3,000. And this year ar- 
rived Dr. F. C. Gresham and Messrs. Stein- 
berger, Ayles, Lewis and Davis. 



338 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



During the winter of 1885-'86, Mrs. K. E. 
Ross erected and donated to the public a fine 
library building. Also, this season the town 
hall was built, at a cost of $5,000. 

In 1886 the Santa Fe Railroad was completed 
to this point, and the boom went forward in 
earnest. 

The community here is made up of citizens 
of intelligence, culture and enterprise, many of 
them of wealth. Some of their homes are pala- 
tial, as "Carterhia" of N. C. Carter, " Alta- 
mont" (P. T. Reed's), "Piedmont" (A. D. 
Trutisel's), the residence of J. H. Outhwaite, etc. 

THE SIEKKA MADKE VISTA. 

This })aper was established and the first num- 
ber issued March 17, 1888, by Lucius T. House 
as editor and proprietor, and conducted by him 
until April, 1889, when his two sons, William 
M. and Ralph E., entered into partnerbhip with 
him, and it has since been conducted by the firm 
of Lucius T. House & Sons. This paper is 
published every Friday at Sierra Madre, and is 
one of the brightest and best edited papers in 
the county outside of the city of Los Angeles. 
It is emphatically a home paper, a clean, moral 
and healthfid publication, particularly devoted 
to the interests and welfare of Sierra Madre 
and vicinity. It is a marvel of typographical 
beauty in appearance, and shows a care and at- 
tention in its every detail that well merits the 
hearty support it receives. 

Lucius T. House was born in Macon County, 
Alabama, June 0, 1844. His father, William 
H. House, a native of Tennessee, was a pioneer 
of Alabama, and identified with its early 
history. He served as a soldier under General 
Jackson in many of his campaigns, and was in 
his command at the battle of New Orleans. 
He was a political adherent and comrade of 
David Crockett and with him was a bitter oppo- 
nent (politically) of General Jackson. He was 
an Indian agent in the early days of Alabama, 
and at one time summarily executed a number 
of savages who had ambushed and slain a party 
of his friends and neio'hbors. He died in 1845. 



Mr. House's mother, nee Nancy T. Franklin, 
was a native of Georgia. She died in Tennes- 
see in 1883. The subject of this sketch was 
reared upon a cotton plantation until about 
eleven years of age. He was then apprenticed 
to the trade of a printer; and at the age of six- 
teen years started in life as a journeyman in his 
trade. Upon the breaking out of the war of 
the Rel)ellion, although but seventeen years of 
age, he entered the Confederate service as a 
private in Company B, First Alabama Infantry. 
After one year of service in that regiment he 
re-enlisted in the famous Robertson's Light 
Battery, commanded by Captain (afterward 
General) Felix H. Robertson. Mr. House 
served faithfully, and besides various unimpor- 
tant engagements near Pensacola and other 
places, was with his battery at the battles of 
Shiloh, Farmington, Stone River, Chickamauga 
and Mission Ridge. In the latter battle he was 
taken prisoner and sent to Rock Island, Illinois, 
where he remained in confinement until the 
close of the war. Upon the restoration of 
peace, Mr. House concluded to try his fortunes 
in the West, and worked at his trade in 
Kansas, Colorado and other places until 1877. 
He then came to California and located at Los 
Angeles, where he remained nearly two years, 
after which he was engaged at his trade in San 
Francisco, and in Placer and Sacramento coun- 
ties until January, 1888. He then returned to 
Los Angeles County and established his resi- 
dence in Sierra Madre; and in March of that 
year commenced the publication of the Sierra 
Madre Vista. He is a thorough master of his 
calling and has made a success of his enterprise. 
By his straightforward course and consistent 
mode of life he has gained the respect of the 
community. Mr. House has been twice mar- 
ried and is the father of two sons and one 
daughter. The eldest, William M., was born 
in Ottawa, Kansas, February 28, 1867. He is 
a practical printer, having become a member of 
the Typographical Union at eighteen years of 
age. After spending about two years in Mex- 
ico in assaying and mining he returned home 



in STORY OF LOS ANGi 



and is now (1889) in partnership witli his 
fatlier. Tiie second son, Ralph E.. was born in 
Lawrence, Kansas, October 28, 1872. He is 
also a nieinlier of the lirni of Lucius T. House 
ik. Sons. Tlie daughter, Beatrice 15., was born 
February 4, 1880. 

El Montk. The arrival of the emigrants in 
El Monte ij;ave the first decided impulse to agri- 
culture in this county, encf»urage(l business in 
the city of Los Auijeles, and ever since has 
aided it materially. Tliis tract lies along the 
San Gabriel River, twelve miles east of the city. 
The soil in general does not need irrigation. 
There is much of interest in its history. Suf- 
fice it to say, society is as well organized as in 
any part of the United States. The settlers of 

1851, July, were Ira W. Thompson, Samuel M. 
Heath, Dr. Obed Macy and son, Oscar Macy, 
now residing in this city, F. "W. Gibson, Nicho- 
las Smith, J. Coburn, J. Sheldon, Chis- 

holm, and Mrs. John Rowland, who now resides 
at Puente. Fifty odd families came in the year 

1852, or early in 1853. We can mention but a 
few belonging to these two years: J. A. John- 
son, William B. Lee, Samuel King and three 
sons (one of them Andrew J. King, Esq., of 
Los Angeles City), Dr. T. A. Mayes, S. Bennett, 
A. Bacon, W. J. Willis, Edinond Tyler and two 
sons, John Thurman and seven sons, David 
Lewis, William Rubottom, Ezekiel Rubottom, 
Samuel Thompson, Charles Cunningham, John 
Guess; Cudderback, Boss, the Hildreths. Jona- 
than Tibbetts came November 27, 1853; in 
1852 Thomas A. Garey, since become the great 
horticulturist of this county. The people at El 
Monte and in the vicinity are mostly from the 
Southern States, and generally engage in raising 
corn, hogs and cattle. 

Adjoining El Monte, on the east, lies La 
Puente Rancho,of 48,790 acres, granted July 22, 
1845, to John Rowland and William Workman. 
Only a few miles further eastward is the fertile 
valley of San Jose, Los Nogales Ranchito, about 
500 acres, granted March 13, 1840, to Jose de 
la Cruz Linares; and next, San Jose de Palo- 
niares, of 22,720 acres, granted in the year 1837 



to Ricardo Vejar, Ignacio Palomares and Luis 
Arenas. The grand railway trunk of tiie South- 
ern Pacific runs through it to-day. It formed 
a connected settlement for several miles from 
near Rowland's, chiefly of New Mexicans. This 
was a colony which John Rowland gathered at 
Taos, Albuqnerque and other pueblos of New 
Mexico in 1841. Under the leadership of Don 
Santiago Martinez they accompanied Mr. Row- 
land in t at year to California. A portion of 
them under Don Lorenzo Trujillo planted 
thenrseives at Agua Mansa, on the Santa Ana 
River, six miles south of San Bernardino, 
the rest in this valley. Time has made many 
changes since 1850, but has well tested the 
productiveness of its soil, upon which towns 
begin to flourish — Spadra, Pomona. Mildew 
never afl^ected the wheat of San Jose. Long 
after 1850 were to be seen the adobe ruins of 
the great granaries which the padres built in 
front of William Workman's dwelling, to store 
the grain harvested on the plain of La Puente. 
The original settlement exists, missing many 
whose kindness memory cherishes — Ybarras, 
Alvarados, Martinez and others. 

Aecadi.\ is a new town that was phitted and 
sold by Mr. Unruh. It is in the center of Mr. 
Baldwin's possessions, and is the scene of con- 
siderable activity. Much of the land contiguous 
to the village has been sold for small fruit farms. 

Santa Anita is two miles west. 

Monrovia, two miles east of Arcadia, was 
founded by W. N. Monroe, and is a place of 
wonderful growth. It contains Methodist Epis- 
copal and Baptist churches, a school-house that 
cost $15,000, two lines of street-cars, large hotels 
under excellent management, two banks with 
large capital, large business blocks, in which 
merchants are doing a thriving business, and 
beautiful homes surrounded by semi-tropical 
plants and productive orchards. Monrovia is 
especially commended as a health resort. It is 
sixteen miles from Los Angeles, and lies close 
to the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It 
has an elevation of about 1,200 feet, but the 
victim of lung disease will do best if he can have 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



his own cottage, flower garden and carriage, so 
that he may lead a life independent of hotels, 
and completely separated from other invalids. 

Glendale, a ])retty little town, with churches, 
school-houses, and other evidences of an intel- 
lectual population, is about eight miles north of 
the city of Los Angeles, with which it is con- 
nected by a "dummy" railway. In this village 
is one of the largest peach orchards in the State. 

In West Glendale, adjoining the town of 
Glendale, is a large ostrich farm. The raising 
of ostriches has proved a very protitable industry 
in Southern Calitornia. There are large num- 
bers of these birds at this Glendale farm. They 
iue kept for their feathers, and the revenue 
ficm each bird, in the sale of its feathers, is 
large. The young birds are hatched by " iticu- 
l.aturs." 

^'ewhall, thirty miles from Los Angeles, has 
an elevation of 1,265 feet. The winters are 
cooler than in the southern part of the county, 
and tlie summers are somewhat warmer. While 
this region is not so generally known as the 
southern part, yet it is very healthful, and should 
be particularly sought by persons suffering from 
lung diseases. The atmosphere is so dry that 
vast quantities of fruit are brought here by rail 
to sun-dry. Grapes are successfully raised 
throughout this section, and there is little doubt 
but that it will ultimately become a raisin-grape 
producing country. 

^iot far from Xewhall are extensive petro- 
lenm deposits, partly in Ventura County. The 
following historical sketch is from the report of 
Sutherland Hutton: 

" The first eflbrt that promised success toward 
the development of our petroleum deposits was 
made by a Pennsylvania company in 1862, 
headed by Tom Scott. This company bored a 
hole on the Camulos Eanch, in Ventura County, 
and at 800 i'eet secured a quantity of black oil, 
which they endeavored to refine in a still erected 
near the spot; at this time illuminating oil was 
worth from §2.50 to $3.00 per gallon in Los 
Angeles, and a chance for a handsome margin 
was excellent, but this operation failed princi- 



pally for the reason of lack of knowledge for 
refining and the sudden drop in price of oil in 
Pennsylvania. From this time on until 1876 
but little effort was made. AVhat oil was pro- 
duced from tunnels and shallow wells in small 
quantities found its way to the gas-works or was 
used for a lubricator. In this year the Star Oil 
Company commenced operations in the Pico 
Canon, San Fernando district, and was soon 
followed by E. McPherson and C. N. Felton. 
These operations were rewarded handsomely, 
and the different companies soon after consoli- 
dated under the name of the Pacific Coast Oil 
Company. 

" The year 1876 also saw the organization of 
a company to operate in what is known as the 
Sespi Oil Region, about thirty miles west of San 
Fernando district, which was composed of citi- 
zens of this city and known as the Los Angeles 
Oil Company. They were successful, and their 
first well produced for a time 125 barrels of oil 
every twenty-four hours. This well was lost 
some years later, through ignorance, and the 
company ceased operations. 

" Owing to the lack of demand, the producing 
of oil remained stagnant for a period of years 
up to 1884:. From that time until the present 
much greater, activity was displayed and the 
opening up of anew district in the Puente Hills, 
twenty miles east of this city, still further in- 
creases the vast field for development. 

"The immediate cause of this activity was 
the demand for fuel oil. The organization in 
March, 1885, of the Los Angeles Oil Burning 
and Supply Company, for the purpose of intro- 
ducing this liquid fuel, both for manufacturing 
and domestic purposes, sold in the first year 
137,000 gallons of the distilled product, which 
was used solely for domestic fuel through the 
medium, of their patent burners." 

Sax Fernando is located on the Southern 
Pacific Railroad, twenty-one miles from Los 
Angeles; it has an elevation of 1,061 feet. Tiie 
climate is delightful and the situation beautiful. 
Between this town and the mountains, one mile 
away, is a grand, rolling plain, which is pretty 



UISTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



well occupied by cozy homes. Hon. Charles 
Maclay laid out the present town of San Fer- 
nando in 1874. In April of that year a free 
excursion train was run from Los Angeles to at- 
tend the first auction sale of town lots. The 
lots sold at prices ranging from $6 to §20. 

The village contains a neat, substantial 
Methodist Episcopal church, a commodious, at- 
tractive public school building, and a large three- 
story brick hotel. San Fjrnain-lo is tlie location 
of the Maclay Theological College of the Uni- 
versity of Southern California. Senator Maclay 
has endowed this institution with $150,000. He 
also erected the buildings at a cost to himself of 
$50,000 more. They were finished and occupied 
early in 1888. This institution is under the 
control of the Southern California Conference 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

This section is watered by artesian wells and 
mountain streams. Wheat and barley never 
need artificial watering, but fruit trees demand 
some irrigation. San Fernando is forty minutes 
by rail from Los Angeles, and there are several 
trains each way daily. 

The Southern Pacific Railroad, in going from 
the town of San Fernando to the town of New- 
hall, passes through a tunnel one and one-third 
miles long, with two exceptions the longest on 
the Western Continent. San Fernando Town- 
ship was formerly a ranch of nearly 125,000 
acres, and belonged to General Andres Pico, i 
who made the treaty with General Fremont at 
Cahuenga in 1847. General Pico sold the ranch 
in 1846 to Eulogio F. de Cells for $14,000, I 
and in 1853 he repurchased one-half of it for 
$15,000. 

This ranch has since 1876 been one immense 
wheatfield, and although subdivided and belong- 
ing in tracts of a few thousand acres to a num- 
ber of owners, yet it has still remained almost 
exclusively a wheat-producing territory, some 
of the fields comprising not less than 20,000 
acres. These immense tracts, however, are 
rapidly being subdivided into small farms of five 
to 160 acres, which insures a more rapid de- 
velopment of the county's resources and a greater 



diversity of products. The same is true of 
large ranclios in many otlier portio:is of the 
county. 

In about the center of tiiis township is the 
Mission of San Fernando Key, founded in 1797. 
in honor of F'erdinand V., King of Castile and 
Aragon. Tlie old cliurch i)uiidiiig is now a 
picturesque ruin, as are many otiier buildings 
formerly connected with the Mission, while 
others are yet well preserved. 

One of the most prosperous and picturesque 
mountain resorts in Southern California is Monte 
Vista, situated in a beautiful, fertile valley, be- 
tween the Verdugo and Sierra Madre Mountains. 
Monte Vista is twenty miles north of Los An- 
geles, and four miles east of Monte Vista Station, 
on the Southern Pacific Railroad. 

Glendora. — Among the several towns which 
skirt the foot hill slopes of the S m Gabriel Val- 
ley, the gem of Los Angeles County, Glendora 
is one of the most beautifully situated. Built 
on a gentle southern slope at the foot of the 
Sierra Madre range of mountains, 700 to 900 
feet above the sea-level, and near the he;id of the 
valley, it commands a charming view of the 
entire valley, embracing many square miles. 
Glendora is twenty-seven miles east of Los An- 
geles, on the main transcontinental line of the 
Atchison, Topeka & Smte Fe Railroad. It was 
founded by Mr. George Whitcomb, a Chicago 
manufacturer, and a gentleman of energy, wealth 
and culture, who came to Southern California 
for the improvement of his own and his family's 
health, and being highly pleased with the cli- 
mate and beauty of the San Gabriel Valley, 
purchased a tract of 200 acres of land, and asso- 
ciating with himself Merick Reynolds, .John W. 
Cook, and his two sons, Carrol S. and William 
C. Whitcomb, as the Glendora Land Company, 
and adding more land to the original purchase, 
laid out the town of Glendora. The name -se- 
lected for the place is a happy combination of 
the word glen and the last pirt of Mrs. Whit- 
comb's name — Ledora. About 300 acres were 
surveyed off in town lots, of which some 300 
were sold at the first sale on the last of Marcdi, 



HISTORY OF LOS AJUGELES COUNTY. 



1887, the papers being executed on the first day 
of April. Mr. Whitcomb, who has been at the 
head of the enterprise, has made every improve- 
ment with the idea of periiianency and tlie 
future welfare of the place in view. Six broad, 
well-graded avenues extend from the mount- 
ains southward to the railroad, and these are 
crossed at right angles by nine fine avenues, 
comprising in all over eight miles of streets, 
each one of which is bordered on both sides by 
pretty evergreen pepper-trees, planted and cared 
for by Mr. Whitcomb at the expense of the 
company. 

The water supply for the town comes 
from the Big Dalton Canon, and has been 
developed by the Glendora Water Company, 
with a paid \ip capital stock of $50,000, who 
have constructed two lai'ge tunnels under the 
canon, one over 1,200 and the other 600 
feet long. Two large storage reservoirs, of 
nearly 2,000,000 gallons capacity, receive this 
pure mountain water from two and a half miles 
of ten-inch cement supply pipe. The water is 
distributed from these reservoirs along every 
strtet through the best wrought-iron water pipe, 
with a vertical pressure of eighty feet, sufticient 
to force it over the top of any building in the 
place. The water supply is ample for domestic 
purposes of a considerable larger population, 
but not for general irrigation. 

Glendora has had a prosperous, steady growth 
up to the present season; between 700 and 800 
lots have been sold, and the town now contains 
seventy-two residences, business and public build- 
ings, including a fine two-story school-building 
of four rooms, erected at a cost of nearly $10,500; 
a handsome hotel of some twenty rooms, built 
by the company at a cost of over $7,000; two 
churches — a Methodist Episcopal and a Chris- 
tian church — costing about $3,000 each. The 
first dwelling built after the town was laid out 
was erected by Edward Humphrey, and the first 
business house was built by Messrs. A. E. and 
J. P. Englehart, who are now one of the leading 
mercantile firms of the town. Glendora contains 
two dry-goods stores, one of which also carries 



groceries, and the other clothing; one hardware 
one furniture, and one drug store, a n)illinfcry 
store, and a new fruit-drying establishment, all 
of which are doing a fair and prosperous busi- 
ness. 

The altitude of the town site places it within 
the warm or thermal belt, and renders it almost 
entirely free from frosts, and its distance 
(thirty-five miles) from and height above the 
ocean render it compai'atively free from fogs, 
wiiile the land-tempered sea breezes make the 
climate mild, salubrious, and exceptionally 
healthful. As no saloons or other resorts of 
questionable character are allowed in the town, 
the community is pervaded by a healthy moral 
atmosphere. The attention of the citizens in 
and about Glendora is being directed to the cul- 
tivation of fruits, particularly oranges and raisin 
grapes, peaches and apricots, for which the cli- 
mate and soil are well adapted. Fruit-growing 
promises to become the principal industry of 
that locality. 

Mr. Whitcomb is boring for oil on the town 
site, having reached a depth of 1,883 feet at this 
date (August 20, 1889), and purposes to con- 
tinue 300 to 500 leet further unless kerosene is 
struck before. He has expended about $18 000 
in the enterprise up to this time, and entertains 
strong hope of success. 

Ai.osTA. — This place lies adjoining Glendora 
on the south, and was started as a rival town 
about the same time — in 1887, by Messrs. 
George Guard, Underwood and Washburn, un- 
der the corporate title of the Alosta Land and 
Water Company. The town plat consisted of 
eighty acres lying on both sides of the railroad. 
A fine two-story hotel containing over fifty 
rooms was erected in the spring and summer of 
1887, S. C. Correll biing the builder and secur- 
ing an interest in the property for his work. 
The structure was well built and cost nearly 
$16,000. A smaller hotel, two or three stores 
and some other business buildings were erected 
near the railroad track; quite a number of lots 
were sold by the comjiany and some twelve or 
fifteen cottages were built about over the town 



HISTORY OF LOS AN G ELKS VOUNTY. 



site. In the contest between tlie two rival 
towns for the depot building Glendora won; the 
projectors of Alusta were non-residents, while 
Glendora liad an able and energetic managing 
head in the person of Mr. Whitcoinb; the one 
was a real-estate speculation, the other was 
founded for a permanent and prosperous settle- 
ment. Alosta Hotel was nicely furnished, and 
after having several proprietors successively it 
was vacated and the furniture sold ofi", and the 
building ofl'ered for sale at about one-third its 
original cost. Two of the stores have been 
moved away and tiie remaining business build- 
ings are all vacant. The water supply for Alosta 
is obtained from Little Dalton Canon, and is 
piped direct to the consumers, there having been 
no storage reservoir built. 

AzusA is situated on the trans-continental 
line of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Rail- 
road, twenty-two miles east of Los Angeles, 
thirty miles from the Pacific Ocean and near 
the east end of the beautiful San Gabriel 
Valley, that portion of it being locally named 
Aznsa Valley. The town is located upon a 
gently sloping plateau at an altitude of about 
800 feet, near the base of the Sierra Madre 
Range, and a mile directly south of the mouth of 
the canon through which the San Gabriel 
River escapes from the embrace of the mount- 
ain fastnesses in its tumultous flight from Old 
Baldy to the sea. Azusa was founded by a 
company of Los Angeles capitalists, with J. 
S. Slauson as president, who bought the site 
as a real-estate investment and laid out the town, 
consisting of eighty blocks of twenty-four to fifty 
lots each, on April 1, 1887. The streets lie 
with the points of the compass, crossing eaeli 
other at right angles, and are from sixty to 
100 feet in width; 1,000 feet of excellent cement 
sidewalks, constructed at a cost of $15,000, line 
the principal streets. The business houses of 
the place embrace dry goods, drugs, clothing, 
groceries and provision, shoe-s, hardware, books 
and stationery, furniture, bakery, and meat mar- 
ket, a fine livery stable, and one of tiie most 



commodious and best managed hotels in Los 
Angeles County, kept by S. F. DeVoin. 

The Azusa S'ews, an eight-page local paper of 
four columns to the page, is published every 
Saturday by George Bentley ; E. O. Judd, Editor. 
The News was started by its present publisher 
in Los Angeles January 4, 1886, as a real estate 
and hotel reporter. It was subsequently changed 
to a seven-column folio, weekly newsjiaper, and 
in the s|)ring of 1888 was moved to Azusa, 
where it has been published ever since. The 
office is fitted out with a good hand-power news- 
paper press, a jobber and other printing mate- 
rial constituting a well equipped country office. 

A new four-room school building has just been 
completed, costing about ^10,000. The town 
contains three churches: The Presbyterian, a 
fine edifice which cost some $G,000; tiie Method- 
ist Episcopal, costing $1,000, and the church of 
the Holiness Society, erected at an expense of 
about $1,200. The town also has a city hall 
and a prosperous public library. 

The near proximity of the San Gabriel River 
to Azusa gives it an abundant water supply, 
which is distributed from a mammoth reservoir 
of 2,000,000 gallons capacity, seventy-five feet 
above the town, through the streets in pipes 
aggregating 55,800 feet in length. By closing 
the gates of tlie irrigating canal liigher up, a 
water pressure of 150 feet is obtained, sufiicient 
to flood the roof of any building in the place. 
The principal streets of the town are sewered, 
which, with fine natural drainage and equitable 
climate common to the foot-hills of San Gabriel 
Valley, render Azusa a remarkably healthy 
place. In the immediate vicinity of the town 
large quantities of strawberries are grown, which 
are noted for their superior qualities. Citrus 
and deciduous fruits of various kinds are also 
produced in quantity. Fifty car-loads of oianges 
were shipped from Azusa this last season. The 
potato crop is one of the staple productions, and 
is shipped extensively. Azusa, like all the young 
towns of Southern California, is suflering from 
the blighting eft'ects of the recent speculative 



HTSTORY OP LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



booin, but a brighter future awaits it upon the 
lifting of the financial cloud, through rifts of 
which prosijerity's sun already shines. 

DuAETE is a settlement upon the southern 
foot-hill slope of the Sierra JVladre Mountains 
in the San Gabriel Valley, eighteen miles east 
of Los Angeles, and 600 feet above the sea. 
It takes its name from Andres Duarte, a Mexi- 
ciin military officer, who received from the Mex- 
ican Government a grant of some 4,000 acres 
of land, of which this is a part, and settled 
upon it some time in the Forties. He built a 
fine adobe dwelling, planted a small vineyard 
and some iruit trees, and dug a water ditcli to 
tlie mouth of Gabriel Canon. Proving un- 
successiul as a farmer, he became involved in 
debt, and the Eancho Azusa de Duarte, as it 
was called, passed into the hands of Mr. Wolf- 
skill, and from him to Alexander Weil. About 
twenty-tive years ago Dr. A. Beardslee, a keen- 
eyed discerner of good soil, selected and pur- 
chased a choice piece of 300 acres from the 
rancho, and known as the Beardslee Tract, on 
which he settled. He performed the great work 
of constructing a ditch three miles in length, 
connecting liis land with the old Duarte ditch. 
In 1872 Alexander Weil had the remainder of 
the rancho surveyed and subdivided into forty- 
acre lots, which he sold to settlers who began to 
come in quite rapidly about that time. Mr. 
Asa Ellis bought 200 acres and planted the first 
orange orchard in the Duarte district. 

It being quickly demonstrated that the climate 
and soil were adapted to the growth of citrus 
fruits, many thousands of trees were planted 
on the foot-hill lands within the few years follow- 
ing. Gradually the orchards came into bearing 
lands, rose in value, and Duarte had fairly started 
on the prosperous career which it has since en- 
joyed. Duarte oranges and lemons stand at 
the head in quality and popularity of the citrus 
fruits grown in Los Angeles County. The area 
in orchard and quantity of product has been 
steadily increased until over 100 carloads of 
oranges were shipped from Duarte last season, 
besides those sold for local consumption. 



Up to 1878 the Duarte people had claimed one- 
half the water from the San Gabriel River; but 
a serious controversy arising between them and 
the Azusan settlers over their respective water 
rights, the dispute was finally and permanently 
settled by Duarte accepting one-third of the 
flow. In 1881 the water rights of the Duarte 
settlers were consolidated into two incorpora- 
tions — the Beardslee Water Ditch Company, 
representing the district of that name, and the 
Duarte Mutual Irrigation and Canal Company, 
thus embracing the greater portion of irrigable 
land in the rancho. Since then improvements 
and more economical methods for conducting 
and distributing the water are being continu- 
ously adopted, in the putting in of miles of 
iron and cement pipes, until the water supply 
and distribution in Duarte are among the best 
in Southern California. 

Duarte contains two general stores, a drug 
store, the Highland Hotel, a handsome structure of 
over thirty rooms, built and owned by the Duarte 
Hotel Company. It was erected in 1887, at a cost 
of about $15,000, and stands on a commanding 
site comprising two acres and a half of beau- 
tifully ornamented grounds. Duarte's public- 
school accommodations consist of a two-story 
four-room building, erected in 1885, and costing 
about $5,000. The number of pupils enrolled 
during the school year of 1888-'89 was 115. 
The district of Duarte contains but one church 
edifice, which was built by the Baptists in 1883, 
and cost $2,700. It was sold to the Methodist 
society some two years ago. They still own it 
and worship in it. A. Brunson started the first 
store in Duarte about 1877. It has since 
changed hands several times, and is now owned 
by W. H. Payne & Co., who also have a small 
store down by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa 
Fe depot, three-quarters of a mile south. Be- 
sides the citrus fruits, considerable area is cul- 
tivated in Duarte to deciduous fruits, chiefly 
the apricot and wine grape. The apricot crop 
of the district in 1889 was 7,500 tons. The 
Duarte is not only one of the j)rettiest sections, 
but one of the most fruitful and prosperous in 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Los Angeles County, and its citizens are ener- 
getic, intelligent and progreseive. 

Lancaster, on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 
is a flourishing little place, supported by a pros- 
perous agricultural and horticultural coiTiinunity. 
In 1884-'85 M. L. Wicks took an interest in 
the town and established a newspaper, since 
which time the growth of the community has 
been more marked. 

Wilson's trail. 

This was made by B. D. Wilson up the Sierra 
Madre, on the summit of which is Wilson's Peak, 



where the largest telescope in the world is soon 
to be mounted, through the generosity of ex- 
JMayor E. F. Spence. Midway up is a cabin 
called the Ilalf-way House, where Wilson in 
pioneer times made the first shingles in the 
county. The scenery along the route is wild 
and picturesque. A company has been or- 
ganized to build a railroad to the top of 
this peak, 6,000 feet above sea level. A very 
large sanitarium will also probably be erected 
here. 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



(^ ^^"^'^'^''^^^'^^J^^'^2^'^^^^ — ''•^-'-- 



t..-:^^ i^ 

:p ^fe]s gi;/#. 




CHAPTER XXIII. 



SPANISH LAND GRANTS. 

tS early as 17S4 Governor Pedro Pages 
granted to Manuel Nieto and Juan Maria 
Verdugo the temporary occupancy of the 
lands which they desired. 

In August, 1S02, the following ranches were 
mentioned in Los Angeles County: Nieto, 
Dominguez, the two Verdugos and Pelix. The 
Simi was held by Luis Peiia and Diego Pico, 
and Las Virgenes was held by Miguel Ortega. 
The Conejo Ranch was granted in 1S02 or 1803 
to Jose Polanco and Ignacio Rodriguez. 

Warner says, in the Historical Sketch: "Sub 
se<juent to the establishment of the missions, 
and before the close of that century, the Spanish 
Government, actirg through the commanding 
officer of California, did, at ditiierent periods of 
time, grant four large tracts of land lying in 
this county to four individuals. The area of 
these tracts was from ten to twenty, or more, 
square leagues each. They were granted to the 
following persons, who had come to California 
as soldiers, and who had been discharged or re- 
tired from active service on account of their age 
or other causes. The Nietos Tract, embracing 
all the land between the Santa Ana and San 
Gabriel rivers, and from the sea to and including 
some ot the hill land on its northeastern frontier, 
was granted by Governor Pedro Pages to Manuel 
Xieto, inlTSi. * * * The San Rafael Tract, 
lying on the left bank of the Los Angeles River, 
anil extending to the Arroyo Seeo, was granted by 



Governor Pedro Pages, October 20, 17S4, and the 
grant was reaffirmed by Governor Borica January 
12, 1798, to Jose Maria Verdugo. The San Pedro 
Tract, lying along the ocean, and the estuary of 
San Pedro, was granted to Juan Jose Domingiiez 
by Pablo Vicente Sola, December 31, 1822. 

" There is much circumstantial testimony 
tending to show that both the Yorba and Do- 
minguez grants were made during the past 
century. Antonio Maria Lugo, a prominent 
citizen of Los Angeles, giving testimony in the 
District Court at Los Angeles, in 1857, said 
his age was seventy-si.x years; that he remem- 
bered the Pueblo of Los Angeles as early as 
1785. That he had known the Verdugo, or San 
Rafael Ranch, since 1790. That Verdugo had 
had his ranch since 1784, and that it, ' San Ra- 
fael,' was the third oldest ranch in the county 
— the Nietos and the Dominguez being the 
oldest. * * * Governor Borica, in 1798, 
issued to Jose Maria Verdugo a new or con- 
firmatory grant of the tract of San Rafael, 
which had been granted to Verdugo by Gov- 
ernor Pages, in 1784, so it is probable that the 
first title papers for San Pedro had disappeared, 
or were not presented to the United States Land 
Commissions for California. Don Manuel Do- 
minguez, one of the present proprietors of the 
San Pedro Ranch, states positively that the 
grant of that tract was made in 1784." 

In 1852 an act of Congress created a com- 
mission for the purpose of settling private land 



nisrOHY OF LOS jiNGELES COUNTY. 



claims in California. The board organized in 
Los Angeles of that year, and was composed of 
Ililand Hall, afterward Governor of Vermont, 
Harry I. Thornton and Thompson Campbell. 
This board was in existence several years, and 
heard and decided a great many contests. The 
State Surveyor General reports as follows the 
grants of Los Angeles Connty as determined by 
the commission and the courts: 



KAMB OF SKA > 



La Ballona 
Boca de Santa 
Boca de Playa 
La Brea 
Cahaega 



La Cafiada 

Canada de los Aliaos 

Cafiada de los Nogales 



B. Abila 

k. Stearne 
A. Duarte 
Heory Dalton 
A. Machado, et al. 
Ysldro revs, et al. 
E. Vejar ' 
A. J. Rocha, et al 
D. W. Alexan- 
der, et al. 
J. R. Scott, et al. 
.1. Serrano 
J. M. Aguilar 
Juan Temple 
1 T, Sanchez, et al. 
J. Abila, etal. 
J. de la G. y Nor- 



6,595.fi2 
4,431.47 
13,919.!I0 
6,656,93 
6,607.37 
4,4.39.07 



1,199 .■J6 
27,054.36 
■1,219.34 
4,439.05 



I.os Covotes 
Jil £ncino 
El Escorpion 
Los Feliz 
La Habra 
Huerta de Cuati 
Isl. of S. Catalina 

Los Angeles City Lands 

Mission San Gabriel, lol 



lega 



Urban 



48,571.56 
Pico, etal. 4K,806.17 
, Oea, etal. 4,460.73 
-,109.65 



Missi< 



M.T. Berdugo 6,647.46 

Andres Pico, et al 6,fi98..'i7 
V. Reid 128.26 

J. M. Covarrnbias 45,8«).43 
J.M. Flores 48,799 59 

city of Los An- j 

geles 17,17J..37 1 

Bp. .J. S. Alemany 55.23 
Bp. J. S. Alemany 76.94 
Bp. J. s. Alemany 190 69 
E. de Cells 116,858.46 
Maria de J. Gar- 
cia, et al. 1,003.67 
J. L. Sepulveda, 

et al. 31,629.43 

Passo de Bartolo, part of B. Gnirado 875.99 

Paeso de Bartolo, part of Joaqiiin Sepiilveda 207.79 

Passo de Bartolo, part of Pio Pico, et al. 8,991.22 

Potrero de la Mission I. Valanzuela, et al. 90.00 
V leja de San Gabriel \ 
Potrero de Felipe Lugo 



I San Fernando 
1 San Gabriel 

Ex-Mission San Fernando 

Loe Nogales 

Los Paloe Verdes 



Aug. 2J, 1873 
Aug. 29, 1874 
Jane 6,1878 
May 29, 1876 
Dec. 8, 1873 
.Julv 21, 18S2 
Mar. 1,1879 
April 15, 1873 

Aug. 2, 1872 
Aug. 1,1866 
June 27, 1871 
May 4, 1882 
Dec. 7, 1867 
May 22, 1873 
June 15, 1871 

Jan. 8, 1873 
Mar. 9, 1875 
Jan. 8, 1876 
Dec. 11,1873 
April 18, 1871 
Dec. 4,1872 
June 30, 1859 
April 10, 1867 
June 21, 1879 
Aug. 4, 1875 
Aug. 9, 1866 

Dec. 4, 1875 



Jnne 23, 1880 



Morilla & Rome 
J. M. Sanchez 
R. Valanzuela, 



Providentia 



La Puentc 

Rincon de la Brea 

Rincon de los Beyes 

San Antonio 

San Antonio, or Bodeo de 

I Agnas M. R. V 



D. W. Alexander, 

et al. 4,064.33 

Worham&RoIand 48,790.55 
G. Ybarra 4,452.69 

F. Higuera, et al. .3,127.89 
A.M. Lugo 29,51.3.35 



23.63 Dec. 4, 1875 



Aug. 6, 1872 
April 19, 1867 
Nov. 14, 1864 
Ang 27,1872 
July 30, 1866 



San Francisco 



4,449.31 
baFeliz,etal. 48,611.88 
f Juan Silva 50.00 

I H. P. Dorsey 50.41 



I Michael White 
Jose Ledesma 
Tracts near San Gabriel \ J. P. de J. Conrt- 
I ney 

Francisco Sales 
1 Daniel Sexton 
tJos^ Domingo 
San Francisquito Henry Dalton 

Jan Joaquin Josd .Sepiilveda i 



June 20, 1871 
June 2(1, 1871 
May 16, 1871 
Ang. 23, 1871 
May 30, 1867 
Sept 19, 1867 



San Jos^, addition to 

San Jog(? de Buenos Ayr 
San Pascual 
San Pascual 
San Pascual 



Dalton. Paloma 

& Vejar 22,340.41 Jan. 20, 1875 

Dalton. Palomarcs 

& Vejar 4,430.64 Dec. 4, 1875 

n u'ii./.T. jiiano July .5,1886 

Feb. 12, 1S81 

Apr. 8, 1863 



D. Wilson 
B. D. Wilson 
Manuel Garflas 
Juan Gallardo 
.M. Domiuguez, 

et al. 



708.57 

13,693.93 

700.00 



NAHE OF GRANT. 


CONFIKMEE. ACRES. 


DATE OF PAT. 


San Rafael 


JulioBerdugo,etal.36,403..32 


Jan. 28, 1882 


San Vicente y Santa 






Monica 


R. SepOIveda 30,259-66 


July 23, 1881 


Sanla Anita 


Henry Dalton 13,319.06 


Ang. 9 1866 


San Gertrudes, part 


T. S. Colima 3,696.23 


July 17; 1877 


San (iertrades, part 


McFarland&Dow- 






iie.v 17,602.01 


Ang. 19, 1870 


Seusal Redondo 


A. L Abila 22,458.94 


Ma?. 22, 1875 


Simi 


J. de la G. y Nor- 






iega 113,009.21 


June 29, 1865 


Tajauta 


E. Abila 3,5.=)9.86 


Jan. 8,1873 


Temesaal 


R. dc la Ccesta 13,339.07 


Sept. 13, 1871 


Topanga Malibn Seqnil 


M. Keller 13.315.70 


Ang. 29,1872 


Tejunga 


D. W. Alexander, 






et al. 16,600.71 


Oct. 19,1874 


THE GREA 


T BOOM OF 1886-'87 





The great real estate boom* of Los Angeles in 
1886-'87 is certainly the most wonderful thing 
of its kind in the history of the Pacific Slope. Of 
course, nothing has excelled the great gold boom 
of '49 and '50, but in real-estate booms Los 
Angeles heads the list. There had been a 
small one comparatively eleven years before. 
The years 1872-'74 witnessed a general improve- 
ment in material matters. Immigration was 
steady, crops and markets were good, and real 
estate advanced in price. Its advancement 
marked it as a good investment for local capital, 
and in the winter of 1874-'75 a genuine boom 
began. Immigration in 1875 was large. Many 
bought land at the high prices then ruling, 
while others caught the fever, and bought 
largely, paying part cash and taking agreements 
to convey, or giving mortgages for balance of 
purchase price. In the fall of 1875 the Tem- 
ple & Workman Bank broke. This pricked the 
bubble, and realestate values burst. Men who 
had bought on credit suddenly found the money 
market stringent, and the four years that fol- 
lowed witnessed the efforts of many luckless 
land-holders to extricate themselves, ending in 
a number of instances in complete failure. 

The year 1876 witnessed a gradual diminution 
in the number and value of real-estate sales. 
In 1877 and 1878 it became something unusual 
to find a piece of property unmortgaged. Then 
came a period in which even the leaders could 
see no value in real estate; new loans could not 
be effected; high rates of interest prevailed, and 
the era of foreclosures began. In 1879 there 

•The word " boom " in this sense is probably taken from its use in 
the lumbering regions, and means a rushing forward, or an unnsnal 
display of energy in any direclion. 



HI8T0RT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



was no such thing as a market value for unim- 
proved property, and even productive real estate 
could not be sold for an amount on which it 
was actually yielding a liberal interest. 

During all this period of depression people 
had been economizing and working, pushing 
improvements and developing new industries, 
and the out-put of products in the j'ear 1880 
arrested the downward tendency. The receipts 
for the crops of grain, wool, wine, honey and 
fruit and dairy products distributed among the 
producing classes an amount of capital, which 
was circulated with good effect, paying off mort- 
gages, and securing new loans, and making 
money easy. 

H. Ellington Brook tells well the story of the 
boom of '87: 

"Rail communication with the North was 
opened in 1877, but the boom did not really 
begin until 1881, when the Southern Pacific, 
which had gone on building east, met the Santa 
Fe at Deming. Then land began to rise, but 
not rapidly. People did not yet realize the 
value of land. They had no conception of 
what was coming. In 1882, when the Southern 
Pacific was opened to New Orleans, the popu- 
lation increased to about 15,000, and property 
began to stiffen in price. Values in Los An- 
geles and vicinity rose about twenty-five per 
cent, that year, the previous valuation having 
been very low. People continued to come, and 
in 1883 values doubled, while the population 
had increased to 25,000. The progress con- 
tinued through 1884 and into 1885. The Santa 
Fe road was on the way to Los Angeles, making 
another direct through road to the East. The 
Santa Fe reached Los Angeles in November, 
1885, and after that it is difficult to follow the 
course of the boom, so rapid and immense was 
the advance. 

" People poured in by thousands, and prices of 
land climbed rapidly. Everybody that could 
find an office went into the real-estate business 
either as agents, as speculators or as operators. 
Tracts of land by the scores were cut up into 
lots. Auctions, accompanied by brass bands 



and free lunches, drew their crowds. At private 
sales lines were formed, before daybreak, in front 
of the seller's office, for fear there would not be 
enough lots to go around. As soon as a man 
sold out at a profit, in nine cases out of ten he 
reinvested. There was no lack of faith in the 
country. Some of the new towns laid out dur- 
ing this period outside of Los Angeles contained 
in themselves and their surroundings elements 
of solid worth, which insured their permanent 
progress. Others were merely founded on the 
credulity of the public and the general scramble 
for real estate, whatever and wherever it was. 

"The advances in values of real estate were 
astonishing. The best business property in 
Los Angeles, a corner on Main street, could 
have been bought in 1860 for $300 a front foot, 
in 1870 for $500, in 1880 for $1,000. Now it 
is valued at $2,500. For a lot on Main and 
Sixth, that was sold in 1883 for $20 a foot, $800 
a foot was oflered last year. Acreage property 
rose in like proportion, and meantime popula- 
tion continued to pour in. 

"As Los Angeles city property began to reach 
prices which were then considered as being near 
the top notch, the boom in outside property was 
started. Great tracts of land were bought by 
speculators, and subdivided and sold in lots to 
suit purchasers. Some of the speculators were 
men of large capital, and some had next to 
none. They took their chances of coming out 
ahead, and nearly all of them did. New life 
was put in many small places previously settled, 
and many new enterprises were launched on land 
that had never been touched. Some of the land, 
which only a few years before could scarcely 
have been given away, but which has been 
shown, with proper cultivation, to be among the 
best, was bought at extremely low figures, but 
eligible land soon began to rise, in response to 
the large demand. Lands four miles outside 
the city limits of Los Angeles, that were sold 
for $1 an acre in 1868, rose to $1,000 an acre, 
in some cases. 

"Some of these lands were divided and sold 
without improvement, that work to be done 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



later; some were sold wliile improvements were 
going on; others were improved, and then sold. 
Water was the first great necessity — the first 
question broached by purchasers. Such streams 
as exist were made use of at once, ditches were 
dug, and the water turned in with branch 
ditches to tl.e various tracts. Dams were built 
in mountain gulclies, and great bodies of water 
stored. In some places artesian belts were dis- 
covered and put under contribution. Some 
lands were bought by colonies from the Atlan- 
tic States, and were improved by them. When 
a tract was laid out as a town site, the first 
thing usually done was to build a hotel. Ce- 
ment sidewalks, brick blocks, a public hall and 
a street railroad soon followed. A miniature 
city appeared, like a scene conjured up by 
Aladdin's lamp, where a few months ago the 
jack-rabbit sported and the coyote howled. 
Such a scene of transformation had never before 
been witnessed in the world. Old settlers, who 
had declared that land was dear at $5 an acre, 
looked aghast to see people tumbling over each 
other to secure lots at $500 each. Kew arrivals 
were charmed with the climate and surround- 
ings and determined to get a share of it before 
the shares gave out. Most of the purchases 
were made on the basis of one-third cash down, 
the balance in installments on six and twelve 
months' time. 

'•Such was the state of affairs in the spring 
of 1887. Up to that time the course of the 
boom, then some three years old, while tre- 
Jiiendously active, had been accompanied by 
reasonable restrictions as to future possibilities. 
The buyer had generally acquired some little 
idea of what he was purchasing, and had exer- 
cised some judgment in making his selections. 
In the summer of that year a crowd of outside 
speculators settled down upon Los Angeles like 
flies upon a bowl of sugar. Many of these came 
from Kansas City, where they had been through 
a .'chool of real-estate speculation. These men 
worked the excitement up to fever heat. They 
rode a willing horse to death, and crowded what 
would Jiave been a good, solid advance of prices 



for three years into as many months. Lauds at 
a distance of thirty miles or more from Los An- 
geles — land which was worthless for cultivation 
and possessed no surroundings to make it valua- 
j ble for any other purpose — was secured by the 
payment of a small installment, and under the 
excitement of glowing advertisements, brass 
bauds and the promise of immense improve- 
ments, lots were sold oif like hot cakes by 
scores and hundreds, to persons who, in many 
cases, had not even seen them, had but a vague 
idea of their location, and no idea at all of doing 
more with them than to sell them at a high 
profit before their second payments became due. 
This was during the summer, when things are 
unusually quiet in Los Angeles. The buyers 
were mostly our own people. 

"The great cry of the speculators was that 
every one should buy all he or she possibly 
could, to sell to the enormous crowd of land- 
hungry Easterners who would pour in that win- 
ter — the winter of 1887-'88. As a consequence 
every clerk, and waiter, and car-driver, and ser- 
vant girl scrimped and saved to make a first 
payment of one-third on a 50 by 150 lot in 
Southwest ' Hoomville,' or 'East San Giacomo,' 
or 'Rosenblatt,' or 'Paradiso,' or one of the 
j other hundred or more paper cities which 
j sprang up like mushrooms during the summer 
of 1887. Most of these town sites were not 
very attractive to look at, it is true, but that 
made small difFersnce, for very few buyers took 
the trouble to visit them, and they looked re- 
markably pretty on the lithographic views, with 
those grand old mountains in the rear and a 
still grander three-story hotel in the fore- 
ground. From October, 1886, to May, 1887, 
the monthly real-estate sales had been steadily 
rising irom $2,215,600 to $8,163,327. In June 
of the latter year they amounted to eleven and 
a half millioii dollars; in July to twelve mill- 
ions; in August to eleven and a half millions 
—a total of $35,067,880 in three months, and 
these what had always been the dullest months 
of the year, with very few visitors within our 
gates! This was the culmination of the boom. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



It had been driven to death. Every one was 
loaded up with property and was a seller — at 
33^ per cent, profit, or just double what he had 
paid. When there are nineteen sellers to one 
buyer the result cannot long remain in doubt, 
whether the commodity be wheat, or mining 
stocks, or real estate. 

" Natural causes produce their natural eftects 
in this instance, as in all others since the Cre- 
ator established gravitation as the prime law of 
the material universe. Sales began to fall oif. 
The brass bands ceased to exercise the same 
charm as of old; the free lunch was looked at 
askance, and the design of the (proposed) 
$100,000 hotel was subjected to more careful 
scrutiny. Some captious purchasers even went 
so far as to demand information about the geog- 
raphy of the 'town' and its water supply, 
while it is on record that one or two recent 
arrivals excited tlie scornful commiseration of 
the real-estate agents by inquiring what was 
going to support the town. In September, 
1887, sales had dropped nearly a couple of 
millions, to $9,872,948; in October to $8,120,- 
486, and in November, just when the real win- 
ter boom ought to have been commencing, they 
were down to $5,819,646. Moreover, the East- 
ern visitors did not begin to arrive in ai\y such 
enormous numbers as sanguine prophets had 
predicted. It is probably well for them that 
they did not, for if one-third the number had 
come that some wild-eyed journalists have pro- 
fessed to expect, a vast army would have been 
forced to camp al fresco. It was also noted, 
w-ith marked surprise and considerable indigna- 
tion, that those who did come from the "ice- 
bound East " were disposed to be hypercritical 
in their investigation of the resources of 'Rosen- 
blatt,' ' Paradiso,' and other coming trade 
centers, and were not by any means eager to 
exchange the proceeds of the sale of their East- 
ern farms for a twenty-five foot ' business lot ' 
in the paper towns. Finally a great many be- 
came disgusted with the muddy streets [since 
])aved], the reckless real-estate agents and 
greedy lodging-house keepers with which tiie 



city was at that time especially afflicted, and 
left for other places." 

The great real-estate boom of 1887 collapsed 
like a balloon, but tlie country and its great 
resources and enterprising people remained. A 
majority of the purchasers made their second 
and third payments, or satisfactorily adjusted 
their accounts, except, perhaps, in a few cases 
where investments had been made in " wildcat " 
towns. Naturally the money market became 
tight, and while many individuals failed, not a 
bank burst. There were an unusual number of 
suicides and insanity cases following the col- 
lapse, but even the proportion of these was not 
as large as might have been expected. 

The real-estate boom over and speculation 
past, people began to resume legitimate busi- 
ness. The city in 1887-'88 witnessed a remark- 
able building boom, about $20,000,000 being 
invested in business blocks and residences dur- 
ing that period. A number of steam-dummy 
roads were built into the country. Standard 
gauge raili-oads were built to Monrovia, Santa 
Monica, Ballona and Redondo. Direct rail- 
road communication was opened with San 
Diego. The great cable-road system began 
operation in 18S9. In the country the fields, 
which had been covered with town-site stakes, 
were re-sowed, while greater areas than ever 
were planted with vines and trees. Farms, 
vineyards and orchards continued to yield boun- 
tiful harvests, which brought profitable prices. 
The oil wells increased in number. Los An- 
geles County holds her own, and though losing 
a large slice in Orange County, is still an im- 
perial county. 

AGIilCULTDEAL. 

Under this head we consider the soil and its 
products. 

Of soils there are many varieties in the 
county, some of which are not duplicated in any 
other portion of the United States. In the low 
lands the soil is, as a rule, a rich alluvium, 
supposed to be deposits of streams during ages 
loMo; past. The liirhtness or heaviness of this 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



351 



alluvial soil depends on the preponderance of 
sand or clay. In some places the " inoist land" 
contains a good deal of alkali. Such land is 
generally considered uniit for cultivation. 
Practical tests, however, have demonstrated the 
fact that much of what is called alkali land is 
really susceptible of cultivation, and will, if 
properly handled, produce prolilic crops of vege- 
tables, cereals and deciduous fruits. It can be 
reclaimed by drainage. Apples and pears that 
took the tirst premium at the New Orleans 
Exposition were raised on strong alkali soil 
near Long Beach, and the yield per acre of such 
fruits was very large. Many valleys farther 
above the sea level contain similar kinds of 
alluvium, and also, in some localities, a darker 
soil known as adobe, which is composed largely 
of decomposed vegetable matter. This is the 
heaviest soil of all, and in wtt weather the mud 
it makes is so tenacious as to produce a power- 
ful strain oti the boots and morals of pedestrians 
who are naturally averse to indulging in pro- 
fanity. In the summer time it becomes baked 
to an almost rocky hardness, and cracks open, so 
that the larger fissures are suggestive of recent 
earthquakes. Many a dwelling, and a very few 
mission buildings, made of this adobe soil still 
remain as relics of an earlier and cruder civili- 
zation. The soil was mixed with straw, molded 
into bricks and dried in the sun. Buildings 
thus constructed will stand for a century, if 
allowed to; but they are rapidly melting away 
before the march of improvement, and their 
places will all soon be occupied by spacious 
residences or elegant business blocks. It should 
not be supposed, however, that the adobe soil is 
lit only for building purposes. Though not 
adapted to general fruit raising, the adobe land 
is excellent for grain and cereals of various 
kinds. Some of the finest crops of wheat, bar- 
ley and oats in the world are raised on just such 
land. 

On the mesa or upland is still another kind 
of soil. It consists largely of detritus or sedi- 
ment washed down from the moantains, mixed 
with vegetable accumulations. It is good soil 



for fruit growing, but not well adapted to 
cereals. 

It may readily be supposed that with such 
varieties of soil and climate, Los Angeles 
County's products are of many varieties. Al- 
most everything in the way of food products 
which man could wish for is raised here more 
or less abundantly, according to the attention 
given to their cultivation. 

A lew facts and figures showing the produc- 
tiveness of Los Angeles County will not be 
amiss in this connection: 

In moist land a man can raise seventy-five 
and even 100 bushels of corn to the acre. The 
table land has water twelve to thirty feet below 
the surface, and it is just the thing for citrus 
fruits. There are to-day in the county more 
than 800,000 orange trees in bearing order; 
2,000,000 grape-vines, and 20,000 English wal- 
nut trees. To plant orange and lemon trees, 
and cultivate them for five years, costs about 
$200 an acre. Land costs say $150. After the 
fifth year land can produce $350 a year per acre. 
Of alfalfa no less than six to eight crops a year 
can be raised, averaging one and a half to two 
tons per acre at each cutting. The fanner can 
also raise two crops of potatoes a year, worth 
$200 an acre. Also peas and cabbages in the 
winter, and cucumbers on the same land in the 
summer. 

These are only a very few of the many facts 
that could be given on this subject. 

Glancing at the past, the following items are 
interesting: 

All the oranges in 1850 were from the Mis- 
sion orchard of San Gabriel, and the gardens of 
Louis Vignes and William Wolfskill. June 7, 
1851, Mr. Vignes offered for sale his " desirable 
property. El Alizo" — so called from the superb 
sycamore tree, many centuries old, that shaded 
his cellars. He says: "There are two orange 
gardens that yield from five to six thousand 
oranges in the season." It is credibly stated 
that he was the first to plant the orange in this 
city, bringing young trees from San Gabriel, in 
the year 1834. He had 400 peach trees, to- 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOELBS COUNT T. 



gether with apricots, pear, apple, tig and walnut, 
and adds; " The vineyard, with 40,000 vines, 
32,000 now bearing grapes, will yield 1,000 
barrels of wine per annum, the quality of whicli 
is well known to be superior." Don Louis, a 
native of France, came to Los Angeles by way 
of the Sandwich Islands, in 1831. One orange 
cultivator added after anotiier, January 1, 1876, 
there were in this county 36,700 bearing orange 
trees, and 6,900 bearing lime and lemon trees. 
The shipment of this fruit rapidly grew into a 
regular business. In ISol there were 104 vine- 
yards, exclusive of that of San Gabriel — all but 
twenty within the limits of the city. The San 
Gabriel vineyard, neglected since 1834, was now 
in decay. In Spanish and Mexican times, it 
had been called " mother vineyard," from the 
fact that it supplied all the original cuttings; it 
is said to have once had 50,000 vines. In 1875, 
the grape vines of this county were 4,500,000. 

In 1851 grapes, in crates or boxes, brought 
20 cents per pound at San Francisco, 80 cents 
at Stockton. Through 1852 the price was the 
same. This shipment continued several years, 
in general with profit. Very little wine was 
then shipped; in 1851, not over a thousand gal- 
lons. Soon the northern counties began to 
forestall the market with grapes nearly as good 
as our own. Gradually the manufacture of wine 
was established. Wolfskill, indeed, had, at an 
early date, shipped a little wine, but his aim was 
to turn his grapes into brandy. Louis Wilhart, 
in 1849 and 1850, made white wine, considered, 
in flavor and quality, next to that of Vignes, 
who could produce from his cellars a brand per- 
haps unexcelled through the world. He had 
some in 1857 then over twenty years old — per- 
haps the same the army relished so well in 1847. 
Among the first manufactureis for the general 
market was Vincent Hoover, with his father, 
Dr. Juan Leonce Hoover, first at the Clayton 
Vineyard, which, owing to its situation on the 
bench, produced a superior grape; then from the 
vineyard known as that of Don Jose Serrano. 
Some of the vines in this last named are stated 
to be over 100 years old! This was from 1850 



to about 1855. The cultivation of the grape, 
too, about this time, took a new impulse. At 
San Gabriel, William M. Stockton, in 1855, had 
an extensive nursery of grape vines and choice 
fruit trees. In 1855 Joseph Hoover entered 
successfully into wine-making at the Foster 
vineyard. 

April 14, 1855, Jean Louis Sansevaine pur- 
chased the vineyard property, cellars, etc., of his 
uncle, Louis Vignes, for $42,000 (by the by the 
first large land sale within the city). Mr. Sanse- 
vaine had resided here since 1853. In 1855 he 
shipped his first wine to San Francisco. In 1856 
he made the first shipment from this county to 
New York, thereby becoming the pioneer of 
this business. Matthew Keller says: "Accord- 
ing to the books of the great forwarding house 
of F. Banning at San Pedro, the amount shipped 
to San Francisco in 1857 was 21,000 boxes of 
grapes, averaging forty-five pounds each, and 
250,000 gallons of wine." In 1856 Los An- 
geles yielded only 7,200 cases of wine; in 1860 
it had increased to 66,000 cases. In 1861 ship- 
ments of wine were made to New York and 
Boston by Benjamin D. Wilson and J. L. San- 
sevaine; they are the fathers of the wine interest. 
Sunny Slope, unexcelled for its vintage — and 
theorange, almond and walnut — was commenced 
by J. L. Rose in January, 1861. 

December, 1859, the wine producers were: 
Matthew Keller, Sansevaine Bros., Frohling & 
Co., B. D. Wilson, Stevens & Bell, Dr. Farrott, 
Dr. Thomas J. White, Laborie, Messer, Barn- 
hard t, Delong, Santa Ana Precinct, Henry 
Dalton, P. Serres, Joseph Huber, Sr., Ricardo 
Vejar, Barrows, Ballerino, Dr. Hoover, Louis 
Wilhart, Trabuc, Clement, Jose Serrano. The 
total manufacture of wine in 1859 was about 
250,000 gallons. 

The largest vineyard in the State, next to 
Senator Stanford's in Tehama County (which is 
thelargestin the world), is the Nadeau Vineyard, 
which covers an area of over 2,000 acres; it is 
three or four years old, and lies between this 
city and Anaheim. The first year's yield of 
this immense vineyard was sent to the still, and 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



turned out 45,000 gallons of brandy, which Mr. 
Nadeau warehoused, and then payed the Cloverii- 
ment $40,500. The three ne.xt largest vine- 
yards are at and near San Gabriel, and are 
owned respectively by "Lucky" Baldwin, who 
has upward of 1,000 acres in Mission and other 
vines; Stern & Rose (Sunny Slope Vineyard), 
over 1,000 acres of many varieties; J. de Barth 
Shorb (San Gabriel Wine Company), about 
1,500 acres of Missions, Zinfaiidels, Mataros, 
Burgers, and other varieties. These parties 
have as costly and extensive wineries as many 
of the leading producers in France, and make 
and age most all kinds of dry and sweet wines 
and brandies. These three wine-makers have 
European experts in all the different branches, 
including "cellar keepers," and their wineries 
are like parlors, while the process of picking, 
crushing, fermenting, blending and aging are 
as perfect as it seems possible to make them. 
They all have houses in New York, and so do 
Kohler and Froeling, and nothing is sent there 
by them but wines and brandies that are abso- 
lutely pure and can be depended upon. 

According to the Rural Califoriiiati, the 
various fruits grown in Los Angeles County may 
be found in the markets during the following 
portions of the year: 

Oranges Christmas to July 

Lemons All the year 

Limes All the year 

Figs July to Christmas 

Almonds October 

Apples July to November 

Bears J uly to November 

Grapes July loth to Uecember 

llaisins October 20th (new) 

Beaches June 15th to Christmas 

Apricots June 15th to September 

Blums and Brnnes June Ist to November 

Cherries June 

Japanese Bersimmons November 

Guavas Nearly all the year 

Loqnats May 15th to June 15th 

Strawberries Nearly all the year round 

Raspberries Tune 15th to January 

Blackberries June 15th to September 

Currants May 15th to June 15th 

Gooseberries June 

23 



Watermelons July to October 

Muskmelons J"'y to October 

Mulberries July to December 

Nectarines August 

Olives December to January 

Bomegranates September to December 

Quinces October to December 

The constant ripening of fruits and the ma- 
turing of vegetables in this county, as shown by 
the city market, astonish persons unfamiliar 
with the peculiar nature of the soil and climate. 
Fruits and vegetables are maturing every month 
of the year. 

Of garden products, green peas are in the 
market nearly all the year, and so are new pota- 
toes, carrots, cabbages, salsify, asparagus, lettuce, 
cauliflower, turnips, onions, beets and radishes. 
Cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins and melons are 
in the market from June to December, so that 
every month of the year is productive of the 
" fatness of the land " for the beneflt of all 
dwellers therein. 

Of citrus fruits Southern California is the 
natural home, both soil and climate being 
admirably adapted to the culture of oranges, 
lemons, limes, etc. Some of the finest and 
largest of this class of fruits are produced in 
Los Angeles County. The localities most favor- 
able for them are in the smaller valleys of the 
" foot-hill region," sheltered from the trade 
winds and exposed to intense heat, with a very 
dry atmosphere during a large portion of the 
year. The crop requires thorough irrigation 
and a great deal of care and labor, but with all 
this outlay it is very profitable. The orange 
industry of the country is immense, as is also 
that of grape-raising and raisin-making, and 
both are steadily increasing in magnitude. The 
grape crop is next in importance to the orange 
crop. There are over 16,000 acres in grape 
culture within the county, tlie fruit comprising 
every variety of grapes produced in Southern 
California. 

Of the 103 proprietors of town-farms in 1S48, 
eight were foreigners: Abel Stearns, Louis 
Bouchet, Louis Vignes, Juan Domingo, Miguel 
N. Bryor, William Wolfskill, Louis Lemoreau, 



nisroiiY OF LOS anoeles county. 



Joseph Snooks — an Englishman, a German, 
three French, three " Yankees " — so has the 
city ever been, cosmopolitan. Under the sound 
policy adopted at the beginning, for the dispo- 
sition of piieiiio lands, the natural course of 
business, and family changes, the proprietor- 
ship of real property is niucii altered. Those 
of Spanish origin retain good agricultural tracts. 
Within the patent of the city are 17,752 acres. 
Tiie increase of culture of fruit trees — and or- 
namental too — is remarkable. In 1847 prob- 
ably were set out 200 young walnut trees. The 
almond was unknown. San Fernando and San 
Gabriel had a few olives. Long before 1840, 
the Californians had the tig, apricot, peach, 
pear, and quince. Plums were introduced by 
O. "W. Chiids. Seeds of the sweet almond, in 
1855, were first planted by William Wolfskiil, 
wliich were brought from the Mediterranean by 
H. F. Tescliemaker, ot San Francisco. 

O. W. Chiids, in 1856, introduced bees. He 
paid $100, in San Francisco, for one hive and 
swarm. Afterward, Sherman & Taylor brought 
here hives for sale. 

In 1850 there was one pepper tree, loity and 
wide-l)ranching, over the adobe house of an old 
lady living near the hills a short distance north 
of the plaza, the seeds of which came from a 
tree in the Court of the Mission of San Luis 
Rey. January 31, 1861, John Temple planted 
a row in front of his Main street store. This 
the utilitarian woodman has not spared. But 
all the city is adorned with this graceful tree; 
and flowers of every name and clime — to rival 
an undying fragrance of the solitary Kose ot 
Castile thirty-tive years ago. 



STOCK-KAISING. 



Until recent years, stock-raising was the chief 
industry in Los Angeles County as well as in 
nearly all other portions of Southern California. 
The lands of the county were believed to be 
unfit for anything but stock ranches, and conse- 
quently immense herds of cattle and sheep 
roamed in the valleys and browsed among the 
foot hills. 15ut later on the fact was developed 



that the country also possessed excellent natural 
qualities for agricultural purposes, and now this 
fact is emphasized by farm products which 
astonish the world. 

Stock-raising, however, continues to be car- 
ried on in the county extensively and success- 
fully, especially the raising of fine stock, in- 
cluding thoroughbred horses, which compete 
with the best of animals raised in Kentucky. 
Cultivated feed has taken the place of wild hay. 
Alfalfa especially is a most valuable adjunct to 
the stock or dairy farm. It permits of the keep- 
ing of a large number of animals on a small 
space of ground. 

Following is a table from the County Asses- 
sessor's report giving the value of live stock in 
the county at the beginning of the year 1888: 

Calves % 51,000 

Beef cattle 4,425 

Stock cattle 306,763 

Colts 136,799 

Cows, thoroughbred 18,750 

Cows, American 4,535 

Cows, graded 348,145 

Goats, common 1,516 

Goats, Angora 2,250 

Hogs 22,552 

Horses, thoroughbred 27,835 

Horses, American 374,617 

Horses, Spanish 503.985 

Jacks and genets 2,990 

Mules 102,600 

Poultry 335,075 

Sheep, imported or fine 1,500 

Sheep, graded 168,070 

Sheep, common 163,333 

Lambs 3,775 

Ostriches . .• 7,400 

In 1870 a lew cashmere goats were brought 
to Los Angeles County by F. Bonshard. He 
brought 500 or 600 heads, of various grades. 
He and J. E. Pleasants were about the only 
parties engaged in raising such animals for 
several years after the date above mentioned. 
Now, however, there are several persons in the 
county who have cashmere goats of all grades, 
from the lowest up to thoroughbreds. Mr. 
Pleasants has had 300 to 500 thoroughbreds, the 
wool from wliich is worth 25 to 40 cents a 



UISTOIiY OF l.OS ANGELES COUNTY 



pound. A good tliorouijhbred goat is generally 
worth about $50. Those first brought into the 
county' cost $150 each. 

I'Ulil.ir SCHIKiLS. 

For this history of the pulilic schools of Los 
Angeles, the pni)iishers are indebted to Pro- 
fessor J. M. Guinn. 

Before the secularization of the missions but 
little if any attention was given to the cause of 
popular education in Alta California. The sons 
of the wealthy were sent to Mexico to be edu- 
cated, while the children of the poorer classes 
and those of the neophytes we allowed to grow 
up in ignorance. 

Tiie earlier school reports are very meagre in 
details. The first we find recorded in the city 
archives bears date of September 29, 1827, and 
is a receipt for the payment of $12 by the alcalde 
for a bench and table purchased at San Gabriel 
"forthe useof aschool in Los Angeles." In 1833 
-'34 the Mexican Government "took measures 
to extend education to California;" and when 
the missions were secularized, one authority states 
that "experienced teachers were sent for the 
public schools to be established at each mission." 
The Government's intentions were no doubt 
good, but, like most of its good designs, were 
badly executed. The "experienced teachers," if 
sent, seem not to liave arrived, for in 1836 the 
ayuntamiento petitioned the Governor to detail 
an officer of the army for a schoolmaster, as no 
one qualified for the position could be found in 
the town. Ensign Don Gaudalupe Medina was 
granted leave of absence to act as preceptor. 
He seems to have been a very efticient educator 
as well as a very useful person in other capaci- 
ties. The reports of the first complete census 
taken in 183(5 were copied by Medina. 

Siiortly after this auspicious beginning the 
cause of popular education seems to have fallen 
into a state of "innocuous desuetude," for in 
1844 Don Manuel Requena congratulated the 
outgoing ayuntatniento on having established a 
primary school in the city of Los Angeles, " the 
recollection of similar institutions havitiu beeii 



lost in this unfortunate country." Tliis must 
have been a second venture at school-keeping 
by Medina. One hundred and three children 
attended this school, but in less than six months 
it suspended, the Governor recalling Medina to 
his military duties. Four months later he laid 
down the sword again to resume the birch, hut 
the school-house being required for a military 
barracks, the pupils were turned out and school 
once more suspended. The pioneer schoolmas- 
ter seems to have retired from the profession, 
lie has left on record the following inventory 
(translated by Stephen C. Foster): 

LANC'ASTEKIAN SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES. 

Inventory of the books and furniture in the 
above institution belonging to the ayuntamiento: 
Thirtj'-six spelling books, eleven second readers 
for children, fourteen catechisms by Father Ri- 
paldi, one table without cover, writing desk, six 
benches, one blackboard. 

Gaumalupe Medixa. 

Angeles, February 2, 1844. 

A contract is on record made June 21, 1850, 
between Don Abel Stearns, President of the 
city council, and Francisco Bustamente, in which 
the latter agrees " to teach the scholars to read 
and count, and, so far as he is capable, to teach 
them orthography and good morals." When 
the pupils were ready to be examined he agrees 
to give notice to the council, that the members 
might attend the examination. His contract 
was for four months at $60 per month and $20 
for house rent, to be paid from the municipal 
funds. 

The pioneer English school was opened in 
1850 by the Rev. Dr. Wicks and John G. 
Nichols. 

The first well-matured ordinance for estab- 
lishing and regulating common schools was 
framed June 19, 1855, and signed by the Mayor, 
Thomas Foster. 

In the same year the first school buildings, 
two in number, were erected in the city, — pub- 
lic school No. 1, on the corner of Spring and 
Second streets, where the magnificent Bryson- 
Honebrake Block now stands; the other, school- 



ync 



jjj.sToj;y OF LOS anoeles county. 



house No. 2, on wliat was then known as Batli 
street, a short street running north from the 
Plaza. This building was demolished two years 
ago, when Batli street was widened and changed 
to Main street. 

In January, 1855, the Stirr informs us that 
there " are now 1,191 children between the ages 
of four and eighteen, in Los Angeles, El Monte 
and San Gabriel school districts; yet not more 
than 150 in all attend school." In 1856-'57 
there were seven schools in Los Angeles County, 
four of these being located in the city. The 
school funds were so limited that two of the 
schools closed in February, and the other two 
shortly after. William Wolfskill generously 
donated $000 for school purposes, which enabled 
the board to reopen one of the schools. In 1863 
the number of census children in the countj' was 
2,398, and the amount of State fund apportioned, 
$4,581.95. 

The subdivision of a number of the large 
ranchos into small farms in 1868-'69, and the 
transition of industries from cattle-raising to 
grain and fruit growing, brought quite an in- 
liux of immigrants into the county. Among 
these were several educated and progressive 
teachers, whose influence was soon felt in im- 
proved methods of teaching and an increased 
interest in the public schools. Prominent 
among these educators may be named Dr. T. 
H. Eose, William M. McFadden, Anna McAr- 
thur, J. M. Guinn, Professor William Lawlor 
and P. C. Tonner. 

October 31, 1870, the first teachers' institute 
was organized, William M. McFadden, County 
Superintendent, President; J. M. Guinn and T. 
11. Eose, Vice-Presidents, and P. C. Tonner, 
Secretary. Dr. O. P. Fitzgerald, State Super- 
intendent, was in attendance part of the time. 
The sessions were held in the old Bath street 
school building, north of the Plaza, that being 
considered more central than the school-house, 
corner of Second and Spring streets. The ex- 
ercises were more tlian usually interesting, and 
did much to stimulate the growing interest in 
the public sciiools. Thirty-tive teachers (the 



entire teaching force of the county) were in 
attendance. 

In 1872 the Central, or as it was then called, 
the High School building, was erected on the 
site now occupied by the new court-house and 
jail. The structure cost $20,000, and was the 
most commodious and handsomest school build- 
ing in Southern California. In 1885 the site 
was sold to the county for $75,000, and the 
building removed to Sand street. 

In 1873 Dr. W. T. Lucky, ex-Principal of the 
State Normal School, was appointed city super- 
intendent, who then thoroughly organized and 
graded the schools. The High School was or- 
ganized this year. The first High School class 
was graduated in 1875. 

The following is a list of the city superin- 
tendents, with the length of time each served: 
Dr. W. T. Lucky, 1873-'76; C. H. Kimball, 
1876-80; Mrs. Chloe B. Jones, 1880-'81; J. 
M. Guinn, 1881-'83; L. D. Smith, 1883-'85; 
W. M. Friesner, 1885 to the present. A list of 
the county superintendents will be found under 
the head of "County Officers." 

An)ong the earlier teachers and school ofiieers 
who, previous to 1808, took an active part in 
educational work, may be named Don Ignacio 
Coronel and his son, Don Antonio F. Coronel, 
J. G. Nichols, II. D. Barrows, Thomas Foster, 
William McKee, Thomas J. Scully, Miss Mary 
E. Iloyt, Miss Belle Swift, Miss Jane Swift and 
Miss Eliza Madigan. Of the early pioneer 
teachers, T. J. Scully is the only one who still 
continues to wave the pedagogical birch. He 
began teaching in the public schools of the 
county in 1853. In those days Mr. Scully, like 
Aristotle, belonged to the peripatetic, or tramp, 
school of pedagogues; but, unlike Aristotle, 
had no Arcadian groves in which to impart in- 
struction to his pupils. The school funds were 
very meagre; Mr. Scully would teach in one 
district until the funds were exhausted, then 
"tramp" on to the next. As there were but 
four or five districts in the county, Scully was 
able to supply each school with a teacher and a 
course of instruction that was uniform! 



HISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



The year 1868 may be considered the be- 
ginning of the new era of growth and progress 
of Los Angeles County. From that date until 
tlie present the advancement in all that pertains 
to educational work, and the increase in the 
school population of the county, has been truly 
remarkable. 

From County Superintendent H. D. Barrows's 
report for the year ending June 30, 1868, we 
find the total number of children between five 
and fifteen was 3,662; number under five years, 
1,533. Total number of children enrolled in 
the schools, 960. Number of school districts, 
19. Number of teachers — male, 17; female, 
10; total, 27. 

In 1869 the number of teachers was: Male, 
13; female, 15; — tiie " schoolmarms " getting 
the lead of the masters, and have kept it ever 
since. Ten years later, in 1878, there were 
10,446 children of school age, si.xty districts, 
and 129 teachers. 

In 1888 the total number of children between 
five and seventeen was 27,250; under five years, 
10,148. Number enrolled in the schools, 19,- 
575. Number of teachers — male, 72; female, 
273; total, 345. Number of school districts, 
119. Total receipts of school funds from all 
sources, ,$504,044.83. Total paid for teachers' 
salaries, $233,280.77. 

From County Superintendent W. W. Sea- 
man's report for the school year ending June 
30, 1889, we obtain the following statistics: 

Number of census children between five and 
seventeen years, 27,799; under five years of 
age, 11,853; total under seventeen years of 
age, 39,652. Number enrolled in the schools, 
22,327. Number of teachers— male, 98 ; female, 
832; total 430. Number of school districts, 
133. Total expenditure for all purposes, $642,- 
568. Average monthly wages paid male teachers, 
$88.55. Average monthly wages paid female 
teachers, $75.38. 

MILITARY. 

The rising of Antonio Garra, chief of Agna 
Caliente, in the fall of 1851, spread fear through 



Los Angeles of a general insurrection, from San 
Diego to Tulare. The danger soon passed away. 
The regulars and San Diego volunteers were 
under Captain George Fitzgerald. General J. 
H. Bean commanded the Los Angeles volun- 
teers; Myron Norton, Colonel and Cliief of 
Staff; S. Boliver Cox and B. S. Eaton, Corporals. 
Hon. II. C. Rolfe, William Nordholdt, and 
many who are dead, were in service on the oc- 
casion. Estimable for many virtues. General 
Bean met an .untimely end at San Gabriel, Sep- 
tember 9, 1852. The exposed position of this 
region for a long time thereafter, in the Kern 
River and Mojave wars, and other troubles, 
kept officers of the United States army here, 
and not seldom in active service. They pos- 
sessed the regard of the people — Colonel B, 
Beall, Majors Edward H. Fitzgerald and George 
R. Blake, Captains Davidson and Lovell, and 
General Winfield Scott Hancock. 



In the spring of 1850, the resident popula- 
tion of the city scarcely exceeded 2,500; aug- 
mented by January, 1853, to about 3,000, in- 
cluding 300 from the United States, and among 
these a large proportion of families. In those 
days of disorder the peaceful slumbers of the 
citizens were guarded by the voluntary police 
of 100 men, under Dr. A. W. Hope, as chief. 
Among the lieutenants, or privates, were, July, 
1851, Messrs. Alexander, Olvera, S. C. Foster, 
Ogier, Brent, Joseph Yancey, Wheeler, J. G. 
Downey, Nichols, F. L. Guirado, Juan Sepiil- 
veda, Keller, Hayes. Often later were the 
streets enlivened by the martial tread of the 
military companies required from time to time. 
The 22d day of February, 1855, was celebrated 
by the City Guards, Captain W. W. Twist, and 
their first anniversary ball was given in May. 
Ringgold's Light Artillery organized June 7, 
of that year. The Los Angeles Rangers was 
older. The Legislature of 1854 appropriated 
$4,000 for their equipment; they celebrated 
their first anniversary August f), of that year. 
Tiiey had proved always etlicient. March 26, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



1857, a rifle company was formed, under Cap- 
tain Twist; and May 9, the French infantry 
corps, 105 strong, Captain C. A. Faralle. The 
Kifleros de Los Angeles, Pantaleoii Zavaleta, 
Captain, were established March, 1873; the Los 
Angeles Guard, September 8, 1874, Captain, 
James Bartlett; First Lieutenant, Thomas Bow- 
lin; Stcond Lieutenant, Charles llagan. 

The Eiigle Corps was organized June 9, 1881, 
with sixty-three members. Its first officers were: 
W. IL H. Russell, Captain; Hamlet R. Brown, 
First Lieutenant; E. G. Barclay, fciecond Lieu- 
tenant. The first armory was in a building 
erected ior a skating rink, a temporary wooden 
structure, where now stands the Moore-Ma.xwell 
Block, on Court-House street, opposite the old 
court-house. This armory was used for two 
years. Then an armory was fitted up in Ar- 
cadia Block, on Los Angeles street, but was oc- 
cupied only a short time. The third armory 
WHS fitted up in the Bush Block, on the north- 
west corner of Ecquena and Los Angeles 
streets, which was used for two years. The 
fourth armory is the present one in Mott Block, 
on Main street. 

In the spring of 1833 the discipline of the 
company became rather lax. Some of the 
members were inclined to regard the enlistment 
as boys' play, while others were guilty of noTi- 
attendance, ineligibility and drunkenness. For 
these causes thirty-three members were court- 
martialled and dishonorably discharged from the 
service. In spite of this vigorous weeding- 
ont, the company grew large enough to be di- 
vided, and accordingly, in 1884, a second com- 
pany was organized. The first became Company 
A ; the second, Company C. The San Diego City 
Guards were made Company B, and the whole 
wasorganized into the Seventh Battalion, J^.G.C. 
The lollowing were the officers: W. H. H. Rus- 
sell, Major Commanding; A. M. Green, Captain 
and Adjutant; Cyrus Willard, First Lieutenant 
and Quartermaster; C. N. Wilson, First Lieu- 
tenant and Commissary; J. D. Gilchrist, First 
Lieutenant and Inspector of Rifle Practice; T. 
M. Plotts, First Lieutenant and Ordnance 



Officer; Dr. J. Hannon, Major and Surgeon; 
Rev. P. W. Dorsey, Captain and Chaplain. 

The National Guard of California consists of 
4,417 officers and men all told. There are fifty 
companies, of which Southern California has 
seven. The State appropriated $70,000 two 
years ago for the maintenance of the National 
Guard, and |i46,000 more for uniforming the 
men. The United States Government appro- 
priates 860,000 annually for the purpose of 
arming the National Guard of the several 
States, and of this sum California receives 
about $12,000, with which to purciiase airms. 
Los Angeles is the headquarters of the First 
Brigade, N. G. C, and this command consists 
at present of seven companies. The annual 
allowance to each compnuy is about $1,750, or 
$12,250 per annum, for the present force. This 
money goes direct to the several comjianies, 
and is disbursed for rent of armory and other 
expenses. 

The First Brigade consists of one Brigadier- 
General, with fourteen statf officers; one Colonel, 
with thirteen staff" officers; one Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel, one Major, twenty-one company officers and 
430 men. Brigadier-General E. P. Johnson is 
in command. 

THE COLORED PEOPLE. 

The colored people have figured in the history 
of Los Angeles City from the beginning. Two 
of the founders of the city — Mesa and Quin- 
tero — were negroes. Thomas Fisher, a negro, 
was captured from Bouchard's privateers in 
1818. There were undoubtedly others in ante- 
American days. 

Under the Mexican constitution slavery was 
positively forbidden, and California came into 
the Union with free soil. Between the time of 
American occupation and the admission of the 
State slavery was practiced to a slight degree. 
Thus, early in 1850, a Dr. T. Earl and a Colo- 
nel Thorn brought to Los Angeles from the 
Southern States a large number of slaves, whom 
they proposed to work in the mines. Two of 
these asserted their freedom on arrival, upon 



niSTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



which one was beaten and the other shot at, but 
both ran away. One J. H. Purdy was at the 
time acting as a police officer and marshal, and 
in discharge of his duty made complaint against 
the parties who assaulted tlie negroes. The re- 
sult was that Purdy was given forty-eight hours 
within which to leave the town, and the au- 
thorities being powerless to protect him, he was 
obliged to go. 

The following extracts from the docket of 
Abel Stearns, Esq., then alcalde of Los Angeles, 
are furnished by Stephen C. Foster: 

POLICE REPORT. 

On the night of the 24th inst., an assault and 
battery was committed, by persons unknown, 



ipon 



the bodies of Allen Sandford and one 



other person, whose name is unknown. 

Witnesses Dr. T. Earl and Edwin Booth. 

On the same night, a breach of the peace was 
committed by the tiring of pistols at one Ste- 
phen Cribbs, by persons unknown to the police. 

Witnesses, Dr. T. Earl, Dr. Clark, Esq., Blodg- 
ett, Koss and Alex. Bell. 

On the night of tiie 25th inst., an assault 
and battery was committed on the body of Allen 
Landford, by some person unknown to the un- 
dersigned. J. II. Purdy. 

February 27, 1850. 

POLICE REPORTS. 

Captain A. Bell, Dr. Clark, M. Martin Koss 
and Captain 11. threatened personal violence to 
J. H. Purdy if he do not leave the city within 
forty-eight hours. Witnesses: Colonel S. Whit- 
ing and L. Granger. 

Charles Matthews entered the counting-room 
of Hon. Abel Stearns, with pistol in hand, and 
threatened personal violence. Witnesses: J. B. 
Barkley, Moses Searl, and Clark. 

Said Matthews then proceeded to the court- 
room and scattered the papers over the floor, 
threatening personal violence to all who should 
oppose him; and then assaulted J. H. Purdy in 
the door of the court room, drew a pistol, and 
fired on him. Witnesses: Jesus Guirado and 
Juan Rieva. 

Two persons unknown to the undersigned 
rescued Charles Matthews from the custody of 
J. 11. Purdy, while he, Purdy, was endeavoring 
to bring Matthews into the court-house. 

March 5, 1850. J. II. i'uRnv. 



The remainder of the slaves were taken up to 
the mines finally, but the white miners stam- 
peded them; they all ran away, and their own- 
ers did not get even the cost of bringing them 
here. 

In his official report of this mattei to Gov- 
ernor Burnett, Mr. Foster said: 

"Quite an excitement has been caused within 
a few days, by an attempt on the part of some 
slaves introduced from Texas to assert their 
rights to freedom. One person, who had taken 
the negro's part with more zeal than judgment, 
was ordered by a committee of five, appointed 
by a meeting of Americans, to leave town 
within twenty-four hours. He appealed to the 
authorities for protection, but they were unable 
to give it, and was forced to leave at the desig- 
nated time. Mob law, to use the harsh but 
truthful term, is triumphant as regards the ex- 
istence of negro slavery in this district." 

Says the Historical Sketch (1876): "In the 
spring of 1850, probably three or four colored 
persons were in the city. In 1875 they num- 
ber about 175 souls; many of whom hold good 
city property, acquired by their industry. They 
are farmers, mechanics, or some one or other 
useful occupation; and remarkable for good 
habits. They count some seventy-five voters. 
Robert Owen, familiarly by Americans called 
' Uncle Bob,' came from Texas in Djcember, 
1853, with 'Aunt Winnie,' his wife, two 
daughters, and son, Charley Owen. They sur- 
vive him. He was a shrewd man of business, 
energetic, and honorable in his dealings; made 
money by Government contracts and general 
trade. He died, well esteemed by white and 
colored, August 18, 1865, aged fifty-nine years. 
Of the society of Mexican veterans are five 
colored men: George Smith, George Diggs, 
Lewis G. Green, Paul Rushmore and Peter 
Byus. The last named was born in Henrico 
County, Virginia, in 1810, and served with 
Colonel Jack Hayes, General Z. Taylor, and 
(Captain John Long. He was at tiie battle of 
Monterey. Rushmorewas born 1829, in Georgia; 
served on Taylor's lino. He drove through tlie 



insrORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



team of Colonel John Ward and James Doug- 
lass from Chilniahua to Los Angeles. Smith 
and Diggs, the first born in New York, the 
second in the District of Columbia, both served 
on the ship Columbus, Commodore Biddle and 
Captain Selfridge. Green was born in North 
Carolina, 1827; was a seaman on the Ports- 
mouth, Captain John B. Montgomery; and in 
the navy nine years and eight months, on the 
store ship Erie, Cyane, Constitution, Pennsyl- 
vania and Vermont;" Green died about 1885, 
after having been eoiirt-house janitor several 
years. 

A CUEIOUS DOCUMENT. 

Stephen Foster has brought to light the 
record of an old agreement which he discovered 
in the archives of the District Court, dating 
back to the year 1850. The agreement was 
e.xecuted by one James R. Holman and recites 
that. 

Whereas, in 1850, I removed from the county 
of Crawford, Arkansas, bringing with me a 
negro woman named Clanpa, aged about twenty- 
nine years, which said negro woman has two sous, 
one named Granberry, aged six years on the loth 
day of the month of October, 1850, and one named 
Henry, aged five years on the 15th day of Janu- 
ary, 1850, and whereas said woman and her two 
sons were, by the laws of Arkansas, my slaves 
for life, and whereas the said Clanpa has, by her 
removal by me to the State of California be- 
come free; and whereas I am anxious to retain 
the services of the said Clanpa for the period 
of two years from the date of these presents, 
I therefore now do covenant and agree that, if 
the said Clanpa shall serve me faithfully for the 

.vo years 

lo, from 
said two years, forever set free the said Clan 
and hereby release all right, title and interest 
in her services. 

And npon the conditions aforesaid, I agree 
that from the time the aforesaid boys shall re- 
spectively become twenty-one years of age, 
relinquish all my right, title, claim and interest 
in and to the services of the said boys and then 
forever set them free. The said Granberry 
shall be free on the 15th day of October, 1865, 
and said Henry shall be free on the 15th day 
of January, 1866. 



period of two years, I will agree, and by these 
presents I do, from and after the expiration of 



And furthermore said Holman binds himself 
to pay the full amount of money due from him 
to Whitfield Bourn, to whom said boys are 
mortgaged, and to redeem the said boys in full 
from all obligations in consequence of said 
mortgage. 

[Signed] O. S. Witiierby, 

District Judge. 

Executed June 20, 1857. 

Whether the woman Clanpa served faithfully 
her two years' term and received the stipulated 
freedom for herself is not forthcoming, but be- 
fore the boys came to their majority it is certain 
that Uncle Sam stepped in and executed the 
terms of the contract most faithfully. 



LEGISLATIVE AND COUNTY OFFICEES. 

State Senator. 
A. W. Hope. 



1850-'51 

1852-'53. Stephen C: Fostc 

185-4-'55. James P. McP'arland. 

1856-'57. B. D. Wilson. 
1858-'59. C. E. Thorn. 
1860-61. Andres Pico. 

1862-'63. J. R. Vineyard. 

1864-'65. H. Hamilton. 

1866-'69. P. Banning. 

1870-'73. B. D. Wilson. 

1874-77. C. W. Bush. 

1878-'79. George H. Smith. 

1880-'82. J. P. West. 

1883-'86. R. F. Del Valle. 

1887-'91. S. M. White. 

1887-'88. L. P. -Rose. 
1889. J. E. McCoraas. 

Asseynhlymen. 

1850. A. P. Crittenden, JVI. Martin. 

1851. Abel Stearns, Andres Pico. 

1852. I. del Valle, Andres Pico. 

1853. James P. McFarland, Jefferson Hunt. 

1854. Charles E. Carr, Edward Hunter. 

1855. Francis Melius, Wilson W. Jones. 

1856. John G. Downey, J. L. Brent. 

1857. J. L. Brent, Edward Hunter. 
1858-'59. Andres Pico, Henry Hancock. 

1860. J. J. Warner, A. J. King. 

1861. Abel Stearns, Murray Morrison. 

1862. J. A. Watson, Murray Morrison. 

1863. J. A. Watson, E. J. C. Kewen. 
1864-'65. Y. Sepiilveda, E. J. C. Kewen. 
1866-'67. W. H. Peterson, E. C. Parish. 
1868-'69. A. Ellis, J. A. Watson. 
1870-'71. M. F. Coronel, R. C. Fryer. 



HISTORY OP LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



1872-'73. T. D. Mott, A. Ellis. 
1874-'75. J. W. Venable, A. Higbie. 
1876-'77. J. R. McConnell, F. Lainbourne. 
1878-79. A. Ellis, J. B. Ilollowaj. 
1880-'81. P. M. Green, R. F. del Valle. 
1881-'82. J. F. Crank, R. F. del Valle. 
1883-'84. A. B. Moffit, H. W. Head. 
1885-'86. J. Banbury, H. T. Hazard, E. E. 

Edwards. 
1887-'88. J. R. Brierly, G. W. Knox, W. 

H. Spurgeon. 
1889. J. M. Dawson, J. R. Brierly, E. E. 

Edwards. 
District Judge. 

1850-52. O. S. Wetherby.* 

1853-'63. Benjamin Hays. 

1864-'68. Bablo de la Guerra. 

1868-'71. Murray Morrison.-|- 

1872-'73. R. M. Widney. 

1874-'79. Y. Sepiilveda.;}: 

County Judge. 

1850-'53. Agustin Olvera. 

1854. Myron Norton. 

1855. K. H. Dlmraick. 
1856-'69. William G. Dryden.§ 
1870-'73. Y. Sepiilveda. 
1874-'77. H. K. S. O'Melveny. 
1878-'79. A. M. Stepliens.|[ 
1880-'84. Y. Sepiilveda, V. E. Howard. 
1884. H. M. Smith, appointed, vice 

Sepiilveda resigned. 

1885-'89. William A. Cheney. 

1885-87. A. Brunson. 

1887-'88. W. P. Gardiner, appointed, vice 
Brunson resigned. 

1887-'88. A. W. Hutton,^ H. K. S. O'Mel- 
veny.^ 

1889. W. H. Clark, W. P. Wade, W. Van 

Dyke, J. W. McKiuley,*^* Lucien 
Shaw.\* 

County Supervisors. 
From 1850 to 1852 the county affairs were 
administered by the Court of Sessions, com- 
posed of the county judge and two associate 
justices. 

* .\ppointed by a joint vote of the Legislature, at its first session, 
in 185<). Court opened June 5, 1850. 

t Died December 18, 1871. 

X .January 1, IS-iO, this court was succeeded by the Superior Court, 
Y. Sepulveda and V. E. Howard elected judges. 

J Died September 10, 1869, A. J. King appoiutcd to mi vacancy. 

1 January 1. 1880. this court was succeeded by the Superior Court, 
T. Sepiilveda and V. E. Howard elected judges. 

^Appointed 1887, the Legislature allowing two additional judges. 

•.•.\ppointcd; the Legislature increased the number to six. 



1852. Jefferson Hunt, Julian Chavis, F. P. 
F. Temple, M. Requena, S. Arbuckle. 

1853. D. W. Alexander, L. Cota, G. A. 
Stnrgess, D. M. Thomas, B. D. Wilson (J. S. 
Waite, S. C. Foster). 

1854. D. W. Ale.xander, S. C. Foster, J. 
Sepiilveda, C. Aguila, S. S. Thompson (A. 
Stearns, F. Lugo). 

1855. J. G. Downey, D. W. Alexander, A. 
Olvera, C. Aguilar, D. Lewis. 

1856. T. Burdick, J. Foster, A. Olvera, C. 
Aguilar, D. Lewis. 

1857. J. R. Scott, W. M. Stockton, R. C. 
Fryer, T. A. Sanchez, S. C. Foster. 

1858. G. C. Alexander, R. Emerson, T. A. 
Sanchez, B. Guirado, S. C. Foster. 

1859. G. C. Alexander, R. Emerson, T. A. 
Sanchez, B. Guirado, Haywood. 

1860. R. B. Moore, A. F. Coronel, C. Agui- 
lar, G. Allen, A. Stearns. 

1861. B. D. Wilson, M. L. Goodman, J. L. 
Morris, J. Chavis, F. W. Gibson (T. G. Barker). 

1862-'63. B. D. Wilson, C. Aguilar, J. L. 
Morris, Vincente Lugo, F. W. Gibson. 

1864-'65. B. D. Wilson, C. Aguilar, J. L. 
Morris, A. Ellis, P. Sichel (M. Keller). 

1866-'67. J. G. Downey, M. Keller, E. H. 
Boyd, F. Signoret, E. Polloreno. 

1868-'69. J. B. Winston, W. Woodworth, 
R. H. Mayes, H. Abila, A. Langenberger. 

1870-'71. J. B. Winston, W. Woodworth, 
R. H. Mayes, H. Abila, H. Forsman. 

1872-^73. H. Forsman, A. L. Bush, F. 
Machado, S. B. Caswell, F. Palomares. 

1874-'75. G. Hinds, F. Machado, E. Evey, 
F. Palomares, J. M. Griffith (G. Allen). 

1876-'77. E. Evey, G. Allen, J. C. Han- 
non, J. D. Young, J. J. Morton, W. H. Spur- 
geon. 

1878. J. C. Hannon, J. D. Young, J. J. 
Morton, J. D. Ott, C. Prager. 

1879. J. C. Hannon, J. D. Ott, C. Prager, 
J. J. Morton, A. H. Rogers. 

1880. J. C. Hannon, C. Prager, R. Egan, 
AV. F. Cooper, A. H. Rogers. 

1883. L. G. Giroux, C. Prager, AV. M. Os- 
borne, D. V. Waldron, S. Levy, D. Reichard, J. 
H. Moesser. 

1885-'86. James B'oord, O. Macy, M. Lind- 
ley, Geo. Hinds, J. Ross. 

1887-'88. W. T. Martin, T. E. Rowan, J. 
W. Venable, Oscar Macy, Jacob Ross. 

1889. W. T. Martin, S. M. Perry, T. E. 
Rowan, A. E. Davis, S. Littlefield. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLBS COUNTY. 





Sherif. 


1876-'77. 
1878-'79. 


T. A. Saxton. 
W. P. McDonald. 




1850. 


Geo. T. Burrill. 


1880-'86. 


J. W. Hinton. 




1851-'55. 


James R. Barton. 


1887-'89. 


W. W. Seaman. 




1856. 


D. W. Alexander.* 








1856. 


C. E. Hale, appointed, vice Alex- 
ander. 




County Clerk. 




1857. 


Jas. R. Barton.f 


1850-'51. 


B. D. Wilson. 




1857. 


E. Bettis, appointed, vice Barton, 
murdered. 


1852-'53. 


Wilson W. Jone.<. 






1854-'57. 


John W. Shore. 




1858. 


Wm. C. Getman.;}: 


1858-'59. 


Chas. R. Johnson. 




1858. 


James Thompson, appointed, vice 


1860-'63. 


John W. Shore. 






Getman murdered. 


1864-'71. 


Thos. D. Mott. 




1859. 


Jas. Thompson. 


1872-'84. 


A. W. Potts. 




1860-'67. 


Thos. A. Sanchez. 


1885-'89. 


Charles H. Dunsinoor. 




1868-'71. 


Jas. F. Burns. 








1872-75. 


W. R. Rowland. 




County Treasurer. 




1876-'77. 


D. AV. Alexander. 


1850^'51. 


Manuel Garfias. 




1878-'79. 


H. M. Mitchell. 


1852-'53. 


Francis Melius. 




1880-'82. 


W. R. Rowland. 


1854-'55. 


Timothy Foster. 




1883-'84. 


A. T. Currier. 


1856-'59. 


IL N. Alexander. 




1885-'86. 


G. E. Gard. 


1860-'65. 


M. Kremcr. 




1887-'88. 


J. C. Kays. 


1866-'69. 


J. Huber, Jr. 




1889. 


M. G. Aguirre. 


1870-'75. 

1876-'77. 


T. E. Rowan. 
F. P. F. Temple. 






Public Administrator. 


1878-'79. 
1880-'83. 


E. Hewitt. 
Milton Lindley. 




1854-'57. 


M. Keller. 


1883-'88. 


J. W. Broaded. 




1858-'65. 


Geo. Carson. 


1889. 


J. Banbury. 




1866-'67. 


W. Wolfskin. 






1868-'69. 


John Zeyn. 




County Recorder. 




1870-'73. 

1874-'75. 

1876-'77. 
1878-'79. 

1880. 

1883-'84. 

1885-'86. 

1887-'88. 

1889. 


Geo. Carson. 
H. M. Mitchell. 
J. E. Griffin. 

C. C. Lamb. 
J. W. Potts. 
M. P. Cutler. 
James Fisher. 
Z. Decker. 

D. W. Field. 


1850-'51. 
1852-'73. 

1874-'75. 
1876-'79. 
1880-'82. 
1883-'86. 
1886. 

1887-'88. 


Ignacio del Valle. 

County Clerk (ex-ojicio). 

J. W. Gillette. 

Charles E. Miles. 

C. C. Lamb. 

C. E. Miles. 

F. A. Gibson, appointed, vice 

removed. 
F. A. Gibson. 


Miles 




Superintendent of Schools. 


1889. 


J. W. Francis. 




1850^'55. 


A. F. Coronel. 




County Tax Collector. 




1856. 


J. F. Burns. 


1850-'75. 


Slieriff {ex-officio). 




1857-'63. 


County Clerk (ex-offioio). 


1876-'79. 


M. Kremer. 




1864-'65. 


A. B. Chapman. 
E. Birdsall. 


1880-'82. 


William B. Cullen. 




1866-'67. 


1883-'84. 


Asa Ellis. 




1868-'69. 


H. D. Barrows. 


1885-'87. 


El Hammond. 




1870-'73. 


Wm. M. McFadden. 


1887. 


J. A. Crawford, appointed 


, vice 


1874-'75. 


G. H. Peck 




Hammond absconded. 








1888. 


Oinri Bullis, appointed, vice 


Craw- 








♦Resigned, C. E. Hale appointed to fill vacancy, Aueust, 1856. 
+ Murdered January S'), 1.S57, E. Bettis appointed to fill vacancy. 




ford resigned. 




t Murdered January 7, 1858, James Thompson appointed to fill 
vacancy. 


1889. 


Robert S. Piatt. 





HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 





County Attorney. 


1880-'82. 


J. ^Y. Venable. 


1850-'51. 
1852-'53. 


Benjamin Hays. 
Lewis Granger. 


1883-'86. 
188 7-91. 


R. Bilderrain. 
C. C. Mason. 


1854-'80. 


District Attorney {ex-offcio). 




County Surveyor. 




District Attorney. 


1850-'51. 


J. R. Conway. 


1850-'51. 


William C. Ferrell. 


1852-'57. 


H. Hancock. 


1852. 


Isaac S. K. Ogier. 


1858-'59. 


William Moore. 


1853. 


K. H. Dimmick. 


1860-'61. 


E. Hadley. 


1854. 


Benjamin S. Eaton. 
C. E. Thorn. 


1862. 


William Moore. 


1855-'57. 


1862. 


J. G. McDonald, vice Moore re- 


1858-'59. 


Ezra Drown. 




signed. 


1860-'61. 


E. J. C. Kewen. 


1863. 


W. M. Leighton. 


1862-'63. 


Ezra Drown. 


1864-'69. 


George Hanson. 


1864-'67. 


Volney E. Howard. 


1870-'73. 


F. Lecouvreur. 


1868-'69. 


A. B. Chupnian. 


1874-'75. 


L. Seebold. 


1870-'73. 


C. E. Thorn. 


1876-'77. 


T. J. Ellis. 


1874-'75. 


Volney E. Howard. 


1878-'79. 


John E. Jackson. 


1876-'77. 


Rodney Hudson. 


1880-'82. 


E. T. Wright. 


1878-79. 


C. E. Thorn. 


1883-'84. 


J. E. Jackson. 


1880-'82. 


Thomas B. Brown. 


1885-'86. 


E. T. Wright. 


1883-'84. 


S. M. White. 


1887-'88. 


John Goldsworthy. 


1885-'86. 


G. M. Holton. 


1889. 


H. T. Stafford. 


1887. 


G. S. Patton. 






1887-'88. 


J. R. Dnpuy, appointed, vice 




County Coroner. 




Patton resigned. 


1850-51. 


Alpheus P. Hodges.* 
Rafael Guirado. 


1889. 


F. P. Kelly. 


1852. 




County Auditor. 
County Clerk [ex-officio). 


1853. 


J. S. Mallard. 


1850-75. 


1854-'55. 
1856. 


T. Mayes. 
Q. A. Snead. 


1876. 


C. W. Gould.* 


1857. 


J. B. Winston.f 
A. Cook. 


1876-'79. 


A. E. Sepiilveda. 


1858. 


1880-'82. 
1883-'84. 
1885-'88. 


B. A. Yorba. 
A. E. Sepiilveda. 
A. A. Montano. 


1859. 

1860-'61. 

1862-'65. 


Henry R. Myles. 
H. P. Swain. 
J. S. Griffin. 


1889. 


D. W. Hamlin. 


1866-'67. 


J. L. Smith. 




County Assessor. 


1868-'69. 


V. Gelcich. 


1850-'56. 

1857-'58. 

1859-'61. 

1861. 

1862. 

1863-'65. 

1866-'67. 

1868-'69. 


A. F. Coronel. 

Juan Sepiilveda. 

W. W. Maxy. 

G. W. Gift, vice Maxy resigned. 

J. McManus. 

G. L. Mix. 

J. Q. A. Stanley. 

M. F. Coronel. 


1870-'73. 
1874-'75. 

1876-'77. 
1878-'79. 
1SS0--84. 

1885-'86. 
1887-'89. 


J. Kurtz. 

N. P. Richardson. 

J. Kurtz. 

J. Hannon. 

H. Nadeau. 

A. McFarland. 

J.M.Meredith. 


•AttheHrst 


county election held April 1. 1860, Charlee B. CuIIen 


1870-'75. 


D. Botiller. 


was elected; but failing to qnalify, Alpheus P. Hodges was appointed 
hy the Court of Sessions to flU the vacancy. A question arising as to 


1876-'79. 


A. W. Ryan. 


the legality of said appointment, the Legislature was petitioned by 




the Court (ISf)!) 


o pass a law legalizing the same, and all acts per- 
er, which was done. 






formed thereund 
tSucceeded 


• Died In Jnoe, 1876, A. E. Sepfilveda appionted to fill vacancy. 


by A. Cook, February 14, 1857. 



IHSTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 





I BIOGRAPHICAL. I 



fUDGE O. n. ALLEN, a pioneer of 1849, 
now residing witli his daughter in the south- 
ern part of Downey, is a native of Nelson 
County, Kentucky, born May 25, 1805, and is 
the son of Colonel James and Mary (Keed) 
Allen. His paternal grandfather was born in 
Ireland, and on the mother's side the genealogy 
goes back to the English. Colonel James Allen 
was a farmer in Nelson County, Kentucky, till 
his death in 1851. In his family were seven 
children, the subject of this notice being the 
second. In addition to a common-school edu- 
cation he also attended St. Joseph College in 
Bardstown, Kentucky. He was a law student 
under Benjamin Harding, and was admitted to 
the bar in AVashington County, Kentucky, in 
1824. From here he moved to Monticello, 
Mississippi, where he practiced law ; he later went 
to Texas, and in 1832 established and edited the 
first newspaper in the State, i\\e Advocate of the 
People's Rights. In this paper he published 
he celebrated letters which led to the arrest of 
Stephen F. Austin, the grantee of the Mexican 
Government. The next paper he edited was 
the Western Spy, published at Bedford, Indiana. 
In 1836 he moved to Missouri, where he prac- 
ticed law until 1849. Jndge Allen was mar- 
ried in 1885 to Jane Kenton, of Kentucky, a 
niece of Simon Kenton, an associate of Daniel 
Boone in the early settlement of Kentucky. By 
her Mr. Allen had one son, Tiiompson K. She 



died in 1848, and the following year Mr. Alien 
came to California, by the popular route over- 
land with the ox team. After a journey of six 
months he landed in the Sacramento Valley, at 
a place called Lawson. For several years he 
engaged in mining and in practicing law, subse- 
quently moving to San Jos^, where he continued 
his law practice and was mayor of the city for 
the year 1852. There, in 1853, he married 
Angelina A. Neely, who was born near Spring- 
field, Missouri. Leaving San Jose, he moved 
to Columbia, Tuolumne County, where a daugh- 
ter, Rosina, was born. He next moved to Al- 
pine County, and practiced his profession there 
two years, after which he located in Los Angeles 
County, where he ranked among the prominent 
lawyers until ten years ago, and was also for two 
years justice of the peace in the " City of the 
Angels." Judge Allen has had a varied expe- 
rience. He was a soldier in the Mexican war, 
enlisted under Colonel Price at Fort Leaven- 
worth, Missouri, in 1846, and was mustered out 
at Santa Fe. At one time he was ordered by 
Governor Boggs, of Missouri, to raise a regi- 
ment to go to the " far West" to quell the Mor- 
mons, being elected Colonel of his regiment. 
He commanded as Brigadier-General the militia 
of Northeastern Missouri, to enforce the collec- 
tion of State revenue due from the people on 
disputed land between Iowa and Missouri. 
Since 1825 Mr. Allen has been a member of the 



IIIHTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Masonic fraternity, and is also a member of tlie 
Soutlierii Methodist Episcopal Cluirch. Judge 
Allen's second wife died in April, 1874. By 
tins marriage one child was born — Kosina, now 
tiie wife of James Quill, one of tbe most suc- 
cessful fruit growers in this part of the county. 
With his faithful daughter, the subject of this 
sketch is now spending the evening of his life. 
James Quill owns thirty-seven acres of land 
where he resides, one mile south of Downey, 
and is devoting it to the cultivation of fruit, 
oranges and grapes principally. lie also 
owns sixty acres of land one mile and a half 
south of Downey. On this place the principal 
products are fruit and alfalfa. A vineyard of 
thirty acres yielded him a gross profit of $3,000 
in one year. February 22, 1882, Mr. Quill was 
united in marriage with Miss Rosina Allen. 
They have been blessed with an interesting 
family of four children: Oliver James, Charles 
Allen, Joseph Armstrong and Angelina. Judge 
Allen died about ten days after the data was 
obtained for this sketch. 



tEV. JOHN C. ARDIS, deceased, was 
born in Greene County, Georgia, August 
31, 1823. His parents were John and 
Martha (Stalins) Ardis, the iather a native of 
Beach Island and of German origin, and the 
mother of Scotch-Irish descent. He moved with 
his parents to Russell County, Alabama, when 
about si.xteen years of age; graduated at Emory 
College at Oxford, Georgia, in 1846, and was 
licensed to preach by John W. Starr, in 1847. 
In 1848 he married Miss Fannie A. Harris, a 
daughter of Briton D. Harris, a native of Geor- 
gia and a member of the State Legislature for 
several years. Her mother's name was Sarah 
A. [nee Walton), a native of Alabama. The 
subject of this sketch was principal of the Fe- 
male Academy at Salem, Alabanui, for ten con- 
secutive years, and was also Grand Lecturer of 
the Masonic fraternity of Alabama. In 1859 
he moved to Union CouTity, Arkansas, and hud 



charge of the El Dorado Female Academy for 
eight years, until his health failed and he was 
compelled to give up teaching. He was or- 
dained deacon by Bishop Andrew, of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, S.)utii, in 185(5, and was 
ordained elder by Bishop Paine, in 1860. In 
the winter of 1867-'68, he set out for the far 
West, and arrived in Los Angeles County in 
July, 1868, where he bought him a home of 
fifty-five acres of land, and devoted the most of 
the remaining part of his life to farming and 
beautifying his home. On December 24, 1877, 
he quietly fell asleep; his death was a triumph- 
ant one. He was a man given to much labor 
in the ministry until the latter part of his life, 
when his health failed. He was buried by the 
Masonic fraternity. The following are the 
names of the children of John C. and Fannie A. 
(Harris) Ardis: John D., Isaac L., Sallie A., 
wife of A. S. Gray, a' merchant of Downey, 
California; Lida T., wife of W. B. Crawford, 
deceased; she is now engaged in teaching in the 
public school of Downey; Julius 11., who gradu- 
ated at Emory College, Oxford, Georgia, and is 
now a law student under Ilaygood & Douglas, 
of Atlanta, Georgia; Fannie A., wife of James 
N. Pemberton, Principal of the public school of 
Alameda District, and a member of the board 
of education of Los Angeles County; Willie M. 
and Julia. The latter two being minors, are 
still at home. John D. Ardis, the eldest, is the 
administrator of the estate, and is now carrying 
on the interests of the farm. 



-^^€ 



fDA IlILLIS ADDIS was born in Leaven- 
worth City, Kansas. Her people, who liad 
been slave-owners, had fled from Lawrence, 
Kansas, about the time of her parents' marriage, 
to escape from the persecutions of the faction 
headed by "Jim" Lane. Her father, Alfred 
Shea Addis, was of blood-kin to the Addis and 
Emmet families of well-known record, and her 
maternal grandfather, twice removed, was that 
illiterate but loyal and sterling backwoodsman, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



James Harrod, wlio entered Kentucky with 
Daniel Eoone, and who, according to the school 
histories, "built the first log-cabin within the 
present limits of Kentucky." Miss Addis says 
the favorite admonition of her mother's mother, 
when she or her brother did any thing wrong, 
was: " Your Grandfather Harrod would not 
liave done that!" Mr. Addis moved with his 
fan)ily, after some time spent in Mexico, to 
Los Angeles, in 1872. Miss Addis graduated 
from our High School and passed her exami- 
nation, and commenced teaching in this city 
when quite young. Her knowledge of the 
Spanish language enabled her to do good work 
in the schools where that was the vernacular of 
many of the pupils. Miss Addis early showed 
her literary aptitude both in poetry and prose. 
Her delineations of Spanish types of character 
in her stories in the San Francisco Argonaut^ 
and other journals, which have been widely 
copied; her terse and often dramatic presenta- 
tion and analysis of the action of the persons 
and episodes she describes; her picturing of 
Mexican traits and customs in various American 
newspapers, since her residence during the last 
three or four years in the City of Mexico; and 
linally her discovery of the lost art of luster- 
iiig "Iridescent Pottery," as described by her 
and by Mr. W. C. Prime, in Harper's Magazine 
for August, 1889, have combined to give her a 
national npputation. Her kindly appreciation of 
Mexican character, her talents and her personal 
worth have given her the entre to some of the 
best families in Mexico. Miss Addis's friends 
believe she has a brilliant future before her. 



fll. ADAMS ANi. G. F. ADAMS com- 
pose the dental firm of Adams Jirothers, 
* whose offices are at No. 23 South Spring 
street. They are natives of Michigan, but for 
a number of years before coming to California 
their home was in Peoria, Hlinois, where G. F. 
Adams studied dentistry with one of the lead- 
ing practitioners of tluit city. In 1882 he 



came to California and, locating in Los Angeles, 
began the practice of dentistry. His brother, 
who had preceded him several years to the 
l^icific Coast, liecame associated with him as a 
partner under the above firm title. Their busi- 
ness career has been one of uninterrupted pros- 
perity as the reward of enterprise and studious 
application. Both being skilled operative den- 
tists, they have a large clientage in that branch, 
while in mechanical dentistr}' they do the lead- 
ing business in the city, employing several as 
sistants. They make a specialty of treating 
diseased teeth, and of extracting when they 
cannot be saved. The Adams Brothers are ex- 
tensively known and have earned a proud repu- 
tation in and outside of the profession for their 
excellent work in this branch of dentistry. The 
aggregate earnings of their office runs from 
$800 to $1,300 a month. The elder brother, S. 
H. Adams, came to California in 1875. He is 
thirty-eight, and G. F. Adams is twenty-five 
years old. Their parents still reside in Peoria, 
Illinois, where they have lived for the [)ast 
fifteen years. 



tEV. SAMUEL M. ADAMS, of Downey, 
was born near the city of Montgomery, 
Alabama, August 8, 1827, and is the son 
of Abrain and Nancy (Morgan) Adams. Her 
father. Dr. Lemuel Morgan, was born and edu- 
cated in Wales, and died in Florida. Francis 
Adams, the paternal grandfather of Samuel 
Adams, was a son of Abrain Adams, and came 
to America about the year 1768. lie was of 
Scotch-Irish origin and a pioneer of South 
Carolina. The father of the subject of this 
sketch moved from Alabama to Mississippi in 
1834, and there educated his children. There 
Samuel was licensed to preach, in 1856, and 
joined the Alabama Conference in the fall of 
that year, at once taking work and continuing 
in active ministerial work in that conference till 
he came to California. In 1861, in Greene 
County, Alabama, the marriage certMuony was 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



celebrated between him and Miss Meekie Will- 
iams, of Greene County, Alabama, the daughter 
of Benjamin and Edna (Hitt) Williams. Her 
parents were members of the old Scotch-Irish 
colony, with the parents of Samuel Adams, in 
Carolina. In 1850 Mr. xVdams came to Califor- 
nia as a gold-seeker, but after four years he re- 
turned to his home in the East. His citizenship 
in this county dates from the year 1868 when 
he landed with his family. He first purchased 
a small farm of forty-seven acres near Savannah, 
where he lived for ten years. This he afterward 
sold, and in 1881 he bought fifty acres where 
he now lives. Since coming to this county, and 
indeed all his life, his great aim has been to 
preach the gospel and save souls. Itev. Mr. 
Adams is an able instructor in intellectual as 
well as in spiritual things, having served as 
principal of Los Nietos Institute for two years. 
At present he sustains a superannuated relation 
to the conference, but preaches frequently, and 
in his leisure hours is engaged in taking care of 
his fruit orchard and garden. Mr. and Mrs. 
Adams have reared a family of eight children: 
Maud, now the wife of E. P. Dismukes; Sue 
Smith, wife of Frank Goodall; Mary, Bee, 
Samuel, Laura S., Madge and Grace. 



fON JUAN BANDINI was prominent, 
both as a citizen of Los Angeles and of 
San Diego. His second wife, Dona Re- 
fugio Bandini, is still a resident of this city. 
Mrs. Colonel Baker, Mrs. Charles R. Johnson and 
Mrs. Dr. Winston are daughters of Don Juan. 
Juan, Jr., and Arturo Bandini are his sons. 



|0N MANUEL REQUENA was a native 
1l|fl of Yucatan. He came to Los Angeles 
many years ago, and, being a well edu- 
cated man, he became a very influential and 
useful citizen. He lived on the east side of 
Los Angeles street and north of the street 



opened through his garden and named after 
him. He held many official positions here in 
early times, including the office of alcalde. 
He caused a census to be taken in 1836. He 
died in June, 1876. 



tAMON ALEXANDER was a native of 
France, and was born in 1825. He came 
to California in '48 or '49. He built 
the " Round House," on Main street between 
Third and Fourth. He was at one time in 
the forwarding business at San Pedro witli 
Banning & Timms. He married a Valdez and 
died in 1870, leaving several sons and daughters. 



— CS-K 



fEORGE AIKEN, a prosperous farmer re- 
siding one and one-half miles northeast 
of Compton, is one of the representative 
citizens of Los Angeles County. He was born 
in Quebec, Canada, in 1842, and is the son of 
James and Mariah (Smith) Aiken. His parents 
were both born in Scotland and came to Canada 
at an early day. James Aiken was a mill- 
wright by trade, but followed farming princi- 
pally. He died in 1879 and his wife in 1877. 
They had a family of eleven children, all living 
except one, and nine being older than the sub- 
ject of this sketch. They are widely scattered 
now, some being in Scotland, some in Canada, 
and George the only one in California. After 
leaving his native country Mr. Aiken went to 
Colorado, where he engaged in teaming for two 
years. In 1865 he located in Utah, where he 
followed the same occupation until 1867, in 
which year he went to Nevada, where he con- 
tinued teaming for fifteen years. He then came 
to Los Angeles County and purchased sixty-five 
acres of land where he now resides. This place 
is all well improved, his principal crops being 
grain and alfalfa. He also raises some good 
grades of stock. Mr. Aiken was married in 
his native country, in 1879, to Miss Mary A. 



UISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Reid. She is the daughter of Nichohis Reid, a 
native of the Emerald Isle. Mr. and Mrs. 
Aiken liave an interesting family of four chil- 
dren: Ira Allen, Geori;e, Jennie, and Claudie. 
Politically, Mr. Aiken is a strong snpjiorter of 
the principles as taught by the Repul)lican 
party. 



tBEL STEARNS was for many years a 
prominent man in Los Angeles County. 
He was born in Salem, Massachusetts, in 
1799. He came to Los Angeles nearly sixty 
years ago. He became the owner of land in 
the southern part of Los Angeles County, 
equal in extent to a European Duchy; and his 
cattle roamed and roared "on a thousand hills" 
like the "bulls of Bashan." It used to be re- 
ported that he branded as many as 800 calves 
annually. His home was for many years on 
the site of the present "Raker Block." He 
died in 1871. His widow, a daughter of Don 
Juan Randiiii, after his death niarried Colonel 
R. S. Raker. 



fHARLES L. DUCOMMUN is a native 
of Switzerland. He lias resided in Los 
Angeles City about forty years, engaged 
most of the time in merchandising. He is a 
thorough business man and is highly esteemed 
in the community. He has been twice mar- 
ried and has several children. 

■ '^■'^&^ 

.l^OBERT S. ARNETT was born in Henry 
f^ County, Tennessee, in 181G. His father, 



Samuel Arnett, a native of Vi 



rginia, 



a veteran of the war of 1812, serving under 
General Jackson. Mr. Arnett's mother, 7iee 
Ann Reed, a native of Ireland, came to the 
United States when quite young and was reared 
and educated in Tennessee. The subject of this 



sketch was reared as a farmer in his native place 
until twenty years old, and then went to Carroll 
County, Mississippi, where he engaged in farm 
labor, and as soon as he procured the means en- 
tered an academy for the purpose of fitting him- 
self as a teacher. He was engaged in farming 
and school-teaching in Mississippi until 1853, 
when he came across the plains to California, 
performing the journey and transporting his 
family by ox teams. Upon his arrival in the 
State, he located- in Colusa County, where he 
engaged in farming until 1857. Mr. Arnett 
was the first postmaster at Princeton, retaining 
that position as long as he remained there. The 
town of Princeton is situated on the farm he 
formerly occupied. In 1857 he moved to Men- 
docino County and settled at Little Lake, above 
Ukiah. There he entered wild land, and for the 
next ten years was tilling the soil and engaging 
in extensive stock-raising. He also established 
and taught the first school ever opened in Little 
Lake Valley. In 1867 he sold out his business 
in that county and came to Los Angeles County 
and located in the San Jose Valley, upon the 
old Palomaris Tract, just north of what is now 
the flourishing city of Pomona. For two years 
he occupied the Palomaris homestead on the old 
San Bernardino road, where he kept a hotel, well 
remembered by the old settlers and travelers of 
that period. In 1874 he came to Spadra and 
for two years rented land of A. T. Currier, upon 
which he engaged in general farming, after 
which he purchased fifty acres of land just west 
of and adjoining Spadra, upon which he fixed 
his residence and devoted himself to its improve- 
ment and cultivation. With the exception of a 
family orchard, his land is devoted to hay, grain 
and stock purposes. He has a fine field of 
alfalfa of eight acres in extent, which without 
the aid of irrigation is producing abundant 
crops. On this place are good substantial im- 
provements — mostly built by himself — includ- 
ing two cottages, barn, etc. Mr. Arnett has 
been a resident of Los Angeles County for over 
twenty years. He is well known throughout 
the San Jose Valley, and is a respected and 



UI8T0RY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



esteemed citizen in the community in wliicli he 
resides. Pie has for many years been a deacon 
in the Baptist Clinrch, in tlie success of which 
he has taken a life-long interest. In political 
matters he is a consi.>-tent Democrat. In 1846 
Ml-. Arnett married Miss Malinda E. Norman, 
uho died Dtcemher 23, 1868. Of the seven 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Arnett, there are 
four living, viz. : Ji^amnel E., Isabelle S., Ella 
M. and Susan. The second child, Robert F., died 
in 1850,aged twoyears. Thefourth child, George 
Carroll, married Elizabeth Mitchell, and died in 
1886, at the age of thirty-two years. The sixth 
child, William, died in 1885, aged twenty-six. 
Samuel E. married Miss Hannah Hayes, and is 
liviiig with his family on the old homestead, the 
care and cultivation of which is UTider liis im- 
mediate supervision. Isabelle S., now Mrs. 
James M. Fryer, is living at Spadra. Ella M. 
married Henry Fryer and they are residents of 
I'omona. Susan is living with her father. 



«HARLES D. AMBROSE.— Among the 
pirominent men in the business circles of 
Pomona during the past three j'ears, is the 
gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He 
is a native of Jackson County, Michigan, born 
May 3, 1840. He is a descendant of old families 
of New England. His parents, Samuel and 
Mary A. (Maine) Ambrose, settled in Wash- 
tenaw County, Michigan, in 1836, and later in 
the county of his birth. In 1849 his father 
came to California as one of the pioneers of this 
State, and the subject of this sketch then entered 
the family of his uncle, who resided in Winne- 
bago County, Wisconsin, where he was reared 
and schooled until the age of fifteen years. He 
then engaged as a clerk in a general merchan- 
dise store and followed that occupation until 
reaching his majority, at which time. he entered 
into business upon his own account, establishing 
a store at Omro, Winnebago County, which he 
conducted until 1865. In that year he engaged 



adi 



and freighting upon the Michigan 



shore, and to Lakes Huron and Superior, own- 
ing a fine schooner used in his trade, and which 
in the second year lie took charge of as its 
master-. During the winter stasons he engaged 
in driving cattle from the Fox River Valley to 
the copper mines of Lake Superior, a distance 
of over 250 miles, through the almost trackless 
forests of Wisconsin. Mr. Ambrose followed 
these laborious and active pursuits until 1868, 
and then came to California. After a visit to 
the mining sections, he located at San Jose and 
entered the employ of T. W. Spring, a promi- 
nent merchant of that city, as a clerk, salesman 
and auctioneer. He was thus employed until 
1872, when he entered into the clothing busi- 
ness at Vallejo, with A. P. Voorhees, under the 
tirm name of Voorhees & Co. In 1875 he 
moved to Ukiah, Mendocino County, and for 
many years was engaged in one of the largest 
mercantile and trading establishments in that 
section. He first established the business under 
his own name, which after several changes was 
conducted under the well-known firm name of 
Taylor, Taft & Ambrose. The failure of the 
hop crops in that section preceding 1886 re- 
sulted in a suspension and a dissolution of the 
partnership, and Mr. Ambrose, alter meeting 
his obligations, found himself nearly round 
financially; but, nothing daunted, he sought 
new fields of labor, and, coming south, estab- 
lished his residence in Pomona. His only 
capital was an active, energetic disposition, 
trained business habits and square, straightfor- 
ward dealing. These soon secured his success 
in business as a real-estate dealer and agent, 
and gained him a large circle of friends. Mr. 
Ambrose has considerable landed interests in 
the county, among which is a fine 240-acre tract 
at San Diinas, at the month of the San Dimas 
Canon. The present improvement upon this 
land is six acres of citrus fruits. Fully eighty 
acres of this land are specially adapted to citrus- 
fruit cultivation, having plent}^ of water and 
rarely affected by frost. The subject of this 
sketch is deeply interested in the future growth 
of the city of Pomona, and always lends his aid 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQEIES COUNT T. 



to any enterprise tending to advance its inter- 
ests. In December, 1888, lie was appointed a 
notary public and still holds that office. He 
is a member and the Master of Pomona Lodge, 
No. 24G, F. & A. M. He is a member of the 
Bajitist Church, in which he takes a great in- 
terest. Politically, he is a straight-out Repub- 
lican and a worker in the ranks of iiis party. 
In 1809 Mr. Ambrose married Miss Ada H. 
Treadway, the daughter of Dr. Kicliard M. 
Treadway, a former resident and well-known 
physician of Sonoma County. Her mother, 
Nanc}' J. (Chapman) Treadway, was a native of 
South Bend, Indiana. Mrs. Ambrose died No- 
vember 7, 1879, leaving one child, Mary Louise. 
In 1885 he married Miss Laura Brown, a native 
of Lexington, Virginia, the daughter of John L. 
and Susan J. (Agner) Brown, also a native of 
that State. By this marriage there is one child, 
Nellie Edwards. The father of Mr. Ambrose 
is now a resident of Tuolumne County, this State, 
engaged in mining, an occupation which he has 
followed in California for nearly forty years. 



fAMES M. ARMOUR was born in Belfast, 
Maine, November 15, 1839. His father, 
Andrew Armour, was a native of New 
Hampshire, who settled in Maine, and engaged 
in ship-building and farming, and later, when 
the subject of this sketch was but seven years 
old, settled in Orland, and afterward moved to 
Ellsworth, where Mr. Armour was reared as a 
farmer until he reached his majority. He then 
engaged in stock-dealing and trading in agri- 
cultural implements. His father died in 1864, 
and in 1871 Mr. Armour came to California, 
and after a short stay in San Francisco went to 
Washington Territory, where he was occupied 
in the lumber and commission business until 
the fall of 1873. He then came to Los Angeles 
County, and iixed his residence in the San Jose 
Valley, wiiere he located 160 acres of Govern- 
ment land, about four miles east of Pomona 



and enu 



in general farming and Ijee- 



mg. 



He was one of the first to enter into orange 
cultivation, making his venture with the Tahiti 
seedlings. In 1882 he sold his land to the Po- 
mona Land ana Water Company, established his 
residence in Pomona and commenced an active 
business career as a builder and real-estate 
dealer, purchasing lots and erecting residence 
buildings, which he sold or rented. In 1885 
he bought the carriage shops and agricultural 
implement works of W. E. Martin, and eon- 
ducted the same until 1885. After selling out 
that business, he entered more extensively into 
real-estate business, under the firm name of 
Armour, Evans & Co., and was until 1888 also 
actively engaged in conducting the business of 
the Central Hotel. Mr. Armour has for years 
been identified with the growth and prosperity 
of the city of Pomona, and has been connected 
with some of the most substantial enterprises 
and improvements projected in that rapidly 
growing city. He is now a large owner of city 
residence and business property, and also of farm 
property in the county. A man of liberal 
views and progressive business principles, he is 
a firm believer in the future prosperity of his 
beautiful city and valley, and is willing to de- 
vote time and means to such enterprises as aid 
in developing the resources and encouraging 
immigration into Los Angeles County. He was 
one of the incorporators and projectors of the 
Pomona Street Railroad Company, and is now a 
director in the company. He is a member of 
Pomona Lodge, No. 225, A. 0. U. W. In 
political matters Mr. Armour is a life-long Re- 
publican, and may alwaj's be found battling in 
the ranks of the best elements of that party. Mr. 
Armour is unmarried. His mother, Mrs. Eliza 
(Parker) Armour, is now residing with him in 
Pomona. He his also a sister living with him. 



^#»^i-^ 



O. BAXTER, of Santa Monica, is one 
of the true pioneers of California. His 
connection with her interests dates back 
March, IS47. He was born in Buckingham- 



UISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



sliire, England, January 18, 1827, and is a son 
of John M. Baxter, a native of Oxford, England, 
who came to this country in 1831, and was for- 
merly in the East India service. The subject 
of this sketch was reared principally in Ver- 
mont, at St. Albans, in Franklin County. On 
the first day of August, 1846, he was sworn 
into the service against Mexico, by Colonel 
Bankhead, in New York City. He enlisted in 
Company E, Captain Taylor, First New York 
Volunteers, Colonel J. D. Stevenson He 
i^erved two years, one month and eighteen days, 
and was discharged at Los Angeles, September 
18, 1848, having come by way of Cape Horn to 
San Francisco. Almost as soon as he was out of 
the service he went to the mines, first in Califor- 
nia, then to Australia and New Zealand in 1853, 
where he remained nine years. Then he came 
to Britii-h Columbia in 18G2, and in 1865 went 
to South America, where he mined till 1867. 
In 1869 he went to White Pine, Nevada, and in 
1875 to Santa Monica. While in Nevada, how- 
ever, he found the partner of his life, who was 
Miss Ellen Rumm, a native of Canada, and 
daughter of John Rumm, of Ireland. They 
were married October 2, 1873. They have five 
children, wdiose names are as follows: Alice 
Mabel, Grace Edith, Fraiices Ellen, William 
Owen and Florence Monica. 



fRUDENT BEAUURY.— The name of Pru- 
dent Beaudry occupies a prominent position 
in the municipal history of Los Angeles. 
Ever since the year 1852 his untiring energy 
and business sagacity have made themselves felt 
in the afl'airs of the community. By nature quick 
of perception, and unflagging in industry, he 
could foresee far into the future, and having tnade 
his selection of a mode of action, labored inces- 
santly, and waited patiently, for the outcome he 
was certain would follow. And he usually suc- 
ceeded in his enterprises. He was a native of 
Sr. Annedes Plaines, Province of Quebec, Can- 
atla. His father was a mercliant. Both his 



parents were natives of Canada, but of French 
ancestry. The family was a large one, and all 
of the sons developed a marked ability in their 
various lines of life. The Hon. J. L. Beaudry 
attained the distinguished position of mayor of 
Montreal, which position he filled for ten years, 
while the other brothers became eminent mer- 
chants and importers, the name becoming of 
great importance in the business, social and polit- 
ical world of Montreal. Prudent Beaudry was 
educated in the French schools of Canada, and 
in an English school in the city of New York. 
After some time spent in traveling in the United 
States, he became connected witii a mercantile 
house in New Orleans, where he remained two 
years. In 1842 he began business on his own 
account, in partnership with a brother in the city 
of Montreal. Though still quite young, he vis- 
ited England and Scotland for the purpose of 
purchasing goods, in which he was quite success- 
ful; and after carrying on a large business till 
1850, he sold out his interest to one of his broth- 
ers, and turned his face westward, determined 
to identify his future with that of this Western 
land of gold. In San Francisco he met his 
brother Victor, who had come to California in 
1849, and who was engaged in a very profitable 
commission and shipping business. Business 
conditions were at that time very changeable in 
San Francisco, and the two brothers decided to 
go into a general mercantile business. Prudent 
embarking his whole capital, amounting to 
$26,000, in the venture. The Nicaragua Canal, 
still unbuilt, was even then much discussed, and 
Victor, attracted by this new field of enterprise, 
sold his interest in the business to Prudent, and 
left for Central America, Prudent continuing the 
business, and clearing in two and a half months 
$83,000, by taking advantage of the great fluctua- 
tion in prices. This was, however, all lost in a 
short time by two great fires, and by the arrival 
of several cargoes of sugar and other commodi- 
ties in which he dealt, which greatly overstocked 
the market. Some curious experiences were 
passed through by those early pioneers in busi- 
ness, and prices went to a limit that seems mar- 




^2^^>^ 



UISrORT OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



veloas ill the light of our more stable conditions. 
During the lire which destroyed his stores, Mr. 
Beaudry paid as high as $20 per load for remov- 
ing his goods, some requiring several removals 
and finally beingdestroyed. Cotton cloth was then 
a common house covering, and common tacks 
were in great demand to fasten it, and at one 
time, there being but 400 packages in stock in 
the city, they sold at $4.00 a paper at auction, 
and finally retailed at $16 a package. When the 
market became overstocked with goods, almost 
any use was made of them, and Mr. Beaudry 
walked on sidewalks on Montgomery street made 
of boxes of plug tobacco and other goods. The 
Argonauts had peculiar ways. In 1852 Mr. 
Beaudry came to Los Angeles, bringing as his 
start in the new field his whole capital, now re- 
duced to $1,100 in goods, and less than $200 in 
coin. He opened a small store in the Bauchet 
property on Main street, opposite the site now 
occupied by the Baker Block. His selections of 
goods to meet the market were made with good 
judgment, and in thirty days he had $2,000 and 
part of his stock left. After changing his li)ca'- 
tion to Commercial street and successively do- 
ing business with a partner named Brown and 
one named Le Maitre, each of whom he bought 
out, he carried on the business alone. In 1854 
Mr. Beaudry purchased the property on the cor- 
ner of Aliso and Los Angeles streets, subse- 
quently known as Beaudry Block, at a cost of 
$11,000 and after expending $25,000 in im- 
provements, he brought the rents from $300 to 
$1,000 per month. Intense application to busi- 
ness had begun to tell even upon his most ex- 
cellent physical constitution, and in 1855 he vis- 
ited Paris for the purpose of consulting the emi- 
nent oculist. Sichel, for his eyes, but with little 
or no benefit. After remaining some time in 
Europe, during which time he visited the Great 
Exposition, he returned to Montreal, where he 
remained until 1861, with occasional visits to the 
States. Returning to California, he continued 
business in the Beaudry Block till 1865, when, on 
account of serious ill-health, he retired, having 
in the last three years cle:ireil over $40,000. 



After recovering his health, Mr. Beaudry became 
interested in the Slate Range Gold and Silver 
Mining Company, which was his debtor for a 
large amount for goods furnished. This com- 
pany had a mill of thirteen stamps, twelve build- 
ings and six mines, on which it had expended 
$140,000. It was sold at sheriffs sale, and Mr. 
Beaudry bid it in. The Indians were then hos- 
tile, and some roving bands set the works on fire 
and destroyed tiiem, leaving Mr. Beaudry only 
the insurance for his compensation. Tliis real- 
ized him but $6,000; after which he let mining 
ventures severely alone. In 1867 he turned his 
attention to real estate, foreseeing a marvelous 
growth for his favorite city of Los Angeles. He 
began by buying the steep hillside of New High 
street, opposite the Pico House, at sheriff's sale, 
for $55. On this he built houses and otherwise 
improved it. He then purchased twenty acres 
bounded by Hill, Second, Fourth and Charity 
streets, for $517, which he divided into eighty 
lots and sold, realizing about $30,000. His next 
venture was the thirty-nine acres between Fourth, 
Sixth, Grand avenue and Pearl, on which he 
realized over $50,000, and the present value of 
which is hard to estimate, as it includes some of 
the finest property in the city. Mr. Beaudry 
was the first to popularize real estate and bring 
it within the reach of men of small means, by 
selling on small monthly payments. Many a 
happy home became the property of the poor 
man by means of this. Having great faith in 
the future of the hill section of the city, his con- 
stant thought was to devise some means of sup- 
plying the high hills with water. He became 
interested in the Los Angeles City Water Com- 
pany, at its organization in 1868, in company 
with Messrs. Grithn, Downey, Meyer, Lepan, 
Lazard and Mott. They first bought the fran- 
chise and works of Sansevain, who, with Mar- 
cliessault, had laid down some wooden pipes. 
Mr. Beaudry became the leading spirit of the 
new organization, and was its first president, and 
for several years a director. The company at 
once proceeded to pnrcliase and lay down twelve 
miles of iron water mains. Mr. Beaudry had 



niSTOBY OF LOS ANGELES C0UNT7. 



great faith in tlie bill portion of tlie city, and as 
the main efforts of the City Water Company 
were directed to supplying the lower portions, 
Mr. Beandry withdrew, and devoted himself to 
the perfection of a high service system, which 
would supply water to the high hills west of the 
city, then utterly barren, and now, as a result of 
this man's sagacity, nerve, and expenditure, cov- 
ered with elegant residences and business blocks, 
and forming the inost charming quarter of the 
citv. Money was then plentiful with Mr. Beau- 
dry, and he expended it like water, in grading 
streets and laying down pipes and building res- 
ervoirs and planting out parks and trees. The 
water was pumped from springs near Alameda 
street, a distance of nearly one mile, and raised 
it to an elevation of about 200 feet into res- 
ervoirs, and from there ran through distribu- 
ting pipes by gravitation. This system finally 
passed into other hands, and is now known as 
the Citizens' Water Company. In 1875 Mr. 
Beaudry joined with Hon. B. D. Wilson in an 
enterprise at San Gabriel, which promised great 
results, but, owing to the death of Mr. Wilson 
and the failnreof the Temple & Workman Bank, 
legal complications ensued, and after going twice 
to the Supreme Court, the last decision of which 
radically differed from and modified the first, 
Mr. Beaudry found that lie bad lost all his vent- 
ure, amounting to over $40,000, and a half in- 
terest in land that is now worth not less than 
$10,000,000. This decision Mr. Beaudry always 
regarded as unjust. The "Canal and Eeser- 
voir " system was inaugurated by Mr. Beaudry 
and George Hansen, with others. They brought 
water from the I^os Angeles River and con- 
structed the dam for Reservoir No. 4. In tlie 
course of his real-estate operations Mr. Beaudry 
has donated to the public at least fifty miles of 
streets and has expended for opening and grad- 
ing streets in the hill portion of the city about 
$200,000. In 1887 Mr. Beaudry purchased 
the land on the west side of New High street, 
which was then a hill fifty or sixty feet high, 
and was historic ground. He demolished the 
buildings, including the old adobe that formerly 



served for a jail, and then graded the whole 
down to the level of New High street, and con 
structed a retaining wall 565 feet long and fifty 
feet bigh,ata cost of about $100,000. From 1873 
to 1875 Mr. Beaudry served the city as coun- 
cilman, and in December, 1875, entered the con- 
test for the mayoralty. After a sharp campaign, 
he was elected. There werefour candidates, and 
Mr. Beaudry received ninety votes more than 
all the other three put together. It was a transi- 
tion period for Los Angeles, and the sei'vices of 
just such a clear-headed, energetic and incor- 
ruptible man as Mr. Beaudry were needed to 
guide the struggling youjig city through the 
difficulties of changing from a Spanish Ameri- 
can town to the proud position of being the 
commercial and political rival of San Francisco. 
Many were the schemes projected whereby the 
rich resources of the town would be used for the 
advancement of the materia] interests of some 
of the many incipient boodlers that abounded, 
and who found in Mr. Beaudry a barrier to 
their free access to the municipal treasure box 
"that was not at all to their liking. During his 
administration many important Bteps in the 
progress of the city were made, and it was this 
term also that witnessed the culmination of the 
hopes of the yonng city for direct rail connec- 
tion with the outside world, and Mr. Beaudry 
officiated on behalf of the city with Messrs. 
Crocker, Stanford, Colton and Towne, of the 
Southern Pacific Company, in perfecting this 
bond of union, by driving near Tehachepi the 
golden spike that completed the railroad from 
San Francisco to Los Angeles. The occasion 
was commemorated by a grand banquet, at which 
Mayor Beaudry presided, and at which the visit- 
ing railroad magnates were suitably entertained. 
In 1886 Mr. Beaudry and his brother Victor, 
who had returned to Los Angeles, started the 
Temple Street Cable Road, and built one and a 
half miles. The road proved quite successful, 
and in 1888 and 1889 the road was extended to 
the city limits and double tracked from Spring 
street to Union avenue. A temperate life, backed 
by an excellent constitution, has enabled the 



HISTORY OF LOS ASGELE6 VOUNTY. 



subject of this sketcli to undergo the great strain 
of an active business life since boyhood, with 
little deterioration of energy and activity, and he 
still gives a personal attention to his large busi- 
ness interests, and still remains a large factor in 
the material advancement of this city. The 
brother, Victor Beaudry, heretofore mentioned, 
was for a long time a resident of Los Angeles. 
Coming to California in 1849, and to Los Angeles 
in 1855, he, with others, turned the waters of tlie 
San Grabrlel River for mining purposes. After 
spending some time In Los Angeles, with vary- 
ing fortunes, he was, in 1861, made Sutler of 
the First Regiment of Infantry, United States 
regular army, and went East to the seat of 
war, and was with the army till the close of the 
war, suffering many hardslilps which greatly im- 
paired his health. Officers of the army who had 
become warm friends of his were afterward sta- 
tioned at Camp Independence, Inyo County, Cal- 
ifornia, and they invited him to open a store at 
that point. This he did, and later acquired in- 
terests In the Cerro Gordo Mines, wlilcli he 
worked, in company with Mr. M. W. Belshaw, 
with great success. The product In base bullion 
was for years hauled 200 miles to San Pedro for 
sliipment to San Francisco, the output being for 
many years about 5,000,000 pounds per annum. 
It required a force of 400 mules to transport the 
bullion and supplies to and from the camp. The 
late Remle Nadeau, the builder of the Nadeau 
Hotel, was the manager of this portion of the 
business. The extensive business thus devel- 
oped stimulated the project of constructing the 
Los Angeles & Independence Railroad. After 
the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad 
to Mojave, the bullion was hauled to that point 
for shipment. In 1872 Mr. Victor Beaudry re- 
turned to Montreal, where he was married dur- 
ing the following year to a daughter of M. Le- 
blanc. Sheriff of Montreal. The result of this 
union was five children, now residing wltli their 
inotiier in Montreal, where Victor died in 18S8, 
having resldeil in i.o.s Angeles from 1881 to 



1886, where he 



Mlt, 1). 



lany • 



ith his brother 



1 forested in real estate. The 



other brothers meantime were passing lives full 
of interest and far removed from the common- 
place. The Honorable Jean Louis Beaudry was 
a self-made man in the broadest sense of the 
word. Having left his village at the age of 
fourteen, he commenced his career as a clerk In 
a dry-goods store, a position which he held both 
in Montreal and Merrlcksville, Upper Canada, 
for eleven years. He was full of life and activ- 
ity; his fiery patriotism could not remain indif- 
ferent to the dramatic events which characterized 
the politics of that period. As early as 1827 he 
signed the famous petition against the contem- 
plated union of Lower and Upper Canada, now 
Ontario and Quebec Provinces. Five years later 
he was thrown out of employment for the active 
part he had taken in the election of the celebrated 
French leader, Paplneau, during which three of 
Mr. Beaudry's countrymen lost their lives in 
bloody encounters with the enemy. This act of 
injustice and Interference with his freedom as a 
citizen eventually led to his success in life. He 
went immediately into partnership with his 
brother, Jean Baptiste, who had followed him 
to Montreal. During fifteen years they carried 
on an extensive dry-goods business. Together 
with three other rich firms of Montreal, they were 
the first French-Canadian merchants who ever 
imported their goods from Europe. During the 
interval Mr. Beaudry crossed the Atlantic twelve 
times, and formed a solid and lasting basis for the 
large fortune he leftto his children. All this, how- 
ever, did not divert the young patriot from the 
interest he took in the destiny of his country. 
The stormy events of 1837 were at hand, and 
Jean Louis Beaudry went body and soul into the 
revolutionary movement. He had been chosen 
vice-president of the " Sons of Liberty," and i t was 
In his own house that the manifesto which made 
this association conspicuous in Canadian history 
was signed. On the 6th of November an open 
fight took place in the streets of Montreal, the 
Sons of Liberty being attacked by a Tory organ- 
ization, called the Doric Club. The latter were 
promptly dispersed, but Mr. Beaudry was ar- 
rested. His arrest, however, hai! no elfcct up..n 



uisTonr OF los anoeles county. 



him, tbi-, having recovered liis liberty on his own 
bail, he more than ever gave vent to his anti- 
British sentiments; so that, after the defeat of 
the Patriots at St. Charles and St. Eustache, he 
had to cross the borders with the principal lead- 
ers of the insurrection, and took refuge in the 
United States. The next year the attempt at 
independence broke out anew. During seven 
months Mr. Beaudry had been actively engaged 
in preparing for the new struggle, and when the 
American Government thought proper to put a 
stop to a movement organized against a foreign 
country, within the limits of its jurisdiction, the 
future mayor of Montreal was actually march- 
ing against that city with a supply of 43,000 
cartridges he had himself manufactured at Mont- 
pelier. After the general amnesty which fol- 
lowed the union of the two provinces of Canada, 
Mr. Beaudry returned to his native land and re- 
sumed his business. Twice he was a candidate 
for parliamentary honors in the city of Montreal, 
in 1854 and 1858. He, however, was defeated 
in both instances, his opponents being the fa- 
mous Darcy McGee, and Sir A. A. Dorion, who 
became later on Chief Justice of the Court of 
Queen's Bench, after having held the portfolio 
of Prime Minister. In 1862 Mr. Beaudry was 
elected mayor of Montreal against the Ilotiora- 
ble Mr. Bodier, who became afterward his col- 
league in the Legislative Council of the Province 
of Quebec. The ne.xt year he was returned by 
acclamation for another term. In 1864 he was 
returned again in spite of a strong opposition 
on tlie part of Mr. Doherty, now a judge of the 
Superior Court of Canada. The following year 
he was once more elected by acclamation, and 
after having served a fourth term, he voluntarily 
retired and was appointed to a seat in the Leg- 
islative Council of the Province. In the mean- 
while Mr. Beaudry had been busily engaged in 
forwarding the commercial development and 
general progress of the Canadian metropolis. 
He took the lead in several iinancial enterprises 
of great importance, and in particular was a 
founder of the well-known Jacques Cartier Bank. 
In 1877 his reputation as an able business man 



was such that the citizens of Montreal thought 
they could not adopt a better means of restoring 
the low condition of the city budget than to call 
him back to the civic chair. Such also was the 
success of liis administration "that the next year 
he was re elected unanimously. His defeat by 
a small majority in 1879 was purely accidental, 
and in 1881 Montreal assumed again her alle- 
giance to her old favorite mayor, who once more 
remained in ofBce for three consecutive years. 
No one had ever before held for so long a period 
this high and responsible position. As a man, 
Mr. Beaudry was remarkable, conscientious, en- 
ergetic and plucky. This last quality he exhib- 
ited particularly in the conflict which arose in 
Montreal on the 12th of July, 1877, between the 
Irish Catholics and the Orangemen, when the 
old gentleman faced the mob like a young hero 
and won the day through his wonderful coolness 
and intrepidity. Since 1864 he wore the cross 
of St. Olaf, a Swede and Norwegian order. The 
Honorable Joseph Ubaid Beaudry, a cousin of 
Prudent and Victor, attained very high rank in 
the legal and political world of Canada, and has 
left the imprint of his genius on the laws of that 
country. He early applied himself to the study 
of the law, and in the year 1838 was admitted 
to the practice of the profession. Almost im- 
mediately afterward he was appointed clerk of 
a court which has been abolished since, and 
which was then called the Cour des Requetes. 
Al'ter quitting this office, held at St. Hyacinthe, 
he returned to Montreal and practiced his pro- 
fession with brilliant success until 1850. On the 
12th of April of that year, Mr. Beaudry was ap- 
pointed clerk to the Court of Queen's Bench, in 
Apjieal and Error. In 1855 he also acted as a 
clerk of the S;ignorial Court. In 1859, when the 
commission forthecoditication of the Lower Can- 
ada laws was appointed, Mr. Beaudry was named 
to the office of joint secretary with Honorable Mr. 
Ramsay, who also died a judge of the Superior 
Court. How well he discharged the duties of that 
important position may be inferred from the fact 
that on the death of Honorable Justice Morin, 
in 1865, Mr. Beaudry was at once appointed to 



IIISTORT OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



replace hitn on the comiiiission. The Lower 
Canada code of civil procedure is generally un- 
derstood to have been largely, if not solely, his 
work. The performance of these high and re- 
sponsible duties naturally marked Mr. Beaudry 
out for judicial preferment, and in December, 
1868, having resigned his office as clerk of ap- 
peals, he was appointed judge of the Superior 
Court, which position he continued to hold up 
to the time of his death, in a manner that could 
not be more highly creditable to his ability and 
integrity. He was reputed as an exceedingly 
conscientious man, who ]irepared every judg- 
ment and order with as much deliberation and 
care as if he were writing a legal treatise. In 
spite of the numerous occupations of his profes- 
sional career. Judge Beaudry gave evidence on 
many occasions of his inclination for literary 
work. As early as 1845 he was a contributor 
to the Revue de Le<jislation et Je Jurispru- 
dence. In 1851, when the Lower Canada Law 
Reports were commenced, he soon became the 
principal editor of this important publication, 
and continued to contribute to it until it came 
to a close. Mr. Beaudry was at one time vice- 
president of the Montreal Historical Society, 
while the celebrated Institut Canadien counted 
him as one of its founders. As legal adviser of 
the Seminary of Montreal, he prepared an 
elaborate factum in reference to the difficulties 
which arose between the ecclesiastical authori- 
ties in connection with the erection of new 
parishes, and he went to Rome as counsel for 
the seminary in the same matter. His princi- 
pal work, however, next to his codification 
labors, was his Code des Cures et Margwilliers, 
a volume of great merit, which has received 
much commendation in various quarters. Out- 
side of the professional and judicial achieve- 
ments of Mr. Beaudry, it is unnecessary to go 
in this notice. It may be mentioned, however, 
that he was a member of the city council of 
Montreal during 1847, 1848 and 1849, and in 
the following year was one of the six aldermen 
of that city. Justice Beaudry married a cousin, 
the daughter of Mr. V. J. Beaudry, of Mon- 



treal, by whom he had five children, three sous 
and two daughters. The eldest, the late Ubald 
Beaudry, held the office of Prothonotary of the 
Superior Court of Beauharnois, and was well 
known for his contributions to literary reviews 
and journals. The second son is a civil en- 
gineer. No citizen in Montreal has ever left 
among his countrymen a more respected name 
and a more unblotted record than that left by 
the gentleman who is the object of this con- 
densed biography. The very imperfect outline 
above given stamps these men as having sprung 
from an excellent stock, morally and mentally. 
When in the course of their eventful careers 
occasion has called for ])atriots and heroes, they 
have not been found wanting. In the face of 
disaster and loss they have uniformly displayed 
characteristic courage and resource, winning 
from defeat, many times, success that would 
have seemed phenomenal even under favorable 
conditions. Prudent Beaudry, in particular, 
has the record of having made in different lines 
five large fortunes, four of which, through the 
act of God, or by the duplicity of man, in 
whom he had trusted, have been lost; but even 
then he was not discouraged, but faced the 
world, even at an advanced age, like a lion at 
bay, and his reward he now enjoys in the shape 
of a large and assured fortune. Of such stuff 
are the men who fill great places, and who de- 
velop and make a country. To such men we 
of this later day owe much of the beauty and 
comfort that surround us, and to such we should 
look with admiration as models upon which to 
form rules of action in trying times. 



W^ILTON BROWN.— Among the repre- 
sentative men of Los Angeles County, 
few are more justly entitled to honor- 
able mention in a work of this character than 
is the gentleman whose name stands at the head 
of this article. Although a resident of this 
county only since 1883, he is one of the pio- 
neers of California, having coino to the State as 



HIHTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



early as 1854. Mr. Brown is pleasantly located 
on a farm near Long Beach. He was born in 
1821, is a native of Kentucky, and the son of 
Larkin and Perinelia (Bales) Brown, natives of 
Virginia and Kentucky respectively, the father 
being. of Scotcli and the mother of English 
origin. Mr. Brown may be said to have come 
from a pioneer family, his paternal grandfather 
having been a pioneer of the State of Virginia, 
and his father having moved from that State to 
Kentucky, and from there to Morgan County, 
Illinois, where he died in 1830. His mother 
died in Kansas in 1857. Mr. Brown has been 
a farmer and stock-raiser since he was thirteen 
years of age. He first engaged in farming in 
Morgan County, Illinois. In 1849 he went to 
St. Joe, Missouri, where he remained two years, 
lie went to Oregon in 1852, and two years later, 
in 1854, as already stated, he came to Califor- 
nia. In 1842 Mr. Brown was married to Cla- 
rissa Jane Wing, by whom he had five children: 
Leanen, John M., Milton L., Clarissa Jane, and 
Adaline. The mother of these children died 
December 23, 1873, and Mr. Brown subse- 
quently chose for a second companion Mrs. 
Elizabeth Porter, the widow of Henry Porter, 
who was killed in the battle of Big Shantys, 
Georgia. This lady was married first to James 
Smith, by whom she had two children: Agnes 
and Fred. Mrs. Brown was born in Scotland, 
March 13, 1833, and is the daughter of Robert 
and Ellen Wood, who came to America when 
she was only six weeks old. 



fOLONEL MICHAEL BROPHY, living 
near Newliall, Los Angeles County, Califor 
nia,is,in the truest sense, a pioneer. He was 
horn in Queen's County, Ireland, in 1822, and 
is a son of Patrick and Mary Brophy. He 
came to America in 1840, and in 1846 enlisted 
as a soldier in the Mexican war. As a non- 
commissioned officer he led the attack on 
Cherubusco, there received eleven wounds, was 
left on the field for dead, and was so reported 



for weeks. After a long and painful confine- 
ment he recovered, and in 1848 went to St. 
Louis. From there he went to Minnesota, and 
was one of the pioneers of that State. The fol- 
lowing quotation from a work published there 
several years ago, shows in what esteem he was 
held by the historian. He says: "Michael 
Brophy lived in this beautiful region of wood- 
land, prairie and charming lakes, and, like 
Blennerhasset, dwelt alone with his lovely wife, 
away from the noise and bustle of the rising 
towns, and through his obliging manners, and 
his readiness in conducting strangers through 
the country, has' been a prime factor in its 
building up and development." In 1852 he 
turned his face toward the setting sun, and after 
a tedious journey across the plains he arrived in 
Tuolumne County, and for several years gave 
his attention to mining, and while there was 
made president of the Miners' Committee. He 
was also Lieutenant in the State militia. In 
1857 he received a position in the United 
States Custom House in San Francisco, which 
he filled till 1861, when he again " shouldered 
his musket" in defense of his country. He en- 
listed in Company^ B, Second California Volun- 
teers, as Sergeant, and served till the declara- ■ 
tion of peace in 1865, when he settled in Santa 
Barbara County. Here he remained until 1868, 
at which time he became one of the pioneers of 
this beautiful county. His first purchase was 
160 acres of land, situated three miles south- 
west of Newhall, to which he has since added 
forty acres, as well as several mining claims. 
Here in his cozy home, near the summit of the 
Sierra Madres, amid the ripphng of mountain 
streams, and the shade of the evergreen oaks, 
the stranger is met with a welcome and cordial- 
ity which none but the truest patriot and the 
noblest heart can give. Mr. Brophy has a vast 
store of information, and his recollection of in- 
teresting events would itself make a volume. 
He has been twice married, first in St. Louis, in 
1848, to Miss Mary McCartney. This lady was 
born in New Haven, Connecticut, and by her he 
had two sons: W. A., whose sketch appears 



UISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



elsewhere in this work; and F. M. Brophy, of 
Los Angeles. Mrs Brophj died in 1875. In 
1879 Mr. Brophv married Mrs. Katie Schiller, 
a native of Ireland. By Iier first husband she 
liad two daughters: Katie and Mamie. 



fOHN BxVNGLE.— There is not in Los An- 
geles County, perhaps, a man more re- 
spected by his neighbors than he whose 
name stands at the head of this biographical 
notice; and no one has done more, in a luiinble 
way, for the improvement of the industrial re- 
sources of the neighborhood than he. To him 
the people of this valley are indebted for the 
vast improvement made in the cultivation of 
the English walnut. He has sought for and 
obtained the early kind of English walnut that 
bears in half the time of the old kind of wal- 
nuts. Where the old hard-shells are from ten to 
twelve years beginning to bear, the early soft- 
shells will bear in from five to six years. On 
his well-imjiroved farm lie now has at least six 
different varieties of this choice fruit, and on 
his farm may be seen all kinds of small fruits, 
such as blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, 
etc., and an orchard of the very best varieties 
of oranges. Mr. Bangle came to the county a 
poor man, and by his industry, honesty, and 
economy, he, with his excellent wife, has made 
a pleasant home, on which rests the smile and 
blessing of Providence, and where all are met 
with a hearty welcome. He is a native of 
Cabarrus County, North Carolina, was born 
November 14, 1816, and is a son of Henry and 
Catharine (Freizland) Bangle, both natives of 
North Carolina, and of German origin. Mr. 
Bangle was married, in his native State, in 
February, 1838, to Christina Barringer, by 
whom he had one son, Alfred, who is now re- 
siding in Texas. After the death of his wife, 
which occurred in 1841, he married Mary A. 
Miller, by whom he had nine children, four of 
whom arc still living. This lady died in 1859, 
and Aju-il 26, 1862. he again entered the ranks 



of the Benedicts, choosing this time for his 
bride Miss Mary L. Buchanan. This lady is a 
native of La Fayette County, Mississippi, and 
the daughter of Obadiah and Eliza (Hunt)' 
Buchanan, of Kentucky and Alabama respect- 
ively. Eliza Hunt was the daughter of John 
Hunt, and her mother's maiden name was 
Clement, a daughter of Zephaniah Clement, 
whose father was cast on an island on 
his way from Europe to America, and his 
tongue was split by the natives because they 
could not understand him. He was a pioneer 
of Virginia, and a rich man. The Hunts were 
from Scotland, and were also wealthy planters 
in Virginia, and neighbors to the Clements. 
John Buchanan was a soldier in the Eevolu- 
tionary war. tlis wife's maiden name was 
Jane Edwards, and her mother's name was 
Sarah Smitli, from Ireland. Mr. Bangle was 
engaged in farming and also kept a store in 
Mississippi, near Oxford, until he came to Cal- 
ifornia. He is the father of twenty-six chil- 
dren, fifteen of whom are living. By his 
present wife he has the following: Eugenia A., 
wife of T. T. Hooper; D. V. Bangle; Mary E., 
wife of Richard Throop; Alonzo L., Beulah 
A., Adelbert T., Esther E., Paifus P., Eric T. 
and Galahorn E. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bangle 
are consistent members of the Holiness Church 
at Downey. Politically, he is a strong sup- 
porter of the Prohibition party, heartily en- 
dorsing by precept and example the principles 
which it teaches, and he favors every enterprise 
which has for its object the public good. 



A. BPtOPHY is a native of the Golden 
State, and was born in Tuolumne 

' County, in December, 1854. He is 
the elder son of Michael and Mary (McCartney) 
Brophy. Mr. Brophy is yet a very young 
man, but has been prominently connected with 
the affairs of the count}', having served for two 
years as deputy-sheriflf under Major Mitchell, 



has been constable of Newl 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNT T. 



for a number of years has been correspondent 
of the Los Angeles and San Frahcisco papers. 
He is a man well informed on all general sub- 
jects and especially in subjects historical. The 
following quotation from a " Historical Lecture" 
prepared by himself and delivered in several 
different places shows that he has given close 
and creditable attention to the subject. He 
says: "The fact that the first gold delivered in 
California was discovered near the present town 
of Newhall is not generally known, but the old 
archives of Los Angeles prove this to be a fact. 
The record shows that gold was discovered on 
the San Francisco Ranch in 1841, seven years 
before Marshall made his discovery at Coloma, 
and considerable gold was received at the United 
States Mint at Philadelphia from here in 1842. 
Envy of the wealth of California missions 
tempted certain individuals to demand that they 
be turned into villages, and all authority taken 
from the missionaries and be vested in the civil 
power; and from that date the missions began 
to decline in prosperity and the Indians to dis- 
perse. To-day there is only a miserable rem- 
nant of them left in the land." Mr. Brophy is 
developing a coal mine on his 200-acre tract 
near the town of Newhall, which will, no doubt, 
prove to be a profitable industry. Socially, Mr. 
Brophy is a member of the I. O. O. F., and 
also uf the N. S. G. W. 



tL. BALL. — This county has not, perhaps, 
a more successful young man than is he 
* whose name stands at the head of this 
sketch. He came to California with no capital 
save an abundance of energy and a determina- 
tion to succeed, and soon obtained employment 
on Alamitus Ranch at $25 a month. Later he 
wasemployed by the Anaheim Lighter Company, 
delivering grain to steamers at Anaheim Land- 
ing, after which he was engaged by the South- 
ern Pacific Railroad Company for five years, 
first as fireman and afterward as engineer. He 
then engaged in business for himself, in part- 



nership with his brother, W. F. Ball, now the 
owner of a cigar stand and billiard hall, corner 
of Spring and First streets, Los Angeles. 
Three years ago Mr. Ball and brother purchased 
seventy-one acres of land one-half mile north- 
east of Downey. On this farm they have 
planted out thirty-five acres of English wal- 
nuts, which yield from $250 tu §300 per acre. 
He lias also four acres of oranges and lemons, 
four acres of Winter Nellis pears, and twenty 
acres of alfalfa. In partnership with his brother 
and T. Woods he owns 100 acres of land a mile 
and a half north of Downey, forty-five acres of 
which are in walnuts, and the rest is devoted to 
corn and alfalfa. All that Mr. Ball owns he 
has the satisfaction of knowing that he has 
made himself in the thirteen years that he has 
been in California, and he is justly proud of 
the success he has achieved in that time. He 
is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Williams- 
port, in 1853, and is a son of Joseph and Ma- 
tilda Ball, natives of Pennsylvania and Ger- 
many respectively. He was married in 1884 
to Miss Birdella Lefliler, of Illinois, but later of 
Los Angeles. They have been blessed with a 
son, Albert, and two daughters, Myda and Lucy. 



fOHN KEIR, farmer near Artesia, was born 
in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1837, of Scotch 
parents, Walter and Catharine (Mclntire) 
Keir. His father, a seafaring man, died in 
January, 1842; his mother died in 1884. They 
had six children, of whom John was the fourth. 
Learning the carpenter's trade, he followed this 
vocation in Scotland, England and the United 
States. He came to America in 1867, worked 
a few months in Cincinnati, then for a short 
time in Leavenworth, Kansas, and then in 
Wichita, that State, near which place he pre- 
empted a quarter-section of land. He came to 
the coast in 1874, spent a year in San Fran- 
cisco and Santa Clara, next a short time in 
Ventura County, and finally came to this county. 
He sold his place in Kansas in 1881. He owns 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



eighty acres of very good land two miles south- 
west of Artesia, where he is recognized by liis 
neighbors as an exceptionally honest man. He 
is an earnest and conscientious worker in the 
"Holiness" Church, and as a Christian his lite 
is exemplary. Mr. Keir has been twice mar- 
ried. December 31, 1863, he wedded Miss 
Mary Stevenson, a native also of Scotland and 
daughter of William and Mary (Wood) Steven- 
son. Their eldest son, Walter, died at Leaven- 
worth in 1869. She died at Wichita in 1873, 
leaving four children: William S., Mary W., 
John D. and Catharine McI. In 1876 he mar- 
ried Miss Harriet, daughter of John and 
Frances (Annsley) Neill, and a native of County 
Armagh, Ireland, as were also her parents. 
Her father, however, was of Scotch ancestry and 
her mother of Etiglish. Her mother reared a 
family of six children, five by a former mar- 
riage. Both her parents are buried in the 
country of their nativity. Mrs. Keir came to 
America in 1875. The three childi-en by this 
marriage are: Walter, Fannie A. and Maggie. 

fHARLES M. BELL was born in El 
Monte, Los Angeles County, California, 
February 22, 1862. His parents were 
William C. and Rebecca A. (Fears) Bell (whose 
history will be found in this volume). Mr. 
Bell's life thus far bas been spent in his native 
place, and his education was obtained in the 
public schools. Early in life he entered the 
general merchandise store of L. Melzer at El 
Monte, as clerk. He was with him for about 
four years and then entered the employ of 
Thomas McLain, in the same capacity, and was 
with him for five years. During these years 
young Bell worked bard, attending school as 
opportunity afforded, and became a thorough 
master of his business, as a general merchandise 
dealer. In 1882 he formed a partnership with 
John T. Iladdox, under the firm name of Bell 
& Iladdox, and established a store in El Monte. 
This enterprise was successfully conducted until 



1885, when Mr. Haddox sold his interest in the 
business to Mr. Langstadter. Since that date 
the business has been conducted under the firm 
name of Bell & Langstadter. They have one of 
the best appointed stores to be found in their 
section, carrying a stock that their long experi- 
ence has taught will best meet the demands of 
their patrons. They are also dealing in real 
estate and have the agencies for some of the 
well-known and most reliable insurance compa- 
nies doing business in the county. Mr. Bell 
has been successful in his enterprises and this 
result has been secured by a thorough knowl- 
edge of his business, combined with a straight- 
forward dealing that has gained the respect of 
the community in which he has spent his life. 
He is a progressive citizen, taking an interest 
in the development of his section, and is a strong 
believer in the future prosperity of the San Ga- 
briel Valley. In political matters he is a Demo- 
crat, and a worker in the ranks of his party. 
He has served several times as a delegate in the 
county conventions, and is now a member of 
the Los Angeles County Democratic Committee. 
He is a member and Master of Lexington 
Lodge, No. lOlr, F. & A. M., of El Monte. In 
1885 Mr. Bell married Miss Sallie li. Kim bell, 
a native of California. Mrs. Bell's parents 
were Albert G. and Sarah C. (Gleaves) Kimbell, 
natives of Tennessee, who came to California in 
1851. They are now residing in Los Angeles 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have one child, 
Mary G. 



ILLIAM C. BADEAU.— Among the 
men who have been identified with the 
building up of Monrovia is the subject 
of this sketch. He came to California in April, 
1882, and located in Los Angeles, where he re- 
mained until the next year. He then moved to 
Duarte and purchased twenty acres of wild and 
uncultivated land, about one mile west of the 
postoffice, and engaged in horticultural pursuits, 
planting citrus and deciduous fruits and build- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ing up one of the representative places of that 
section. In April, 1887, Mr. Badeau sold that 
place and took up his residence in Monrovia. 
There he purchased iive acres of land on the 
north side of Banana avenue, and also several 
business and residence lots in the city. The 
well-known Badeau Block, on the corner of 
Myrtle and Orange avenues, was erected by 
him in that year, and was among the first busi- 
ness blocks built in the city. He was also in- 
terested in the street railroads, and one of the 
original stockholders of the Rapid Transit Rail- 
road, and the two city horse railroads. The 
subject of this sketch was born in Troy, New 
York, in 1827, and is a descendant of an old 
French family. His great-grandfather was a 
Huguenot emigrant from France in the Colo- 
nial days. His grandfather was a soldier in the 
war of the Revolution, and his father, Daniel 
Badeau, a native of Troy, was a veteran of 
the war of 1812. His mother, Gloranah H. 
Young, was also a native of New York and 
from one of the old families of that State. Mr. 
Badeau was reared and educated in his native 
city until about fifteen years old. He then en- 
tered life as a clerk, and at the age of nineteen 
years established a drug store in Troy. He was 
engaged in the drug business in that city for 
many years, ranking high in business circles, 
and also taking a somewhat active part in the 
city government, holding the ofKce of alder- 
man for several years. In 1863, desirous of 
enlarging his business, he located at Chicago, 
Illinois, where he conducted a wholesale drug 
store until 1882. In that year he came to Cali- 
fornia. Since locating at Monrovia, Mr. Badeau 
has taken a prominent part in advancing the de- 
velopment and interests of that place. He is a 
Republican in politics, but a supporter of the 
principles of the Prohibition party. He is in- 
terested in churches and educational matters; is 
a trustee of the Monrovia School District, and 
a deacon in the Baptist Church. He is a Royal 
Arch Mason and a member of King Solomon's 
Primative Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., of Troy, 
New York, and also a member of Monrovia 



Lodge, No. 330, I. O. O. F. In 1853 Mr. Ba- 
deau married Miss Catherine M. Goodman. 
She died at Los Angeles, September 23, 1882, 
leaving one child, Stella S. In 1887 he mar- 
ried Miss Racliael O. Matthewson. 

ILBUR F. BOARDMAN, the subject 
of this sketch, is the enterprising pro- 
prietor and manager of the Sierra Vista 
Hotel at Sierra Madre. Mr. Boardnian took 
charge of this hotel and opened it to the public 
in August, 1888, and by conducting it in a 
thoroughly first-class manner has gained for his 
hotel a reputation excelled by none in the San 
Gabriel Valley. This house is located on Mark- 
ham avenue, north of Central avenue, upon high 
lands at the base of the foot-hills of the Sierra 
Madre Mountains, affording a magnificent view 
of the San Gabriel Valley, and to the sea. The 
appointments and furnishing of the Sierra Vista 
Hotel are unexcelled for comfort and even lux- 
ury. It has accommodations for thirty-five 
guests, and the popularity of the hotel and its 
genial host is attested by the fact that -even in 
the dullest of seasons its rooms are filled. Mr. 
Boardman also furnishes his guests with hack 
and livery accommodations. Mr. Boardman is 
a native of Ontario County, New York, born in 
1858. His father, Henry N. Boardman, is a 
native of New York and a prominent man of 
that county, and one of the leading and best 
known agriculturists of Western New York. 
His mother, iiee Christina H. Raplee, is also a 
native of New York. The subject of this sketch 



was reared 



ipon 



his father's farm, attending the 



public schools until eighteen years of age, when 
he entered upon a course of study at the Syra- 
cuse University. After graduating at that in- 
stitution he entered into mercantile pursuits and 
took the agency for somepf the large manufact- 
urers in Western New York. In following this 
business he came to California in 1886 and lo- 
cated in San Francisco, where he remained for 
about fourteen months. He then came to Los 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Angeles County and was employed by E. J. 
Baldwin upon the Santa Anita Ranch, as mana- 
ger of his store. He remained in that employ 
until he entered upon his present occupation. 
He is a man of trained business habits, which 
he has successfully applied to the management 
of his hotel. Being of an active and energetic 
disposition, he exercises a personal supervision 
over all the details of the establishment, so that it 
is bound to secure him the same success that he 
has gained in other enterprises. Mr. Boardmaii 
takes an interest in the politics of his county, 
and in 1888 was a delegate to the Democratic 
County Convention. In 1888 Mr. Boardman 
was united in marriage, at San Francisco, with 
Miss Lillie F. Townsend, the daughter of Mr. 
George Townsend, a well-known resident of 
Greenwood, El Dorado County. 



fllAKLES W. BROWN, M. D.— Among 
the representative professional men of the 
prosperous and progressive city of Pomona 
stands the subject of this sketch; a brief review 
of his earlier life and advent into Los Angeles 
County is of interest in this history. Dr. Brown 
is a native of New England, who dates his birth 
in Franklin County, Maine, in 1849. He is a 
representative of one of the oldest families of the 
Pine Tree State. His parents were Elias H. 
and Hannah D. (Barnard) Brown. His father 
was a farmer, and to this calling the subject of 
tliis sketch was reared. At the same time he 
was given the advantages of a good sciiooling in 
tiie public schools, and later taking a course of 
studies in the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, Read- 
field, and the Maine Normal School at Farming- 
ton, where he prepared himself for the profession 
of teaching. At this time he also commenced 
the study of medicine and attended a course of 
lectures in the medical department of the Bow- 
doin College at Brunswick, Maine. When about 
twenty-three years of age, in 1872, Dr. Brown 
left liis native State and came to California. He 
first located in San P)ernardino County, where he 



was engaged asateaclier in the public schools at 
Riverside, San Bernardino and San Jacinto until 
1874. In that year he came to Los Angeles 
County, and for the next two years was employed 
as a teacher in Santa Ana. Desirous of com- 
pleting his medical studies and entering upon a 
profession suited to his tastes, he returned East 
in 1870, and entered upon a thorough course of 
medical study at the Bowdoin College. After 
graduating at that institution he went to New 
York, and entered the University of the City of 
New York, one of the leading medical colleges 
in the United States. Lie graduated and re 
ceived his diploma from that institution in 1878. 
Returning to his native State the Doctor com- 
menced the practice of his profession in Dexter. 
Llaving formed a strong attachment for Califor- 
nia, the Doctor, in 1880, came the second time 
to that State. After spending a few months at 
San Bernardino he determined to make the then 
small but promising town of Pomona the field 
of his future labors. Accordingly, in January, 
1881, he took up his residence there, and com- 
menced the practice of his profession, a practice, 
which steadily growing with the rapid increase 
of population in the city and country, has 
become extensive and lucrative. In 1884 he 
associated with himself in his rapidly increasing 
practice Dr. Thomas Crates, and still later, in 
1888, his brother-in-law. Dr. F.Garcelon. These 
gentlemen are located on the corner of Maine 
and Second streets, at which point they have 
one of the best appointed offices in the city. Dr. 
Brown is a strong supporter of any enterprise 
that tends to advance the interests and wel- 
fare of the city of his choice. An earnest 
supporter of schools and churches, lie is a 
member and trustee of the First Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Pomona. On political 
matters he does not feel bound to eitiier of 
the old parties, but is a strong supporter of 
the Prohibition movement. He has for manj' 
years been a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, being affiliated with the Ruel Wash- 
burne Lodge, of Livermore Fails, Maine. He 
is a charter member and the medical examiner 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



of Pomona Lodge, No. 225, A. O. U. W. In 
1879, Dr. Brown was united in marriage with 
Miss Alice Garcelon, a native of St. Albans, 
Maine, the daughter of Harris and Eliza (Davis) 
Garcelon. Mrs. Brown is descended from the 
old families of Maine, her grandfather being one 
of the pioneers of Lewiston, in that State. From 
this marriage there are two children: Alice 
Louise and Florence Gertrude. 



j^AKRY BLACKMAN, F. R. S. and F. 
IW) ^* ^'' ^•"c'^i'^sct, 11 West First street, Los 
=S(5 Angeles, was born in Poland during the 
revolutionary times, educated in a Berlin (Ger- 
many) High School and articled to an architect 
for some years; worked at the bench as a carpenter 
two or three years, according to the prevailing 
customontheContinent; then wasashipcarpenter 
on the sea four years, visiting England, Holland, 
-Russia, East Indias, America and Australia, 
where he left the ship and followed the feverish, 
nervous multitude to the gold diggings. There he 
had the good fortune to save a few thousand dol- 
lars. Returning to Berlin, he attended the lect- 
ures of the Royal Architectural Academy tor two 
years, — 1864-'66, — obtaining the gold, silver and 
bronze medals for proficiency. Sailing again for 
Australia, he worked as a draftsman for several 
architects, and after some years was engaged by 
the chief architect for the Colonial Govern- 
ment of Victoria as District Supervising Archi- 
tect. While in this department he designed 
and carried out the plans of scores of public 
buildings. Seven years afterward he was en- 
gaged by the New South Wales Government at 
Sydney to design and superintend the Inter- 
national Exposition building of 1879, called the 
"Garden Palace." Then he started in business 
for himself as an architect and met with pro- 
nounced success, designing and supervising some 
of the largest structures in Australia, among 
which we may mention those cf the Mutual 
Benevolent Society of Australia, $210,000 and 
$230,000, at Adelaide and Brisbane; Mutual 



Life Association of Australia, $1(50,000 and 
$40,000, at Sydney and Brisbane; head ofHce 
building of the Australian Joint-Stock Bank, 
$480,000, and fifteen branch ofhces for the same 
in the country, $300,000; store, warehouse, 
block of buildings and residence of Hon. John 
Frazer, M. L. C, at Sydney, total $283,000, 
besides the Exposition Buildingjust mentioned, 
$1,300,000, and many others, ranging in value 
from $18,000 up to the figures above given. In 
1886 he sold his oflice and business and left for 
Europe with the intention of retiring, on ac- 
count of failing health caused by over-work; 
but, recovering, he started again for Australia. 
Stopping, however, here in Los Angeles, and 
finding this a more equable climate, he decided 
to make this his permanent home. But before 
settling here he visited Egypt, France, Poland, 
Austria, Germany, Holland, Belgium, England, 
Canada, and all the principal cities of the United 
States, taking architectural notes and sketches. 
He is now superintending the erection of a fine 
block on Main street, from his own designs. 
He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 
1880, and Fellow of the Royal Academy in 
1882. 

fAPTAIN ALEXANDER BELL was born 
in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Jan. 
uary 9, 1801. In 1823 he went to the 
city of Mexico, and engaged in trade in differ- 
ent parts of the Republic, about nineteen years. 
He came via Guaymas and Mazatlan to San 
Pedro, California, in 1842. He followed mer- 
cantile pursuits in Los Angeles from 1842 until 
1856. He built the extensive block fronting on 
Los Angeles and Aliso streets, formerly known 
as "Bell's Row," and for many years lived in 
the upper story of the same. In 1856 Captain 
Bell was one of the Republican Presidential 
electors for California. In 1844 he married 
Dona Nieves Guirado, who still survives him. 
They had no children. During the epoch of 
the change of governments. Bell joined an 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTT. 



American military company, of which he be- 
came Captain. He was with Captain JVIervine 
in the engagement with Carrillo and Flores 
near tlie Lugo liaiich. He and his company 
went to San Diego afterward; and a portion of 
liis men re u ruing with Captain Hensley's force, 
took part in tlie affairs of "San Hartolo" and 
tiie " ^[esa." The members of his company 
wlio came up from San Diego, attached to Cap- 
tain Hensley's command, were, among others: 
V. Prudhom, H. C. Cardwell, Jose Mascarel, 
Jolm Behn, Daniel Sexton and John Keed. 
Captain Bell died July 24, 1871. In his will 
he appointed Governor J. G. Downey, S. Lazard 
and H. D. Barrows administrators of his estate. 



«W. BUCHANAN, contractor and builder, 
Pasadena, was born in Indiana, Febru- 
<* ary 15, 1852. His father, John A. 
Buchanan, a native of Pennsylvania, emigrated 
to Indiana during his boyhood and learned the 
trade of carpenter, joiner and millwright. He 
served in the Mexican war. For many years he 
was a prominent contractor in Indiana. Was 
president of the Builders Exchange. During 
the last war he held various Government posi- 
tions, and is now associated with his son in 
business. The latter attended school in his 
native State and learned his trade with his 
father, and studied architecture, but gave it up 
on account of his health, and engaged in the 
mill-supply trade; carried on the business suc- 
cessfully for six years and had a large trade. 
On account of ill health he came to California, 
and in the spring of 1885 located in Pasadena, 
engaged in contracting and building, and since 
then has been prominently identified in erecting 
some of the linest structures in Pasadena, and 
has an enviable reputation as a contractor. He 
is the president of the City Railroad Company, 
a member of the school board, and is a direc- 
tor and treasurer of the board of water com- 
missioners of North Pasadena, and is actively 
identified with all |iublic improveinents of the 



town. In 1873 Mr. Buchanan married Miss 
Delphine Robinson, a native of the city of In- 
dianapolis. They have three children: May, 
Charles Frederick and Jerome. 

- -^'m^m^^ — 

fOIlN P.LOESER, furniture manufacturer 
and upholsterer, Los Angeles, was Ijorn 
October 20, 1852, in Erie, Pennsylvania. 



e grew 



and attended school in his native 
town, and also learned his trade there. Upon 
reaching manhood in 1873, he came to Califor- 
nia, and the following year to Los Angeles. 
Here he was employed by the Los Angeles Fur- 
niture Company as foreman of the upholstery 
department. At the expiration of three years 
in this position, he was engaged by Robert 
Sharp in the furniture, npholstery and carpet 
trade. Five years afterward Mr. Bloeser dis- 
solved this relation and started the Los Angeles 
Upholstering and Mattress Factory, in which 
he has done and is doing a large and profitable 
business, employing forty hands day and night. 
He owns the property occupied by his factory, 
60x330 feet on Pearl street, running through 
to Flower street, and also other city property. 
All this accuraulatioQ of wealth is the result of 
his own industry and good management. In 
1882 Mr. Bloeser married Miss Dell Coudit, of 
Texas, and they have one son, named John. 



tANDOLPH S. BASSETT is one of the 
most active and energetic business men in 
the city of Pomona. His music store is 
on Second street, in the Johnson Block, where 
he has the largest stock of pianos, organs and 
other musical instruments to be found in South- 
ern California outside of the city of Los Ange- 
les. He is also the agent of the Domestic, White, 
New Home and Davis sewing machines. Is 
real-estate agent and dealer, personally devoting 
his time to this branch of his business. Besides 
his city trade, he is largely engaged in country 



niSrORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



business, employing a corps of energetic agents 
and five teams, whicli are constantly traveling 
through the county. Mr. Bassett was born in 
Marshall County, Illinois, in 1856. His father, 
John P. Bassett, was a native of Kentucky, and 
a contractor and architect by pj'ofession. His 
mother, Elizabetli (Reece) Bassett, was born in 
Oiiio. Mr. Bassett, after receiving a good busi- 
ness education, commenced his career as a clerk. 
Being of an ambitions temperament and desir- 
ous of improving his condition, at the age of 
eighteen years became to California and located 
at Santa Barbara. Alter clerking in a book and 
stationery store at that place for some months, 
he entered into business as a dealer in lime, 
cement and l)uilding material. He conducted 
that business until 1877, and then located in 
San Francisco, where he engaged in the furni- 
ture business, under the firm name of Bassett 
vfc MePhail, on Ellis street. In 1879 he sold 
out, and after some months, during which he 
was employed in the large furniture establish- 
ment of J. E. Davis at Sacramento, he took up 
his residence in Nevada City and there opened 
a book, stationery and music store under the 
firm name of Brand & Bassett. This business 
he conducted with success until failing health 
in 1882 compelled his seeking a more desirable 
climate, and after a trip to the Sandwich Islands 
he came to Los Angeles County and located at 
Pomona, where he entered into business, first 
as a dealer in books and stationery and then in 
musical instruments, and finally, in 1885, add- 
ing that of real-estate agent to his other enter- 
prises. Mr. Bassett is a strong believer in the 
future of this beautiful valley, and is greatly 
interested in the development of its wonderful 
resources. Much credit is due him for the time 
and means he has devoted in showing to the 
world the products of this section of Los 
Angeles County. He accompanied the first 
displays sent by his county to St. Louis, Mis- 
souri, in September, 1887; Columbus, Ohio, 
September, 1888, and other points East; and in 
February, 1888, had charge of Pomona's tine 
display of citrus and other fruits at Riverside. 



He is the owner of several orchards near the 
city, which he is devoting to oranges, French 
prunes, peaches, apricots, apples, etc. In polit- 
ical action he has long been identified with the 
Republican paity. Locally, he has been elected 
a member of the city council on the anti-saloon 
ticket. He is a member of Etna Lodge, No. 
107, Knights of Pythias, of Pomotia. He is 
one of the progressive men of his wide-awake 
city, and is snre to be found as an active worker 
in any enterprise that in his opinion will ad- 
vance the interests of the community in whicli 
he resides. In 1884 Mr. Bassett w^ united in 
marriage with Miss Nancy Camtield, the daugh- 
ter of Joshua Camfield, a native of England, 
but now a resident of Los Angeles. Mrs. Bas- 
sett was born in Indiana, but came to California 
in 1878. 



■♦£*i 



.j^. 



PARNARD & BENEDICT, Fruit Crystal- 
lizing Company, Los Angeles. Among the 
many new industries of Southern Califor- 
nia is that of the Fruit Crystallizing Company 
of Los Angeles. This company was organized 
by Messrs. Barnard & Benedict in 1886, and 
commenced business the following year. These 
gentlemen had been engaged for several years 
in making scientific experiments as to the best 
methods of crystallizing fruit, and continued 
until the formation and organization of the com- 
pany. Their process is entirely their own, the 
result of their efforts after using the various 
French methods and receipts in experimenting 
with theni, so as to successfully compete with 
cheap French labor, reducing the amount of 
labor and using only the ripe fruit; and their 
efforts in this direction have been attended with 
signal success. This is best demonstrated by 
the fact that they have a demand frotn the East- 
ern markets — New York and Chicago — for all 
of the products of their factory, their orders be- 
ing from the leading confectioners of these 
cities. Their factory is located on California 
street, and is 150 x 180 feet in dimensions, and 



UISTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



during the hnsy season they employ from fifty 
to one hundred hands. W. 11. Barnard, the 
senior men^ber of tlie firm, is a native of New- 
York State, and was born March 15, 184(1, a 
son of George and Laurana (Torrance) Barnard. 
He received liis education in liis native State, 
and in 18(i4 went to Washington, D. C, and 
enteretl tlie bank of Jay Cook & Co., remaining 
there until their failure. Then he succeeded 
Edwin L. Stanton, son of the great War Secre- 
tary, as receiver of the bank in Wasliington, at 
tlie time of his death, and wound up the afi'airs 
of the bank. Messrs. Barnard and Maynard or- 
ganized the Telephone Exchange in Washington, 
and theirs was the first contract made by the 
Bell Telephone Compiany. Mr. Barnard sold 
out his interest on account of ill health, and 
came to Southern California in 1882, and the 
following year brought his family and located in 
Los Angeles, and became interested in their 
present business, which promises an alnmdant 
success. In 1880 Mr. Barnard was united in 
marriage with Miss Lillian Parker, a native of 
the city of Boston, and daughter of the illustri- 
ous Dr. Parker, of that city. 



O. BUKR, contractor, corner of St 
Louis street and Wabash avenue, 
^ Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, is a 
native of Canada, and was born July 12, 1845. 
During boyhood he attended school and served 
an apprenticeship to his trade there. Upon 
reaching manhood he came to the United 
States and followed his trade in Illinois, and in 
Missouri at Independence and Kansas City. 
In 1866 he went to Oskaloosa, Kansas, where 
he remained until coming to Los Angeles in 
May, 1874. He was foreman on the Cathedral 
when it was being built. He afterward en- 
gaged in contracting and building. Among 
the buildings erected by him are the Congrega- 
tional church, corner of Third and Hill streets; 
the Baptist church, corner of Sixth and Fort 
streets; Harper & Keynolds's I'lock, Captain 



Thorn's Block, Asbury Methodist Episcopal 
Church, East Los Angeles; Westminister Hotel, 
Tiirn-Verein Hall, county jail, a'ld many others. 
For the past fifteen years he has been identified 
with the contracting and building interests of 
Los Angeles, and is one of the oldest in the 
business here. Mr. Burr is prominently identi- 
fied with the Masonic order; is a member of 
Philadelphia Lodge, Cygnet Chapter, Royal 
Arch Masons, Los Angeles Council, No. 11, and 
Coeur De Lion Commandery, No. 9; is a promi- 
nent member of the I. O. O. F., Golden Rule 
Lodge, No. 160; Orange Grove Encampment, ■ 
No. 31; Canton Orion, No. 12; Los Angeles 
Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and is 
also a member of the Contractors and Builders' 
Association. In 1868 Mr. Burr married Miss 
P. H. Strickland, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. 
They have one daughter, Lillie. 



fEORGE BO EH ME. —When the first 
steamer landed at Santa Monica wharf in 
1875, the subject of this sketch stepped 
ashore, and so strong was his faith in the possi- 
bilities of the place that he at once bought 
$2,000 worth of lots at the first auction. His 
mature judgment in this, as well as in other 
matters connected with the city, has proved cor- 
rect, and he has been an eye-witness to improve- 
ments that a casual observer would never have 
dreamed of. He has seen a few tents, scattered . 
along the beach, give place to a city of over 3,000 
souls; and where the wild mustard waved in the 
ocean breeze, there are now fine residences and 
happy homes, and paved streets and business 
blocks. For thirteen years Mr. Boelime has 
been one of the most active as well as the most 
successful men in the place, and by his enter- 
prise and industry has added much to the ma- 
terial advancement of the city. He was born 
in Alsace- Loraine, France, in 1829. He speaks 
and writes not only the French language, but 
also the German and English as well. He has 
afinelil)rary, and his general information ])roves 



lIlSTUUr UF LOS ANUELES COUNTY. 



bis familiarity with his books. He came to 
America in 1850, landing at J!^ew Orleans. In 
1852 he came to California and was in the 
mines for a tew months, till in 1854 he estab- 
lished himself in San Francisco as a tinner. In 
1855 he went to Saciamentoand was in the same 
business there for twenty years; he assisted at 
the laying of the corner-stone of the new State 
Capitol building, and finally received the con- 
tract lor the copper roofing of the same, over 
all competitors. Then in 1875 he came to 
Santa Monica, where he carried on his trade 
and a general hardware business till 1887, when 
he sold ont. In the year 1887 he built the 
Eoehnie Block, ccrner of Second street and Utah 
avenue. This building would be a credit to any 
city, being a fine brick structure of light-colored 
brick, 77 x 43 feet, and two stories high. Mr. 
Boehme's residence is beautifully located on 
Ocean Front and Oregon avenue, commanding 
a magnificent view of the ocean and beach. He 
owns also a great many lots in different parts of 
the city. lie has been a very successful man, 
and his name is in every way worthy to be con- 
nected with tlie place he has helped so materially 
to build up, and to be preserved witii the history 
of the county of his choice arid the land he loves 
so well. He was married in 18C0 to a lady who 
has been a helpmate to him in every sense of 
that woid. and to wlxjjn he ascribes whatever 
success he has had in the battle of life. They 
liave four children living, three sons and one 
daughter: George Charles, aged twenty-seven; 
Henry M., aged twenty-two; Eugene W., aged 
nineteen, and Adelaine, aged sixteen, the latter 
being at Notre Dame College, San Jose, and the 
three sons being engaged in business at Santa 
Monica. 

^-&-^ 

fOSEPH BAYER, importer and wholesale 
dealer in wines and liquors, No. 29 Main 
street, Los Angeles, is a native of Germany, 
and was born November 1, 1840. He emi- 
grated to America during his early boyhood. 



and after the war broke out he entered the 
army; enlisted and served in the Second United 
States Infantry, being in the service three years. 
After the war he went to St. Louis and remained 
there nntil 1870, at which time he came to 
California and settled in Los Angeles. Two 
years later he engaged in business on the corner 
of Kequina and Main streets; and, with the ex- 
ception of two years spent in Tucson, Arizona, 
has been successfully engaged in business there 
for tlie past eighteen years, dealing in imported 
and'domes-tic wines and liquors, and California 
wines and brandies. He has a large establif bed 
trade and is one of the oldest and best-known 
dealers in that line in Southern California. In 
1875 Mr. Bayer married Miss K. B. Happ, a 
native of Buffalo, New York. They have one 
son, Alfred J. 



fREDEIMCK WILLIAM BRAUN, resi- 
dent partner and manager of tlie wholesale 
drug business of F. W. Braun & Co., 
opened the first wholesale drug house in Los 
Angeles, and in Southern California, at Nos. 
127 and 129 New High street, on the 1st of 
May, 1888, with a large stock of drugs, drug- 
gists' sundries and outfitting goods for retail 
druggists. Before locating Mr. Braun visited 
many of the principal cities of the Southern 
States to determine the best point for establish- 
ing and conducting a wholesale business in that 
line of merchandise, and decided upon the 
metropolis of Southern California as ofiering 
the most promising inducements, notwithstand- 
ing the discouraging advice of some of Los 
Angeles' business men. That his choice was a 
wise one is demonstrated by the remarkable 
success of the business from the start. Being a 
thorough-going business man, and having had 
large experience in the drug trade, Mr. Braun 
assumed the aggressive, and at once became a 
formidable competitor for the trade of this por- 
tion of the Pacific Coast. His partners in New 
Orleans beincr one of the largest wholesale and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



importing drug firms in the United States, 
gives the Los Angeles house special purchasing 
advantages, enabling it to compete successfully 
in prices with any house on the coast, and be- 
fore the end of the first year was reached Mr. 
Eraun's energetic tactics, low prices and hon- 
orable methods of dealing had driven the San 
Francisco and Eastern dealers almost entirely 
from the field. lie now ships goods all over 
Southern California as far north as Tulare and 
Fresno, throughout Arizona, and into New 
Me.vico and Western Texas, and controls most 
of the wholesale trade in Los Angeles. At the 
past rate of expansion the trade of this house 
will soon reach $500,000 a year. On the 1st 
of February, 1889, their place of business was 
moved from New High street to the old post- 
office building, Nos. 287 and 289 North Main 
street, to obtain more ample and convenient 
quarters. They carry every class of goods nec- 
essary to fit up, furnish and stock a retail drug 
store, including showcases and counters. The 
house employs twenty-two persons, four of 
whom are traveling salesmen. Mr. Braun is a 
native of Peru, Illinois, where he was born in 
October, 1859. He began to learn the drug 
business in Mendota, in his boyhood, subse- 
quently taking a course in pharmacy in Chicago, 
ai\d was a drug salesman several years in that 
city. Before coming to California he carried 
on a wholesale and retail drug store in Texas 
for eight years. 



f BALLADE, a resident of Los Angeles, was 
born in France, April 6, 1839. He was 
® reared in his native country, and in 1862 
emigrated to America, and came the same year 
to the Pacific Coast. He remained in San Fran- 
cisco three years, and in 18G5 went to Santa 
Clara County where he was employed for sev- 
eral years in the quicksilver mine nea,r San Jose. 
He next went to Monterey and engaged in sheep 
raising, continuing there until 1872 when he 
came to Los .VnjTele.-i and engaged in the same 



business in this county for several years. For 
the past twelve years he has been interested in 
the grocery trade, and has carried on the busi- 
ness at tlie corner of Aliso and Alamada streets. 
Mr. Ballade was married December 9, 1869, to 
Miss Mary Marilius, a native of l^'ranee. They 
have three children: John, Mary and Antoinette. 



-^^■^^■ 



. ^ , - 



fP. BOWEN, manager of the El Dorado 
grocery at Nos. 501 and 503 South Spring 
® street, is a native of Mississippi, and was 
born in 1849. Though only in his teens when 
the struggle of the civil war came on, his edu- 
cation and surroundings inspired him with sym- 
pathy for the cause of the South, and he entered 
the Confederate array in 1863, and served nearly 
a year and half in General N. B. Forest's com- 
mand, participating in a number of hotly con- 
tested battles. Mr. Bowen says he laid down 



the rebel fiajr at the close of the war to take 



up 



the stars and stripes, and is as ready as any man 
to fight for the old flag. Soon after the war 
was over young Bowen went to Texas, and 
during most of his twenty years' residence in 
the Lone Star State was identified with the gro- 
cery trade. In December, 1873, he married 
Miss Childress, the only daughter of Dr. W. T. 
Childress, at that time a prominent citizen-mer- 
chant and banker of Sulphur Springs, Texas, 
but now a resident of Los Angeles, and the 
senior partner in the Childress Safe Deposit 
Bank of this city. In 1885 Mr. Bowen moved 
to Los Angeles and opened a grocery store 
under the above name (the Eldorado), at No. 
124 North Main street. The growth of the 
business rendered it necessary to occupy a larger 
store, and in the fall of 1887 the stock was 
moved to the location al)ove named. To accom- 
modate the large stock of staple and fancy gro - 
ceries demanded by their extensive and growing 
trade, the house uses, besides their ample store, 
the l>a8einent of the building and a warehouse 
in the rear. Under Mr. l-Jowen's etficient inan- 
airement, the history of the i)usin(!ss shows a 



HISTORY OF LOS AJ^IQBLES COUNTY. 



continuous career of prosperity. The volume 
of its trade is one of tlie largest enjoyed by any 
retail grocery in this part of the State, and 
among its regular patrons are many of the lead- 
ing families of Los Angeles City and county. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bowen have hut one child, Kita 
K., eleven years of age. 

^>^?. S ,, ; . ^. ...^ 



B. BOYCE, who is engaged in the 
law. real estate, loan and insurance 
* business on Utah avenue, Santa Mon- 
ica, California, is a native of New York, born 
in 1831. His father was a millwright by trade, 
and later in life a manufacturer. His mother 
died in New York State in 1864, after which 
his father moved to Illinois where he died in 
1873. Their two sons both received a college 
education. From the academy of Charlotteville, 
New York, under Professor Alonzo Flack, the 
subject of this sketch entered the sophomore 
class in Union ^College, New York, and gradu- 
ated at that institution in 1857, under Dr. 
Eliphalet Nott. After his graduation he went 
to Chicago, Illinois, with his brother, M. M. 
Boyce, and was admitted to practice law in the 
courts of that State, and formed a copartnership 
under the firm name of M. M. Boyce & Bro. 
The senior member of that firm died in 1874, at 
Independence, Iowa, strickei) down with paraly- 
sis, while advocating the cause of his client. 
The shock upon the subject of this sketch, then 
in rather poor health, caused him to close up all 
business of the late firm, and seek the invigor- 
ating climate of California, where a complete 
restoration to health and enjoyment of life seem 
to surround liim in the "city by the sea." He 
has recently become associated with H. S. Le- 
grand, a successful botanist and nurseryman, 
under the name of Boyce & Legrand, for the 
purpose of propagating the finest flowers and 
j)lants that are known. His green-house and 
garden, called Exotic Nursery, is a part of his 
unassuming but cozy home, on the corner of 
Third street anil California avenue; and here are 



now some of the most beautiful roses in South- 
ern California, the climate of this place being 
especially adapted to their growth and culture. 
Mr. Boyce was married in 1878 to Miss Julia 
E. Calkins, who is also a native of the Empire 
State. Mr. Boyce has served the people of 
Santa Monica as postmaster for a term of nine 
years, and for a number of years as justice of 
the peace and notary public. He was made a 
Mason in 1857 in St. George's Lodge, No. GO, 
Schenectady, New York. Mr. Boyce possesses 
the elements of a successful business man, is 
courteous,- intelligent and scholarly in his bear- 
ing, and is highly respected by all who know 



-^€ 



H-^- 



fMRI BULLIS, whose residence is located 
two and one-half miles north of Compton 
and nine miles south of the city of Los 
Angeles, is a pioneer of 1871. He is a native 
of Columbia County, New York, was born in 
1837, and is the son of Joseph J. BuUis, who 
also was a native of the Empire State, and came 
to California in 1849, where for several years he 
engaged in mining. When first coming to the 
county the subject of this sketch purchased 515 
acres of land. Some of it he has since sold and 
the rest is well improved. He is farming about 
200 acres of land in Compton Township, and he 
also owns lands and lots in difterent parts uf this 
county, and in San Bernardino County. Near 
his residence he has one of the finest artesian 
wells in Southern California. It is 333 feet 
deep and 7 inches in diameter, flowing at the 
rate of 2,700 gallons psr minute. At onetime 
it threw out a stone which weighed two pounds. 
This well was put down at a cost of over $1,000, 
and the water is perfectly pure. Before coming 
to this State Mr. Bullis served Ave years on the 
metropolitian police force in the city of New 
York. He left that city November 1, 1867, and 
landed in San Francisco, November 27, by 
steamer. Since he has made a home in this 
county he has traveled extensively in nearly all 



HISTOnr OF LOS ANGELES COUNT 7. 



the counties of the State, and in Utah, Nevada, 
Wyoming, and other States and Territories, and 
his verdict is that Los Angeles County is sur- 
passed by none in beauty of scenery, liealthful- 
ness of climate and productiveness of soil. Mr. 
Builis was married in 1859 to Miss Mary Con- 
rey, by whom lie has had three children: 
"William, now in the employ of the Wells, Fargo 
Express Company; Lily, who is still at home; 
and Frankie, who died in infancy. Socially, 
Mr. Builis is connected with the Masonic fra- 
ternity, the L O. 0. F. and A. O. U. W. His 
wife and daughter are members of the Episcopal 
Church at San Pedro. Mr. Builis is one of the 
true pioneers, and is always ready to contribute 
to the advancement of all worthy enterprises. 



^l-^-f^ 



tENKY KIRK WHITE BENT was born 
ill Weymouth, Massachusetts, October 29, 
1831. His parents were natives of Mas- 
sachusetts, but were descended from English 
ancestors. He was educated at the Williston 
Seminary of East Hampton, and at Monson 
Academy; he prepared to enter Amherst Col- 
lege, but was prevented from entering by the 
serious results of the measles on his eyesight. 
Afterward he went West and engaged in civil 
engineering in the building of the Kenosha & 
Rockford Railroad, in Wisconsin, as first assist- 
ant engineer. In 1858 he came to California, 
and worked at mining a year at French Corral, 
Nevada County. He taught school at Downie- 
ville a year and a half, after which he was 
elected county surveyor of Sierra County in 
the fall of 18G1. He pursued the profession of 
mining engineer till 18()6. He was also elected 
public administrator during his residence in 
Sierra County. Mr. Bent was a prominent and 
influential citizen. He was a member of the 
board of examiners of the public schools, 
and during the war he was chairman of the 
County Republican Committee, etc. His health 
giving way, lie wont East, and was under med- 
ical treatiiipiit in liostoii for two years, l)ut 



without much benefit. He came back to Cali- 
fornia, and in October of 1868 he came to Los 
Angeles, where he recovered his health with- 
out medicine — the climate here, in his opinion, 
doing more for hiin than all the best doctors 
could do for him in Boston. As soon as he 
could attend to business he took the agency of 
the Santa Gertrudes Land Association, and later 
he engaged in the sheep business. Mr. Bent 
took an active part in the establishment of our 
public library, in the interest of which a mass 
meeting was held; General Stoneman presided; 
the matter was discussed and referred to a com- 
mittee, consisting of Governor Downey, Bent, 
Newinark, Caswell and Brodrick, who formu- 
lated the i)lan of our present public library. 
All of this committee, with other citizens, were 
made the directors, 'and J. C. Littleiield (now 
deceased) was appointed the first librarian. Mr. 
Bent was a member of the committee that drew 
up the city charter, that for many years pre- 
ceded the charter now in force. He also was 
active in political affairs; and in 1873 he was 
appointed postmaster of Los Angeles, and 
served till 1877. His predecessor in this office 
was Captain George J. Clarke, and he was suc- 
ceeded by Colonel I. R. Dunkelberger. Mr. 
Bent has been a member and president of the 
city board of education. He was for many 
years chairman of the board of trustees of the 
First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, 
and superintendent of the Sunday-school. He 
was vice-president, and often acting-president, 
of the Southern California Horticultural Soci- 
ety for a number of years, in its early history^ 
which in its time was a very useful institution: 
it has since been merged into a State society. 
lie is a trustee of Pomona College. In 1855 
Mr. Bent married Miss Crawford, of Oakham, 
Massachusetts. The children of this union are: 
Florence, now Mrs. Halstead; Arthur S. and 
Henry S. Mrs. Bent died in 1876. Mr. Bent 
married a second wife. Miss Mattie Fairinan, in 
1878. They have two sons: Charles Edwin and 
Ernest Fairman. Mr. Bent removed to Pasa- 
dena in 18S16, where he now resides. Mr. Hunt 



nii<ronr of los AJifGELi::> county. 



is a model man in all the relations of life; he 
believes that every citizen shonld be a full- 
lleds^ed citizen, v. t'., that he should assume and 
perform. no> only the duties which he owes to 
self, but also every one of those he owes to the 
eommunity aroniul him. In a word, he is a 
man of brains and a man i>f conscience. 



fKANOIS BAKER was born in New Bed- 
ford, Massachusetts, October 28, 1828. 
His paternal ancestors for several genera- 
tions were natives of Massachusetts. His 
mother, a Greene, traced her ancestry back to 
Or. John Greene, of Salisbury, England, who 
came to America in 173t), and who, in company 
with Roger "Williams, bought Rhode Island 
tVom Miantonomi, the Indian chief; and wlio 
founded the town of Warwick in that State, 
({eneral Kathaniel Greene, of the Revolution, 
was a descendant of this same Dr. John Greene. 
Frank, the subject of this sketch, when at the 
age of sixteen, went on a whaling voyage to the 
Indian Ocean. On his return, in 18-i9, he 
shipyied round Cape Horn for California, arriv- 
ing in San Francisco in September of that year, 
lie went to the mines on the Stanislau and 
worked awhile. He came to Los Angeles in 
September of the following year. Hislifeduring 
his residence here of nearly thirty-eight years 
has been a stirring one, and would prove very 
interesting if recounted in detail. As under- 
sheriff, etc., in early times, he came in contact 
with some pretty rough characters. Being a 
man of unflinching nerve, he was always a most 
valuable officer. In 1857 he was a deputy of 
Sheriff Getman, and shot down the desperado, 
Reed, who killed Getman January 8, 1858, at 
the foot of Negro alle}'. In the enconnter, 
Baker had five holes made in his clothes by 
Reed's shots before the latter was killed. From 
1868 to 1870 he was a deputy under City Mar- 
shal William C. Warren, who was killed by Joe 
Dye, in November of the latter year; and in the 
succeeding December election he was elected 



city marshal and tax collector for the two fol- 
lowing years. In 1855 Mr. Baker clerked 
awhile with N. A. Potter, who had the first 
legular hardware store here. Mr. Rotter, who 
was for many years one of Los Angeles' best 
and most influential citizens, was a native of 
I'awtucket, Rhode Island. He came to Los 
Angeles in 1855, bringing with him a stock of 
goods, and commenced business, tirst in a frame 
building on Los Angeles street, where Mesna- 
ger & Co.'s liquor store now is. In 1857 he 
bought and moved into a two-story brick store 
on Main street, adjoining the Lafayette Hotel, 
and on the site of S. Meyer's crockery store. 
Mr. Potter died in the '60s, leaving one son, 
Oscar M., his wife having died before him. At 
first Louis Jazynsky was a partner of Mr. Pot- 
ter's. Later they dissolved, and each carried 
on business separately. In 1861 Baker clerked 
with Y. Bcaudr^', sutler of the two companies 
of dragoons stationed in Los Angeles, of which 
Captain, afterward General, Davidson (•' Black 
Jack") was commander, and Captain, afterward 
General, Hancock was Quartermaster .In 1871 
Mr. Baker married Hannah K. Ryals, who died 
in May, 1887. Mr. Baker is still a resident of 
this city. 



fG. BUTLER, owner and pro]M-ietor of the 
Signal Hill Nursery, and dealer in real- 
" estate, came to this county in 1881, and 
purchased forty acres of the Cerritus Ranch, 
the flrst acreage sold in the American colony 
tract north of Long Beach. This nursery con- 
tains thirt}' acres of all kinds of deciduous and 
evergreen trees, shrubbery, ornamental trees, 
etc. Mr. Butler is a native of the "Buckeye 
State," born in Wayne County in 1854, and is 
the son of Almon Butler, who for a number of 
years had been engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness, and who was a native of Yermont. The 
subject of this sketch received the benefits of a 
liberal common-school education. To the knowl- 
edge acquired in hisyotith he has added largely 



niSrUHY OF IJJti ANGBLEH COUNTY. 



by reading and observation. He was married 
in 1878 to Aliss liosa McClure, daughter of W. 
D. McClnre, an extensive fruit-grower of Ver- 
non, California. Mr. Hutier is greatly interested 
in tlie develoiJinent of Southern California. lie 
is an enterprising young man, and may be de- 
pended upon to support and aid all enterprises 
which have for their object the building up of 
the community and tiie county in which he 
resides. 



ILLIAM MORTON and Mary A. 
(Moore) Morton were both natives of 
Oswego County, New York, the former 
born in 1810 and the latter in 1819. They 
were married in 1834, and a year later a son 
was born to them. Two montlis after its birth 
they removed to Lenawee County, Michigan, 
where tlicy resided for several years. Here two 
children were born and the oldest child died. 
In 1843 they moved to Marshall, Michigan, 
where they lived sixteen years. In this place, 
also, two children were born to them and one of 
the oldest died. In 1859, with their three 
chiltlren, Mr. and Mrs. Morton started across 
the plains for California, for the benefit of Mr. 
Morton's health. In company with a numl>er 
of families from Marshall, they first went to St. 
Louis, where they purchased their outfit and 
then proceeded to St. Joseph, where they joined 
a train of thirteen wagons. At Salt Lake City 
they made a stop of two weeks to recruit. 
There Mr. Morton was compelled to self some 
of their goods, three of their horses having died 
on the road from the effects of alkali, thus pre- 
venting them from taking all their goods to 
their destination. They arrived in Stockton, 
California, in September, 1859. and a few 
months later Mr. Morton rented a farm nine 
miles from Stockton, and remained there till 
the next fall. He then purchased a farm of 143 
acres joining the rented farm. This he stocked 
and built on, and here their youngest child, a 
daughter, was born, and the youngest son died. 



In 1867 Mrs. Morton's health failed, and they 
prospected for a liome in Southern California, 
and, being favorably impressed with Los An- 
geles County, tliey located near Compton. Mr. 
Morton's first selection of a farm was on too 
low ground, and they suffered from the overflow 
of water. He, however, purchased a farm of 
160 acres on what is known as "The Hill," and 
there established his home. Soon after many 
houses were built near by, including those 
of his two sons. Mr. Morton died in 1874. 
For many years he had been an honorable 
memhier of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, and 
also of the P. II., or Granger Society. He be- 
longed to a historical family, being a second 
cousin to our Vice-President, Levi P. Morton. 
He wa« one of the true pioneers of this county, 
and a man widely known and highly esteemed. 
Mrs. Morton is still living on the old homestead, 
one and one-half miles west of Compton. She 
joined the Rebeccas in 1857, in Michigan, and 
is still an enthusiastic member. She has been 
a woman of very great energy, and now at the 
advanced age of seventy years has all her mental 
powers unimpaired, and is as active and spry 
as a girl of fifteen. 



tD. REDWELL was one of the first set- 
tlers of iJowney, coming to this place 
' April IC, 1866. He is a native of Tennes- 
see, born April 20, 1820, his parents being 
James Redwell and Susanna (Rawson) Redwell, 
the latter of North Carolina. His father moved 
to Poinsett County, Arkansas, in the year 1840, 
and there fartned till his death, which occurred 
in 1860. The mother's death took place in 
1866. The subject of this notice was married 
August 29, 1837, in Marshall County, Tennes- 
see, to Miss Elizabeth Culver, of North Caro- 
lina. This union was blessed with five children: 
Hester A., Samuel C, Mary J., James K. Polk, 
and Susan Elizabeth. The mother of these 
children died April 1, 1847, and September 
same year, Mr. J'edwell, in Jackson 



A the 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



County, Arkansas, married Miss Lonisa Ann 
Pierce, a native of Tennessee. The fruit of this 
union was one child, Emily C, now the wife oi 
J. W. Potts, the well-known capitalist of Los 
Angeles. Mrs. Bedwell died March 1, 1884. 
October 16, 1885, Mr. Bedwell was again mar- 
ried, choosing for his third companion Miss 
Susan C. McComic, also of Tennessee. Of this 
union one child has been born. Bob W. When 
first coming to the county Mr. Bedwell pur- 
chased twenty-five acres of land where iie now 
lives, and great, indeed, have been the improve- 
ments that he has made, and that have been 
made around him. Where once the mustard 
grew rank and wild, may now be seen an 
orchard of the most beautiful oranges, and 
fruitful fields of corn and alfalfa. Mr. Bedwell 
is a Christian gentleman and a God-fearing man, 
was once a deacon in the Baptist Church, but at 
present is not a church member. Politically, 
he is a Republican, and was at one time deputy 
sherifi" of Jackson County, Arkansas. He is 
one of the true pioneers of Los Angeles County, 
and of such men as he the county should ever 
bfe proud. He left his' home in Western Texas, 
with his family, February 20, 1865, and by ox 
teams crossed the plains, landing in Los Angeles, 
April 16, 1866. Many, indeed, were the hard- 
ships they endured on that famous journey, and 
our forefathers who landed on Plymouth Rock, 
and other places on our Eastern sea board, and 
made homes, are deserving of no more praise 
than are the humble men who crossed the Rock- 
ies, seekiuii: homes for their loved ones. 



[^KilLO S. BAKER.— The subject of this 
bit)graphy was born in Morganville, 
Genesee County, New York, March 20 
1828, and his parents were pioneers of that 
county. His father. Remember Baker, was the 
grandson of Captain Remember Baker, a patriot 
and soldier of early Revolutionary fame, a native 
of Connecticut, later a citizen of Vermont, one 
of the original surveyors of the New Hampshire 



Grant, and one of the illustrious trio of Ethan 
Allen, Seth AVarner and Remember Baker. Colo- 
nel Ethan Allen and Captain Remember Baker 
were fast friends not only in war but also in 
peace. Ethan Allen's wife was an only sister of 
Remember Baker, and where one of these men 
was known in any enterprise the other was sure 
to be found his right-hand supporter, as in the 
case when Allendemanded the surrender of Fort 
Ticonderoga " in the name of the Great Jehovah 
and the Continental Congress," Baker w-as at 
his back with a clincher. Crown Point was 
afterward surrendered to him (Baker), this being 
one of the last grand efforts of his life, as he 
was soon taken prisoner by treacherous Indians, 
decapitated, and his head elevated on a pole in 
the center of a war dance. He was the first 
officer killed in the American Revolution. 
Captain Baker was succeeded in his land-sur- 
veying enterprise by an only son, Ozi, who in 
this capacity had much to do with the surveying 
and final establishment of the boundary lines be- 
tween the States of New York and Vermont, and 
in this was assisted by a son. Remember Baker, 
the father of the subject of this sketch. This son, 
however, went to sea, became master of a vessel, 
subsequently navigated the North River, and 
piloted the steamboat Robert Fulton on its first 
trip up the Hudson in 1807. He was a soldier 
of the war of 1812, and under General Brown 
held a Captain's roving commission, doing his 
country valliant service as a scout. While Mr. 
Baker was but a small boy his father moved 
from Western New York, with his family, to 
the wilds of Michigan, in 1836, settling near 
where the State capitol now stands. In 1845 
Mr. Baker's father removed to Portland, Ionia 
County, Michigan, where he died in less than a 
year. Although at that time not eighteen years 
of age, the subject of this sketch assumed 
entire control of his father's business and con- 
tinued it for three years, or until the discovery 
of gold on the Pacific Coast, when he resolved 
to seek his fortune in far-ofl^ California, and in 
March, 1850, he with four companions com- 
menced their journey with a four-horse team 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and covtred wagon. They took their route 
tbrongli Illinois, Iowa, and to St. Joseph, Mis- 
souri, wliicii town was at that time on the ex- 
treme western frontier, and was a supply station. 
Five long months were consumed in making the 
journey, during which time many distressing 
incidents occurred, wliich, in order to be appre- 
ciated must be experienced. Severe storms, 
drouths, scarcity of food and water, encounters 
with the Indians, and numerous other hindrances 
occurred to impede the journey. Upon reach- 
ing Green River they were compelled to abandon 
their wagon, make pack saddles for their horses, 
and accomplish the remainder of their journey on 
foot. The llocky Mountains crossed, they found 
themselves within ten miles of Ilangtown, now 
Placerville, which is located within six miles of 
where gold, was first discovered in California.* 
Here they disposed of their remaining horses 
for $127 in cash, which they invested in a 
miner's outfit at prices as follows: Pick, shovel, 
and rocker, $35 dollars each. Five men worked 
two days, the fruits of which were §1.30, pro- 
visions consumed during the time costing them 
$2.00 per day each, which they themselves 
cooked. A change was then decided upon, each 
man working for himself, except Mr. Baker, 
who, with a chosen companion, prospected, with 
fair success, getting from $9 to $28 per day at 
first; and later their luck was like that of the 
majority of other miners, — good, bad and 
indifiurent. They worked early and late, drop- 
ping the pick and shovel only when too dark to 
see to use them. They cooked their meals by 
camp-fire on the ground, and rolled up in their 
blankets at night to fall asleep and dream of 
untold and unfound riches. In 1851 the two 
built a log cabin on Dry Creek and went into 
winter quarters. Thrilling scenes were in those 
days enacted in the raining regions of California, 
and offenses against moral and business laws 
were frequently punished without formality and 
by methods peculiar to tiie miners' code. One 



* Mr: Baker has a diary in which he noted among other things his 
etimate of the diBtance traveled to thin ])oint, and hie figures varied 
nly nineteen miles from the record marie at tlic lime by a " road- 



notable illustration of this fact was the novel 
punishment meted out to a man at a place where 
now stands the town of Jackson, in Amador 
County. He thought to make some money by 
washing out a pile of dirt that had been thrown 
up by another miner, which he did. A council 
of miners decided at once that the offender be 
tied fast astride a donkey, turned loose on the 
commons for three days and nights, and if the 
culprit survived the ordeal he was to be taken 
off and given a square meal and two hours in 
which to leave the mines. Another, for stealing 
money from a miner at Rancho Rea, was, with 
a rope around his neck, taken to the creek, 
pulled back and forth in the water, then drawn 
up to the limb of a tree until life was nearly 
extinct, after which he was permitted to leave 
the camp. Mr. Baker now holds a note taken 
from a party for money lent him to repay a 
theft, which money Mr. Baker lent him as the 
only show of saving the fellow's neck. Mr. Baker 
spent three years in the mining regions of this 
State, and, in that time having secured sutticient 
means with which to embark in business, he 
returned home by the way of the Panama route, 
going from San Francisco to Panama on the Win- 
field Scott. She was subsequently beached on 
the coast between here and Santa Barbara, where 
she still lies. Machinery had always been his 
chosen business, and he now entered into it 
Hgain with a w-ill at his old home. Success 
seemed to crown his every efibrt, even in the 
wooing and winning of a loving and most esti- 
mable wife. Miss Phebe Beers, whom he married 
in September, 1854, but was permitted to enjoy 
her smiles and affection only two brief years. 
She died in 1856. Enterprising and public- 
spirited, Mr. Baker was soon surrounded by a 
host of friends. In the year 1860 he was unex- 
pectedly called from business and elected to the 
Michigan State Legislature from lunia County. 
Those were exciting times. Tlie war cloud had 
commenced to gather. During the first session 
of that body Fort Sumter was fired upon. The 
news reached the House while joint resolutions 
to compromise witli the Soutii were under con. 



UISTOllY UF LOS ANGELES COUNT!'. 



sideratioii. At this juncture the famous letter 
of Zach Chandler reached the Legislature, which 
decided the matter at once to make no compro- 
mise with treason. It is needless to say that 
Mr. Baker's position on the war issue was solid 
for the protection and maintenance of the Union 
at whatever cost. About this time he sold his 
foundry and machine works at Portland, and 
commenced the erection of new and more exten- 
sive works at Lansing. Mr. Baker married 
Miss Cordelia Davis, a resident of Lansing, 
and in less than a year's time his life was again 
embittered by her untimely death, after which 
Mr. Baker also suffered a long and critical sick- 
ness. Thus afflicted, his business came to a halt, 
and upon his recovery some months later, he 
spent the following winter in Washington, D. C, 
where he saw much of the inside workings of 
the war. In the spring he was called home to 
attend an extra session of the Legislature to 
raise funds for carrying on the war. The sum- 
mer which followed was spent in travel in the 
Lake Superior regions. A previous engagement 
i-ecalled him to Washington the next winter. 
At this time, January 19, 1863, he was united 
in wedlock to Miss Harriette Y., daughter of 
William Lawrence, one of the sterling citizens 
and active business men of Yonkers, New York, 
the marriage taking place at St. John's Church, 
in that city, and was solemnized by the Rev. 
Dr. Carter, its rector. Mr. and Mrs. Baker 
spent that winter in Washington and returned 
to Lansing in the spring. He entered upon the 
completion of his iron works with a renewed 
zeal. Baker's Eureka Iron Works was a three- 
story brick structure of large proportions, 
equipped with new machinery, and he at once 
built up a large business, turning out machin- 
ery and architectural iron work for Lansing and 
surrounding towns. About this time he built 
for General L. C. Baker, a brother, the Lansing 
Rouse, one of the largest hotels in the State, and 
added to his foundry a large flouring-niill and a 
saw-mill. The two latter establishments were a 
few months later destroyed by fire, entailing a 
very lieavy loss. Mr. Baker, however, rc^built 



on the same spot, and this time put in machin- 
ery for the manufacture of sash, doors and 
blinds. This establishment he subsequently 
leased, and, being in poor health, made a second 
trip westward, traveling over the same I'oute at 
thirty miles per hour, that he had taken twenty- 
five years previously at three miles per hour. 
On this tour he visited Chicago, St. Louis and 
Salt Lake City, and spent several months in 
the Geyser and Yellowstone country, which at 
this date was slow and hizirdous basin iss. 
The next country to claim his attention was 
Southern California, and he arrived in Los An- 
geles, January 1, 1874. His faith in a brilliant 
future for Southern California is evinced by the 
fact of his permanent settlement here, and the 
manner in which he has so thoroughly identi- 
fied himself with her growth; and his letters 
concerning this point, published in Lansing, 
were the means of exciting tlie first emigration 
from that place to Los Angeles. This glorious 
climate and the gorgeous natural beauty of this 
country had for Mr. Baker a wondrous charm 
as a health restorer, and he located at Santa 
Monica, where he remained about three years. 
With a shattered constitution almost entirely 
restored, Mr. Baker removed to Los Angeles, 
and in 1877 built a foundry and machine-shop 
on Spring street, opposite the old court-house. 
The business was opened on a modest scale, but 
soon assumed lively proportions, and in a short 
time he removed to and purchased the corner of 
Main and Second streets. In 1886 the busi - 
ness having outgrown these accommodations, 
Mr. Baker purchased the present site of the 
"Baker Iron Works," adjoining the Southern 
Pacific Railroad depot, and commenced the 
erection of buildings thereon. A stock company 
was at this time incorporated under the name 
"Baker Iron Works," of which Mr. Baker is 
president and liis son, Fred L. Baker, superin- 
tendent. The institution is, without exception, 
the largest and most complete of its kind in the 
State, outside of the city of San Francisco, and 
is of great credit and a source of much pride to 
Los. Angeles. Mr. Haker's high appreciation 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTr. 



of the grandeur of Nature's handiwork is mani- 
fest by the judicious selection he has made of a 
location for a future home, and upon which he 
has just completed one of the finest lamilj ret^i- 
dences in the "City of the Angels." We per- 
liaps can give no better idea of tliis beautiful 
home and its location than to copy the following 
from one of the leading daily papers of the city, 
printed about the time of its completion. "M. 
S Baker, President of the Baker Iron Works, 
has just com])leted ( ne of the most elegant and 
attractive residences in the city, on the site of 
the old Fre'inont fort, at the corner of Eock 
and Fort streets. Mr. Baker was his own archi- 
tect, and the result is a high compliment to his 
good taste and judgment. The house being on 
an elevation, a retaining wall is necessary, and 
lor this work the Sespe brown-stone was the 
material chosen, which presents a very hand- 
some effect. The entrance at the corner is by 
broad easy steps, artistically cut and laid, and 
the historical site is retained by a tablet of 
raised letters cut in the stone, "Fort Place." 
Tlie front and side porches are tine broad arches 
of brown stone, which add much to the beauty 
of the house, and at the same time are a re- 
minder of the old fort. The structure is two 
stories, with basement and high attics, from 
which a line view of the surrounding country 
can be had, and is finely finished throughoiit in 
hard wood, the reception hall being especially 
worthy of notice. Altogether, it is a model 
residence and an ornament to the city." Mr. 
Baker has ever been fortunate in his domestic 
relations. Mrs. Baker is a lady of culture and 
most noble qualities. She is active in her so- 
ciety circle, and prominently identified with the 
charity institutions of the city, being one of the 
directors of the Orphans' Home, and an officer 
of the Los Angeles Humane Society. She is a 
lady of great fortitude, and is full of good works. 
They have two sons and one daughter. Fred 
L., before mentioned in this sketch, was recently 
married, and is settled in a beautiful cottage, 
also on the liill. Arnet, who, with his older 
brother, 1ms grown Uji with the business of the 



iron works, is an expert mechanic, and foreman 
of the pattern shop. Their daughter. Miss 
Belle, a young lady of culture and modest de- 
meanor, is just merging into womanhood. No 
man in the city stands higher in business cir- 
cles as a safe, conservative business man of strict 
integrity a7id candor than does Mr. Baker, and 
of such men no city can possess too many. 



fM. BUSTER, a retired farmer living one 
mile north of Wilmington, on land once 
'^ owned by the Government and known as 
" The Drum Barracks," has been a resident of 
this place and an honored citizen of Los Angeles 
County since 1870. Mr. Buster was born in 
East Tennessee in July, 1825, and is a son of 
M. W. and Elizabeth (Walker) Buster, natives 
of Tennessee, and of Irish and Scotch descent. 
His father moved to Greene County, Missouri, 
in 1849, where he farmed for a number of years, 
subsequently moving to Mendocino County, 
California, where he continued the occupation 
of farming until his death, which occurred in 
1871, his wife having died a few months previ- 
ous. They reared a family of ten children, six 
of whom are still living. The subject of this 
sketch was married on the 8th day of March, 
1849, to Miss Malinda E. Garrett, in De Kalb 
County, Alabama. This lady is a native of 
Southern Alabama, and the daughter of Jesse 
and Judith Garrett, the former a native of 
North Carolina and the latter of Georgia. 
They died in Alabama. Mr. Buster came to 
California first in 1850, and was for three years 
engaged in mining. He then farmed in Santa 
Clara County, near San Jose, for some time, 
after which he returned to the East and brought 
his wife with him to the Golden State, locating 
in Mendocino County, where he engaged in 
farming and stock-raising for a period of thirteen 
years. He next moved to Santa Barbara County, 
and, after remaining there two years, came to 
Los Angeles County in 1870, and cast his inter- 
ests with her favored and enterprising people. 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Mr. Buster is a lover of peace and goud-will, 
and never had a lawsuit in his life. He is a 
public-spirited man, and by his honorable and 
upright course in life he has won the respect 
and esteem of all who know him. He and the 
companion of his youth are both active members 
of the Holiness Church at Cerritus Station. They 
both received the blessing of holiness August 
23, 1880, and their walk and conversation has 
been " such as becometh godliness." In the 
church he holds the office of elder. Politically, 
Mr. Buster is true to the principles of his native 
State, and affiliates with the Democratic party. 



^s->^ 



fllED L. BAKER, Vice-President of the 
Baker Iron Works, Los Angeles, was born 
in Lansing, Michigan, February 10, 1865. 
When only nine years of age, in 1874, his 
parents (see sketch of Milo S. Baker elsewhere), 
emigrated to this city. Entering his father's 
iron works when only twelve years old, he served 
a regular appreTiticeship and worked his way up 
through ever}' stage of the business until 1885, 
when he was appointed superintendent of the 
works. The position was one of great respon- 
sibility for a young man who had not reached 
his majority, and during the busy season of the 
year he has the supervision of 100 to 160 men. 
He was united in marriage with Miss Lillian 
May Todd, a native of the State of Missouri, 
November 28, 1887. 

^-^B--^^ 

fnOMAS FINLEY BARNES, of Los An- 
geles, is a native of the city of La Porte, 
Indiana, and is a son of Enos R. and Eliza- 
beth A. (Craft) Barnes, the father a native of 
Painesville, Ohio, and a son of one of the pio- 
neers of that town, and for many years post- 
master of the iirst-named place. He came to 
the Pacific Slope with his family in 1860, and 
located at Gold Hill, Nevada Territory, and 
there served as postmaster and agent for the 



Wells- Fargo Express Company until his death 
in 1865. The subject's widowed mother is 
now living. with her eldest son, W. C. Barnes, 
of Holbrook, Arizona. Of her two sons Thomas 
F. is the youngest. He was born June 24, 1861, 
He received a good common-school education, 
and learned the printer's trade in his native 
town, with the publishing house of Douglas & 
Carlan. Mr. Barnes has previously made sev- 
eral trips to the Pacific Coast — once around 
Cape Horn, twice across the Isthmus of Panama, 
and once overland. He is a first- class stage artist 
and excels in comedy plays. He has traveled 
as a comedian throughout the entire North- 
west and British Columbia with the Barton 
Hill Company, and as a delineator of comedy 
characters has won the highest approval of the 
press and the public. He, however, abandoned 
the stage and came to Los Angeles in 1880, 
and occupied the position of assistant foreman 
in the printing house of the Mirror Company 
until 1885, when he entered the now well-estab- 
lished and esteemed business firm of Kingsley 
& Barnes, printers. No. 57 North Spring street. 
Mr. Barnes married, in 1880, Miss Florence 
MacDonald, a daughter of William and Char- 
lotte (Herriott) MacDonald, of San Francisco. 
Mrs. liarnes is of English-Scotch parentage, and 
was born July 23, 1860. She is a most esti- 
mable lady of culture, and has one daughter, 
Ethel, born August 27, 1882. 



fOHN BENDER. —The subject of this 
sketch is one of the early residents of that 
section of the Azusa now known as Glen- 
dora. He located at that place in 1874, 
when the site now occupied by the town of 
Glendora was but a wild and desolate waste. 
Securing a claim of 160 acres of Government 
land, he devoted himself to its cultivation and 
improvement, and with others in that sparsely 
settled section fought through long years of liti- 
gation against the grant holders of the Azusa 
until success rewarded their efforts and placed 



11 1 STOUT OF LihS ANGELES COUNTY. 



thousands of acres under Government title and 
made possible the remarkable growth and settle- 
ment that has since taken place in the East San 
Gabriel Yalley. Mr. Bender is now the owner 
of eighty acres of rich and productive land just 
west of Giendora, twenty acres of which is in 
vineyard, comprising eight and a half acres of 
Mission wine grapes and eleven and a half acres 
of raisin grapes of the Muscat variety. Ten 
acres are devoted to citrus fruits, to which the 
climate, soil, etc., are well adapted. With the 
exception of a family orchard containing a large 
variety of deciduous fruits, the rest of his land 
is devoted to general farming. His improve- 
ments are first-class, among which may be noted 
his substantial and well-ordered two-story resi- 
dence wliicii is built of concrete, and in the con- 
struction of which Mr. Bender has spared no 
e.xpense in securing the comforts of a well de- 
vised home. It is located upon elevated ground, 
which gives him a magnificent and pleasing 
view of the valley below. His well-ordered 
grounds and avenue leading to his home contain 
many choice ornamental trees and flowers, but 
the most prized of all are the two old oaks of 
remarkable growth, just west of the house, and 
under whose wide-spread bi'anches Mr. Bender 
first ])itched his tent in 1874. It is worthy of 
mention that Mr. Bender has, by a system of 
tunnels and reservoirs, developed some five 
inches of water in the hills on the northern 
p(jrtion of his land, which gives him an ample 
supply for his citrus fruits, etc. Mr. Bender is 
of German descent. His parents, John and 
Dolly (Weigel) Bender, emigrated from Ger- 
many and located at Memphis, Shelby County, 
Tennessee. Tliere the subject of this sketch 
was born in 1849. He was reared and educated 
in that city. At the age of thirteen, while at- 
tending school, he carried a route of daily papers 
to from 100 to 150 patrons; and at the age of 
sixteen years entered into life upon his own ac- 
count as a clerk in mercantile houses, and after- 
ward was engaged in variousbusinessenterprises, 
among which was the establishment of a bakery 
with Charles Fink. He was also in the market 



business with W. B. Cullen, now his neighbor 
in Giendora. Mr. Bender continued his resi- 
dence and business in his native place until 
1874, when he came to California and located in 
Los Angeles County. He first took up his resi- 
dence at Alhambra, but after a short stay there 
he went to Duarte, and there rented land and, 
after harvesting one crop, came, in August of 
the same year, to the Azusa, where lie ttok up 
his present residence. By years of industry and 
well directed eflbrts he has built up one of the 
representative farms of his section. Mr. Ben- 
der is well known throughout that portion of 
the county. His long residence and consistent 
course of life have gained him a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. He is a progressive 
citizen and is identified with the growth and 
prosperity of his section. Politically, he is a 
liberal and conservative Democrat. He is a 
member of Azusa Lodge, No. 232, A. 0. U. W. 
In 1881 Mr. Bender married Miss Harriet F. 
Wiggins, the daughter of Thomas J. and Ellen 
(Vice) Wiggins. They are pioneers of Cali- 
fornia and Los Angeles County, coming from 
Missouri at an early date and settling in El 
Monte, at which place they are now residing. 
Mrs. Bender is a native of Los Angeles County. 
She was born in El Monte and there reared and 
educated. Mr. and Mrs. Bender have three 
children: William I5urr, Flora and Herbert 
Clifton. 



-Swj- 



PARTHOLOMEW BRADLEY. — Among 
the prominent and well-known citizens of 
Giendora is the above-named gentleman, 
who is the proprietor of the Giendora Livery 
Stable. Mr. Bradley is a native of Greene 
County, Illinois. He was born December 29, 
1836. His father, Dr. Robert Bradley, was a 
well-known physician and agriculturist of that 
county. His mother was nee Laurana Osbun. 
Both of his parents were natives of Tennessee, 
and were among the early settlers of Hlinois. 
Mr. Bradley was reared as a farmer and remained 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



upon his father's farm until he reached his ma- 
jority. He then started in life for himself and 
commenced farming upon his own account in 
his native county. In 1857 he married Miss 
Catherine N. AUred. At tlie breaking out of 
the war of the Rebellion Mr. Bradley's family 
were prompt in enlisting in the service of 
their country, he and four brothers entering 
the army. He enlisted early in 1862 in Com- 
pany I, One Hundred and P^'irst Regiment 
of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and leaving 
his fatnily and farming interests, went into 
the iield as a private soldier. His credita- 
ble service soon gained liim recognition and ho 
was promoted to Sergeant. His regiment was 
attached to the Army of the Cumberland and 
participated in its hard-fought battles, severe 
inarches, etc. At the battle of Holly Springs 
Sergeant Bradley was taken prisoner, but was 
shortly afterward parolled and exchanged 
After his return to his regiment he was wounded 
at the battle of Resaca and sent to the rear, and 
upon his recovery was placed upon duty in a 
military hospital. In this year (18(34) the 
death of his beloved wife occurred, leaving 
three young children to the care of compara- 
tive strangers. Their claims upon the father 
were of paramount importance and Mr. Bradley 
accepted his discharge from the army and re- 
turned home to care for his family. In 1865 
Mr. Bradley married Mrs. Amelia (Ventreese) 
Scanland. He continued his farming opera- 
tions in Greene ('ounty until 1869. In that 
year he moved to Vernon County, Missouri, 
where he purchased 320 acres of land and en- 
tered quite extensively into farming and stock 
operations. He was successful, and soon ranked 
as one of the leading agriculturists of that 
county, throughout which he was well known 
and respected. He took a prominent part in 
the building up of his section, establishing and 
supporting its schools, churches, etc. He was 
also elected justice of the peace of his town- 
ship. In 1885 Mr. Bradley decided to seek a 
new home in California, and in the spring of 
that year he located in Los Angeles County, 



where he purchased a ten-acre tract and engaged 
in horticultural pursuits and also in improving 
land at San Jacinto. In 1886 he took up hie 
residence at Duarte and devoted himself to 
cultivating a twenty-acre tract of land until 
August, 1887. He then took up his residence 
in Glendora, and was one of the enterprising 
and progressive men who contributed so largely 
toward building up that beautiful town. He 
established his livery stable in that year, on the 
corner of Whitcomb and Michigan avenues, 
and built his handsome residence on Vista 
Bonita avenue; also erected two cottage resi- 
dences and engaged in other projected improve- 
ments. Mr. Bradley is a man of progressive 
views and is public-spirited and enterprising. 
He is a strong supporter of schools and 
churches and is a member and trustee of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Glendora. His 
kind and genial temperament, obliging disposi- 
tion and straightforward dealing have gained 
him a large circle of friends. In politics he is 
a Republican, and is a strong Prohibitionist in 
principle. Mr. Bradley has had seven children 
in his family, three by his first wife, viz.: Ln- 
zetta, now Mrs. D. (I Neal, of Los Angeles; 
McKendree, who died in 1878, at the age of 
seventeen years: and Isabelle, who died in 1875, 
at the age of fifteen years. By his present wife 
he lias had four children, namely: Ada, wife of 
Carroll S. Whitcomb, of Glendora; May and 
Earnest. The third child, Ollie, died in 1875, 
at the age of three years. Of Mrs. Bradley's 
children by her first marriage, there is one 
child living, Susan Scanland, now the wife of 
George W. Campbell, of Glendora. 



JCIIAEL BALDRIDGE.— The subject 
of this sketch is one of the most suc- 
cessful horticulturists of Los Angeles 
County, and is conceded to be one of the best 
authorities on citrus-fruit cultivation in South- 
ern California. He is a man of sound practical 
knowledge and trained business habits. These 



UISTORY OP' LOS ANGELES COUNCr. 



characteristics, coupled with liis years of study, 
renearcli and thorough-going practical experi- 
euce ill citrus-fruit cultivation, iiave secured 
wonderful results in his operations. In 1882 
Mr. IJaidridge, broken in iiealth, the result of 
long years of active business pursuits in San 
Francisco, sought the genial climate of South- 
ern California, as a palliative, if not a cure, for 
his suffering body. In his search for health 
Mr. Baldridge visited his brother who lived at 
the Azusa in the East San Gabriel "Valley. 
Much benefited by the mild climate in that 
locality, he decided upon a lengthened stay, and 
as his health and strength returned, his naturally 
active and energetic temperament demanded 
some occupation. ' He purchased land and com- 
menced his horticultural pursuit in planting 
orange seeds, more as a recreation than anything 
else, or, as he states it, "to see if I could make 
an orange tree grow from the seed." The lich 
and productive soil of that localit}' produced a 
rapid and healthy growth, and Mr. Baldridge 
soon found that he could make trees grow, and 
lie became enthusiastic in his new calling. 
Determined upon securing the best results, he 
entered upon a careful and intelligent cnltiva- 
tiun, and a thorough study of climate, soil, etc. 
His trained intellect quickly comprehended the 
results of his many experiments, and he soon had 
a nursery containing thousands of trees of liardy 
seedling stock, upon which he placed his buds. 
These lie budded with the most approved varie- 
ties, Washington Navels, Mediterranean Sweets, 
etc. His eighty acres of land had by this time 
been cleai-ed and partially planted with vines. 
The latter he rooted out and commenced the 
planting of his orange trees. At this writing 
(1889) Mr. Baldridge has about seventy acres of 
his land devoted to citrus fruits. His 6,000 
trees are classed as follows: 150 Paper-rind 
St. Michaels, 300 Malta Bloods, 300 Mediter- 
ranean Sweets, and the rest in Washington 
Navels. It is worthy of note that after plant- 
ing his trees the rest of his nursery stock yielded 
him over $25,000. His magnificent orange 
grove is located just north of Covina, in the 



Covina School District, Azusa Township, three 
miles south of Glendora. The climate, soil, etc., 
of that locality seems espscially adapted for 
citrus-fruit cultivation. This, supplemented to 
a most thorough cultivation and intelligent care 
and attention upjn the part of the owner, has 
given Mr. B.ildridge one of the finest orange 
groves in Los Angeles County, and placed him 
in the foremost ranks of the successful horti- 
culturists of the State. Mr. Bildridge was 
born in Seneca County, New York, in 182(5. 
His father, John Baldridge, was a native of 
Pennsylvania, and a farmer by o^cnpition. His 
mother, Agnes Barr, was born in New York. 
Mr. Baldridge was reared upon his father's farm 
some ten miles from Geneva, receiving his edu- 
cation in the common schools. When about 
twenty years of age he went to New York and 
entered upon a course of study in one of the 
commercial colleges in that city. After gradu- 
ating he sought employment in mercantile pur- 
suits; but, not suited with the results of his 
applications, he accepted the position of secretary 
to the Parker H. French Expedition, which 
proposed an overland journey through Texas, 
New Mexico, and Arizona, to California. This 
expedition started in 1850, but was destined to 
disaster, and, after dragging along until reach- 
ing Paso Del Norte, Texas,, was finally brokeu 
up and disbanded. There Mr. Baldridge was 
left almost devoid of means with which to 
return to New York or proceed to California. 
Nothing daunted, he determined to make his 
way through Mexico to the Pacific Coast, and 
thence to the Golden State. This he finally 
accomplished, arriving at Mazatlan, destitute, 
foot-sore and weary from a journey of eight 
months of 1,000 miles on foot. He secured a 
chance to work his passage to San Francisco, at 
which place he arrived January 2, 1851. Soon 
after his arrival in California, he found his way 
to the mines, and was for more than a year 
working in the placer mines at Sonora in Tuo- 
I lumne County. In the spring of 1851, while 
! working for the owners of the "Ned Wheaton" 
claim, Mr. P.aldridge took out a nugget weigh- 



IIISTUUV OP WS ANGELES COUNTY 



iiig twenty-eight pounds and fonr ounces. In 
1852 his failing health compelled his abandon- 
ing work in the mines, and he went to San Jose 
and there engaged in farm labor, etc., until the 
next spring, when he again started for the 
mines, but the floods then ])revailing compelled 
his abandoning the project. He then returned 
East, via the steamer route, and from 1855 to 
1857 was engaged in mercantile pursuits at 
Waterloo, New York. While in Waterloo, in 
1854, he married Miss Elizabeth Garrison. She 
died in 1857. The financial crisis of 1857 
compelled Mr. Baldridge to suspend his mer- 
cantile pursuits, and after closing up his affairs 
he found himself with little or no means. lie 
then came the second time to California, and, 
after engaging in mining in Trinity County for 
about a year, entered the employ of Pierce, 
Church & Co., as salesman. He continued in 
their employ until 1862, when he located at 
San Jose, where for about a year he was em- 
ployed in the mercantile establishment of Michael 
Hayes. In 1864 he took up his residence in 
San Francisco, and for the next eight years was 
a salesman in the well-known clothing house of 
William Sherman, on the corner of Clay and 
Montgomery streets. In 1872 Mr. Baldridge 
visited the East, and while there married Mrs. 
Elizabeth (Graham) Lee, of Warsaw, Indiana. 
Returning to San Francisco in the fall of that 
year, he established himself as a stock broker. 
Mr. Baldridge became prominent in that busi- 
ness, and was one of the charter members of 
the Pacific Stock Exchange. He was successful 
in his business, but his failing health, in 1882, 
demanded his retirement from active business 
pursuits, and he took up his present residence. 
Mr. Baldridge is an enterprising and public- 
spirited citizen, a firm believer in the future 
prosperity and wealth of his section. He was 
one of the original incorporators of the Azusa 
Water Development and Irrigation Company, 
and has been the president of that company since 
its organization, in 1883. In political matters he 
is a consistent Republican. No children have 
been born from the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 



Baldridge; but Mrs. Baldridge has one child 
from her former marriage — Mary S. Lee, now 
(1889) the wife of Major D. W. Hamlin, au- 
ditor of Los Angeles County. 

"i^-^-^ 

fYRUS BURDICK.— Among the well- 
known pioneers of San Jose Valley and of 
Los Angeles County is the subject of this 
sketch. He dates his birth in Lake County, 
Ohio, October 22, 1834. He is the son of 
Thomas and Anna (Higley) Burdick. His father 
was a native of New York, and his mother was 
born in Vermont. Mr. Bnrdick, senior, was an 
educated gentleman and engaged in teaching 
school in Lake County. In 1846 he moved his 
family to Iowa, in which State he resided until 
1853. He was a prominent and well-known 
citizen at Council Bluffs; was elected county 
clerk, and was the first county judge under the 
law creating that office in Pottawattamie County, 
Iowa, and was also the postmaster at Kanesville, 
Pottawattamie County. In May, 1853, the 
family, comprising the subject of this sketch, 
his father, mother, two brothers and a sister, 
started across the plains for California, intend- 
ing to locate in Sacramento Valley; but the sick- 
ness of Mr. Burdick, senior, necessitated a delay 
at Salt Lake until his recovery. It was then so 
late in the season that they decided to enter 
California by the southern route, and it was not 
until December that their long journey was 
ended by their arrival in Los Angeles County. 
The family located at San Gabriel, and the nest 
spring the subject of this sketch visited Oregon, 
seeking a more desirable place upon which to 
commence their life upon the Pacific Coast. 
Not being suited with such localities as he 
visited, lie returned to San Gabriel and engaged 
in farming. In 1855 he was elected constable, 
an office that in those early days required an 
active and determined man to keep the lawless 
element in subjection. He served with credit 
in that capacity until 1856, and then entered 
into mercantile pursuits, establishing a store at 



IIISTORT OF LOa ANOELES COUNTY. 



San Gabriel, which lie condncte(l for tiie next 
eight years. He was also engaged in other 
enterprises during that period, among which 
was bee- farming. In 1860 he ])urchased three 
swarms of the fir.-;t bees ever brought into Los 
Angeles County, the product of his hives selling 
readily at that time for §1 per pound. In 1864 
the depression resulting from the war in the 
East and the susjiension of immigration into 
the State by the southern route, occasioned Mr. 
13urdick to suspend his mercantile operations, 
lie then devoted his attention to mining enter- 
prises, and for the next' two years was engaged 
in Arizona, and in the tin mines at Temescal in 
San Bernardino County. In 1866 he moved to 
the Chino Ranch and engaged in the dairy busi- 
ness and stock-raising. Aftei' a two-years' stay 
there he returned with his herds to Los Angeles 
County and located at San Dimas. In 1870 he 
drove his stock to the Alamitos Ranch, on the 
coast, about twelve miles southwest of Anaheim. 
There he met with a series of misfortunes; his 
cattle were swept away by disease, and he aban- 
doned his stock-raising and located in San Jose 
Valley, taking up his residence upon a forty- 
acre tract of land about one mile north of 
what is now the city of Pomona. This tract, 
upon which Mr. Burdick commenced fruit cul- 
tivation, has since been subdivided and sold for 
orchard purposes. He lias been largely engaged 
in real-estate operations in the valley. In 1875 
Mr. Burdick, in connection with P. C. Tonner 
and Francisco Palomares, purchased 200 acres 
of land just north of the Central Pacific Rail- 
road, and laid ont the town of Palomares. This 
tract, which now comprises a part of Pomona, 
was sold by them to the Los Angeles Immi- 
gration and Land Co-operative Association, 
after which, in partnership with Mr. Palomares, 
lie bought eighty-six acres north of Pomona. 
This land was subdivided into iive-acre tracts 
and sold. In 1887 Mr. Burdick erected a sub 
stantial two-story residence upon the corner of 
Holt and Geary avenues, where he has sincere- 
sided. Mr. Burdick's long residence, and the 
part he has taken in various business and agri- 



cultural interests, ha^ made him well known 
throughout a large portion of the county, and 
gained him a large circle of friends. In politi- 
cal matters he is a consistent Republican, 
taking great interest in the success of his jiarty. 
In 1SS7 he was the deputy assessor for the 
San Jose, Palomares and San Diinas districts. 
He is a member of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, I. 
O. O. F. January 18, 1859, Mr. Burdick mar- 
ried Miss Amanda Chapman, daughterof Charles 
Chapman, one of the pioneers of Los Angeles 
County. They have four children living, viz.: 
Cyrus G., Laura, Anna and Lucretia. Cyrus G. 
married Miss Mary Keller, and they have three 
children; Laura is now Mrs. C. A. Bates, hav- 
ing two children; and Anna is Mrs. J. N. Tegue, 
having two children. All of Mr. Burdick's 
children are residents of Pomona. 

-^. g . 3 . I t ' ? ■-»- 



f WIGHT N. BLTRRITT has for more than 
fourteen years been actively identified witii 
the growth and j>rosperity of Pomona and 
the San Jose Valley. He was born in Anburn, 
New York, April 10, 1848. His father, Charles 
Burritt, was a native of Stonington, Connecti- 
cut, who in his early life located in New York, 
and there married Miss Laura Remington, a 
descendant from an old New York family. In 
1855 his parents moved to Illinois, and settled 
near Rockford, where the subject of this sketch 
was reared as a farmer until he reached his 
majority. He then rented land and engaged in 
farming upon his own account. At the age of 
twenty three years, being desirous of other oc- 
cupation than that of farming, he entei-ed as a 
student at the State University at Ann Arbor, 
Michigan. In 1873 he graduated there and re- 
turned to Illinois, and was engaged in teaching 
school in Lake County until 1875. In that 
year he came to Los Angeles County, and in 
September located in Pomona and was engaged 
in teaching school in the Pomona school district. 
The next year he returned to his old home on a 
visit, and while there (December 19, 1876,) 



lllSTUHy OF LOU ANGELES COUNTY. 



married Miss Clara A. Keeves, a native of Eock- 
forJ, Illinois. Mrs. Biirritt is the daughter of 
George and Mary A. (Reeves) Reeves, natives 
of England, but now residents of Pomona. 
Returning the same year with his bride, Mr. 
Burritt resumed his teaching and purchased six 
acres of land upon what is now the corner of 
Holt avenue and Gibbs street, upon which he 
took up his residence. Mr. Eurritt was en- 
gaged as teacher in the public schools until 
1882, but during this time he entered into fruit 
culture upon his place, which in 1878 he in- 
creased to twelve acres by the purchase of the 
six acres adjoining him on the west. With the 
exception of engaging in real-estate business in 
1887-88, Mr. Burritt has since 1882 devoted 
himself principally to horticulture, and besides 
liis home place has a one-third interest in six- 
teen acres of deciduous iruits, also a half in- 
terest in 820 acres of land in San Diego County, 
upon which he is engaged in olive culture, 
having tiftj acres devoted to that purpose. His 
brother is associated with him in this enterprise. 
He is a strong believer in the future prosperity 
of the San Jose Yallej and the city of Pomona, 
and a supporter of such enterprises as in his 
opinion will develop the resources of his section. 
He is an earnest supporter of schools and 
churches, and is a prominent member of the 
Methodist Church, and was one of its trustees 
from its organization in Pomona in 1877 to 
1886. Mr. and Mrs. Burritt have six children 
living, viz.: Dwight N., Frank C, Charles C, 
Otto J. n., Clara Una and Leon L. 



tOBERT J. BAYLY.— The subject of this 
sketch was born in the township of King^ 
Canada West, in 1837. His father, John 
Jiayly, was a native of Ireland, who, when a lad, 
came to Canada, where he learned the ship-car- 
penter's trade. His mother he never knew, 
she having died at his birth. She was from a 
Scotch family named Wallace. • In 1849 his 
father moved to the United States and located 



at Buflalo, and during that year and the one 
following was engaged in the construction of 
the old suspension bridge at Niagara Falls. In 
the latter year his father moved the family to 
Janesville, Wisconsin. In 1852 Mr. Bayly, ac- 
companied by his father, came across tlie plains 
to California and located in Sierra County, 
where his father followed the occupation of 
mining while he engaged in work in a hotel in 
Downieville. The next year the subject of this 
sketch entered into mining occupations, which 
he followed for many years in Placer and other 
counties. In 1856 his father went East, and, 
while returning to California in 1858, engaged 
with a Government surveying party in the 
Rocky Mountains, was killed by Indians. In 
1860, during the mining excitement over the 
Nevada mines, Mr. Bayly established a stage 
line between Placerville and Carson City. He 
was also engaged in trading in mining supplies. 
In 1864 he located at Alameda and engaged in 
farming for about a year and then moved to 
Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, where he 
continued his tarming operations until 1868. 
In that year he came to Los Angeles County 
and located near Sierra Madre, where he took 
up 250 actes of land and engaged in general 
farming, stock-growing and the bee business. 
He also devoted considerable attention to fruit 
culture. Mr. Bayly sold out his ranch in 1881 
and purchased the San Gabriel Hotel property, 
at the mission of San Gabriel. He enlarged 
the hotel buildings, fitting up a billiard room, 
bar, etc., with a commodious hall on the second 
floor, and opened the same to the public. He 
is a genial host and his house is well patronized 
by the public. In connection with his hotel he 
keeps a livery stable. He has also landed in- 
terests in other sections of the county, owning 
town lots and acreage property at Santa Monica, 
Alosta, Monrovia and other places. Mr. Bayly 
is a self-educated, intelligent man, his consistent 
course of life and straightforward dealings hav- 
ing gained him a large circle of friends. In 
politics he is a Republican, and a worker in the 
ranks of his party. He has served as a delegate 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLEU COUNTY. 



in many of its county conventions. His wid- 
owed sister, Mrs. Kate C. McCormick, is' living 
with him. Equally interested in liis ventures 
and successes with her, and as members of the 
household, are her three children, in whom Mr. 
Hayly takes a father's care and interest. Their 
names are: Cyrene Joseph, William Thomas and 
Edgar liayly McCormick. 

"' • ^ "'=v**"p*=f^ ' • 

fAMES B. BEARDSLEE is one of the well- 
known residents of tlie Azusa, and is the 
owner of twenty acres of rich and productive 
land, located a mile and a half southeast of the 
city of Azusa, which he has under a high state 
of cultivation. Mr. Beardslee took up his resi- 
dence upon that place in 1876, and since that 
time has devoted himself to agricultural and 
horticultural pursuits. His land was then in 
its wild and uncultivated state, but with his 
characteristic energy he cleared it off and was 
one of the pioneers in planting citrus fruits and 
vines in that section. In 1877 he set out live 
acres in seedling oranges, which, at a later date, 
in 1882, he budded with Washington Navels 
and other varieties, and has succeeded in pro- 
ducing some of the finest fruit grown in that 
section. He also, for many years previous to 
1888, cultivated twelve acres of wine grapes. 
This land he is now preparing for citrus fruit 
trees, a tine stock of which he has in his nursery. 
He has also on his place a fine family orchard of 
deciduous fruits, comprising a large variety of 
the most approved fruits grown in the Azusa. 
He is also the owner of a ten-acre tract, 
situated just southwest of his home farm, 
which is devoted to hay and grain. iSuch 
stock as Mr. Beardslee keeps is of the best. 
His cattle are of the Jersey and Durham breed, 
and his horses of Norman stock. Mr. Beardslee 
was born in Bates County, Missouri, in 1843.^ 
His parents were Dr. Nehemiah Beardslee and 
nee Elvira Anderson. Dr. •Beardslee was a 
pioneer of Missouri. In 1845 he moved his 
family t,. Texas, and in 1848 located in l!ell 



County. He was largely engaged in farming 
and stock-raising in addition to the practice of 
his profession. In 1852 tlie Doctor came to 
California and spent four years in the mining 
districts. In 1856 he returned to Texas and 
brought his family to California. Upon his ar- 
rival in the State he located at El Monte, Los 
Angeles County, and there engaged in farming 
until 1860. In that year he bought the well- 
known Beardslee tract at the Duarte and was 
there engaged in agricultural and horticultural 
pursuits until 1884, when he moved to Los 
Neitas. His death occurred at that place in 
January, 1887. The Doctor was widely known, 
and was one of the prominent and pioneer agri- 
culturists of the county. He was a man uni- 
versally respected and esteemed in whatever 
community he resided. The seven children of 
the Beardslee family are as follows: David, of 
Los Angeles; Obed II., of Kern County; 
Ephraim, of San Bernardino County; William. 
ofSan Diego County; James B., the subject of 
this sketch; California E., the wife of Williani 
Chappelow, a sketch of whom appears in this 
volume; and Laura, who married Richard Poor, 
a resident of the Duarte. James B. Beardslee 
was reared in his father's family and early in 
life was schooled in the practical knowledge ot 
agricultural and horticultural pursuits. His 
education was obtained in the public schools of 
Los Angeles County, and later at the Sotoyome 
Institute at Healdsbnrg, Sonoma County. He 
remained with his parents until 1876 wiien he 
purchased his present residence. In 1868 Mr. 
Beardslee married Miss Isabella Smith, the 
daughter of Jasper and Tennessee (Burks) 
Smith, natives of Tennessee. She was born in 
Los Angeles County. Her father was a well- 
known resident of Southern California. He 
died January 25, 1889; her mother is now a 
resident of Kern County. Mr. Beardslee has 
been closely identified with the wonderful 
growth and development of the section in which 
li(! resides, and as a successful horticulturist has 
shown what intelligent care and cultivation will 
produce in his favor(>d location. He is an in- 



HISTOLIY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



telligent and thorough farmer, ^progressive in 
liis views, and ever ready to aid in any enterprise 
tliat will add to the resources of his section. In 
political matters lie is Democratic, and a strong 
snppcrter of schools and churches. Ilis family 
are members of the Methodist Church, South. 
Pie is a stockholder in the Covina Water Com- 
pany. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Beardslee there are the following named chil- 
dren: Cora Daisy, Annie Laura, James Louis, 
David Arthur, Edna Belle and Alvis Rexford, 
all members of their parents' household. 



mOMAS P. I3RUC]E.— Among th 
). appointed and most complete pUii 



best 
ibing 
establishments in the city of Pomona is 
that owned by the above named gentleman, and 
located on the corner of Thomas and Third 
streets. Mr. Bruce has one of the largest estab- 
lishments in the county, east of Los Angeles, 
and is fitted for the manufacture of artesian- well 
piping, etc., and also for the mannfacture of sewer 
pipe and other concrete work. Heis an enterpris- 
ing merchant, a thorough mechanic and a master 
of his calling, and by these qualities has secured a 
success in his enterprise and gained a large and 
well-deserved patronage in Pomona and the San 
Jose Valley. Mr. Brnce is a young man of 
sound bnsiness principles and progressive views, 
and is a supporter of such enterprises as in his 
opinion will develop the resources of his chosen 
section, and advance the welfare of the city in 
which he resides. In political matters he is a 
liberal Democrat, and may always be found 
allied with the best elements of that party. 

ILLIAM C. BELL was born in Wash- 
ington County, Pennsylvania, Septem- 
ber 17, 1832, his parents being William 
and Jane (Colwell) Bell, both natives of Peim- 
sylvania. His father was a millwright and 
carpenter by tra<le. When the subject of this 



sketch was about two years old his parents 
moved to Allegheny County, and in 1847 to 
Muskingum County. When si.xteen years old 
he was apprenticed to learn the shoemaker's 
trade, at which he worked until 1850. He then 
accompanied his parents to Richland County, 
Illinois, and there finished his trade. He worked 
as a journeyman at his trade in various places 
and finally established a boot and shoe store in 
Clinton, which he conducted until 1857. In 
the fall of that year he went to Texas and 
during the following winter remained in Sher- 
man. ]n the spring of 1858 he started over- 
land for California, and upon his arrival in Los 
Angeles County located at El Monte, where he 
engaged in teaming. In January, 1859, Mr. 
Bell was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca 
Ann Fears, the daughter of Edward W. and 
Mary (Scott) Fears. Her father was a native of 
Tennessee and her mother of Alabama. Mrs. 
Bell was born in Illinois. She came to Cali- 
fornia with her brother, James M. Fears, now 
(1889) a well-known resident of Pomona. Mr. 
Bell engaged in teaming, and also, a portion of 
the time, in the butcher's business, in El 
Monte, until 1866. He then was employed in 
freighting to Owens River, and afterward from 
California into Arizona. This laborious and 
often dangerous employment he followed for 
many years. His family during this time re- 
sided in El Monte. In 1880 Mr. Bell discon- 
tinued his teaming, and rented land of E. J. 
r.aldwin, near El Monte, engaging in agricult- 
ural pursuits, which he has since followed. He 
is the owner of a neat and comfortable cottage 
residence and two acres of land in El Monte, 
where he resides. Mr. Bell is well known in 
the county, where he has lived for more than 
thirty years, and particularly so in El Monte, 
where he has reared his family. He is a man 
of sound sense and practical ideas, which is well 
illustrated by the satisfaction he gives as the 
efficient roadmaster of the El Monte district, 
in which position lie is serving his second term. 
In political matters he is a Democrat, but is 
liberal in his views. He is a member of El 



UISTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Monte Lodge, No. 188, A. O. U. W. From tlie 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bell there are five 
children living, viz.: Thomas, who is associ- 
ated with his father in his farming operations; 
Cliarles M. (a sketch of whom is in this volume); 
Snsie, John and Annie. All of the children 
except Charles and Susie Eell are residing under 
the parental roof. Susie Bell is married to G. 
E. Waiidling,a conductor on the Southern Pacific 
Kail road, and resides in Los Anireles. 



tLBERT BRIGDEN.— Among the success- 
ful horticulturists and representative busi- 
ness men of Lamaada Park, mention must 
be made of the subject of this sketch. Mr. 
Brigden is a native of Penn Yan, New York, 
born in 1844. His father, Timothy Brigden, 
was a well-known carriage manufacturer at 
Pcnn Yan. His mother was 7iee Cornelia 
Hickox, a native of Connecticut. Mr. Brigden 
was reared and educated in his native place. 
In 1864 he entered the United States military 
service as Sergeant in the Fifty-eighth Regi- 
ment of New York Volunteers. This regiment 
was not sent to the field, but was stationed at 
Elmira, New York, and engaged in guarding 
the rebel prisoners and conducting the paroled 
detachments to their point of exchange. He 
served his term of enlistment and returned to his 
home. Upon reaching his majority, Mr. Brig- 
den entered into partnership with his father in 
his manufacturing establishment. This was 
successfully conducted until 1872, when a fire 
destroyed their works. He then went to Chi- 
cago, Illinois, and entered into the wholesale 
hardware business. He remained in business 
in Chicago until 1876, and then came to Cali- 
fornia. After a short stay in San Francisco he 
sought a desirable place in Los Angeles County, 
and purchased 135 acres of land lying about one 
mile north and west of Lamanda Park. This was 
a portion of the land originally owned by Mrs. 
Johnston, the widow of General Albert Sydney 
Johnston. Mrs. Johnston built upon that land 



the first frame house ever erected in that por- 
tion of the San Gabriel Valley. In 1869 she 
sold the property to Judge Eaton — now a resi- 
dent of Pasadena — who established the well- 
known Fair Oaks Vineyard. In 1871 Charles 
Ellis purchased from Judge Eaton, and in 1876 
sold ■ 135 acres to Mr. Brigden. When Mr. 
Brigden made the purchase there were forty 
acres of the land in vineyard and the rest was 
grain land, except twenty acres which were 
wild. He entered heartily into viticultural and 
horticultural pursuits, which he has since suc- 
cessfully conducted. At this writing he owns 
115 acres of his original purchase, ninety acres 
of which are in vineyard, producing wine 
grapes of the Ziufandel, Blauelba and Muscat 
varieties. His orange and lemon groves oc- 
cupy twenty acres, and the rest of the land is 
devoted to deciduous fruits, mostly apricots 
and peaches. Water for irrigation is only 
needed for citrus fruits, and this is obtained 
from the Eaton or Precipice Canon. Realizing 
that the products of his vineyard should be 
made to yield the most profitable return, in 
1885 Mr. Brigden, with J. F. Crank and others, 
incorporated the Sierra Madre Vintage Com- 
pany, with J. F. Crank as president and Mr. 
Brigden as vice-president and general matia- 
ger, and in the same year a winery was built at 
Lamanda Park. This winery has since been 
under the supervision and management of Mr. 
Brigden. The establishment is complete in all 
its appointments, and its products find a ready 
sale in liome and eastern markets. It has a 
capacity sufficient to manufacture or dispose of 
1,000 tons of grapes during tlie season, which 
are furnished by Mr. Brigdon's Highland Vine- 
yards, and the Fair Oaks Vineyards ©wned by 
Mr. Crank. Mr. Brigden has t)eun identified 
with other enterprises that have advanced the 
interests and aided in the building and settling 
up of his section. He was one of the original 
incorporators and a director in the San Gabriel 
Valley Railroad, in 1885, that was so instru- 
mental in opening up that portion vf the valley. 
This is now a part of the Santa Fe Railroad 



40S 



in.sTUJiv i)F LOS angei.es count y. 



system. He is a member of the Los Angeles 
Cliamber of Commerce and the Union League. 
Ill political matters he is a Republican, and 
till High not an office-seeker, is a worker in the 
ranks of his l>arty, and has many times been a 
delegate to tlie county conventions. He is a 
man of trained business habits and experience, 
which he has applied to his enterprises in Los 
Angeles County, and which liave rendered him 
universally sncce&sful. In 1882 Mr. Erigden 
married Miss Helen Whitaker, the daughter of 
(Iciiei-al A. F. Whitaker, a ]>romiiient resident 
ol' I'eiin ^'aii, New York. They have two 
children: Loiii.^e C. and T. Dwiyht. 



liAKTLE, Asisstant Cashier of the 
rst National Eank of Monrovia, is one 
successful business men of that 
city. He is a native of Keweenaw County, 
Michigan, and dates his birth in 1855. His 
father, John Bartle, was a native of Ireland, 
who, in his youth, came to the United States 
and located in Michigan, and was engaged in 
mining enterprises on Lake Superior. Lie mar- 
ried Miss Theresa Keyiiolds, a native of that 
State. Mr. Bartle was reared in his native 
county, receiving the benefit of a common- 
school education. Early in life he commenced 
the battle on his own account, and when less 
than lourteen years of age he became a clerk in 
a mercantile establishment, and soon after en- 
tered into business on his own account as a 
trader in general merchandise throughout his 
section. He was successful and increased his 
business to such an extent that it necessitated 
a permanent location, and in 1875 he established 
himself at Port Arthur, IMichigan, and there 
opened a general mercantile business, gradually 
increasing it until he was the proprietor of one 
of the largest establishments of that city. Ho 
successfully conducted his enterprise at that 
place until 1887. In that year he came to Cali- 
fornia and located at Moni-ovia, Los Angeles 
County. Mr. liartle is a man of progressive 



views and thoroughly trained to business pur- 
suits. He M'as one of tlie original incorporators 
of the First National Bank and a director of 
the same, and later accepted the position of as- 
sistant cashier, tak'ng the immediate cliarge of 
its business details. He is also a director in 
the Security Savings Bank and Trust Company 
of Los Angeles. His straightforward dealings 
soon gained him the confidence and esteem of 
the community, and he was chosen as the city 
treasurer of the city. In political matters he is 
a Republican; He is a supporter and adherent 
of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity and affiliated with 
Shuniah Lodge, No. 287, of Port Arthur, Mich- 
igan. In 1885 Mr. Bartle wedded Miss Amelia 
Bowerman, a native of Canada, and daughter 
of Stephen and Annie (Badgley) Bowerman, 
both natives of Canada. Her father is now a 
resident of Monrovia. From the marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Bartle there is one child: Kathleen. 

tNDREW BODDY.— The subject of this 
sketch was born in the County of Leeds, 
Greenville Township, Province of Ontario, 
Dominion of Canada, in 1849. His father 
was Thomas Boddy, a veteran soldier of the 
English army, who, after his return from that 
service, entered into farming occupations. His 
mother, Elizabeth Ogletree, was of Scotch de- 
scent. When Mr. Boddy was five 3' ears of 
age the death of his father occurred, leaving the 
care of the family upon the mother. At the age 
of nine years young Boddy commenced to earn 
his own living by working for the neighboring 
fanners. He availed himself of such meagre 
facilities as were offered him in obtaining an 
education, and by his natural talent and perse- 
vering study led many of his favored competi- 
tors. In 1865 he came to the United States 
and located in Cayuga County, New York, where 
he was employed for several months at farm 
labor, after which he returned to Canada, and in 
1871 came the second time to the United States 



UISrORY OF LOS ANGELES (JOUNTT. 



409 



and took up his residence in Siiminit County, 
Oliio. He engaged in farm labor and other oc- 
cupations in that county until 1875. In that 
year he came to California and located at Ar- 
eata, Humboldt County. He spent about five 
years in that county, working at lumbering and 
farm labor, and in 1880 came to Los Angeles 
County and took up his residence at Duarte. 
There he purchased a thirty-acre tract known as 
the Holland place, located on Beuna Vista ave- 
nue, north of San Gabriel avenue, and entered 
into horticultural ])ursuits and general farming. 
In 1882 he sold ten acres of that place to Mr. 
Mitchell, retaining the balance, which he thor- 
oughly improved until 1887. In that year he 
sold out and invested a portion of his money in 
real estate in Monrovia, and also purchased a 
thirty-four-acre tract of land on the Temple road, 
south of EI Monte, upon which he took up his 
residence. He spent two years in farming there 
and then returned to the north side of the val- 
ley, residing on Daflbdill street, Monrovia. He 
also purciiased a ten-acre tract on Falling Leaf 
avenue, about a mile and a quarter west of his 
residence. Upon this tract he has planted 087 
Navel orange trees and 187 deciduous fruit 
trees, comprising a large variety of the most 
approved fruits grown in his section. This land 
is located on the north side of Falling Leaf ave- 
nue, and is capable of perfect irrigation by water 
from the Santa Anita Water Company's pipes 
and ditches. The Duarte section is in no small 
degree indebted to Mr. Boddy for its present 
system of water. He was one of the most active 
and energetic men of that place, and the prime 
mover and one of the original incorporators of 
the Duarte Mutual Irrigation and Canal Com- 
pany. He was the first ])resident of the com- 
pany, a position he held for two years, and later 
was the treasurer o'" the company. Politically 
he is a Republican. He is a member of Anni- 
versary Lodge. No. 85, I. O. O. F., of Areata, 
and also of the Society of Orangemen. Octolier 
1, 1855, Mr. lioddy married Miss Laura H. 
Potts, a native of Illinois. Her father, David 
Potts, died in lilinnis. Her m..ther, Jane A. 



(Ramsay) Potts, afterward married Mr. Lutz 
and is living in San Diego County, California. 
Mr. and Mrs. Boddy are the parents of three 
children : George T., Elizabeth J. and Charles A, 



tEVI NEAVTON BREED, President of the 
Southern California National Bank of Los 
Angeles, was born in the town of Clay, 
near Manlius, Onondaga County, New York, in 
1832, his parents being James and Elizabeth 
(Kinne) Breed. He is descended from Allyn 
Breed, who is believed to have been the pro- 
genitor of all who bear the name of Breed in the 
United States. Allyn Breed was born in Eng- 
land in 1001, emigrated to Massachusetts Bay 
in 1680, and settled in Lynn, Massachusetts, 
where more than a hundred families descended 
from him still reside. The oldest of his four 
sons, also named Allyn, born in 1626, had a son 
John, born in 1663, who moved to Stonington, 
Connecticut. His son Allen, born in 1714, was 
the father of Gershom, born in 1755, who moved 
from Stonington, Connecticut, to Little Hoosic, 
Rensselaer Patent, New York, in 1789, and 
thence to Manlius, Onondaga County, in 1793. 
James Breed, who was born in 1794 and died 
in 1884, was the eighth son and the youngest 
of the twelve children of Gershom Breed. 
Elizabeth Kinne Breed was the daughter of 
Ezra Kinne and the granddaughter of Cyrus 
Kinne, who settled in Manlius, about 1793. 
The Kinne family is also of early New England 
stock, and both families have been neighbors 
for nearly a century. Breed's Hill in Boston, 
the joint scene of the Revolutionary conflict 
known in history as the Battle of Bunker Hill, 
was so named because it was owned by Ebene- 
zer Breed, also a descendant, but in another line, 
of Allyn Breed, the immigrant of 1630. The 
American redoubt was on Breed's Hill. When 
the subject of this sketch had reached his twelfth 
year his mother died, and the family being in a 
measure broken up, he was thrown on his own 
resouircs. Reared on a fai-in and educated in 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the district school when held, the change in- 
volved, aside from the irreparable loss, was little 
more than lending a helping hand on the farm 
of some neighbor instead of his father's, with 
the privilege of still attending school. In 1849 
he moved to Schnyler County, Illinois, where 
liis eldest brotlier, Dr. S. P. Breed, had settled 
in the practice of his profession. There also he 
engaged in farm work and attended school at 
intervals. In 1853 he set out for California. 
At a reunion of tlie family, at the home of Dr. 
Breed, near Princeton, Illinois, in 1886, a gen- 
eration later, he thus refers to tiiat trip: " I 
find a vast difference in journeying across the 
continent in 1853 and in 1886. Then I was 
four months in driving cattle across the arid 
plains and rugged mountains, swimming rivers 
and fighting Indians, and subsisting on bacon 
and beans. Now the trip is made in four days, 
and those are spent in a palace car where yon 
can enjoy all the comforts and luxuries of life." 
Mr. Breed spent some time in San Francisco 
but without securing a solid foothold. In 1856 
he settled in Honey Lake Valley, in what is now 
known as Lassen County but was then claimed 
by Plumas. There he opened a trading post 
and took up 160 acres of land. In 1857 he was 
secretary of a public meeting of citizens which 
attracted some attention at the time by refusing 
to pay taxes to Plumas County on the ground 
that Honey Lake Valley was outside the legal 
limits of that county. The few settlers were 
much harassed by the depredations and attacks 
of hostile Indians. At one time they drove off 
every head of cattle Mr. Breed had on his ranch. 
. In 1859 he quit merchandising to try his fort- 
une on Fraser Eiver, but the disorganized con- 
dition of society there occasioned his return to 
Honey Lake in 1860, settling on his place, now 
known as the Epley Ranch. A year later he re- 
moved to Indian Valley, where he kept a livery 
stable about one year. He again returned to 
Honey Lake Valley and in 1862 bought a gen- 
eral store in Janesville, where he continued to 
live about twenty years, owning a part of the 
time 1,000 acres near tiie town, to which to- 



gether with the store he gave constant personal 
attention. He was a commissioner for tiie or- 
ganization of Lassen County in 1864. In 1873 
he built a larger store with a hall overhead for 
the various organizations to meet in. He re- 
moved to Los Angeles in 1882, handling realty 
for about three years. He was elected council- 
man in 1885, and president of the council in 
1886. On the organization of the Southern 
California National Bank in June, 1886, he was 
elected vice-president, and at the election of of- 
ficers in January, 1889, he was chosen president. 
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and 
of tlie Kepublican party, and in religious affili- 
ation inclines to Unitarianism, though the tra- 
ditions of the family are Baptist, his grandfather 
and great-grandfather having been elders in that 
communion. September 21, 1861, Mr. Breed 
was married to Miss Samantha Blood, born in 
New York, August 10, 1843. She died August 
19, 1867, leaving one child, Frederick Arthur, 
born July 7, 1862, who was killed in a railroad 
accident in Arizona, at the age of twenty-three. 
Mr. Breed was again married May 28, 1870, to 
Miss Annie J. Blunt, born in Somerset County, 
Maine, September 20, 1852. They liave one 
child, Lillian, born June 21, 1871. 



JSAAC BANTA.— Among the beautiful and 
|l elegant residences on Fair Oak avenue, Pasa- 
^ dena, surrounded by the many luxuries of 
life which suggest to the tourist not only the 
wealth but also the rare taste and culture of the 
owners, is the home of Mrs. Banta, widow of 
the late Isaac Banta. Mr. Banta was a native 
of New York State, having been born in Mont- 
gomery County. For a number of years he was 
engaged as superintendent of railroad work, and 
later he devoted his time to farming in Huron 
County, Ohio, where, in 1846, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Mary G. Hooper. In 1882 
he came to California and settled in Pasadena. 
Here he engaged largely in the real-estate busi- 
ness, in which he was very successful. His 




/,^ 




^f. J^ 



^^^-^^^^^b^^c^. 



HISTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



career in the Golden State, however, was des- 
tined to be of only a few years' duration, for, in 
1888, after a life of usefulness, he was called to 
that otlier world, leaving a wife and two grown 
daughters to mourn his loss. 

-^-i^-^ 

JPSENRY DWIGIIT BARROWS was born 
1^ February 23, 1825, in Mansfield, Tolland 
^(e County, Connecticut, near the Williman- 
• tic River, which separates the town of Coventry 
from Mansfield. His ancestry came from Eng- 
land to Plymouth Colony, and afterward two 
brothers by the name of Barrows moved from 
I'lyitionth to Mansfield, where they settled. 
From these two brothers, who seem to have 
been of a hardy stock, sprang a great number 
of descendants, many of whom still remain in 
Mansfield. The subject of this sketch says he 
counted over thirty heads of families of that 
name in his native town in 1845. Indeed, it 
was the most numerous family name in the 
town at that time and for years afterward; be- 
sides, many married and acquired other names, 
and many also scattered throughout the United 
States. His ancestors on his mother's side 
were Binghams. Mr. Barrows's early years 
were spent on a farm, and he received a good, 
thorough English education in the common 
schools and academies of Tolland County. He 
also taught school several winters, commencing 
when only seventeen years old. Early in life 
he acquired a strong love for music, which lie 
cultivated as he had opportunity, learning to 
play on any instrument he could get hold of 
He took lessons on the organ of a Mr. Monds, 
an English organist in Hartford, Connecticut. 
He also became the leader of the local brass band 
of his native town when he was only eighteen, 
ye'^rs of age. He was fond of books and de- 
voured all he could get hold of in the neigh- 
borhood, which, however, was not very rich in 
literature of any kind. He read through the 
Bible and Shakespear and Byron, including all 
the prose writings of the latter. A stray copy 



of Dr. Dick's "Christian Philosopher" he read 
with delight, and he thinks to this day that it 
is one of the best books that can be placed in a 
boy's hands to enlarge his ideas of the worlds 
around him. He went to New York in 184:9 
and engaged in clerking; and while there had a 
touch of the California gold fever which pre- 
vailed so generally that year. However, he 
did not decide to go to the new El Dorado till 
some years later. In 1850 he went to Boston, 
where he lived something over two j'ears, being 
employed as book-keeper in the large jobbing 
house of J. W. Blodgett & Co., on Pearl street. 
This firm sold goods in every State in the Union 
and in Canada, doing an immense business; 
and the experience and discipline acquired here 
were invaluable to him in after life. During 
his residence in Boston he of course enjoyed 
the lectures, music, etc., of that center of intel- 
lectual activity. He says he retains to-day a 
vivid recollection of Theodore Parker's preach- 
ing, the Lowell Institute lectures, the concerts 
of the Germauians, Jenny Lind, etc. In the 
spring of 1852 he finally concluded to come to 
California, and April 1 he left Boston for his 
home in Connecticut to get ready for the trip, 
and on the 26th of that month he sailed from 
New York on the steamer Illinois, with a large 
number of passengers. The hardships of 
crossing the Isthmus at that time were great, 
the railroad having been finished only a few 
miles out from Aspinwall, the balance of the 
way being made by row-boat up the Chagres 
River to Gorgona, and from thence, twenty- 
six miles, on mule-back or on foot to Panama. 
To a Northern man the heat of all seasons 
seems formidable on the Isthmus. Especially 
is this true at Aspinwall, where the heat 
becomes more oppressive on account ot the 
excessive humidity of the atmosphere. It used 
to be said that it rained there all the time in the 
" wet season " ami twenty hours a day in the 
"dry season." The connecting steamer of the 
Illinois on the Pacific was the Golden Gate, 
Captain Patterson, of the navy, commander- 
About 1,700 passengers came up on this trip. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Soon after arriving in San Francisco, Mr. Bar- 
rows started for the Northern Mines above 
Shasta; but he worl<ed only a short time at min- 
ing, as (it being tlie month of June) the dry 
season had set in, and he returned down the 
valley as far as Tehama, where, about five miles 
back, he went to work on Thom's Creek for 
Jndge Hall, who had a contract to furnish Hall 
& Crandall, the stage contractors, some 200 tons 
of hay. There were great numbers of deer and 
antelopes roaming over the plains of the Upper 
Sacramento Valley at that time. One day as 
Mr. Barrows was walking along Thom's Creek 
alone, a California lion jumped out from a clump 
of bushes within a few feet of him and made 
off out of sight in a few muscular bounds. 
Coming down the Sacramento Valley to Marys- 
ville, where he made a brief stop, he arrived in 
San Francisco the last day of July; and having 
his system full of chills and fever, then so prev- 
alent in the neighborhood of Tehama, and the 
contrast between the heat of the Sacramento 
Valley and the cold of San Francisco being so 
very great, he found himself very ill with con- 
gestive chills, from which he did not entirely 
recover for nearly a year afterward. When he 
first arrived in California he knew nothing about 
the great differences in climate of the different 
sections of the State. Having suffered much, 
including an attack of Panama fever, in coming 
through the tropics, he had an aspiration for a 
cool climate, which he thought could be found in 
going 500 miles north from San Francisco; but 
if, instead, he had come 500 miles south and 
kept near this coast he would have found the 
blessed temperature he sought. But he had. 
then never heard of Los Angeles. Finding that 
he could not get rid of the chills in San Fran- 
cisco, he went in August to San Jose. There 
he staid about a year; and there he met two men 
who were from this same town from which he 
came. One of them. Captain Julian Hanks, had 
come out to this coast many years before and had 
married at San Jose, Lower California, and 
afrerward moved to San Jose, Upper California, 
where he was living with hisfamilv at tliis time 



(1852). He had a vineyard and orchard and 
also a flouring mill at his home place not far 
from the center of the pueblo; and he also had 
a ranch about four miles south of the town. 
Mr. Barrows went on to this ranch and raised a 
crop of wheat and barley. He says that the 
rains were very heavy that winter and that the 
house in which he lived was for some time sur- 
rounded by water. Flour was very dear, being 
worth 25 cents per pound. James Lick (since 
the founder of the magnificent Lick Observa- 
tory) was then building very deliberately, and 
finishing off somewhat elaborately, a fine flour- 
mill just north of San Jose, on Alviso Creek, 
where he lived. Citizens urged him to finish it 
whilst flour was so scarce and high, and grind up 
some of the wheat which was abundant, and 
thus benefit the public as well as himself, but 
he gruffly replied that he was building the mill 
for Lick and not for the public. Among other 
eccentricities he insisted on having mahogany 
railing for the stairway of his flour-mill. Mr. 
Barrows, in the fall of 1853, went to James- 
town in the Southern mines, where he worked 
at mining for awhile. Afterward he secured an 
engagement as teacher of music at the Collegi- 
ate Institute in Benicia, where he remained 
during the greater part of 1854. While there, 
the late William Wolfskill engaged him to 
teach a private school in his family in Los 
Angeles, whither he came in December, 1854. 
He has made his home in Los Angeles ever 
since. He taught four years, or until the latter 
part of 1858. During 1859 and 1860 he culti- 
vated a vineyard that is now owned by Mr. Beau- 
dry on the east side of the river. In 1861 he was 
appointed United States Marshal for the South- 
ern District of California, by President Lincoln, 
which office he held four years. In 1864 be 
engaged in mercantile pursuits, in which he 
continued about fifteen years. At present (1889) 
he is in no regular business. Mr. Barrows has 
been thrice married, and has three children 
living, all grown. The subject of this sketch 
has seen Los Angeles grow from a partly Ameri- 
canized Mexican village to a modern progressive 



HISTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



city of 75,000 inhabitants, lie lias seen lots in 
the central parts of the pueblo rise in value 
from seventy-five dollars to be worth hundreds 
of thousands of dollars. He has witnessed the 
introduction into Los Angeles of steam, street, 
electric and cable railroads, and gas and electri- 
cal light, and the telegraph and telephone, etc., 
which were all unknown here in those primitive 
times of his early residence. In 1854 Los 
Angeles had but one church edifice (that still 
fronting the Plaza), and but one Roman Catho- 
lic and one Protestant church organization, the 
latter having no building of its own. There 
were but two public school-hoiises, one on 
Spring and one on Bath Street, both of which 
have been demolished to make room for impos- 
ing business blocks. There was one Masonic 
lodge here, and of other benevolent and secret 
societies not one. And most of the people who 
lived and bore sway here then, many of whom 
he knew well, have (and he cannot but say it 
with a tinge of sadness) passed away, and their 
places are mostly filled by comparative strangers. 
Mr. Barrows has made frequent visits to the 
Atlantic States — once in 1857 by steamer, once 
in 1860 by the Butterfield stage route, and sev- 
eral times by rail. In 1875 he spent the sum- 
mer in the East with his family. He has been 
a member of the city school board many terms, 
and was county superintendent for one term, 
and he has always taken a lively interest in 
educational matters. He has been a frequent 
writer for the local and other papers on economic 
and social questions. A close watcher of current 
events will often be iujpressed that this and that 
thing ought to be said to a larger audience than 
to his own immediate acquaintances, and that 
good can be done by thus saying it at the right 
time. Besides much that Mr. Barrows has 
written for the public press, over his own name, 
during his long residence in Los Angeles, he 
has said many things and made many argu- 
ments that have lieen admitted into the editorial 
columns of sundry journals at difl'erent periods. 
For nearly ten years, from 1856 to 1866, he was 
the regular paid Los Angeles correspondent of 



the San Francisco Evening Bulletin. Mr. Bar- 
rows has enjoyed the respect and confidence 
of his neighbors among whom he has lived so 
many years. He has administered first and last 
several large estates, including those of William 
Wolfskin, Captain Ale.x. Bell, and others. He 
was appointed by the United States District 
Court one of the commissioners to run the bound- 
ary line between the "Providencia Eancho" 
and that of the "ex-mission of San Fernando." 
He also, by appointment of the Superior Court, 
was one of the commissioners that partitioned 
the "San Pedro Kancho," which contained about 
25,000 acres. Mr. Barrows was for the year 
1888 the president of the Historical Society of 
Southern California, of which he has been an 
active member since its organization. In the 
publication of the society for 1887, Mr. Barrows 
explains the theory of rainfall, or of aqneous 
precipitation generally, whether in the form of 
rain, hail or snow, and also explains the cause 
of California's wet and dry seasons. He has 
written brief sketches of a considerable number 
of the easily pioneers of Los Angeles, many of 
whom he knew personally. 

— ^€ii:©*-^ — 

fENJAMIN F. BALL, Pasadena, was born 
in Salem, Columbiana County, Ohio, De- 
cember 24, 1837. His early life was spent 
on a tarm in his native State. In 1860 he re- 
moved to Cedar County, Iowa. He was united 
in marriage, in 1861, with Miss Mary Stewart. 
In 1878 Mr. Ball came to the Colden State and 
settled in Pasadena. In company with Mr. 
1. II. Painter he purchased 4,000 acres of land, 
known as the Monk Tract, lying directly north 
of Pasadena. He spent two years in developing 
a water system, and during that time laid about 
twenty-five miles of water-pipe. As showing 
the wonderful increase in the value of property, 
we state the fact that $15 an acre was paid for 
the 4,000-acre tract, and they sold it for $75 to 
$500 per acre. It was rapidly built upon and 
now has about 250 families living on it, and 



nrSTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



])eing at present one of the most desirable parts 
of the city. The first brick house ever built in 
Pasadena was erected on L'air Oaks avenue by 
Mr. Ball, and at that time it was the best house 
in Pasadena. Mr. Ball has just finished and 
moved into his new residence, which is located 
on the hill between Orange Grove avenue and 
Terrace Drive, overlooking the city and whole 
country round. It is one of the finest resi- 
dences in Los Angeles County, and notliing 
tiiat taste and refinement would suggest or that 
money could purchase has been omitted to make 
it complete in all its appointments, it having 
cost Mr. Ball no less than $55,000. Colonel 
Stanford, and others who have traveled very 
extensively over the world, state that the view 
from Mr. Ball's home is the most magnificent 
they ever witnessed. The grounds surround- 
ing the residence comprise two acres, and for 
beauty of design and variety of plants and 
flowers, are unsurpassed. Mr. Ball is very en- 
thusiastic over California; he thinks it is the 
finest country on earth and Pasadena the loveli- 
est spot. He makes this remarkable statement: 
"I would not go back East to live for all the 
wealth east of the Rocky Mountains," and 
gives as his reason that "with the compara- 
tively small means that I have, I can live com- 
fortably here, while with all the wealth of the 
East it would be impossible to do so there." 
As a worthy and enterprising citizen, aiding in 
every way the improvement and development of 
his chosen country, Mr. Ball occupies a promi- 
nent place. He is vice-president of the First 
National Bank, and is also a member of the 
board of trade of Pasadena. 



tUTHUR F. CARTER, one of the proprie- 
tors of the Belle vue Nurseries, corner of 
Grand avenue and Jefferson streets, Los 
Angeles, was born in Connecticut, January 27, 
1854. His parents, John R. and Delia (Stock- 
well) Carter, were both natives of New England. 
His iather was connected with the mills in 



Connecticut and Massacluisetts, and upon the 
breaking out of the war he enlisted in tlip. 
Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and 
near the close of the war was killed in the bat 
tie of Piedmont, West Virginia, leaving one 
son and daughter. Mrs. Carter and her daughter 
are living in Connecticut. The son, Arthur F., 
the subject of this sketch, received his education 
in New England. In 1875 he went to Colorado 
and spent one season in the Hahn's Peak mines. 
The following spring he took land on Box Elder 
Creek, twenty-five miles from Denver, and en- 
gaged in sheep and cattle raising, and continued 
in this business five years. Owing to the very 
severe winters, he suffered heavy losses of stock. 
He closed his interests, and in December, 1881, 
came to California. After visiting many parts 
of the State he located in Los Angeles in the 
spring of 1882, and entered the employ of Mil- 
ton Thomas, one of the most prominent nur- 
serymen in the State. In 1887 he became 
interested in the business with Mr. Thomas, and 
since then has had entire charge of theh- exten- 
sive nurseries. He has made a study of horti- 
culture, and makes a i)ractical application of 
the most intelligent methods in the adaptation 
of soils in different locations for fruit-raising and 
the growth of ornamental shade trees, and his 
eSbrts have been attended with marked. success. 
Mr. Carter was united in marriage May 12, 
1886, with Miss Laura Thomas, a native of this 
State, and daughter of Milton Thomas. 

'^■^■^ 

fAMES W. COOK was born in Cass County, 
Missouri, in 1840. His father, John B. 
Cook, was a native of Kentucky, who, in the 
earlier days, settled in Missouri, engaged in 
farming and stock- growing, and there married 
Miss Mary Wilson. She died in 1855. In 1857 
Mr. Cook, senior, came overland with his family 
to California and located in Sonoma County, 
taking up his residence in Bennett Valley, near 
Santa Rosa. There he purchased land and en- 
gaged in farming and stock-growing. The 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



children in the family wore: Andrew W., Jolin 
H., William Y., Elizabeth, now Mrs. J. E. Bet- 
terton, of Plumas County-; Jesse G., a resident 
of Santa Ana; James AV., the snliject of this 
sketch; Mary, wife of Judge J. A. Barliam, of 
Santa Rosa; Lucinda, now Mrs. Solomon Otis, 
of Plumas County; and F. Lee, all of whom, 
witli the exception of John and William, are 
residents of California. The subject of this 
sketch was reared upon the farm of his father in 
Sonoma County, and was engaged with his father 
in farming operations until 1877, in which year 
liis father sold the farm and took up his resi- 
dence in Santa Rosa. The death of his father 
occurred in that city the same year. In 1878 
Mr. Cook ^came to Los Angeles County, and 
spent the winter in Los Angeles. In the spring 
of 1879 he visited the Azusa section and pur- 
chased sixty acres of land about three-fourths of 
a mile southwest of the present tpwn of Glen- 
dora, where he took up his residence and engaged 
in general farming and horticultural pursuits. 
This land he placed under a good state of culti- 
vation, planting orchards, vineyards, etc. In 
1887 he sold liis farm and purchased a home 
place of seven and a half acres just south and 
east of the city of Azusa. Upon this he has 
made substantial improvements, erecting a fine 
two-story residence, well ordered barns and out 
buildings, and has also planted five acres with 
Washington Navel oranges, and a family orchard 
of a choice variety of deciduous fruits. His place 
is well watered from the ditches of the Azusa 
Land and Water Company, of which company 
he is a stockholder. Mr.' Cook is well known 
in the community where he has resided for the 
past ten years; is an intelligent and progressive 
citizen, interested in building up his section of 
the San Gabriel Valley, and is a supporter of 
sucli enterprises as will tend to develop its re- 
sources. In political matters he is Democratic, 
and has represented his district as a delegate in 
county conventions, ete. He is a member of 
the Odd Fellows fraternity, being affiliated with 
the Santa Rosa Lodge. He is a supporter of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In 



1869 Mr. Cook married Miss Grace Millington, 
the daughter of Seth and Maria (Woodward) 
Millington. Her father was a prominent and 
well-known citizen of Sonoma County at the 
time of his death. Iler mother is still a resi- 
dent of that county. Mrs. Cook was born in 
Iowa. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Cook there are five children living, viz.: James 
Bailey, Marian, Estella, Grace M. and Seth 
Williams, all of whom are members of their 
father's household. 

fT. CURRIER, proprietor of "Currier's 
Ranch," three miles south of Spadra, on 
** the lines of the Southern Pacific Railroad, 
has been actively identified with the work of 
improving and building up Los Angeles County 
for the past twenty years. A brief review of 
the life of Mr. Currier gives the following facts: 
He was born in Franklin County, Maine, April 
30, 1840. The usual life of a strong, robust. 
New England boy of not wealthy parentage was 
his. Reared to a farm life, he was early inured 
to hard labor, with few play-days. The usual 
opportunities for schooling were afforded him. 
Of these he made good use. Pursuing his studies 
with that energy which has characterized his 
whole life, he became, before reaching his ma- 
jority, a teacher of others. Not satisfied with 
the prospects of life in his native State, in the 
autumn of 1861, in the fiush of young manhood, 
the subject of this sketch left the old home and 
came to California, via the Panama route. 
After a winter spent near Placerville, he en- 
gaged in mining in Shoshone County, Idaho, 
following that pursuit six years, with fair suc- 
cess. In the autumn of 1867 he visited the old 
home in Maine, returning to this State the fol- 
lowing spring. The year following he was 
dealing in stock in Northern California and 
Southern Oregon. In 1869 he disposed of his 
stock, and at San Francisco prepared himself 
for a horseback ride through the better portions 
of the State, for the purpose of selecting a future 



410 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



home, deteriniiied to find first a liealtliy, equa- 
ble climate where a good soil, with good water, 
could be had. In the autumn, after a summer 
spent in the northern and middle portions of 
California, Mr. Currier bought 1,000 acres of 
the land now making his ranch. He has never 
regretted his choice. In the fall of 1871 he 
commenced the improvement of the property. 
The ranch now comprises 2,400 acres, partly in 
the beautiful San Jose Valley and partly in the 
adjoining hills, which are themselves inter- 
spersed with valleys. In quality of soil it all 
ranks number one. Crossing the " Currier 
Hanch " is a perennial stream of water, the San 
Jose Creek, which should be mentioned in this 
connection. It has its fountain head three- 
quarters of a mile east of Spadra, on the Phil- 
lips Ranch. In the first three miles of its flow 
it is entirely emptied of water by ditches six 
times, reappearing each time with an increased 
volume. By actual measurement in midsummer 
Mr. Currier has for his use sixty-eight miners' 
inches. This wonderfully beneficent little stream 
sinks after leaving the ranch only to again re- 
appear and enrich the valley for miles below, 
before being lost in the San Gabriel River. The 
" Currier Ranch " is devoted mainly to the pro- 
duction of hay and grain. About eighty head 
of horses, 200 hogs and 125 head of cattle, are 
usually kept. An average of 1,000 tons of hay 
is sold annually, and 500 tons are fed on the 
rancli. Tiie grain production annually is pro- 
portionally large. Mr. Currier, while making 
no specialty of citrus fruits, prides himself on 
having land suitable for their culture, excelled 
by iione in the citrus belt. A small orange or- 
chard of only two acres, which came into good 
bearing in 1884, has, for its first three crops 
sold to shipping dealers, yielded an average of 
over $1,000 per year. Mr. Currier owns sixty- 
six acres of land adjoining the Santa Fe Railroad 
station grounds on the east and north of Po- 
mona. This he has commenced to improve, 
fifteen acres being planted to deciduous fruits 
and oranges, and twelve acres with raisin grapes. 
|n the near future tiie rest of this land will be 



in orchard. Mr. Currier also owns valuable 
city property in Los Angeles and Pomona. Ili3 
has embarked in many an enterprise, helping lo 
build up the county and its cities. Of the Motor 
Line between Pomona and North Pomona he is 
a leading stockholder and director. He is also a 
stockholder and the president of the Palomares 
Hotel Company at Pomona. Mr. Currier, by 
his life, has illustrated the fact that fortune fa- 
vors those who help themselves. He left his 
native State possessed of only a pittance earned 
by teaching district school, before twenty-one 
years of age. In California, while not always 
successful, by his ambition, energy and courage, 
backed by good business qualifications, he has 
been able to acquire a goodly fortune. In pub- 
lic affairs he has always been interested. Po- 
litically, he is identified with the Republican 
party. In Shoshone County, Idaho, he served 
three years as county treasurer. In 1882, by a 
vote, flattering to himself, leading the party 
vote by hundreds, he was elected sheritf of Los 
Angeles County. He is a member of the Odd 
Fellows fraternity of Pomona. March 20, 1881, 
Mr. Currier wedded Mrs. Susan Rubottom, nee 
Glenn, widow of James Rubottom. Her family 
were pioneers of El Monte, from Texas. 



fOHN W. COOK.— Among the successful 
business men and horticulturists of Glen- 
dora mention must be made of the above- 
named gentleman who has been so closely identi- 
fied with the founding and building up of that 
prosperous village. Mr. Cook came to Glendora 
in the fall of 1885 and the next season com- 
menced the clearing and planting of a tract of 
land lying just east of Glendora, on what is now 
Sierra Madre avenue, and also erected a neat 
and well-ordered home and suitable out-build- 
ings, early recognizing the advantages of his 
section for business and fesidence. In 1887 he 
was one of the original incorporators of the 
Glendora Water Company and the Glendora 
Land Company. In the latter company he 



insrOHY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



lilaced twenty acres of liis land for towti-site 
purposes. He was appointed secretary of both 
companies, and entered iieartily into tlie enter- 
prises for which Glendora is indebted for tlie 
wonderful growtli and prosperity tiiut followed 
tlie incorporation and successful management of 
those companies. Mr. Cook held the position 
of secretary in these companies until 1889 when 
his failing health com])elled his retirement to 
quieter walks of life. In addition to his busi- 
ness enterprises he has devoted his attention to 
horticultural pursuits upon his lioine place, and 
has at this writing (1889) fifteen acres of citrus 
fruits, comprising ten acres of Washington 
Navel oranges and live acres of lemons, and 
also a family orchard of deciduous fruits con- 
taining a large variety of the most approved 
fruits grown in his section. lie has also, in ad- 
dition to his fifty acres comprising his home- 
stead, forty acres of land above Sierra Madre 
avenue, which is devoted to grain cultivation, 
and thirty acres just east of Glendora, all of 
which is tine fruit land and well adapted to citrus 
fruit. In addition to his operations in develop- 
ing water as a stockholder and officer of the 
Glendora "Water Company, he is the owner of 
one lialf of six inches of water developed by 
private enterprise. The intelligent care and at- 
tention that he has devoted to his horticultural 
pursuits is well shown by the results he has 
secured in his orange culture, which has placed 
his grove in the ranks of the most successful 
and valuable in his section. The subject of tliis 
sketch was born in Crawford County, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1857. His parents, William H. and 
Sarah (Whiting) Cook, were both natives of that 
State. In 1858 his father moved to Knox 
County, Missouri, and there engaged in farming 
and stock -growing. Mr. Cook was reared to 
that calling, at the same time receiving a good 
education. Upon reaching his majority he en- 
gaged in the warehouse business with his 
brother, at Edina, Missouri. He was success- 
fully engaged in that business until 1885 when 
he came to California and took up his present 
residence. Mr. Cook is a man (jf sound business 

27 



principles and broad views, and has made a sue 
cess in his undertakings. He is a consistent 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a 
prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, 
being a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Tem- 
plar. In political matters he is a Republican. 
In 1885 Mr. Cook was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary S. Baker, the daughter of Joshua W. 
and Sarah (Lawrence) Baker. She died in 1888, 
leaving two children: Dale B. and Inez W.,both 
of whom were born in Glendora. 



to BERT CAT II CART was bom in St. 
Louis, •Missouri, in 1837. His parents, 
Robert and Hannah (Lee) Cathcart, were 
natives of Scotland. His father came to the 
United States in his yonth and located in St. 
Louis. He was a well-known engineer and 
business man of that city, and was the builder 
of the first steam flouring mills ever erected in 
St. Louis. He was also largely interested in 
steamboating on the Mississippi River, owning 
a packet line between St. Louis and New Orleans. 
The subject of this sketch was reared in St. 
Louis until about seventeen years of age, re- 
ceiving a liberal education. In 1853 his father 
and family came to California and settled in 
Santa Cruz, where he engaged in farming. Mr. 
Cathcart was employed in agricultural pursuits 
with his father until 1861. He then entered 
into mercantile pursuits and established a gen- 
eral merchandise store at Santa Cruz, except in 
theyears from 18(33 to 18(56, when he was engaged 
in the livery business. He conducted liis mer- 
cantile enterprises in that city until 1876. In 
that year he sold out and came to Los Angeles 
County, locating in the San Jose Valley about 
two miles north of Pomona, upon a 100-acre 
tract, which he purchased from A. R. Meserve. 
There he has since resided, and has devoted 
himself to agricultural and horticultural pur- 
suits. At a later date Mr. Cathcart sold a por- 
tion of his land, but liis present fifty-acre tract 
is well worthy of mention. This land was en- 



iiiaTouy OF LOS anoeles county 



tirely wild and uncultivated when he jnircliased 
it, but his years of labor and intelligent culti- 
vation have made it one of the most productive 
properties in his section. There are about 
twenty acres devoted to fruit culture, producing 
the most favorite varieties of oranges, lemons, 
olives, apples, peaches, pears, etc. He also de- 
votes considerable attention to small fruits. 
Nearly thi-ee acres are used as a nursery, an in- 
dustiy in whidi Mr. Cathcart is gaining a well- 
deserved success. His improvements are sub- 
stantial and well ordered. A neat cottage sit- 
uated amid a grove of beautiful shade and 
ornamental trees makes his home of the most 
attractive and pleasing character. The most 
notable enterpris-e upon his lands is the valuable 
water that has been obtained from artesian 
wells. When he purchased his land, in 1876, 
lie made his selection witli a view of the possi- 
bilities of procuring water by an artesian system 
in the future, and located on"a line of what 
seemed a natural water course from San An- 
tonio Cafion to some well-known springs sit- 
uated about one-quarter of a mile below his 
lands. In 1882, when the Vater supply became 
;ui important factor in the future prosperity of 
the San Jose Valley, he sank two wells, seeking 
a water supply for the Kingsley Tract, and at 
111 feet struck a fine flow of water. At the 
jiresent writing there are ten artesian wells upon 
ills lands, varying in depth from 860 to 600 
feet. These wells yield an aggregate water 
supply of 180 inches, one-half of which is piped 
to the Chino Ranch, the balance being available 
for the lands lying south of his tract. His 
land is irrigated by water from tlie San Antonio 
Canon, he having a water right of one inch for 
every eight acres. In Mr. Cathcart's operations 
he has been successful. He is an enterprising 
and progressive man, and a strong believer in 
the future prosperity of the valley, taking an in- 
terest in and aiding any enterprise that in his 
opinion will develop its resources. liobert Cath- 
cart, Fred I. Smitii and I. B. Camp formed a 
company March 1, 1889, under the name of the 
Citizens AVater Com])any, to pipe water into 



Pomona, for which the above-named gentlemen 
have been granted a franchise by the city 
council. The work of digging ditches, laying 
pipe, etc., will be commenced at once, and will 
be pushed forward with the utmost dispatch to 
completion. Tlie pipe is all made and ready 
for laying, and inside of tw-o months they ex- 
pect to have all the connectioTis made, and the 
people of Pomona supplied with an abundance of 
pure artesian water. Politically Mr. Cathcart is 
a liberal and conservative Democrat. In 1867 he 
was united in marriage with Miss Augusta Durr, 
a native of Ohio. They have four children living, 
viz.: Anna Josephine, John Lee, Charles II. 
and Robert, all of whom are members of their 
father's household. They are receiving a liberal 
education. His dangliter Josephine graduated 
at the Mills Seminary, Alameda County, in the 
class of 1888. 

'^-^-^ • 

ILLIAM CAMERON, Superintendent 
of the shops of the City Railway Com- 
pany, Los Angeles, is a native of Nova 
Scotia, and was born November 26, 1847. He 
is a son of William Cameron, a native of Inver- 
ness, Scotland, and Jane Cameron, a native of 
Nova Scotia. During his youth he learned the 
trade of carriage-builder. Upon reaching man- 
hood he went to Boston, where he was in the 
employ of J. Hall & Son, the leading carriage- 
builders of that city, and was afterward foreman 
under the master mechanic of the Metropolitan 
Street Railway. He lived there eighteen years. 
In 1883 he came to California, on account of 
the ill health of his wife, and entered the em- 
ploy of the street railway company, building 
cars; and being an expert mechanic, he was ap- 
pointed to his present position. He was mar- 
ried April 11, 1872, to Miss Annie Isabella 
McMillen, of Nova Scotia. Her father, Finley 
McMillen, was a native of Inverness shire, Scot- 
land, and her grandfather was a soldier in the 
battle of Waterloo; came to America in 1776 
and served in the Forty-second Highland Regi- 



IIISTOUr OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 



iiieiit; was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and 
also served in the war of 1812. Mrs. Cameron's 
mother was Mary Mclnness, a native of Ar- 
g)'lesliirc, Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Caineron 
have two children — Donald K. and Willie. 



^IM}* 



tD. CONNER was born in Cliantanqna 
County, New York, August S, 1828. 
" His father, Ezra Conner, was a native of 
Dutchess County, that State, and his mother, 
Maria (Corell) Conner was born in Pennsylva- 
nia. His father was a mechanic and Mr. Con- 
ner was reared and educated as a carpenter. He 
received his early education at the public schools 
of his native town. When sixteen years of age 
his father emigrated to Wisconsin and settled 
in Kenosha County. In 1852 the subject of 
this sketch, with his brother and father, came 
overland to California. This journey was per- 
formed with ox teams, and six months was 
occupied in making the trip. Upon his arrival 
he located at Hangtown, now Placerville, in 
Placer County, and engaged in work at his 
trade and other pursuits in the mining districts 
until 1856. He then returned by way of Cen- 
tral America, Cuba and New York, to Minne- 
sota, and located in Olmsted County, near 
Rochester, where he was united in marriage to 
Miss Sarah A. Gifford, daughter of Choel and 
Riioda Giflord, on August 24, 1857. The 
parents of Mrs. Conner are natives of New 
York State. His next move was to Marshall- 
town, Iowa, where he entered land and engaged 
in farming until 1863. There he returned to 
liis trade and was employed as a contractor and 
builder until 1875, when lie came the second 
time to California and located in Los Angeles 
County. Mr. Conner worked at his trade in 
Los Angeles until July, and then returned East 
and brought out his family, and in October of 
that year took up his residence in Pomona, 
where he has since resided. As a contractor 
and builder, Mr. Conner has for years been 
identified with the building up of Pomona. 



His residence was on Second street, at the cor- 
ner of Garey avenue, until 1882, when he moved 
to a ten-acre tract on Holt avenue. In 1888 he 
erected a substantial two-story residence upon 
tills lot. Mr. Conner's lot is well improved 
and planted with fruit trees, etc. His first fruit 
culture was in 1876, and he has since taken a 
deep interest in that industry. Mr. Conner has 
seen the little hamlet in which he took up his 
residence in 1875 grow to be a rich, prosperous 
_city, during which time, by his industry and a 
steady application to his business, he has secured 
a well-earned competencj', and by his straight- 
forward, manly dealings, gained the respect and 
esteem of the community in which he resides. 
In political, matters he is a Democrat, and for 
several years in the earlier history of Pomona 
held the office of jnstice of the peace. He is a 
charter member of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, 
F. & A. M. Mr. Conner has had live children: 
Herman G., who was born September 4, 1858, 
was united in marriage to Miss Emma Clark in 
1888, and is now engaged in the restaurant 
business in Pomona; Clarence A. was born July 
17, 1861, and died June 10, 1862; Charles E., 
born May 12, 1864, is now a practicing physi- 
cian in Pomona; Benjamin F., born March 20, 
1870, and died March 10, 1876; Lyman Earnest, 
born May 27, 1881, died May 27, 1881. 

H^lllLLIAM CARUTHEKS, a farmer, re- 
-fSW ^''^^'"o '•^^'^ miles north of Downey, has 
l*^-^^ been a citizen of Los Angeles County 
as long, perhaps, as any other man, having come 
to the county in 1865. He first purchased 146 
acres of land, and at once turned over half of 
it to a neighbor. The part which he retained 
he has now in a high state of cultivation, has 
engaged in general farming and has made a 
success of his calling. He has over 1,100 wal- 
nut trees and six acres of apples, peaches and 
oranges, some of the oranges being of the 
finest varieties in the county. Mr. Caruthers 
«-as born in Louisiana, in 1830, the s(hi of John 



UISTOUy OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 



and Frances (Murphy) Carntliers. His lather 
was a native of Virginia and his mother of 
Missouri. His grandfather was a pioneer of 
Virginia and subsequently moved to Missouri, 
where he died at a good old age. John Caruth- 
ers moved from Missouri to Louisiana in 1830. 
and, after raising one crop there, removed to 
Texas, when the subject of this sketch was less 
than one year old. There he was engaged in 
stock-raising and farming until his death, which 
occurred in 1861. He had twelve children, 
ten of whom grew to maturity and six are still 
living. William was educated in Texas and 
was married there February 18, 1856, to Miss 
Amanda Perry, of Tennessee. "While in Texas 
their oldest child was born, Zora, now the wife 
of L. M. Grider, of Downey. The rest of their 
children were born in California, and their 
names are as follows: "William, Angeline, now 
the wife of H. H. Grossmayer, of San Ber- 
nardino; Jefterson D.; Mary, wife of J. P. 
Stevens, also of San Bernardino; Martha, Hugh 
and John. Mrs. Caruthers and her daughters 
are consistent church members. Mr. Caruthers 
is athliated with the Masonic fraternity. Lodge 
No. 220, at Downey. Politically, he is an act- 
ive worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. 



fEOlKiE "W. COLE was born in Putnam 
County, Hlinois, in 1827, and is a son of 
Sampson and Viney (Thompkins) Cole, 
natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respect- 
ively. His father was one of the iirst miners 
in the lead mines of Galena, Illinois, and was 
for !nany years a frontier land speculator. In 
1841 he moved to Missouri and remained in 
that State until 1846, when he moved to Texas. 
He had eight children, and died in 1881. His 
widow is still living, at the age of eighty-four 
years. In 1846 our subject went to Mexico 
and entered the army under Colonel Jack Hays 
and served as a cavalryman till he was mustered 
out at Fredericksburg in 1848. He then re- 
turned to Missouri and married the ladv who 



has ever since helped him figlit life's battles. 
This lady was Miss Olive M. Chilson, daughter 
of Enier Chilson, a native of Vermont. Imme- 
diately after his marriage he and his bride went 
to Texas and settled down to farming and gen- 
eral stock-raising. In 1853 he made a trip to 
California, by steamer, and remained about a 
year, when he returned to Texas and remained 
in the stock-business till 1864. He then sold 
out and moved to California, spending eight 
months in crossing the plains, with ox teams. 
He arrived in San Bernardino County, and 
worked at the lumber business f)U the mount- 
ains. In 1865 he bought 116 acres in the 
Downey Eanch, which he improved and farmed 
till 1875, when he bold it and bought the 200 
acres where he now lives. This is one of the 
linest ranches in Southern California, and he 
has erected a very handsome residence. In 
1876-'80 he was engaged in mining in Ari- 
zona. He has made a home where jieace and 
plenty reign, and he has a welcome for all. 
The children are nearly all married: Anrelia is 
the wife of John Tweedy, of Hi vera; Mary is 
the wife of "William Kellar, of Tuston; Cali- 
fornia is the wife of Henderson Chenej', of 
"Whittier; Dora is the wife of J. B. Ginther, of 
Los Angeles; George W. is married and is an 
extensive cattle-dealer in Arizona; Charles E. 
is married and lives near "Whittier; Josepii A. 
and Byron S. are still at home. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Cole are members of the Baptist Church. 
Mr. Cole has been eminently successful in his 
calling as a farmer, and his pleasant home and 
comfortable surroundings are the result of the 
combined industry and taste of himself and 
his excellent wife. 

^-^--^ 

fl. CASE. — Prominent among the capital- 
ists who have located their winter resi- 
® dences in Monrovia is the above-named 
gentleman, a resident and well-known manu- 
facturer of Racine, Wisconsin. Mr. Case has 
erected an elegant two-story residence, sur- 



n I STOUT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



i-oiiiided by well-ordered gronuds, on the north 
side of Banana avenue, in Monrovia. At this 
place, in connection with J. M. Stndahaker, he 
is the owner of eighty acres of fine frnit land, 
ten acres of whicli are now planted to Wash- 
ington Navel and Mediterranean Sweet oranges- 
Adjoining this tract on the north they own 200 
acres of mountain land, upon which there is a 
reservoir of 1,500,000 gallons capacity. Mr. 
Case is also interested in and the owner of otiier 
real estate in Los Angeles County, among which 
is a tract of land of seventy-eight acres lying 
just south and east of Duarte, this land being 
all under cultivation and producing oranges and 
walnuts and also a variety of deciduous fruits. 
Associated with him in the ownership of this 
tract are J. M. Studabaker and W. JST. Monroe, 
of Monrovia. He has also a fine residence 
tract of twenty acres on Lake avenue in Pasa- 
dena, at the terminus of the Altadena Railroad. 
Tlie brief facts in regard to Mr. Case's life and 
successful business career are of interest. He 
is a native of Oswego County, New York, and 
dates his birth in 1818, the son of Caleb and 
Deborah (Jackson) Case. His father was a 
farmer, and Mr. Case was reared to that calling, 
receiving such an education as was afforded by 
the common schools of that date. In 1841 he 
decided to seek his fortunes in the great West, 
and located at Racine, Wisconsin. Aside from 
his indomitable energy and industrious habits, 
his only capital at that time was a small one 
horse-power threshing machine. With this he 
entered the grain fields of Wisconsin. In those 
early days in Wisconsin agricultural machinery 
was but little used, and 'there were no manufact- 
uring establishments for the construction or 
repair of such machinery in that State, and as 
Mr. Case's threshing machine needed repairs, 
be was entirely dependent upon himself in 
making them. This led him to study the con- 
struction and working of his machine aiid also 
to make some improvements; and finally he 
constructed a new thresher to take the place of 
the old one, and then the construction of other 
niacliincs followed, to meet the calls of his 



neighbors. From this small beginning rose the 
establishment of the largest threshing-machine 
manufactory in the world, at Raoine. He also 
established extensive plow works, and became 
one of the largest manufacturers in the West. 
Mr. Case spent nearly forty years in conducting 
his various enterprises, and upon wishing a par- 
tial retirement from a personal supervision of 
the works, his interests were merged into stock 
companies. Incorporating under the names of 
The J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company, 
and The J. I. Case Plow Works, Mr. Case re- 
tains a controlling interest and is president of 
both the companies. He is also largely inter- 
ested in banking and other industries in 
Wisconsin, aod is the president of the Manu- 
facturers' National Bank, of Racine, and the 
First National Bank, of Burlington, Wisconsin. 
He was also one of the incorporators, and is 
vice-president of the Granite Bank, of Mon- 
rovia. He has been identified with the politi- 
cal history of Racine. In the years of 1853 
and 1854 he was mayor of that city, and in 
1857-'58 served in the Legislature of Wiscon 
sin as the senator of his district. In jiolitica! 
matters he is a Republican. Mr. Case is a 
great lover of horses, and has devoted both time 
and money in breeding some of the finest 
horses in the United States, among which is the 
famous horse '"Jay Eye See," with a trotting 
record of 2:10, and "Phallas," whose record of 
2:13| is the fastest of all living stallions; also a 
four-year-old stallion, "Brown," with a record 
of 2:18|. He is the owner of a magnificent 
stock farm near Jiacine, and is also a one-third 
owner of the Glen View Stock Farm, near 
Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Case is emphatically 
a self-made man, and his life is an illustration 
of what may be achieved by an energetic and 
industrious man by a course of straightforward 
dealing and sound business principles applied 
to a particular branch of business. In May, 
1849, Mr. Case married Miss Lydia A. Bull, the 
ilaughter of I)e Grove and Amanda (Crosby) 
Bull, of New York. From this marriage there 
arc four children living, viz.: Jackson I., who 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



inanied JMiss Henrietta lluy, and is residing at 
KiK'iiK', Wit-consin, conducting his father's busi- 
ness; Henrietta, ir)W Mrs. Percy S. Fuller, 
whose iuisband is an attorney at law in Ivacine; 
Jessie F., wile of 11. M. "Wallis, Secretary, Treas- 
urer and General Manager of J. I. Case Plow 
Works, also of liacine; and Amanda, wife of 
J.J. Crooks, of Sau Francisco. 



tE. CliUA-E^'WETT, jeweler, corner of 
MyrtleandOrangeavenues, Monrovia, has 
** one of the most complete stocks of goods 
in his line of business in the San Gabriel A'' alley 
la^t of Los Angeles and Pasadena. Mr. Cronen- 
wett is a thorough mechanic, is the master of his 
calling, and is iilso a well-trained business man. 
lie is receiving the patronage and support of 
the community that his enterprise and skill so 
fully merits, lie is a native of Carrollton, 
Carroll County, Ohio, born in 1805. His father 
was Dr. Ciiarles F. Cronenwett, a physician and 
druggist. When the subject of this sketch was 
three years old his father moved to Woodville. 
There he was reared and educated, completing 
his studies in the Woodville University. When 
he was si.Kteen, the death of his father occurred, 
and he then went to Carrollton and entered the 
jeweler's establishment of his uncle, where he 
became a practical workman and was well versed 
in the business details of his calling. He after- 
ward took charge of the business and success- 
fully conducted it until 1888, when he came to 
Los Angeles County, and in February of that 
year established his present business. Mr. 
Cronenwett, from the lirst establishing of his 
business, has been thoroughly identified with 
the growth luid prosperity of Monrovia. He is 
the owner of the store he occupies, besides res- 
idence property and other real-estate interests 
in the city, lie ic^ an enterprising and public- 
spirited citizen, and a desirable acquisition to the 
business community of Monrovia, and may be 
counted upon as a sup|iortcr of any enterprise 
that ho belioves will advance the interests of his 



chosen city. He is the musical director and 
manager of the Monrovia City l^and, with a 
membership of thirty-one performers, the largest 
band in Southern California, an organization 
controlled and supported by the city council, he 
being appointetl custodian for the city. He 
is a member of the First Lutheran Church of 
Los Angeles, and also a member of Carroll Lodge, 
No. 197, K. of P., of Carrollton, Ohio, and of the 
Jewelers' League of the United States. In 
political matters he is a consistent Democrat. 
February 14, 1888, Mr. Cronenwett wedded 
Miss Minnie E. McCall, the daughter of Senator 
T. C. McCall, of Iowa. Her mother was nee Mary 
Eoynton, both of her parents being natives of 
Ohio. Mr. Cronenwetl's lather was a native of 
Michigan, and his mother, tiee Margaret Helf- 
rich, was born in Ohio. Both are of German 
descent. 

:^t^-^i 

:1LLIAM E. CULLEN.— 'Vmong the 
early settlers and representative citizens 
I' igs>^\ of what is now the populous town of 
Glendora is the above-named gentleman. Mr. 
Cullen is a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, 
and dates his birth in 1841. His father. Dr. 
John Cullen, was a prominent dentist in that 
county. He was a native of Virginia, as was 
also Mr. Cullen's mother, nee Harriet Furr. 
The subject of this sketch was reared in his 
native county until eighteen years of age. He 
then went to Oxford, Mississippi, and joined his 
father, who had preceded him to that place. 
There he entered upon a course of study in the 
Mississippi State University, in the preparatory 
department, which he continued until the break- 
ing out of the civil war in 1861. Upon the 
first commencement of hostilities he entered 
the Confederate army as a member of the Lamar 
Rifles. Early in 1861 liis command was as- 
signed to the army of Virginia, and he partici- 
pated in the tirst battles of the war. He was 
with that arn)y at the battle of Manassas and 
also at the sietre of Wirktown and battles of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELBS COUNTY. 



Williamsburg, West Point and Seven Pines, or 
Fair Oaks. In the latter engagement Mr. Ciil- 
Ica was severely wounded, necessitating the 
amputation of his right arm. After the loss of 
his arm he was retired from active service in 
the ranks, but remained with the armies of the 
Confederacy throughout the war as a dispatch 
bearer and in other positions of confidence and 
trust. At the close of the war he located at 
Memphis, Tennessee, where for many years ho 
was engaged in mercantile business and other 
enterprises. He was for a long time connected 
with the Cotton Compress Association, and 
was also for several years the license collector 
of the city of Memphis. In 1874 he came to 
California and located in Los Angeles County. 
Shortly afterward he purchased a squatter's 
right to 160 acres of Government land at the 
Azusa, where now stands the town of Glendora. 
This land was wild and uncultivated and was 
among that claimed by the Azusa grant holders. 
Mr. CuUen took up his residence upon this land 
and commenced its improvement and cultiva- 
tion, and for years stubbornly resisted the claims 
of the grant holders, and finally, in 1883, se- 
cured a Government patent. A portion of his 
original 160 acres is now part of the town site 
of Glendora, but he still owns seventy acres^ 
upon fifty acres of which he is conducting horti- 
cultural and viticultural pursuits. Ilis fine vine- 
yards comprise thirty-five acres, twenty-seven 
of which are producing wine grapes of the 
Zinfandel, Matero and Trousseau varieties. 
Eight acres are devoted to table grapes, princi- 
])ally of the Muscat and Black Malvoise varie- 
ties. He has tun acres of citrus and deciduous 
fruits. Among his improvements is a winerj' 
of sufficient capacity to manufacture and care 
for the products of his vineyard. Such water 
as is neeiied for irrigation has been developed 
by him near the Dal ton Canon, and is piped to 
his reservoir of some 150,000 gallons capacity, 
and from thence piped all over his lands. His 
well-ordered cottage residence is beautifully 
located, affording a pleasant view of the valley. 
Witli the exception of tlirce yisars, — from 1S79 to 



1882, — -when Mr. Cullen's official position as tax 
collector of Los Angeles C)unty required his 
presence in Los Angeles, he has been a resi- 
dent of this part of the county since 1874. He 
is well known as an energetic and progressive 
citizen, taking an interest in the success of the 
community in which he resides. In political 
matters he is Democratic, and may always be 
found allied with the best elements of hispirty. 
He has served as a delegate in many of the 
county conventions. In 1876 he was elected 
justice of the peace in his township, and in 
1879 was elected tax collector and served three 
years. In 1884, upon the establishment of the 
Glendora postoffice, he was appointed postmaster, 
and held th* position until resigning in 1888. 
It may be truthfully said that in whatever posi- 
tion of trust Mr. Cullen has been placed, he has 
filled the same with honor to himself and satis- 
faction to his constituents. In 1870 Mr. Cullen 
was united in marriage with Miss Mary Fitz- 
gerald. From this marriage there are seven 
children living: Maud M., Walter J., Ettie M., 
Margaret, Clara, Wm. Gerald and Agnes. 



fllAKLES CHARNOCK, the subject of 
this sketch, was born near Preston, Eng- 
land, and was the sixth child of a family of 
ten, of John and Sophia A. Charnoek, and was 
born June 10, 1836, and in May, 1846, moved 
with his parents and their family (except the 
oldest son, W. H., who remained, and the second 
son, Thomas, who was drowned), to Stratford, 
Canada West (then called), where they engaged 
in farming and lumbering. Here the mother, 
who had been delicately nurtured, succumi)ed 
after three years to the hardships of a pioneer 
life, died and was buried in the Episcopal bury- 
ing ground at Stratford in 1854. The family 
moved to Madison, Wisconsin, the two oldest 
boys having moved to Grand Ripids, Wiscon- 
sin, three years previ Misly, and thither the sub- 
ject of this sketch went, working one year at 
lumbering. Tli(> next three year.- linds hint 



HIHTOUY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



learning the carpenter and joiner's trade, at 
Janesville, Wisconsin, going to school winters, 
and here also, in 1850 and 1857, he imbibed his 
ardent Eepublican ideas from such men as 
Judge Doo]ittIe,Washbiirn, Williams and others 
in the great " Fremont campaign." In Novem- 
ber, 1858, he moved to his father's farm, at 
Mantorville, Dodge County, Minnesota, visiting 
and working six months, then with four brothers 
moved west to Brown County, Big Cottonwood 
River, south of Fort Ridgely, where they made 
claims, built log cabins, broke up quite a lot of 
land, fenced it and raised corn and potatoes, etc. 
Winters he followed lumbering in Crand Kapids, 
Wisconsin, till May 10, 1861, when Charles 
and the youngest brother, Ed. F., enlisted with 
tliirty-four others, with Captain Catlin, of the 
Beaver Dam Rifles, who, finding it difficult to 
till up his comjiany, went to Grand Rapids and 
tilled out his complement of 100 men there. 
The com])any, after a mouth's drill in ileaver 
Dam, was sent to Madison, Camp Randall, and 
there became Company D, of the Fifth AViscon- 
sin. Colonel Amasa Cobb's Regiment of Infantry. 
After the lirst Bull Run battle the regiment was 
sent to Washington, Camp Kalorama; next 
across the Potomac at Chain Bridge, Virginia, 
M-here the regiment was with the Sixth Maine, 
Forty-ninth Pennsylvania and Forty-third New 
York, brigaded under General Hancock, and 
paraded and drilled with the Army of the Po- 
tomac, till the campaign " on to Richmond." 
Was in the battles of Williamsburg, Lee's Mills, 
Mechanicsville, Golden's Farm, Savage Station, 
White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Antietam, 
Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spott- 
sylvania, North and South Ana, Cold Harbor, 
Margces Heights, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, 
Richmond, Crampton's Pass, Shenandoah Val- 
ley, with Wright and Sheridan. Was never se- 
verely wounded, never in hospital a day, never 
taken prisoner; was private. Corporal, Sergeant, 
Orderly Sergeant, Second and First Lieutenant. 
After the close of the war he was sent with his 
regiment to Texas, where they were mustered 
out at Corpus Christi, in November, 18(35, but 



were not discharged finally till January 13, 
1866, at Indianapolis, Indiana. He went to 
Wisconsin; after visiting friends, and in the 
month of July, 1886, married Miss Hattie E. 
Ilowenstein, of Bucyrus, Ohio, daughter of Rev. 
P. Ilowenstein. With his brother he put up a 
saw-mill near Grand Rapids, but in 1868 moved 
to Iowa, where he was engaged in the retail 
lumber business and i'arming till the winter of 
1880, when he and his family moved to Cali- 
fornia. He farmed on the Ballona road, near 
Santa Monica, a couple of years, sold out and 
moved to the city of Los Angeles, and was en- 
gaged in the grocery business one year, but 
finding this to be a very unsuitable business for 
a lumberman, he sold cut, and has since been 
dealing in real estate in this and adjoining 
counties. He has still some good realty, and 
has erected the line brick block on his lot, cor- 
ner of Fifth and Main streets, during the present 
year. Mr. Charnock is a member of Stanton 
Post, G. A. R., No. 55; also of Pentalfa Lodge, 
No. 202, F. & A. M., and Cceiir de Lion Com- 
mandery. Knight Templars, No. 9. His present 
residence is No. 456 South Los Angeles street, 
iiut will be in his brick, corner of Fifth and 
Main streets, where he will be glad to meet his 
friends. His family at present consists of him- 
self, his wife and daughter, Miss Laura E., 
having buried three children. He is an enthu- 
siastic admirer of Southern California, and says 
that be has made his last move. 

— ^€®::»-^^^ — 

PENJAMIN CHADSEY, contractor and 
builder, corner of Hancock and Kurtz 
streets. East Los Angeles, was born in the 
Dominion of Canada, March 6, 1836. Here he 
attended school and learned the trade of his 
father, the family all being mechanics. Upon 
reachiTig manhood, he determined to come to 
the Pacific Coast, and in 1858 sailed from New 
York, via the Isthmus of Panama and Aspin- 
wali, to California, arriving in San Francisco 
June 14. After spending a few months in So- 
noma County, he went to the mines at Colum- 



nisroRY OP LOS anoeles county. 



Ilia, Tuolumne County, and remained there until 
1869. He then left the mines, went to Stock- 
ton, and thefollowingyearcaraeio Los Angeles, 
where he engaged in building. For the past 
nineteen j'ears he has successfully carried on 
the business here and is the oldest contractor 
and builder in the city. He has been interested 
in building associations and has done his full 
share in advancing the progress and develop- 
ment of the city. He has an attractive home in 
East Los Angeles at the corner of Kurtz and 
Hancock streets, with three lots on the former 
and two on the latter street. Mr. Chadsey was 
united in marriage August 5, 1872, to Miss 
Marietta Close, a native of England. They have 
fuur ciiildren: Alice, Edwin, Isabel and Orville. 
^li-. Chadsey is a member of the A. O. U. W. 
and also of the Select Knights. 

f^.NTONK) FRANCO CORONEL has been 
j iso intimately and prominently associated 
^^3h=^ with the annals of Los Angeles and of 
California, that it is no easy matter to condense 
his life within the limited space available for a 
single subject in this work. We will, however, 
give the salient points, leaving the matter to be 
more elaborately treated in an autobiography, 
on which it is understood Mr. Coronel is en- 
gaged, and which it is hoped he will give to the 
world at an early day, for a full record of his 
remembrances since his arrival in California 
more than fifty years ago would constitute a 
history of the State. Being a man of education 
and of afJ'airs, he has been called to fill many 
important positions of trust. We have barely 
room for a list of these; and the importance 
of his relation to some of them — especially to the 
Liu)antour claim to half of San Francisco, and 
to the Mission Indians, and the labors of hi?n- 
self and Mrs. Coronel, in connection with Mrs. 
Jackson — can hardly be appreciated without 
extended explanations. Don Antonio's father, 
Don Ygnacio F. Coronel, was many years ago 
a resident of the city of lS[e.\ico and an officer 



under General, afterward Emperor, Yturbide. 
In 1834 he came with liis family to California. 
His ciiildren were: Joscfa, who married Matias 
Sabichi; Antonio F., the subject of this sketch; 
Macaela; Soledad, who married Jose M. Yn- 
dart; Rosa; Manuel F., still living; Maria An- 
tonio, who married Alex Godey; and Ygnacio, 
Jr. All are deceased except the two brothers, 
Antonio and Manuel. Mr. Coronel, the father, 
was an educated man and gave his children a 
good education. He established the first school 
in Los Angeles under the Lancastrian system. 
He died in 1862. Antonio was born October 
21, 1817, in the city of Mexico, and came with 
his father to Califisrnia in 1834. In 1838 lie 
was appointed Assistant Secretary of Tribunals 
of the city of Los Angeles. In 1843 he was 
made Judge of First Instance (Peace). In 1844 
General Micheltorena appointed him Captain 
and Inspector of the Southern Missions. In 
1845 he was made commissioner to treat for 
peace between Micheltorena and his opposere, 
Juan Baptista Alvarado and Jose Castro, com- 
manders of the revolutionary forces. In 1846, 
in consequence of the American invasion, he 
was called into actual service as Captain. After 
the battle of October 8, 1846, at the San Pedro 
or Dominguez Rancho, he was given charge of 
the American flag captured there, for him to 
carry as trophy to Mexico, but on account of meet- 
ing Kearny, the American General, at the Colo- 
rado River, he was forced to abandon all hope of 
personally taking tiie flag, and he sent it secretly 
with Felipe Castillo. Subse(^iicntly he was named 
Aid-de-Camp of the Commanding General, and 
took part in the battles of the 8th and 0th at 
Partolo Pass and the Mesa. In 1847 and 1848 
he was a member of the body of magistrates, 
having in charge the regulation of irrigation. 
He was county assessor in 1850 and 1851, and in 
1853 was elected mayor of the cit}'. He was a 
member of the city council with the exception 
of two years, from 1854 till 1866, when he was 
elected State Treasurer for four years. Mr. Cor- 
onel has also been a supervisor, a member of the 
State Horticultural Society, and jji-esident of the 



UISrOIiY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Spanish-American Benevolent Society. Both he 
and Mrs. Coronal are active members of the 
Historical Society of Southern California, and 
both take a keen interest in local historical 
matters. They have probably one of the most 
complete private collections of Spanish, Mexican, 
and Indian curios in California. When the 
notorious claim of Limantour came before the 
United States Courts, in 1857, Mr. Coronel was 
sent in private to the city of Mexico to examine 
the archives there, and gather testimony, etc., 
which his knowledge of the Spanish language 
and acquaintance with public men in that capi- 
tal, enabled him to do very efficiently. He 
found abundant evidence to prove that Li man- 
tour's alleged title was forged and that his 
claims were utterly fraudulent. His labors 
were facilitated by President Comonfort and 
other high officials. He obtained much valu- 
able evidence proving that it was forged and 
fraudulent. This evidence was laid before the 
United States Court, and the claim was rejected 
finally, and thus the titles to thousands of homes 
in San Francisco were cleared of the cloud that, 
like a pall, hung over them. Only those who 
were cognizant at the time of the excitement 
that was stirred up throughout California by 
this case can appeciate how intense the excite- 
ment was. Limantour maintained his colossal 
pretensions with the utmost vigor and by the 
most unscrupulous means. He brought wit- 
nesses from Mexico to swear tu the genuineness 
of his grant, though it was afterward clearly 
l>roved to have been forged. Mr. Coronel's serv- 
ices in helping to lay bare t'lis great fraud 
were of the utmost importance. Mrs. Helen 
Hunt Jackson has borne warm testimony in the 
Century magazine and elsewhere of both Mr. and 
Mrs. Coronel, in behalf of the defenseless Mission 
Indians of Southern California. Mr. Coronel fur- 
nished Mrs. Jackson the materials of her story of 
"Ramona," and visited with her the various 
places where she located her story, and aided 
her in acquiring knowledge of the customs and 
traditions of the people, whereby she could give 
it in the proper coloring. Wiien Mrs. Jackson 



first thought of writing " Ramona," she wished 
to take Mr. Coronel's place as a typical Mexican 
home; but as Mrs. Del Yalle's house was more 
suited to that purpose, it was decided — with the 
consent of Mrs. Del Valle — that Cannitos be- 
come the home of Ramona, only the plot is 
laid many, many years before the Del Valle 
family lived there. While the work was going 
through the press, she had the proofs sent to 
him for correction of episodes in which he took 
part. He also gave her the materials of another 
and more dramatic story, based on real life here 
in Southern California, the beautiful heroine of 
which, "Nacha," was well known by soTue of 
the best of the old Spanish families. If Mrs. 
Jackson had lived, she was to have worked them 
up as a companion story of " Ramona." He 
also gave her the data of her account of Father 
Junipero, the founder of the California Missions. 
And he took the lead in getting up the celebration 
or solemnization of the centennial of the death 
of that eminent prelate. In 1873 Mr. Coronel 
married Doiia Mariana Williamson. In 1887 
Mr. and Mrs. Coronel visited the city of Mexico, 
and expected to have taken an extended Eastern 
trip; but as Don Antonio was taken seriously 
ill in Mexico, the latter portion of their tour 
was reluctantly given up. Since their return to 
Los Angeles he has entirely recovered his health. 
They have lately built themselves a modern, 
commodious and beautiful home. For many 
years Mr. Coronel, as a politician, was influential 
in the party to which he belonged; but latterly 
he has withdrawn from active participation in 
political affairs. He is liberal in his ideas. He 
judges people by their personal qualities, rather 
than by their nationality or by their political or 
religious creed. 



fENORA MARIAN /V W. i.e CORONEL, 
wife of Hon. Antonio F. Coronel, was born 
in San Antonio, Texas, in 1851, and is the 
eldest daughter of Nelson Williamson, a native 
of Augusta, Maine, now eighty-seven years old. 



IIISTOUT OF LOU ANQELES COUNTY. 



and Gertrudes Roiuana de Williamson, of Mexi- 
can birth. As she was taught to use the lan- 
guage of botli her father and mother from her 
infancy, she speaks both the English and Spanish 
languages with equal facility. Her family emi- 
grated to California in 1859. She was educated 
in the public schools of Los Angeles and in the 
College of the Sisters of St. Vincent. In 1873 
she was married to Mr. Coronel. The union 
has been a singularly happy one. All who have 
known them with any degree of intimacy have 
been struck with the perfect sympathy which 
seems to exist between them. Mrs. Jackson, 
who came to be their ardent friend and co- 
laborer in behalf of the defenseless Mission 
Indians of Southern California, has borne grace- 
ful testimony to this characteristic, in the 
Century magazine and elsewhere. Mr. and 
Mrs. Coronel did much to assist that gifted and 
philanthropic lady to see the Mission Indian 
question, as they (as life-long friends of these 
Indians) saw it — as it is. The Indian question, 
as relating to the always friendly and entirely 
harmless Mission Indians of California, is a 
radically different one from that which relates 
to the treacherous Apaches of Arizona and New 
Mexico, or to the murderous Comanches of 
Texas; and it is high time the American people 
took note of this distinction. These poor, con- 
fiding and kindly children of nature have been 
encroached upon, robbed, and in many and in- 
genious ways insulted and outraged by un- 
scrupulous self-styled civilized people; and 
benevolent citizens like the Coronels and others 
have long been cognizant of the fact, and have 
ilone what they could to befriend and advise the 
Indians and stand l)etween them and those who 
have wronged them. And when one who loved 
justice, and who was as sensitive to the right as 
was Mrs. Jackson, came to see this question in 
the light that others did, as that good Benito 
Wilson and Hugo Hied did long ago, no wonder 
her heart was stirred up; and that she threw 
her whole soul into the portrayal of their wrongs, 
in "Ramona" and in the "Century of Dishonor.' 
And neither is it strange that she should be- 



come the warm-hearted friend of Mr. and Mrs. 
Coronel, who had long been engaged in a work 
that she, after she came to know them, entered 
upon with extraordinaj-y zeal. The gratitude of 
the San Luis, Pala, and other Mission Indians 
toward the Coronels, Mrs. Jackson, Colonel 
Markham and others who have befriended thein, 
is touching in the extreme. Don Antonio has 
many letters from their Captains, asking advice, 
etc. One of them, Jose Luis Albanes, Captain 
of the Kincon Indians, wrote in good Spanish 
and in a fair hand to Mr. Coronel, August 21, 
1888: "Yo me acuerdo mucho lo que 
dijieron el Senor Markham y Mrs. Jackson 
y usted," etc. (I think much of what Mr. 
Markham and Mrs. Jackson and 3'ou said). And 
in the same letter he recalls how "we all pre- 
sented ourselves to our Queen, Mrs. Jackson, 
and afterward to Mr. Markham, Representative 
to Congress," etc. He next speaks of the " suf- 
ferings, which all of us suffer here." Also, 
"We want to know why the Americans are 
building houses very near; we remain quiet, be- 
cause we do not know where the lines run." 
And in various letters he speaks in behalf of 
himself and his people in the most affectionate 
and respectful and grateful terms; of Colonel 
Markham, Mrs. Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. Cor- 
onel, for assisting and counseling them in their 
helpless condition. In another letter dated 
April 29, 1889, he says: " Senor Don Antonio 
Coronel, My Dear Sir (Patron Mio): — After 
kindly and respectfully saluting yourself and 
your wife (Mi patrona, Dona Mariana Coronel), 
I ask you to do me the favor to reply to me, 
dear sir (patron mio), in regard to a matter that 
we do not understand, but which interests us 
all. ( )ur attorney was here two or three months, 
working in our behalf, selecting lands for each 
person, in the Ranclio de Pauma." He then 
with some repetition goes on to say that tiie at- 
torney, Mr. Lewis, brought the surveyor, who 
set up stakes for the corners, and laid off lands 
for all who lived there in Pauma. Evidently 
they did not thoroughly understand all tliuir 
rights in the matter under this new mode of 



UISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



holding lands, and desired advice from tlieir 
friend in whom they had the must implicit con- 
fidence. In closing lie said: 

" 1 wish you would send nie your photograjth 
(reteato) and that of your wife (la Senora), and 
also of the deceased Elena (Mrs. Jackson), and 
also of your mother. We are all well here, 
thanks to the Lord. 

" Adios! Patron mio. llecibe espreciones de 
" Jose Luis Albanes, 
" Capitan del Rincon." 

Mrs. Coronel accompanied Mrs. Jackson in her 
visits to the different villages of the Mission 
Indians and acted as interpreter for her as com- 
missioner while she, Mrs. Jackson, was acquaint- 
ing herself with their conditions and necessities- 
and assisted her in many ways in her historical 
and literary work in behalf of the Indians, and 
in her report concerning their condition. The 
Mission Indians very generally understand 
Spanish, but they do not understand English; 
and Mrs. Jackson found Mrs. Coronel's assist- 
ance invaluable, to which fact, and to the strong 
affection that grew up between them, Mrs. Jack- 
son has in many ways borne testimony. In this 
connection we are permitted to transcribe the 
following letter from Mrs. Jackson, written dur- 
ing her last sickness to Mr. and Mrs. Coronel: 
" 1600 Taylor Street, San Francisco, 
" May 30, 1885. 

"Dear Friends: — I am afraid you are ill. 
I wrote you weeks ago, asking you to go to the 
Verdugo Canon and get me the baskets from 
the Indian women, and send them to me here, 
with the broad flat one I left with you. I also 
asked you to write out for me some romantic 
story or legend of the olden time here suitable 
for a ballad poem which I had been asked to 
write. I>ut that is no matter now. I am too 
ill. I shall never write any more poems, I think. 
But I would like to have the baskets and see 
them and send them to the friend for whom I 
bought them. 

" Yours with much art'ection, 

"11. J." 



In a letter to Mr. Coronel dated San Fran- 
cisco, October 1, 1885, after Mrs. Jackson's 
death, Mr. Abbot Kinney, who had been a co- 
commissioner with her, adds this postscript: 
" Mrs. William S. Jackson, in her last con- 
scious moments, sent a message of love to 
Mrs. Coronel and desired me to say that she 
wished her a successful and hajipy life." Not 
at all strange is it that Mrs. Coronel worships 
her friend's memory, and carefully treasures the 
tokens and letters, etc., received from her; nor 
that tears sometimes come to her eyes at the 
sight of her friend's picture, or at the mention 
of her name. Mrs. Coronel has a natural love 
for art. In the county exposition of 1877 she 
took the first prize in her work in wax. Both 
she and her husband are members of the His- 
torical Society of Southern California, in the 
objects of which both take much interest. For 
her amiability and personal worth, she is esteemed 
not only by her friends near home, but also by 
those who know her and live in other States and 
in other lands. 



fW. COLTRIN, one of the first settlers in 
Compton and one of the substantial 
® farmers of Los Angeles County, was 
born in Geauga (now Lake) County, Ohio, in 
1828, and is the son of Elisha C. and Betsey 
(Sinclaire) Coltrin, natives of New York and 
Vermont respectively, and of Scotch origin. 
In 1852 Mr. Coltrin started westward, Jeav- 
ing his native county on the 11th day of May, 
and coming overland to Salt Lake, where he 
remained from November till March. In that 
month he again continued his journey toward 
the setting sun, and on June 12, 1853, landed 
in Placerville, California, having been just 
thirteen months and one day on the trip. Until 
they reached Kanesville, Iowa, they traveled 
with horse teams, but from that point the jour- 
ney' was made with ox teams. Like the ma- 
jority of emigrants in those days, he tried his 
luck in the mines, remaining in the mining 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



429 



region of Placerville until September of that 
year, at which time he went to San Francisco. 
He continued in that city one year, subse- 
quently went to El Dorado County and en 
>^uged in mining, and eight years later to San 
Joaquin County, where he engaged in farming 
until 1866. He then went to Santa Cruz 
County, and later to Los Angeles County, where 
he has continued to reside. His original pur- 
chase here was forty acres, and to this he has 
added thirty acres more, now having one of the 
best farms in this part of Southern California, 
all well improved and highly cultivated. He 
has raised some very fine Holstein cattle, and 
all the stock on his farm is of the best grade. 
Mr. Coltrin is a pioneer of the pioneers, and is 
recognized as one of the leading and enterpris- 
ing citizens of the community. He is a pub- 
lie-spirited man and is honored and esteemed 
by his fellow citizens. While a resident of El 
Dorado County he was, in 1860, elected on the 
Douglas ticket to the State Legislature, where 
lie served his term of office with credit to both 
himself and his constituents. His social stand- 
ing in the L O. O. F. lodge in Compton is of 
the highest order. July 4, 1854, Mr. Coltrin 
married Miss Martha M. Point, of Akron, 
Ohio, who came to California in the same train 
with him, the marriage taking place at Smith's 
Flat, El Dorado County. 



fEORGE CAMPTON was born in the 
West Indies, in 1839. His father, Thomas 
Campton, was an officer in the British 
army and was stationed in the Indies when 
George was born. When he was two years of 
age his father went to Toronto, and there en- 
gaged in tlie mercantile business on Queen 
street. During his connection with the British 
army he had made quite an independent fort- 
une. The subject of this biographical sketch 
started out for himself very early in life. At 
the age of sixteen years he opened a butcher 
shop in Toronto, and carried it on very success- 



fully for five years. In 1861 he came by 
steamer route to California, landing in San 
Francisco, where he again went into the butcher 
bu.«iness, in Washington Market. In 1868 he 
went to White Pine and tried his luck at min- 
ing, but it did not "pan out," so in 1870 he 
went back to San Francisco, and subsequently 
to Monterey County, where he hired out as a 
clerk in a general merchandise store. After 
one year he was made general manager of a 
large stock and agricultural ranch. Here he 
made two trips each week around the two stock 
ranches and the agricultural ranch, each trip 
making seventy miles. In May, 1875, he took 
charge of the San Francisco Eanch of 48,000 
acres, owned by H. M. Newhall, and was in 
charge as superintendent till September, 1876, 
when he opened up the mercantile business at 
Newhall. In this ho has been eminently suc- 
cessful. He carries a lull line of dry goods 
and general merchandise; also lumber and farm 
implements. For nine years he served as post- 
master at Newhall, being the first one ap- 
pointed. He is interested in educational mat- 
ters, and has served on the school board a 
number of times. Mr. Campton is a model 
business man. He began for himself when a 
mere boy, and by honest integrity and strict 
attention to business, he has succeeded, and to- 
day commands the respect and confidence of 
the community whose interests he has so ma- 
terially aided in developing. Whatever the 
future of Newhall may be, the name of George 
Campton, the "pioneer merchant," will never 
be lost sight of nor forgotten. 



W. CHENEY.— A biographical his- 
^ ,\/ \/' tory of Los Angeles County would not 
Cys^ ^ be complete without an appropriate 
mention of the pioneer whose name is at the 
head of this sketch. He is now one of the 
oldest and most highly respected citizens of the 
city of Downey. Every one in this part of the 
county knows Mr. Cheney and his excellent 



U I STORY OF LOS AJSGELES COUNTY. 



wife, who, with him, has been a member of tlie 
Methodist Episcopal Church, Soutli, for over 
fifty years. They have walked,' and worked, and 
prayed together for more than half a centni'y. 
He was born in Tennessee, February 22, 181(5, 
and is a son of William and Sarah (Scott) Che- 
ney. His father was born in North Carolina, 
and his mother in Pennsylvania. They were 
married in Kentucky, moved to Tennessee, and 
lived there till 1833, when they moved to Car- 
roll County, Arkansas, and there he died in 
1835. Our subject grew to manhood there and 
was married to Miss Martha Meek. This lady 
is a native of the Hoosier State, born in 1821, 
and daughter of Jeremiah Meek, of Jennings 
County, Indiana. Her mother was from Ken- 
tucky, and they had twelve children. He moved 
to Tennessee and lived there ten years, and then 
to Carroll County, Arkansas, where the mother 
died some years later. He then went to Texas 
and there died. Twenty years ago Mr. Cheney 
crossed the plains and has since been a citizen 
of Los Angeles County. His recollections of 
the six months' journey are very vivid, and his 
recitations of events which took place then and 
also those which took place in the early days of 
this county are interesting, amusing and in- 
structive. His first purchase of real estate in 
this county was eighty acres near Downey. On 
this he made a home, and he has added other 
and valuable property, including lots in Rivera 
and in the city of Los Angeles. He has been 
eminently successful, and is now retired from 
active business life. Socially he is a Freemason, 
and politically a strong and conscientious sup- 
porter of the principles of the Democratic party. 

f|ASPARE COHN was born in Prussia, 
^ June 14, 1839. He came to New York 
"^js* in 1857, and to California, via Panama, 
in 1859. In 1861 he went to Red Bluffs, where 
he remained four years. He then returned to 
Los Angeles, and became a member of the firm 
of II. Newmark & Co., and helped to build up 



the immense business of that house during 
nineteen years, or till himself and H. Newmark 
retired from it. Mr. Colin is a thorough busi- 
ness man.. He is possessed of tireless energy, 
and has a capacity for large transactions. In 
1872 Mr. Cohn married Miss Newmark. They 
have four children. 



tLFRED BECK CHAPMAN is a native of 
Greensboro, Alabama, where he was born 
September 6, 1829. His father was born 
in Virginia, and graduated at the University of 
North Carolina, of which his grandfather M'as 
president. Their ancestors were from Enghujd. 
Alfred, the subject of this sketch, graduated 
from West Point in 1854, and was afterward sta- 
tioned (being assigned to the First Regiment of 
Dragoons) in Florida, and successively at Forts 
Leavenworth, Benicia, Tejon and Churchill, 
after which he resigned and commenced the 
study of law with his father-in-law, the late J. R. 
Scott. He practiced law with Andrew Glassell, 
Esq., in Los Angeles for some twenty years. 
He was several years city attorney, and also dis- 
trict attorney. In 1879 Mr. Chapman retired 
from his extensive law practice, and moved on 
to his rancho, which is a portion of the Santa 
Anita grant, where he owns about 700 acres. 
Here he has been engaged in horticultural pur- 
suits, in which he has met with great success, 
that has only been clouded temporarily, he hopes, 
by the ravages of the white scale. He has 
nearly 10,000 citrus trees in bearing, which 
yielded before the advent of the pest (in 1885- 
'86) 15,000 boxes of oranges and several thou- 
sand boxes of lenjons. Last season the yield 
was materially reduced by the white scale to 
about 10,000 boxes altogether. But orange 
growers have strong hopes that the new enemy 
of the white scale will destroy the lattei', and 
save the orchards from destruction. Mr. Chap- 
man was first married to Miss Scott, in 1859. 
Six children were the issue of this marriage: 
Scott, who has served two years as a mem- 



IIltiTOHY OP LOS ANGELES COUNT T. 



ber of the State Horticultural Society, and who 
is an expert and an authority on horticultural 
questions; "William, who lately graduated from 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
New York City; and three daughters, Lucy, 
Ruth and Evelyn, and Richard. Mrs. Chapman 
died some years ago; and in 1883 Mr. Chapman 
married liis second wife, a daughter of the late 
Colonel W. II. Stevens. Mr. Chapman is a man 
of sterling qualities and of a very genial dispo- 
sition. General Robert II. Chapman, a brother, 
and also two sisters of Mr. Chapman, are resi- 
dents of the county. 



f^-^-- 



fAMUEL BRADFORD CASWELL was 
born in Taunton, Massachusetts, January 
3, 1828. His ancestors were of English 
extraction. The first on the paternal side to 
come to this country were three brothers Cas- 
well, who came to Taunton abont 1630, or very 
soon after the first settlement of the Plymouth 
Colony. His maternal ancestors were Leonards. 
When seventeen years of age he moved to Fall 
River, and later to Waieham, where, in the year 
1849, on the day he attained his majority, he 
married Miss Mary Bradford Gribbs. In 1852 
he engaged in merchandising at Fall River, till 
1855, when he came to California via Panama. 
He went to Nevada County, where he devoted 
his attention to mining till 1864, he being one 
of the first to introduce hydraulic washing. He 
sold out that year and visited the East. In 
June, 1865, he returned to California and came 
to Los Angeles, where with John F. Ellis, now 
deceased, he engaged in merchandising, doing 
an extensive business till 1875. From 1875 to 
1878 he was clerk of the city council. Since 
that time he has been in the employ of the City 
Water Company as auditor. Mr. Caswell was 
a supervisor of the county one term, and in 
1872 he was a member of the city council. Mr. 
Caswell is a thorough business man, of broad 
views and wide experience, of great executive 
ability and of sterling integrity. He is one of 



the executors of the extensive estate of the late 
Remi Nadeau. Mr. and Mrs. Caswell have had 
two children — a daughter who married J. T. 
Clarke, of Norwich, Connecticut, now deceased, 
and a son, William Mitchell, who is the present 
cashier of the Los Angeles Savings Bank. The 
hitter was for three years a cadet at West Point. 



fB. CASS and B. H. CASS compose the 
firm of Cass Brothers' Stove Company, 
® proprietors of the stove and tinware 
house, No. 38 South Spring street. They are 
natives of Albion, New York, where they were 
born thirty-two and thirty years ago respect- 
ively. P. C. Cass, their father, is a Vermont 
Yankee, who went to the Empire State when a 
young man, and married and reared his family 
there, while pursuing the business of general 
merchandising. He now resides in Los Angeles, 
retired. A. B. Cass came West soon after at- 
taining his majority, and started a general mer- 
chandise store in the Indian Territory. About 
six years later his younger brother and ))re8eiit 
partner joined him, and they carried on a very 
prosperous business together, until, tiring of 
the privations and rough life of the frontier, 
especially the lack of educational advantages for 
their children, they decided to move to a coun- 
try where a more advanced civilization prevails. 
Acting upon this decision, they closed out their 
business in the land of the red men, and came 
to Los Angeles in January, 1888. The same 
month they opened a store on Third street, 
which has done and still is doing a fine busi- 
ness. In March, 1889, Cass Brothers bought 
the business of Northcraft & Clark, at 269 
North Main street. Their store is 100 feet 
deep, with a storage room and work-shop in the 
rear. The basement is used for storing stove 
castings, and a large warehouse on the east side 
of the river is kept filled by the firm with re- 
served stock. They have a large trade in stoves, 
tin, sheet-iron and copper ware, and employ 
from three to five men in the shop, manufact- 



UISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



uring pieced goods in these lines. Tiie iiriii 
have tlie sole agency on the Pacific Coast for 
some, and in Southern California for others of 
the leading makes of gasoline stoves, among 
thein the Peerless, made in Cleveland, Ohio, 
and the Twin Burner, manufactured in St. 
Louis, Missouri. They also have the general 
agency for the Florence oil stove. They 
make a specialty of jobbing these goods, and 
handle them in large quantities. The Prize 
Hub ranges and stoves, made at Boston, are 
their leaders in this line, and are a highly im- 
proved pattern of cooking apparatus. This en- 
terprising firm stands high in business circles, 
and is very popular with customers, which ac- 
counts in a degree for the marked prosperity 
and growth of their business during its history 
in Los Angeles. In June, 1885, Mr. A. B. 
Cass was married, in the Indian Territory, to 
Miss Tnfts, daughter of J. Q. Tufts, Lidian 
Agent there at that time. 

„«_ ..^^^^^._,^ 

fATHANIEL C. CARTER. — For nearly 
twenty years the subject of this sketch has 
been identitied with the building up and 
a;dvancing the interests of Los Angeles County. 
He is the best known, probably, in his connec- 
tion with the Sierra Madre Colony. He was the 
founder of that colony, and the father of an en- 
terprise that eventually resulted in settling up 
one of the most desirable portions of San Ga- 
briel Valley, inviting emigration and establishing 
a community that for intelligence, progressive 
and public-spirited enterprise and moral stand- 
ing is unexcelled in the county. Li February, 
1881, Mr. Carter purchased from E. J. Baldwin 
1,100 acres of the choicest portions of the beauti- 
ful Santa Anito Ranch. This tract, then in its wild 
state, comprised the northern portion of that 
ranch, commencing at the base of the Sierra Madre 
Mountains and gently sloping toward the valley. 
Immediately after this purchase he laid out broad 
avenues, and subdivided the lands into twenty, 
forty and eighty acre tracts, and offered them at 



low prices to settlers, as the desirable location 
for self-sustaining and beautiful homes. Water 
was developed from the numerons springs an 1 
streams in the mountains on the north and piped 
throughout the colony lands. His enterprise 
was a success from the start. The rich and 
fertile lands, the genial climate, comparatively 
free from fogs and frost, the never-failing sup- 
ply of the purest mountain water, were advan- 
tages such as few sections ]iossessed, and that 
model colony sprang into existence as by 
magic. Its enterprising settlers built comfortable 
homes, planted orchards and vineyards, graded 
avenues, erected churches and schools and other 
public buildings; and in a few years Mr. Carter, 
from his beautiful home at "Carterhia," had 
a view of one of the most prosperous sections 
of the valley. Of the original tract, Mr. Carter 
is now the owner of about 400 acres, 300 of which 
are under cultivation. One hundred and ten 
acres ai-e in grape-vines of the most approved 
wine and table varieties. Ten acres are in citrus 
fruits and an equal amount of land is devoted 
to deciduous fruits. Fifty acres are used for 
garden purposes, producing vegetables for the 
markets of Los Angeles and Pasadena. The 
rest of the land is used for general farming. 
Mr. Carter is a practical and thorough horticult 
urist and success attends his eflbrts in that 
calling. His home is one of the most pleasant 
to be found in the county or in Southern Cali- 
foi-nia. It is situated upon a sloping hill, part 
way up the mountain-side, on a jutting promi- 
nence, and commands one of the most striking, 
extended and beautiful views of the valley, 
Puente Hills and even the sea beyond. He has 
erected a magnificent residence, in which he has 
combined the conveniences and luxuries that 
characterize a well-ordered modern home. This 
beautiful home is well styled "The Crown of 
the Valley." Mr. Carter is a native of New 
England, dating his birth at Lowell, Massachu- 
setts, in 1840. He was reared and schooled in 
that city, and early in life entered into mercan- 
tile pursuits as a clerk. In 1862, in connection 
with his l>rother, he established himself in the 



IHSTOUY Oh' LOi ANdBLE.S COUNTY. 



grocery business, and later sold out his interest 
to his brother, after wliich he establislied an 
agency fur tlic sale of sewing machines, lie 
also, ill connection witli that business, estab- 
lished tlie manufactnre of irady-iuude clothng 
and United States flags. The first flag made 
by machine work for the United States Govern- 
ment was manufactured by Mr. Carter in 18GC. 
Mr. Carter conducted his enterprises in Lowell 
until liis failing liealth demanded a complete 
chano'e of climate. In 1870 he made an ex- 



tended visit to Southern California, 



3pe 



ndi 



many months in visiting different sections, seek- 
ing a restoration of health. He was much 
benefited and returned to his business. It soon 
became manifest that nothing but a permanent 
residence in the mild climate of Southern Cali- 
fornia would enable Mr. Carter to prolong his 
life. He, therefore, in 1872, came to Los Ange- 
les County and, after a winter spent in the city 
of Los Angeles, took up his residence in the 
San Gabriel Valley. Purchasing a portion of 
the Florres Ranch near San Gabriel, he entered 
into horticultural pursuits. Mr. Carter was an 
enthusiast in advocating the then comparatively 
unknown resources of Los Angeles County. 
He spent time and money in making known to 
his Eastern friends the Arcadia of the Pacific 
Coast. In 1874 he organized and established 
the well known " Carter Excursions," bringing 
train loads of Eastern people to visit California, 
being the pioneer in that business. He con- 
ducted these excursions for several seasons, or 
niitil 1881, when he purchased the Sierra Madre 
tract and took up his residence there. During 
his years of residence in this county Mr. Carter 
has taken a deep interest in its progress and set- 
tlement, and has been a strong supporter of and 
an active worker in the horticultural fairs, etc., 
that placed the products before the world. He 
was for years a member of the Sixth District 
State Agricultural Eoard. He lias always taken 
a leading part in supporting every enterprise 
that tends to build up his chosen Sierra Madre. 
He was one of the original incorporators of the 
Sierra Madre Water Company, and has f(jr years 



been the president of the company and among 
its board of directors. In political matters he 
is a Republican, and has taken a prominent 
position in the councils of that ]iarty, serving 
as a delegate in many of the county conventions 
and as a member of the Republican Central 
Committee of the county. In 1804 Mr. Car- 
ter married Miss Annetta M. Pierce, a native of 
Lowell, Massachusetts. Her parents, Alexis 
and Emeline (Hutterfield) Pierce, were both 
natives of that State. Mr. Carter's parents were 
AYilliam and Julia (Coburn) Carter, both born 
in Massachusetts, and descendants of old New 
England families. From the marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Carter there are five children, viz.: 
Florence, now Mrs. William H. Mead, of Los 
Angeles; x\rthur N., Julia F., Anita E. (the 
first child born in the Sierra Madre colony) and 
Phillip C. 



fZRO W. CHILDS was born June 5, 1824, 
in Sutton, Caledonia County, Vermont, 
his parents l)eing Jacob and Sarah (Rich- 
ardson) Childs. In 1850 Mr. Childs came to 
California, and in November of that year set- 
tled in Los Angeles, where he has since con- 
tinuously resided. He was for many years 
engaged in mercantile and manufacturing 
business, in the hardware and allied lines. Re- 
markable success attended all his ventures. As 
his prosperity increased he embarked in the 
nursery business also, buying a fifty-acre tract 
for that and related purposes. For many years 
he cultivated and improved his place witli such 
marked snccess that it w^as ranked among the 
most attractive spots in the entire county. 
Thousands of citizens, tourists and scy'ourners 
have borne testimony to the artistic style in 
which the grounds were laid out, to the well- 
kept lawns, the rare trees, and the great variety 
of fruits and flowers that embellished the place. 
It would fill a large catalogue to enumerate all 
the exotic trees and plants that he succeeded in 
collecting and cultivating side by side, though 



11 1 STORY UF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



very many of tliem originally came from oppo- 
site parts of the earth, lie was directly in- 
strumental in introducing iuto Southern Cali- 
fornia inany varieties of the serai-tropical 
fruits that now thrive so well here. He is, in 
fact, the pioneer nurseryman and floriculturist 
of Los Aufreles County. The growth of popu- 
lation and the spread of the city finally induced 
him, in 1884, to subdivide his tract into lots for 
sale, and one of the most beautiful and inter- 
esting landmarks in the county was thus ob- 
litei'ated forever. But the grounds surround- 
ing his present home, extending from Main to 
Hill and from Eleventh to Twelfth streets, are 
laid out with the old artistic taste of the owner, 
and are in their way as attractive as were his 
nursery and fruit and flower gardens of former 
years. With the advancing years Mr. Childs' 
business interests have become more diversified. 
Besides his real-estate operations, he is trustee 
of the Los Angeles branch of the Home 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company of California, 
president of the Los Angeles Electric Com- 
pany, etc. lie is also owner of Childs' Opera 
House, situated in the very center of the city. 
It was erected in 1884, has a seating capacity 
of about 1,800, and is engaged almost every 
evening in the year. In 1860 Mr. Childs was 
married to Miss Emeline lluber, a native of 
Louisville, Kentucky, of German descent. They 
are the parents of six living children, the eld- 
est, William, aged twenty-three (1889), being a 
])artner in the linn of Childs & Silent. 

-*' • ''"^'^V'^"^ • "^ 

:ILLIAM CHAPPELOW is the proprie- 
tor of the well-known Chappelow Nurs- 
ery, located on Mountain avenue one 
le southeast of Monrovia, in the Duarte 
School District, El Monte Township. Mr. 
Chappelow established his nursery in 1882, 
and by his intelligent care and thorough atten- 
tion to business has built up one of the leading 
industries of the county. He is each year pro- 
(lucino- a choice variety of citrus and deciduous 



fruit trees that find a ready sale among the 
fruit-growers of his section. His shade and 
ornamental trees and floral jjroductions are un- 
excelled by any in the San Gabriel Valley, and 
are gaining for the Chappelow nursery a repu- 
tation second to none in the county. Mr. 
Chappelow came to Duarte in 1874, and, al- 
though not skilled in horticultural pursuits, he 
purchased a ten-acre tract on Mountain avenue, 
and in 1875^ commenced planting fruit trees 
and vines. He entered heartily into his call- 
ing, studying the efi'ects of soil, climate, etc., 
upon his various productions. A student by 
nature, he soon mastered his profession. The 
constant and increasing call made upon him for 
trees and plants from his small nnisery beds 
led to the establishment of his present industry. 
Mr. Chappelow is a native of England, and 
dates his birth in London in 1848. His par- 
ents, William and Mary Ann (Stephens) Chap- 
pelow, were both natives of that country. He 
was reared in the city of London, and given the 
advantages of a good schooling until the sge of 
seventeen years was reached. He was then ap- 
prenticed to an optician and scientific instru- 
ment maker. He took a deep interest in his 
calling and became a fine workman. His ap- 
prenticeship ended upon reaching his majority, 
and in 1868 he came to the United States and 
located in New "i'ork, wheie he readily found 
employment in the leading manufactories of 
that city. In 1870 he went to Mexico, and for 
the next three years was engaged in mining and 
assaying, after whicli he located in Arizona. 
Alter a siiort stay in that Territory he came to 
Los Angeles County and spent some mouths at 
farm and orchard work, until 1874, when he 
took up his present residence. He is well 
known in his section and has been identified 
with its best interests for many years. He is a 
hearty supporter of such enterprises as tend 
to develop its resources. Public-spirited and 
progressive in his views, he has proven a de- 
sirable acquisition to the community. Politi- 
cally, he is a supporter of the Prohibitii>n 
party. In 1878 Mr. Chappelow was united in 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



marriage vvitli Miss Callie E. Beardslee, the 
daughter of Dr. Neliemiah Beardslee, one of 
the early settlers of Lo^ Angeles County, and 
the foiiiuler of the well-known Beardslee tract 
of Duarte. Her mother was Elvira (Ander- 
son) Beardslee. From this marriage there are 



the followi 
Percy. 



chih^ 



«P-;-^^ 



A. 



fAMES H. CAMBELL, city clerk and as- 
sessor of Pasadena, was born June 22, 1866, 
at Clearwater, Wright County, Minnesota; 
moved with his parents to Poughkeepsie, New 
York, in August, 1868, where his father was 
manager of Vassar College; attended the Pough- 
keepsie Alilitary Institute and Bishop's Academy 
in that city; moved with his parents to Pasa- 
dena in the fall of 1877; attended the district 
school and afterward studied under the direction 
of Professor M. M. Parker; entered the city en- 
gineer's office in July, 1886, but in February 
following left the city engineer's office and com- 
menced the compilation of the present city map; 
during the summer he admitted into partnerbhip 
in this enterprise O. Marsh, and they finished 



map in January, 1888. During the suc- 



the 

ceeding spring, at the solicitation of many citi- 
zens, he ran as a candidate for the present posi- 
tion, and April 9 was elected by a large majority, 
receiving 569 votes out of the 749 votes cast. 
Was duly sworn into office on the sixteenth of 
that month. His term of office will expire April 
16, 1890. Mr. Cambell is a member of the order 
of Sons of Veterans, and served as Captain of 
Phil Kearny Camp, No. 7, of Pasadena, from 
January, 1888, to January, 1889. 



►4»-»^ 



E CHILDRESS SAFE DEPOSIT 

'ji'il/'c BANK, though young in years, ranks 

"^ prominently among tiie great financial 

institutions for which Los Angeles is famous. 

It was established under the banking kws of 



the State, by W. T. and A. D. Childress, and 
opened its doors for business at No. 37 South 
Spring street in July, 1886. The banking 
rooms, which are admirably adapted for the 
purpose, are furnished with a large safe-deposit 
vault so constructed as to oifer absolute safety 
and protection to the patrons of the bank against 
both fire and burglars. The topi bottom and 
sides are made of chrome steel and iron welded 
and bolted together, of such combination and 
thickness as to render the structure entirely 
proof against burglars. The door is a massive 
affair equally impervious to the tools of the 
"cracksmen," and is secured by two Diebold's 
patent cut-ofi spindle combination locks, and 
the celebrated Yale time-lock. The vault has a 
capacity for 1,000 boxes made of welded steel 
and iron, with doors of the same material and 
extra thickness, and fitted with the latest im- 
proved safe-deposit locks, each supplied with 
two keys, a "master key" being held by the 
bank, which must first be inserted before the 
renter can gain access to the box with his 
private key. The key to each private vault is 
entirely different from every other key, thus 
rendering access to it by any other key than the 
one designed for it utterly impossible. By 
prescribed rules of the bank the customer must 
be identified as having the right to enter the 
vault before he is permitted to do so. The bank 
imparts no information as to who are depositors 
or renters or its business transactions with them. 
Ample room is furnished the patrons for the 
examination of the contents of their boxes, with- 
out the risk of carrying them through the streets. 
For executors, guardians, tinistees and private 
individuals these private safes are very con- 
venient and afford perfect protection to papers 
and other valuables at a nominal expense to the 
renter. The Childress Safe Deposit Bank also 
does general commercial banking business, buys 
and sells exchange, etc. Mr. A. D. Childress, 
who has active managment of the bank, has 
been in the banking business over thirteen years, 
and is thoroughly familiar with every branch 
i)f it. As an indication of his devotinn to the 



IIISTOMY OF LUS ANGELES COUNTY. 



liiiiik's interest, in three years and a half since 
it was opened he has only been absent from it 
during banking hours once long enough to make 
ii business trip to San Francisco and return. lie 
is a native of Tennessee and was twenty-nine 
years of age his last birthday. His father and 



partner, W. T. Child r 



Alabainian by 



birth, and spent lifteen years in banking life in 
Terrell and Sulphur Springs, Texas, before they 
moved to Los Angeles in 1885. Although re- 
tired from active business he has extensive 
financial interests in Los Angeles besides the 
bank. He is now sixty- seven years of age. 



fLFREDB. CHAPMAN and C. T. PAUL, 
pi oprietors of the stove, tinware and honse- 
furnishing store, at Nos. 12 and 14 Com- 
mercial street, opened a tin shop on the opposite 
side of the street under the firm name of Chap- 
man ct Paul, in 1879, tlie object being chiefly 
at first to manufacture cans for lard and honey. 
Their slop was in a dilapidated building, for 
which thoy were to pay $15 a month rent, and 
oil which they expended $il65 in repairs to 
render it tenantable, this sum to be deducted 
from the rent. Their business rapidly expanded 
and a stove department was added. A larger 
store and better facilities becoming necessary 
for the accommodation of their growing trade, 
the Arm leased and moved into their present 
quarters in 1881, at the same time adding 
crockery and willow-ware to their stock. The 
store having for many years been occupied as a 
crockery house. Chapman & Paul had aflne trade 
in that class of goods for several years, when 
they closed out that department and substituted 
shelf-hardware. \n 1886 the firm began to 
make a feature of plumbing and general con- 
tracting, whicii has grown to be an important 
branch of their business. This firm was the 
first to introduce gasoline stoves into California, 
about nine years ago, and created no little ex- 
citement among insurance men when the first 
car-load of them arrived. A bitter war of op- 



position was waged against the use of these 
stoves by insurance companies for some five or 
six months, but this enterprising firm won the 
victory in the way of securing a permit clause 
in the insurance policy for their customers to 
whom they had sold gasoline stoves. Chapman 
& Paul have made a specialty of this class of 
goods ever since; and having the start of other 
firms by two or three years, and dealing in none 
but the very best manufactured, they have held 
the lead in the trade on vapor stoves in this part 
of the State. A serious dithculty they had to 
contend with in introducing the stoves was in 
getting the gasoline, as no firm in the State 
kept it for sale in quantity. But they overcame 
this by ordering gasoline shipped direct from 
Cleveland, so the}' were enabled to supply their 
customers with fuel to operate their stoves- 
Finally the Standard Oil Company began to 
supply it. The firm's leaders in stove supplies 
are the Jewel Grand gasoline — the latest im- 
proved; and the liichinond stoves and ranges. 
They carry a general line of hardware and house- 
furnishing goods, including a large assortment 
of granite and agate wares, and also tin and cop- 
per ware, most of which they manufacture. Their 
store comprises two floors, 24x80 feet in area. 
They make an important feature of job work, 
plumbing, gas fitting, bath tubs, sinks, sewers, 
etc., employing from nine to fifteen skilled work- 
men. In September, 1888, they opened a 
branch store on South Spring street, for the 
accommodation of their customers in the south 
part of the city; and it is having a prosperous 
trade. Messrs. Chapman & Paul are both 
practical tinsmiths, and are thorough masters of 
their trade, which accounts for their remarkable 
success. Alfred B.- Chapman was born in 
Medina County, Ohio, in 1840. He served 
three years in the Union army as a member of 
Company E, Fourth Ohio Infantry, and was 
wounded while in the service. He also served 
seven years in the California State Militia, for 
which he holds a certificate. He was promoted 
to First Lieutenant of Company A, Seventh 
Kegiment, and had command of his company. 



niSTORY OF LOS ANOELBS GOUNVY. 



Mr. Chapman was formerly engaged in the hard- 
ware business in Iowa, and while there married 
Miss Miller, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. They 
moved to California in April, 1875. C. T. Paul 
was born in Michigan thirty-five years ago, and 
passed most of bis early life' in New York State 
at Batavia and Lockport, learning the tinner's 
trade at the latter place. He came to California 
in 1876, and spent nearly two years in Sacra- 
mento before settling in Los Angeles. His first 
venture in business (m his own account was as a 
member of tlie present firm. His consort, to 
whom he was married in Los Angeles, wa.s 
formerly Miss Merrill, a native of MassacI 
but reared from girlhood in California. 



fC. CARRELL, one of the enterprising and 
^ self-made men of Los Angele.s County, is 
®^ very pleasantly located on a far(n two and 
a half miles northeast of Compton. He was 
born in Pope County, Arkansas, in 1851, and is 
the son of Charles and Lusanna (Ashmore) Car- 
rell, natives of Tennessee. They both died when 
Frank was about three years of age, and he was 
thus thrown on his own resources early in life. 
Being a boy of more than ordinary push and 
energy, he was not to be discouraged. When 
quite young he went to Texas and farmed on 
shares for six years. Then he came to Califor- 
nia and worked for wages, receiving $1 per day. 
He soon saved enough to buy a team of horses, 
and in 1882 he purchased thirty acres of as fine 
land as there is in this county. In one year he 
had it all clear of debt, and he has erected on it 
a large barn and a commodious residence. In 
1879 Mr. Carrell was united in marriage with 
Miss Rosa McCarty. This lady was born in 
Madison County, Illinois, and is the daughter 
of Cornelius and Annie Elizabeth (Suman) Mc- 
Carty. They have two interesting children: 
Annie Myrtle, born January 15, 1883; and Rob- 
ert Franklin, born February 2, 1889. They lost 
two children, the first and tliir.l: Loyd Leon 
'"•••'. .Inly 21, ISSl, di,,l Dcceinimr 80, ISSI- 



and Rena Etta, born March 17, 1886, died De- 
cember 21, 1887. Both Mr. and Mr.s. Carrell 
are active members of the Christian Church, 
and politically he affiliates with the Democratic 
J)arty. Mr. Carrell is a worthy citizen, and a 
man who enjoys the coulidonce and respect of 
his neighI)ors. 



fAMES CASTRUCK), the senior partner 
and managing meml)er of the firm of Cas- 
trucio Brothers, proprietors of the Mari- 
posa Store, at No. 30 North Main street, is a 
native of Italy, where he \vas reared and edu- 
cated. He immigrated to America in 1876, 
then a young man twenty-four years of age, and' 
having served as a soldier in the Italian army 
before coming over. Upon arriving in' this 
country he located in Los Angeles, and the 
same year became connected with the grocery 
business, of which he has ha 1 active control for 
the past twelve years, and which has enjoyed a 
continuous career of prosperity under his con- 
servative and efficient management. The store, 
which is a large double room, with a rear alley 
communication for receiving and delivering 
goods, is stocked with a complete assortment o"f 
standard groceries and provisions, also wines, 
liquors and miscellaneous articles for household 
use. The house was established in 1868, and 
hence is one of the oldest in Los Angeles; and 
the policy of its management has been .so 
straightforward and honorable that it has cus- 
tomers who have dealt with the firm for fifteen 
years. It has a large patronage amono- the 
Spanish-speaking people of the°city aiuf sur- 
rounding country, as also ma.iy American ranch- 
ers, and enjoys a large restaurant and hotel trade, 
the average volume of business being $10,000 
a month. The members of the firm own the 
brick building in which the store is situated. 
James Castrucio is a student as well as a busi- 
ness man, and has studied and mastered the 
English, French .•ind Spanish languages .hiring 
his rcsidcn.v.; in Los Angoles. Me marrie.l an 



HISrORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



Italian'lady in this city in ^November, 1882. He 
owns sevei'al pieces of city property and a ranch 
eight miles distant. This ranch is under a high 
state of cultivation, and on it is situated one of 
the finest artesian wells in this part of the State. 



fEOKGE CUMMINGS.^It is a piece of 
rare good fortune that falls to the lot of a 
man who is .permitted to pass more than a 
third of a century in this sunny ever-green laud 
of Southern California, where existence is an 
ever-conscious pleasure. Of the few now living 
who liave been thus highly favored, the gentle- 
man whose name heads this sketch is one. Born 
in tlie Empire of x\ustria, Mr. Cnmmings wan- 
dered fi'om the shelter of the parental roof-tree 
when a lad of thirteen in search of an elder 
brother who had gone from home several years 
before. After traveling with a fellow-country- 
man some time in Europe without finding the 
object of his search, young Cummings took 
passage on an American schooner for the United 
States. The Captain having taken a great fancy 
to the wandering boy, proved to be a true and 
valued friend; for he not only brought him across 
the Atlantic on his vessel, but around to San 
Francisco, and made him a present of $100 to 
defray his expenses in reaching the gold mines, 
to w-hich the adventurous youngster was bound. 
Landing in San Francisco in the summer of 
1849, he soon after proceeded to the mines, and 
with a companion whose acquaintance he had 
formed, commenced to search for gold. The 
greed and excitement for the yellow dust were 
at white heat, and fortunes were being washed 
out of the rich placer deposits in a day. Young 
Cummings and his chum were destined for some 
share of " good luck." While mining in the 
fall of 1848, in Tuolumne County, they took 
out $1,900 in five days. And so wild were they 
with the idea of growing suddenly rich, that 
they left this mine for reputed better " paying 
dirt" in Mariposa County, but were doomed to 
disapjiointment on reaching that fabled prom- 



ised land. Eealizing from experience the 
enormous prices paid for provisions — having on 
one occasion paid $600 in gold dust for 200 
pounds each of flour, beans and rice — they de- 
cided in the spring of 1850 to try farming. 
And, erecting a rude hut on the Merced River, 
— which was afterward burned and many of 
their valuables (including some gold dust) de- 
stroyed with it, — they planted quite a large 
acreage to potatoes, melons and other vegeta- 
bles, and produced a fine crop. Their potatoes 
sold in the field for $75 per 100 pounds, and the 
melons brought $8 to $10 each. The agricult- 
ural experiment proved very profitable; and in 
spite of the fact that the young farmers were 
attacked with malaria and reduced nearly to 
skeletons with the ague, they farmed three years 
and made money rajjidly. In 1853 they turned 
their attention to stock-raising, and Mr. Cum- 
mings continued in that business on the Merced 
Hiver five years. In 1858 he bought the Te- 
hachepe Eanch, — then in Los Angeles County, 
now in Kern, — comprising 3,300 acres, which he 
still owns, and engaged in raising and dealing 
in cattle and horses. Being a great lover of 
domestic aninials he has continued in the busi- 
ness to some extent ever since. He subse- 
quently bought a 160-acre ranch at iMpine Sta- 
tion, which he also still owns. Mr. Cummings 
purchased a tract of some forty acres, iTicluding 
his present homestead, on Boyle Heights, and 
erected there a fine residence about fourteen years 
ago. He has expended a large sum of money 
in improvements and in experimenting in fruit- 
growing, having had at one time 2,000 orange 
trees and over 1,500 deciduous fruit trees on 
the place. The homestead embraces thirteen 
acres. A portion of the property, consisting of 
thirty-five acres lying on the opposite side of 
Aliso street, he has .subdivided into lots, and 
has sold off about ten acres of it. The lots are 
valued at $1,000 each. In 1869 Mr. Cummings 

and Miss Lopez were married. She is the 

daughter, and one of four living children, of 
Francisco Lopez, and was born within a few- 
rods of her present home. Mr. Lopez is also a 



mSTORT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



settled on th 

part of this century. 



native of California, having been born sixty-nine 
jears ago in San Diego, where his parents had 
arrival from Europe in the early 
Ilis wife, whom he mar- 
ried when he was nineteen years of age, was 
born in Lower California. Soon after their 
marriage they settled on what was then called 
tiie Mount Pleasant tract, now that part of 
Boyle Heights lying south of First street and 
west of Boyle avenue, and there, nearly fifty 
3'ears ago, he planted one of the first orchards 
and vineyards started in this part of the Stale. 
The two comprised about thirty acres, and the 
last of the trees and vines were removed only 
two or three years ago. Mr. Lopez now lives 
in Kern County, his wife having died about 
fifteen years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Cummings 
have a family of seven children, five sons and 
two daughters. The eldest, Frank, is eighteen 
years of age, and graduated from Santa^'ciara 
College in June, being one of the youngest to 
graduate in that institution. He has ranked 
very high throughout his college course, and 
his fond parents have numerous cards from his 
instructors complimenting his scholarship and 
deportment. Albert, the second son, is sixteen 
years old, and is attending Los Angeles College. 
The otlier children range from infancy to four- 
teen years. Mrs. Cummings is a lady of culture 
and refinement, and presides over her pleasant 
grace and dignity. 



home with becomina 



)SEPH A. DELUDE.-The subject of this 
sketch is one of the pioneers in the estab- 
lishment of business enterprises in the vil- 
lage ot Arcadia, on the Santa Fe Eailroad, about 
sixteen miles east of Los Angeles. In Decem- 
ber, 1887, Mr. Delude opened the Bonita Hotel 
at that place, having for several weeks previous 
to that date " kept hotel" in a large tent. In 
his first venture he was associated with Alexan- 
der J. Cameron, now of Savannah, who later 
sold out to Mr. Delude, and still biter Mr. De- 
lude sold a one-half interest to Frank I. Smith. 



At this writing (1889) the Bonita Hotel is the 
only house of entertainment opened to the pub- 
lic in Arcadia. Mr. Delude is a native of Sher- 
brooke, Canada East, dating his birth in 1857. 
His parents were Francis and Odile (Martin) 
Delude, both natives of Canada. The subject 
of this sketch spent the first twenty years of his 
life in his native place, where he received the 
benefits of a good common-school education, and 
was reared to the practical life of a marketman. 
In 1875 he determined to seek his fortune in 
the United States. He accordingly came to 
Boston, Massachusetts, where he obtained em- 
ployment in a hotel. He soon became proficient 
in his business and spent many years as a stew- 
ard in some of the most prominent hotels in 
New England, among which was the Crawford 
House, White Mountains, and also in leading 
hotels in New York, New Jersey and Cincinnati, 
Ohio. In 1886 became to Los Angeles County, 
and located at Pasadena, where he was employed 
in the Raymond Hotel, until he took up his 
present residence. Mr. Delude is a progressive 
and enterprising citizen. Politically, he is a 
Democrat. He is a member of Pasadena Lodge, 
No. 324, I. O. O. F. Mr. Delude is interested 
in other real estate in the county and in Arcadia, 
besides his hotel property. 

'^■^^-^ 

fYRUS D. CURTIS, farmer at Lanianda 
Park, was born in Dexter, Maine, February 
•i, 1827, one of sixteen children. During 
his boyhood he worked upon the farm in the 
summer seasons for $8 a month, which was then 
considered high wages, and in winter he attended 
school. He was a great worker. At the acre of 
seventeen years he went to Boston, Massachu- 
setts, and was employed in Faneuil Hall Market 
ten years. Next, for twenty years, he was en- 
gaged in the wholesale trade in fresh meats at 
Brighton, in partnership, under the firm name of 
Curtis & Boynton. Theirs was the largest pack- 
ing house in Massachusetts, doing a business of 
over $2,000,000 a year. In the great Boston fire 



U I STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



of November, 1872, the lirm lost over $250,000, 
wliich embiirrassed them beyond recovei-y. 
Ill 1877 Mr. Curtis came to California, land- 
ing in Los Angeles with only $32; but as 
lie possessed health and strength, and the evi- 
dences of an upright and successful business 
man, he purchased a pair of mules on credit, 
and went to work, on rented laud. Prospering, 
he bought tifty-nine acres of land near Sierra 
Madre Villa, but in 1888 he sold this property 
for $45,000, receiving $10,000 cash in liand; but 
he afterward had to take the land back, and he 
now occupies it. This year he has sowed 150 
acres of barley, doing all the work himself. He 
is a very strong and energetic man. It has been 
said that probably there are not as many as three 
men in all the county as stout and agile as he. 
lie is temperate in all his habits, and a teetotaler 
with regard to tobacco and intoxicating liquors. 
His appearance indicates that he may live to be 
a centenarian, enjoying health even at the age of 
100 years. He is now sixty-two. Mrs. Curtis, 
nee. Maria C. Shepherd, a native of New Hamp- 
shire, is a very amiable and hospitable lady and 
an excellent housekeeper. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Curtis are social, warm-hearted New England 
people. They have one child, a daughter. 



fAMES CLEMINSON, of El Monte, is a rep- 
resentative of one of the pioneer American 
families of San Gabriel Valley. He dates 
his birth at Independence, Missouri, August 7, 
1833, son of John and Lydia (Lightner) Clem- 
inson. John Cleminson was born in England, 
December 29, 1798. During the war of 1812, 
he came to the United States, via St. Johns, 
New Brunswick, with his father, James Clem- 
inson (whose wife had died in England). After 
a residence of some time in Virginia, the family 
made their home in Louisville, Kentucky. Upon 
reaching manhood, John Cleminson, the father 
of the subject of this sketch, went to Lexington, 
Missouri, then a wilderness. There, December 
28, 1822, he wedded Miss Lightner, who was of 



Dutch descent, born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 
July 11, 1800. Mr. Cleminson worked at his 
trade, cabinet and carpenter work, many years 
at Lexington, moving from thei'e to Independ- 
ence and later to Illinois, where with his family 
he lived first at Galena and later in Carroll 
County. September 15, 1850, with his wife 
and four of their six children, he started, via the 
overland Santa Fe trail, for Southern California, 
with two teams of oxen and cows together for 
transports. The children who came with their 
parents were: James, whose name heads this 
sketch; John, Lydia and Diantha. (Laura, wife 
of G. W. Durfee, and Mary M., wife of E. T. 
Mills, came a few years later). The journey of 
the Cleminsons was a long and tedious one. The 
first winter was spent at or near Harrisonville, 
Missouri, the next at Tucson, Arizona. At one 
time, losing nearly all their stock, one wagon 
was hauled by hand sixty miles and sold at 
Santa Cruz, Arizona. After trials and troubles, 
which we have not the space to relate, the family 
reached this sunny land, James arriving at San 
Diego in time to participate in celebrating the 
national birthday, July 4, 1852, and the family 
a few days later. At San Diego the first Amer- 
ican wedding ever solemnized was the marriage 
of Lydia Cleminson with S. S. Reeves. This 
occurred April 15, 1853. After a short resi- 
dence at San Diego the family made their home 
in San Bernardino County, and in 1858 upon a 
ranch near El Monte. The mother died Au- 
gust 11, 1873, and the father, November 28, 1879. 
He was a man well known in Los Angeles 
County and respected by all. James Cleminson 
married, in San Bernardino County, Mrs. Caro- 
line Beck, widow of Thomas Beck. She was a 
lady of English birth. Two children were born 
of this union, James D. and Willis S. The 
former has his home in San Bernardino, and the 
latter died January 10, 1882, aged four years 
and three months. Their mother departed this 
life March 27, 1880, aged thirty-six years. From 
her first marriage one son, Charles Edward, is 
living. The present wife of Mr. Cleminson, 
formerly Miss Emma Crist, he wedded October 



HISTOBT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



11, 1885. Slie was born in the State of Iowa, 
daiiglitei- of Levi Crist, now a resident of Wash- 
ington Territory. Her child, Hugh Delbert 
Cleminson, was born November 18, 1886. Mr. 
Cleminson is the owner of fifty acres of land at El 
Monte, and also a tract of ten acres near Azusa. 
rolitically, he is identified with the Kepnblican 
party. lie is a member of the ancient order 
of Free Masons. John Cleminson, the youngest 
of the Cleminson family, owns and resides upon 
thirty acres adjoining his bi-other James. 



fF. CULY Ell, one of the pioneers of Califor- 
nia and now a retired farmer in Corapton, 
® was born in Poultney, Rutland County, 
Vermont, in 1821,_his parents being Isaac C. and 
Mariah (Mead) Culver. The mother was a na- 
tive of Vermont and was a descendant of the 
celebrated Colonel Ethan Allen. Isaac C. Cul- 
ver was also a native of Vermont, and in 1841 
settled in Niagara County, New York, where he 
lived till his death, which occurred in 1884. 
His wife had preceded him to the grave, having 
died in 1881, both past eighty years of age. 
They had a family of nine children, seven of 
whom are still living, the subject of this sketch 
being the oldest;^ He received the ordinary com- 
mon-school education, and also attended the sem- 
inary at West Poultney, Vermont, six months. 
In 1849 he, in partnership with others, bought 
a ship, the Edward Everett. This they loaded 
at Boston, Massachusetts, with syrup, flour, lum- 
ber, brick and merchandise, and started for San 
Francisco via Cajje Horn. They landed in the 
city of the Golden Gate, July 6, 1849. This 
company built the first steamer that ever plied 
the waters of the Sacramento River. They sub- 
sequently dissolved partnership and engaged in 
mining. Mr. Culver followed teaming for a 
while, and also kept a hotel at Linden Corner, in 
San Joaquin County. February 14, 1852, he 
i-oturned to his old home in New York. While 
in the East ilr. Culver was united in marriage 
with Miss Henrietta liavmond, of Niagara 



County, New York. Her father was Caleb Ray- 
mond, who was the proprietor of the Frontier 
House at Lewiston, on the Niagara River. Soon 
after his marriage Mr. Culver started with his 
bride, to California, June 5, 1852; arrived in 
San Francisco, July 12, 1852. He came to Lin- 
den and was proprietor of the hotel for several 
years and also farmed 480 acres of land. In 
1865 he sold out his interests at Linden and 
moved to Copperopolis, Calaveras County, and 
again engaged in the hotel business. This, how- 
evei-, proved unprofitable, owing to the unfruit- 
fulness of mining interests, and he returned to 
Linden, where he farmed land on the shares for 
some seven years. In 1875 he moved to Los 
Angeles County, and purchased eighty acres of 
land, which is now in the corporate limits of the 
city of Compton. Here he has since lived and 
expects to spend the residue of his days. Mr. 
and Mrs. Culver have three sons and two daugh- 
ters: Frank F., Frederick M., AVillard, Ella, wife 
of T. F. Ross; and Mary, wife of Benton Flood. 



>^fe-l-e^ 



fRANK I. SMLTII.—The above 



geii 



fB tleman is one of the proprietors of the 
*^ Bonita Hotel, of Arcadia, and is closely 
identified with the growth' and prosperity of 
that village. Mr. Smith is a native of Nova 
Scotia and was born in 1856. His father, John 
Smith, was also a native of that province, but 
was of Scotch descent. His mother, nee Sarah 
Smith, was also a native of Nova Scotia. Mr. 
Smith spent his early life in securing such an 
education as the common schools afforded, and 
in 1870, at the age of fourteen years, started in 
life on his own account. In that year he came 
to the United States and located in Boston, 
Massachusetts, and engaged in work at the 
markets. The next sixteen years of his life 
were spent in that city, mostly in occupations 
connected with the n)arket business. In 1886 
he came to California and located in Los An- 
geles County, at Pasailena. Soon after his ar- 
rival he obtained eni|iloyment in the Kaymontl 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Hotel where he remained until about six months 
before he came to Arcadia, in November, 1887, 
and became connected with the Bonito Hotel, 
as one of the proprietors. Mr. Smith is a 
strong believer in the future growtii and pros- 
perity of his ciiosen section, and is one of those 
enterprising citizens that are always willing to 
aid in such projects as will promote the welfare 
of the community in which they reside. In 
political matters he is a Democrat, and takes an 
intelligent interest in the policy of his party. 
In 1884 Mr. Smith was nnited in marriage with 
Miss Laura C. Cameron, a native of Nova 
Scotia. From this marriage there is one child, 
Sherman W. It is worthy of note that this is 
the lirst white male child born in Arcadia. 



-'^-^^^^ 

|UN YGNACIO DEL VALLE, long a 
prominent and useful citizen of Los An- 
was a native of Jalisco, Mexico. He 
was born July 1, in the year 1808, and was the son 
of Lieutenant Antonio del Valle, a soldier under 
the King of Spain. He came to California with 
Echandia in 1825. In 1841 he settled on the 
San Francisco Rancho in this county, which had 
been granted to his father. Don Ygnacioand Don 
.1. A. Aguirre received a concession in 1843 of 
the rancho of Tejon, twenty-two Spanish leagues, 
but which now belongs to General E. F. Beale, 
of Washington, D. C. In 1846 Don Tgnacio 
was treasurer of the civil government of Cali- 
fornia; in 1850 he was alcalde of Los Angeles; 
and later was a member of the city council and 
also of the State Legislature. He was a man 
of culture and intelligence and of much in- 
fluence in the community. His city residence 
formanyyearsanduntill861 wason theeast side 
of the Plaza. At the time of his death, in 1880, 
his home was on the beautiful Cannilos Rancho, 
on the Santa Clara River, in the northwestern 
part of Los Angeles County, where his widow 
and her family still reside. It was here that 
Mrs. Jackson located some of the most poetic 
and njmantic scenes of the story of "Ramona." 



Don Ygnacio possessed the most unbounded 
confidence of the community in whicli he lived, 
both under the Spanish and American regimes, 
as is evidenced by his being entrusted with the 
responsibilities of ofl:ce, either military or civil, 
during the greater part of his mature life. He 
was a Lieutenant from 1828 till 1840, and 
served on the staff of botli Governors Echeandia 
and Figueroa. In 1834 he was appointed by the 
latter to serve as commissioner in the secular- 
ization of the missions. He carried out the 
provisions of the law in the cases of the missions 
of Santa Cruz and of Dolores. Later he held 
other important official positions, as noted above, 
always performing his duties faithfully and 
honorably. Don Ygnacio was twice married. 
There were no children by the first marriage. 
His second wife, whom he married in 1851, and 
who still survives him, was Dona Ysabel, daugh- 
ter of Don Servol Varela, and granddaughter of 
Don Antonio Ygnacio Abila. Six children were 
the result of this union, all of whom are still 
living, including ex-Senator Reginaldo F. del 
Yalle, the wife of Juan Forster, Jr., etc. The 
memory of good Ygnacio del Yalle is pleasant 
to many citizens still living, outside of his own 
family. This warm, kindly feeling with which 
he is remembered yet by all those who were ac- 
quainted with him personally, is voiced in the 
following closing lines of a notice of his death, 
written by one who knew him well, Judge Y. 
Sepiilveda, and which appeared in one of our 
daily journals: "There is much in his life. to 
engage our afi"ections and respect. Few men 
have impressed upon the memory of their 
friends a livelier sense of excellence and unsul- 
lied virtue. In the private and domestic circle 
he was greatly beloved. He was confiding and 
affectionate. He possessed an enlightened be- 
nevolence and a warm sensibility, always eager 
to advance those who were within the sphere of 
his influence. He was a man of the most in- 
flexible honor and integrity, a devout lover of 
truth, conscientiously scrupulous in the dis- 
charge of his duties. The voice of censure 
rarely escaped from his lips. Ho iia<l a deep 



ni STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



sense of religion. His faith was such that it 
imparted serenity and confidence. He was mod- 
est and reserved, of tlioiightful aspect, but not 
cold. With those with whom he was intimate 
he indulged in playful and delicate humor. No 
man had a sounder judgment. The tears that 
fall on his grave are unstained by any mixture 
of bitterness for frailty or for vice. He lived 
as a true man would wish to live. He died as 
a good man would wish to die. 'How beautiful 
is death when earned by virtue.'" 

'^■'s^-^ 

fHARLES HENEYDUNSMOOll, County 
Clerk of Los Angeles County, was born in 
Temple, Maine, Jnly 18, 1850, son of 
James A. and Almira M. (Mosher) Dunsmoor. 
The former was of Scotch descent, and a native 
of Massachusetts, and the latter is of English 
extraction, and was born in Maine. When the 
subject of this sketch was two and a half years 
old liis parents moved to Minneapolis, Minne- 
sota, where he remained with them until reach- 
ing manhood, and was educated in the public 
schools and the University of Minnesota. In 
1872 he came to California and located in Los 
Angeles. Since that time he has been actively 
identiiied with the best interests of this pros- 
perous city and county, and has held various 
positions of trust and responsibility. Upon his 
arrival here he was engaged in teaching in the 
public schools of Los Angeles County for two 
years; devoted himself for the ne.\t three years 
to mercantile pursuits; served one year as assist- 
ant tax collector of the city of Los Angeles, and 
acted, fur three years, as chief deputy recorder 
of Los Angeles County, under Recorder C. C. 
Lamb. In 1883 he engaged in shipping fruit, 
which he continued until the fall of 1884, when 
he was elected county clerk of Los Angeles 
County, on the Republican ticket, and in the 
fail of 1888 he was re-elected to till the 
same position. As a public officer lie has per- 
formed his duties faithfully, and that his eiforts 
are appreciated by the people is evidenced by 



the fact of his re-election to the position he now 
fills. Mr. Dunsnioor's parents came to Los 
Angeles in 1872, where his father died in 1873. 
IHs mother still survives, and is a member of 
the Fort Street Methodist Episcopal Church. 
The subject of this sketcli was mairied Novem- 
ber 5, 1871, to Miss Cynthia J. Gilman, of 
Ivichtield, near Minneapolis, Minnesota. They 
have two children: Charles F. and Grace Olive. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dunsmoor are members of the 
Fort Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Dunsmoor is a member of Pentalpha Lodge, 
No. 202, F. & A. M.; of Signet Chapter, No. 15, 
R. A. M., and of Coeur de Sinor Commandery, 
No. 9, K. T., all of Los Angeles. 

S. DAUBENSPECK, contractor and 
builder, 42 Grand avenue, Los An- 
'^ geles, is a native of Schuylkill County, 
Pennsylvania, and was born June 14, 1847. 
During boyhood he attended the common 
schools, and entered the army when sixteen 
years of age, serving in the Ninety-seventh 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He served 
an apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter and 
joiner, and began contracting in Allentown and 
Scranton before reaching his majority. In Oc- 
tober, 1871, he set out for the Pacific Coast, 
and reached Chicago at the time of the great 
fire, and decided to remain there. He entered 
the employ of Goss & Pliilipps, the largest 
manufacturing firm of sash and doors in the 
city, and was assistant superintendent of their 
mills for twelve years. He was superintendent 
of the mills of Badenoch Brothers until 1887, 
when he came to Los Angeles and engaged in 
contracting. Among the many fine residences 
he has taken contracts for and erected are those 
of Mr. R. Larkiiis, 42 Grand avenue; Mr. J. F. 
Cosby, corner of Figaroa street and Brooklyn 
avenue; Mr. Allen, of the Times, corner of 
Pearl and Ninth streets; J. B. Winston, An- 
gelina Heights; Dr. Pierport, on Ellis avenue 
and many others. lie has the contract for the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



First Congregational Chiircli, corner of Sixth 
and Hill streets, one of the finest in tlie city. 
He has had a large practical experience in the 
building and lumber trade. Mr. Daubenspeck 
was married November 23, 1880, to Miss Au- 
gusta Jndd, a native of Michigan, and a step- 
daughter of Robert Larkins, of this city. Since 
coming here they have lost their only daughter, 
olive, a very attractive child. 



fHOMAS A. DELANO was Um\ in Charles- 
ton, New Hampshire, in 1830. He is a 
son of Charles A. and Mary C. (Ham met) 
Delano, and during his boyhood followed the 
sea. His father was from Nantucket, and was 
a sea-faring man, as were also his ancestors for 
six generations before him. The subject of 
tills brief notice is a pioneer in California of 
1849. He caine by sail, and landed in San 
Francisco on the 7th of August, after a voyage 
of seven months. He iirst engaged in mining 
at Sutter's Mills and Middle Fork of the Amer- 
ican River, for about one year, after which he 
went to the Russian River district, and engaged 
in raising wheat. To him belongs the honor of 
getting the first American plows in that section. 
He bought them in San Francisco, at a cost of 
$38 apiece. His father had accompanied him 
to California, and had gone back East in 1850. 
In 1851 he returned to San Francisco, and there 
died in July of the same year. Our subject re- 
mained on the ranch till 1854. January 4, 
1855, he arrived in Los Angeles, and for six- 
teen years gave his time and attention to 
freighting, harvesting and threshing. He owned 
property in Los Angeles and put out two or- 
chards there, one on Main street, and one on 
San Pedro street. For a number of years he 
kept a freight station in San Franciscito Caiion, 
called Delano Station. In 1872 lie discovered 
borax in the Slate Range in San Bernardino 
County, and there built a manufacturing estab- 
lishment. Four years ago he moved to where 
he now lives. He and his sons have about 



1,800 acres of land, which under their careful 
management yields abundant harvests of grain 
and hay. They also raise horses and cattle. 
In 1862 he married Miss Soledad Vejar, a 
native of California, and the daughter of John 
C. Vejar, who was born in San Diego. He was 
a Spaniard, and by occupation a farmer. His 
wife's name was nee Gracie Keys, also a native 
of California and of Spanish origin. They were 
a very influential famil}', and had important 
titles and grants. They had live children, three 
of whom are living. He died in 1875, and his 
wife in October, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Delano 
have a large family: John Charles, William II., 
Thomas A., Mary Grace, Frederick J., Annie 
I., who departed this life at the age of thirteen 
years; Arthur G., who died at the age of ten 
years; Robert, who died when eight years old; 
Benjamin F., died in infancy; Frank and 
George. In closing this brief outline of Mr. 
Delano's life, it is altogether proper to state 
that he is a man of more than ordinary worth. 
The esteem in which he is held by his neigh- 
bors is evidence of his uprightness of character 
and his honor as a man. In his home he is 
kind and obliging, and a hearty welcome is ex- 
tended to all. 



fMILE DEUTSCH, one of the prominent 
residents and business men of the Sierra 
Madre, dates his birth in Belgium, Sep- 
tember 20, 1846. His parents, John and Agnes 
(Eichorn) Deutsch, were natives of Luxem- 
burg. Mr. Deutsch was deprived of the advan- 
tages of a good education, and at the age of 
eleven years was put to work in a cigar factory, 
in his native place. Of an energetic disposition, 
he was not content to live the life of an ill-paid 
artisan of the old world. Therefore, in 1862, 
at the age of sixteen years, he emigrated to 
the United States, and after spending about six 
months at his trade in New York, he proceeded 
to Toronto, Canada. The next year he returned 
to the United States and followed his calling in 




lAWUEL D 



UISTOllY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Buffalo, New York, fur two years, and then 
located at Chicago, Illinois. After working for 
about two years as a jonrneyman cigar-maker, 
he established himself in business in that city 
as a cig;\r manufacturer. The great fire of 1871 
swept away the results of his year's labor and 
left him heavily in debt, but with commendable 
energy and indomitable will be rebuilt his fac- 
tory and re-established his business, conducting 
it with success until ill health compelled his 
retiring from active business pursuits. Seeking 
a more congenial climate, in October, 1883, Mr. 
Deutsch came to California and located in Los 
Angeles, where he engaged in real-estate opera- 
tions and later in cigar manufacturing. In the 
spring of 1885 he took up his residence at 
Sierra Madre, on a four-acre tract west of Bald- 
win avenue, in block 14. This land was pur- 
chased and its improvements commenced in 
1884. In the fall of 1885 he established the 
Sierra Madre Cigar Factory on the corner of 
Baldwin and Central avenues. lie soon secured 
a good trade for his products, as he manufact- 
ured none but first class articles. Mr. Deutsch 
now owns two acres of his original purchase, 
which he has fully improved, planting oranges, 
lemons and a variety of deciduous fruits, also 
erecting a comfortable two-story residence, suit- 
able out-buildings, etc. He has also three and 
one-half acres in the Sierre Madre tract, about 
a fourth of a mile east of his residence, which 
is producing wine grapes. He is the owner of 
the Sierra Madre Park, a tract of land 640 acres 
in extent, located about two miles and a half 
north of Sierra Madre, on the Wilson Peak 
trail. lie is devoting time and money to im- 
proving and beautifying this place, and the 
Sierra Madre Park is destined in the future to 
rank as one of the favorite resorts in this sec- 
tion. Mr. Deutsch is a progressive citizen and 
a strong believer in the future destiny of Sierra 
Madre, a faith that he is verifying by the expend- 
iture of money in improvements, etc. lie is 
a strong supporter of schools and of every enter- 
prise that will add to the welfare of tiie com- 
munity. He is a school trustee of the Sierra 



Madre District, and the president and director 
of the Sierra Madre Hall Company. Politi- 
cally, he is a Eepublican. He is a member of 
Temple Lodge, L (). O. F., of Chicago. In re- 
ligions belief he is a consistent Catholic. In 
1874 Mr. Deutsch was united in marriage with 
Miss Louisa Smith, a native of Connecticut, and 
the daughter of Edwin and Mary E. (Russell) 
Smith, both of whom are natives of that State. 
The names of the five children from this mar- 
riage are as follows: Emma A., William E., 
Margaret, Posie and Lilian. 

fON MANUEL DOMINGUEZ was born in 
San Diego, January 26, 1803. He received 
only the education of those primitive days, 
learning to read and write under the tutorship 
of Sergeant. Mercado of the Spanish artillery. 
He afterward supplemented this, however, by 
an extensive course of reading. His father, Don 
Cristobal Dominguez, was an officer under the 
Spanish Government. Don Cristobal's brother, 
Juan Jose, received from the King of Spain, in the 
last century, a concession of the Rancho de San 
Pedro, in Los Angeles County, of ten and one- 
half leagues of land. After Don Juan Jose's 
death, Governor Pablo de Sola, in 1822, gave 
possession of the ranch to Cristobal. At the 
death of his father, Don Cristobal Dominguez, 
the son, Don Manuel, took charge of his Rancho 
San Pedro, and resided thereon till the time of 
his deatli. In 1827 he married Maria Engracia 
Cota, daughter of Don Guillermo Cota, com- 
missioner under the Mexican Government. Ten 
children were born to them, eight daughters 
and two sons. There are living now six daugh- 
ters; three are married and three single. He 
was a firm believer and follower of the Roman 
Catholic Church and raised his family in the 
same belief. In 1828-29 he was elected a 
meud)er of the " Illustrious Ayuntamiento of the 
city of Los Angeles."' In 1829 he was elected 
a delegate to nominate representatives to the 
Mexican Congress. In 1832 he was elected 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTT. 



iirst alcalde and judge of first instance for 
the city of Los Angeles. In 1833-'34, he was 
elected as Territorial Representative for Los 
Angeles County to the Representative Assembly 
at Monterey. Li 1834 he was called to a con- 
ference at Monterey for the secularization of the 
missions. In 1839 he was elected second alcalde 
for the city of Los Angeles. In 1842 lie was 
elected first alcalde and judge of the first in- 
stance. In May of 1843 he was elected prefect 
of the second district of California — the State 
being divided into two districts. In the same 
year two military companies were formed for 
the defense of tlie county, and he was elected 
Captain of one of these. In 1844 the office was 
suppressed and he again retired to private life. 
In 1849 he was elected a delegate to the first 
constitutional convention, which assembled at 
Montei'ey and wiiich formulated the first con- 
stitution of the State of California. In 1854 he 
was elected a supervisor for the county. He had 
been at different times offered high positions 
under the Government, but always refused, hav- 
ing too much attachment to his family, and 
being also, of necessity, much engrossed in the 
care of his extensive private interests. In 1855 
the rancho was partitioned off between his 
brother, Don Pedro, and his nephews, Jose An- 
tonio' Aguirre and Jacinto Rocha. Don Manuel 
retained his portion of the ranch, amounting 
to about 25,000 acres, including Rattlesnake Isl- 
and in San Pedro Bay, till his death, which oc- 
curred October 11, 1882 In 1884 all of this 
portion, except the island and several thousand 
acres near the mouth of the San Gabriel River, 
was divided among his six daughters, by whom 
it is still owned. The adobe house, the old 
home where their parents resided for fifty-five 
years, is still preserved by his daughters. Mrs. 
Dominguez died not long after her beloved hus- 
band, March 16, 1883. Manuel Dominguez was 
well known and respected by all our old citizens 
fbr he was a man of sterling character. lie was 
well ednoated, intelligent, widely read and of 
unimpeachable integrity and honor. Don 
Manuel was a fine type of the old Spanish gen- 



tleman, for he could hardly have been more 
thoroughly Spanish if he had been born in Spain, 
and yet he became a good and true American 
citizen. He died at the ripe age of nearly 
fourscore, universally respected and esteemed 
by all who knew him; and his memory is almost 
worshiped by his children and grandchildren. 
His portrait, taken in middle life, may be seen 
on another page of this work. 

fHARLES HENRY DUNSMOOR was 
born at Temple, Maine, July 18, 1850. 
His father, J. A. Dunsmoor, was of Scotch 
ancestry. The family moved to Minnesota in 
1852. Charles was educated in the public 
schools and in the Minnesota University, after 
which he took a business course of instruction. 
He came to Los Angeles in 1872. After teach- 
ing two years he engaged in mercantile business 
three years, and then became deputy city tax 
collector under A. J. Hamilton; and after the 
defalcation of that officer, Mr. Dunsmoor was ap- 
pointed to fill his place. For three years he was 
chief depnity county recorder under C. C. Lamb. 
In November, 1884, Mr. Dunsmoor was elected 
county clerk; and he was twice re-elected to the 
same office, the last time (1888)" by a majority 
of nearly 4,000 votes. Mr. Dunsmoor is a man 
of sterling character. That he has administered 
his office well is evident from his successive re- 
election by increased majorities. lie is efficient, 
faithful, urbane — in short, he is a model official 
as he is a model citizen. In 1871 he married 
Cynthia J., daughter of Edwin Gilman. They 
have two children, a boy — Charles P., and a 
daughter, Grace Olive. 



fH. D ALTON, City Water Overseer, No. 
6 East First street, Los Angeles, is a 
* native of Ohio, born in Circleville, Pick- 
away County, May 12, 1848. His father, George 
Dalton, is a native of London, England, and his 





'^^c ^e. ^a 



^^cfi-^^ 



iiisTonr OF LOS anobles county. 



motlier, Elizalietli (Meyers) Dalton, was born in 
Ohio. Tliey emigrated to the Pacific Coast, 
arrived in Los Angeles in 1851, and were among 
the early settlers here. They took up land on 
what is now East Washington street, and made 
a farm. The subject of this sketch attended 
school and was reared tiiere. Upon reaching 
maniiood he engaged in horticultural pursuits, 
which he has since continued. Mr. Dalton was 
united in marriage, January 8, 1873, to Miss 
Hattie E. Dye, a native of the city of St. Louis, 
Missouri. He lived at home with his parents 
until his marriage, when his father divided up 
a portion of his land with his sons, and he is 
now residing on his part of the old homestead. 
This land he has set out to fruit and vineyard. 
Mr. Dalton has held the position of deputy 
water overseer for twelve years, and during 
the years 188G and 1887 he held the office of 
overseer. Under the new charter of the present 
administration he was appointed to the same 
position of city irrigation water overseer. Mr. 
and Mrs. Dalton have seven children: Maud 
Irene, Archie E., Leslie C, Clarence M., George 
W., Ethel E. and James Toberman. 



fAMES T. DUNN, a farmer and stock-raiser 
in Compton Township, five miles west of 
Compton, is one of the reliable and success- 
ful tillers of the soil. He dates his advent into 
the county from 1870. The principal part of 
his farming operations has been carried on, 
near Downey. In 1887, however, he purchased 
120 acres of land where he now resides, and on 
which he has erected a comfortable residence 
and barn and has also made other improvements. 
He is the owner of twenty acres further south 
in the same township, which is devoted to fruit 
and tree culture; and also of a farm of forty 
acres near Downey. Mr. Dunn was born in 
Spalden County, Georgia, in 1850, and is a son 
of John A. and Mary li. (Lavender) Dunn, also 
natives of the same State. His parents moved 
to Arkansas in 1857 and engaged in farming in 



Union County until 1870, when they came to 
California, where they still reside. They reared 
a family of three children, James T. being the 
oldest. lie was united in marriage in Arkansas 
on the 25th day of January, 1870, to Ellen Ed- 
dington, a native of Alabama, and a daughter 
of J. M. Eddington, who resides at present near 
Santa Ana. Ten days after their marriage Mr. 
Dunn and his bride turned their faces toward 
the setting sun, and arrived in California some 
days later. Here by industry and perseverance 
they have made a pleasant and comfortable home, 
and Mr. Dunn has established himself as one of 
the first farmers of the land, having under cul- 
tivation over 1,000 acres, his principal crop 
beirg barley. Politically, Mr. Dunn affiliates 
with the Democratic party. He and his wife 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
South. 






¥^ 



fX-GOVEKNOll JOHN GATELEY 
DOWNEY was born in the county of 
Roscommon, Ireland, in the year 1826, 
and he came to the United States in 1840. He 
learned something of the drug business in 
Maiyland, and in 1846 he removed to Cincin- 
nati, where he took charge of an apothecary 
store. He arrived in San Francisco in 1850. 
From thence he came to Los Angeles, where he 
formed a co-partnership with Dr. James P. Mc- 
Farland in the drug business, which continued 
till 1856, when Dr. McFarland removed to 
Nashville, Tennessee, where he still resides. 
In 1856 Dr. Downey, who had been collector of 
the port of San Pedro, was elected a member of 
the Legislature. He entered very actively into 
politics, and in 1859 he was elected Lieutenant- 
Governor of the State. Milton S. Latham, who 
was at the same time elected Governor, was, 
soon after assuming office, elected by the Legis- 
lature United States Senator, and thus Downey 
became Governor. Having acquired thorough 
business habits Governor Downey undertook to 
administer the affairs of the State on business 



IIISrURY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



principles, and with distinguislied success. 
Even his political enemies concede that in the 
main he made a most excellent Governor. lie 
won great popularity at the time by vetoing 
corrupt measures, — especially tlie notorious 
" Bulkhead bill," which a gang of seliish schem- 
ers had gotten through the Legislatuie. The 
Governor's firmness in defense of the people's 
inteiests won for him unbounded popularity. 
When the Federal Government, in the war of 
the Kebellion, called upon California for troops 
to serve on this coast, Govei'iior Downey re- 
sponded promptly by authorizing the raising of 
six regiments. He gave ready and willing 
assistance to the Federal Government in all its 
demands upon the State in the conduct of the 
war for the preservation of the Union. A less 
loyal or less firm Governor might have done 
much to antagonize the general Government, 
and perhaps to have made possible the realiza- 
tion of the cherished dream of a large class of 
people at that time — the erection on this coast 
of a Pacific Republic. At the close of his term 
Governor Downey returned to his home in Los 
Angeles, where his large private interests re- 
quired his attention, and where he has resided 
most of the time ever since. A few years ago 
he took a trip around the world. He was one 
of the first to start a bank in Los Angeles. 
The town of Downey, in Los Angeles County, 
was named after him. He is the owner of 
the celebrated Warner's Ilancli; and also of 
tiie extensive block in the city of Los An- 
geles, built by John Temple, and formerly 
known as Temple Block, but now known as 
Downey Block. The Temple Block of to-day, 
located between Main and Spring streets, was 
mostly built by John Temple's younger brotlier, 
F. P. F. Temple, generally known by the 
Spanish-speaking residents as " Templito " or 
" Don Francisco." In 1852 Governor Downey 
married Doila Maria Jesus Guirado, a lady of 
great charms of person and cliaracter, who was 
most highly esteemed by all who knew her. 
She lost her life in the terrible railroad disaster 
atTehachipe, in January, 1883. The Governor, 



who was also on the same train, barely escaped 
with his life. The shock to his nervous sys- 
tem caused by this fearful disaster and by the 
loss of his wife was almost overwhelming, and 
from which he did not entirely recover for 
years. It has only been by travel and by 
change of scene that he has been able to par- 
tially forget what, to use his own words, " seemed 
a horrible dream!" Governor Downey, with 
his present wife, whom he married in 1888, 
makes his home at presen(, part of the time in 
this city, and part of the time at Warner's 
Ranclio. 



fG. DENMAN.— The Buckeye State has 
furnished some noble men as pioneers in 
® Los Angeles County, and none, perhaps, 
are more worthy a place in a work of this 
kind than is Mr. Denman. He was born in 
Licking County, Ohio, in 1832. His father 
was Mathias Denman, and his mother, nee 
Catharine Statler, both natives of the Old Do- 
minion. The paternal grandfather was a pioneer 
in Virginia, and of English descent. At the 
age of four years the subject of this sketch was 
left an orphan by the death of his father, and 
was reared by an uncle. In 1852, at the age of 
twenty, he crossed the plains to California in 
company wich Colonel Hollister. They were 
five months in going from the Missouri Eiver 
to San Jose, California. There he worked at 
$75 a month for a farmer and stock-raiser, then 
went into the sheep business, and in San Luis 
Obispo County continued it for ten years, and 
also ten years in Los Angeles County. In 1871 
he was married to Miss Isabella Rayner, a na- 
tive of Sacramento, and the daughter of William 
Rayner, a pioneer of 1850. Tliis union has 
been blessed with three children: William, Ed- 
gar and Isabella. In 1868 Mr. Denman came 
to Los Angeles County. He had been in the 
sheep business long enough to know that it was 
very profitable, and, with Mr. C. E. White, 
purchased 3,290 acres of land just east of where 



IHSTORT OF LOS ANGELWS COUNT r. 



the town of Florence now stands. Tliey con- 
tinued there as partners in the slieep hnsiness 
tor ten years, when tliey sold out, and Mr. Den- 
inan bought ISO acres of land, situated two miles 
southeast ol' Norwalk. This he has put under 
a very high state of cultivation. His fine or- 
chards of pears, apples, apricots and prunes, are 
a delight to the passer-by, and show that the 
husbandman by whom they are owned is a man 
who thorongl}' understands the growing and 
cultivation of fruit. Pie has. also, in his fields, 
some of the best quality of full-blooded horses 
in tiiis country. Mr. Den man has been very 
successful in business, and is a man highly re- 
spected; is an enthusiastic, intelligent supporter 
of the Republican party. lie is enterprising 
and public-S])irited, and is one of the few pio- 
neers of 1852 who have done so much toward 
tlie development of the resources of this beau- 
tiful country. 

J^ARllY E. DILLON, brick manufacturer 
fM\ and contractor, Boyle Heights, Los An- 
^ii geles, was born in Des Moines, Iowa, 
November 28, 1859, his parents being Fi'ank 
and Maria (Robinson) Dillon. His father being 
a prominent contractor, he had the benefit of an 
early and thorough training in mechanical work. 
As he grew up he spent a short time in Denver 
and Leadville, Colorado. In 1880 he returned 
to Des Moines, where he remained four years. 
In 1886 he came to California and established 
his present brick manufactory; is now in part- 
nership with J. A. Murphy, and they make about 
6,000 brick per day. They also have a yard at 
Inglewood, where they are now making 500,000 
brick for the Redondo Beach Hotel. During 
the busy season they give employment to forty 
or fifty men, and run ten teams. They also do 
a large business in building. Among the promi- 
nent contracts they have taken are the large 
Montague warehouse, requiring 600,000 brick; 
the Vernon school-house, 200,000; Southern 
California Packing Company's warehouse, 150,- 



000; Pacific warehouse, 300,000; Maxey's build- 
ing, on Main street, 250,000; and Chadwick's 
building, and many others. Having had an 
extended practical experience in their line, they 
are familiar with every detail of the business, 
in which indeed they have taken a leading po- 
sition 'in Soutliern California. Mr. Dillon was 
united in marriage March 7, 1882, with Miss 
Laura B. Dennis, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They 
have three children: Lettie, Harry and Bessie. 



tICIIARD DILLON w^as born in Ireland, 
September 24, 1837. He early com- 
menced his apprenticeship at the dry-goods 
business, which he has followed successfully 
(in three continents) almost ever since. In 
1862 he went to Melbourne, Australia, and in 
1865 he came to San Francisco, where he re- 
mained till 1875, when he came to Los Angeles, 
and here he entered into partnership with Mr. 
John Kenealy, forming the well and favorably 
known dry -goods firm of Dillon & Kenealy, 
which finally retired from business in 1886. 
These gentlemen now have a large vineyard, to 
which they devote a portion of their attention. 
In 1866 Mr. Dillon married, in San Francisco, 
Miss Hennessy, a native of Ireland. They have 
four living children. Mr. Dillon and his part- 
ner, Mr. Kenealy, are favorable instances of 
life-long merchants who have always maintained 
an honorable name and credit, who have never 
paid adoUar in interest, and who have, moreover, 
in the outcome achieved conspicuous success. 

fellLLIAM R. DODSON, proprietor of 
El Monte Hotel, was born in Crawford 
County, Arkansas, in 1889. His father, 
Gainaim M. Dodson, was a native of Halifax 
County, Virginia, who, in 1833, went to Ken- 
tucky, where he married Miss Nancy P. Thomp- 
son, a native of that State, and later settled in 
the county in which the subject of this sketch 



U I STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



was l)orn. Mr. Dodson was reared upon bis 
father's farm until 1861, wlien the civil war 
broke out, and early in that year he entered tb.e 
service of the Confederate States as a private in 
the Arkansas Cavalry. He served with gal- 
lantry and distinction throughout that terrible 
contest, and rose through the successive grades 
of rank until he reached a captaincy. In 1864 
he was severely wounded, having his left arm 
shattered while engaged in the battle of Fay- 
etteville, Arkansas. At the close of the war 
Mr. Dodson emigrated to Texas and located in 
Levere County, -where he engaged in farming and 
stock-growing. January 2, 1866, he married 
Miss Clarmond Jones, the daughter of William 
L. and Mai vina F. (Camp) Jones. Her father was 
a native of Tennessee, and her mother of Georgia- 
Mr. Dodson remained in Texas until 1868, 
when he came overland to Los Angeles County, 
locating at Downey until the spring of 1869. 
Then he jnirchased seventy-three Kcres of land 
lying in El Monte, south of the county road; 
uj)oii tliis he commenced a career of general 
fanning, making many improvements and plac- 
ing his land under a high state of cultivation, 
and also establishing and conducting a black- 
smith's shop. In 1878 he rented the El Monte 
Hotel, which he has since conducted. In 1880 
lie purchased the property and made many im- 
provements on the same. In 1882 he established 
in connection a livery stable. The Dodson Hall, 
a well-appointed building 20x50 feet, two-stories 
in height (with market in lower story), was 
erected by him in 1887. He has been one of 
the most progressive and energetic citizens of 
El Monte for years, and has made many im- 
provements in the town, building several cottages 
and residences for renting. His farm, hotel, 
stables and other enterprises are conducted by 
himself. His genial and obliging manners, 
combined with his well ordered and conducted 
hotel, has made the "El Monte" well known 
and deservedly popular. His livery stable con- 
tains a complete outfit of vehicles and ten or 
twelve first-class horses, and is well patronized. 
In liis farm operations he is devoting consider- 



able attention to improved stock. His cattle 
are Jersey and Short-horned Durham breeds. 
Among his horses are two fine stallions of Bel- 
mont stock, named Ledgerwood and Ledger 
wood, Jr. They are fine specimens and show 
that as a stock-breeder Mr. Dodson is a success. 
He has for twenty years been a resident of the 
beautiful San Gabriel Valley: is well and favor- 
ably known as a strong believer in the future 
prosperity of Los Angeles Coui\ty, and is 
always ready to aid any enterprise that tends to 
develop the resources of his chosen section. In 
political matters he is a consistent Democrat. 
He is a member of El Monte Lodge, No. 188, 
A. O. U. W. Mr. and Mrs. Dodson have five 
children living, namely: J. Wilkes Booth, who 
married Miss Neilie Wixon, and is now living 
in San Bernardino County; May, who married 
Dr. B. B. Means, and is residing in Texas; and 
Clayborne B., Elbert B., and AVilliam L., who 
are members of their father's household. Mrs. 
Dodson's parents came to California in 1868, 
and became residents of El Monte. Her father 
was well known throughout the valley, and was 
for years the proprietor of the El Monte Hotel. 
He died in 1874. Her mother is still a resi- 
dent of the count v. 



fOHN L. DOUGHERTY. — Among the 
early settlers of the Azusa, or the Upper 
San Gabriel Valley, is the above-named 
gentleman, who for twenty years has been en- 
gaged in agricultural and horticultural pursuits 
upon his farm, which is located about a mile and 
a half south of Glendora and a half mile east 
of Gladstone. In 1871 Mr. Dougherty came to 
that section and entered upon a tract of Gov- 
ernment land of 134 acres in extent, and despite 
the fact that the land was for many years the 
sul)ject of litigation between himself and the 
Azusa grant holders, he commenced clearing 
and placing substantial improvements on the 
same. His title to the land was not confirmed 
until about 1882 and since that date he has sold 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



over 100 acres. At this writing (1889) lie owns 
tliirty acres of rieli and productive land, which 
is a portion of his vineyard tract. He has one of 
the finest orange groves in his section, it beip.g 
twelve acres in extent, lie commenced tlie 
planting of this grove in 1875, and his trees 
have a remarkably strong growth. The trees 
are budded to Washington Navels and Medi- 
terranean Sweets. A family orchard of a 
large variety of deciduous fruits and an acre 
of Mission grapes are among his improve- 
ments. The rest of his land is devoted to 
general farming. . Mr. Dougherty was born 
in Grayson County, Virginia, in 1S.44. His 
father, Charles Dougherty, was a native of North 
Carolina, who, in early life, went to Virginia 
and there married Rosamond J. Hale, a native 
of that State. In 1850 Mr. Dougherty's par- 
ents moved to Texas and located in Hunt 
County. There his father engaged in farming 
and stock-raising, and the subject of this sketch 
was reared to that calling until 1862. The civil 
war then in progress engaged the attention of 
the young men of the South, and Mr. Dough- 
erty, although less than eighteen years of age, 
enlisted in Colonel Burnett'sBattalion of Sharp- 
shooters and entered the Confederate army. 
He followed the fortunes of his command in the 
armies east of the Mississippi, and was at the 
battles of Jackson, Port Hudson and others, 
until tlie surrender of General Pemberton's 
army and the fall of Vicksburg. His regiment 
then returned to the trans- Mississippi depart- 
ment, where they remained until the close of 
the war in 1865. Mr. Dougherty served faith- 
fully until that time, and then returned to Hunt 
County and for the next three years vfas engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he joined an 
emigrant party and came by ox teams overland 
to California. He did not arrive in the State 
until the fall of that year, at which time he 
took up his residence near San Bernardino, 
where he rented land and engaged in farming 
operations until 1871, when he took up his 
present residence. Mr. Dougherty is well kuown 
in the community in which he has so long resided, 



and Lis straightforward, consistent course of 
life has gained him the respect and esteem of a 
large circle of friends and acquaintances. He 
is a strong supporter of schools and churches, 
and has for many years been an active member 
of the Methodist Church, South. In political 
matters he is Democratic. In 1865 Mr. Dough- 
erty was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
O. Landon, a native of Ohio. Her parents were 
John and Sarah (Miller) Landon, of that State. 
The following are the children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Dougherty: William Emmet Louellen, Mattie 
A. and John Edwin. Louellen married James 
J. West, of Glendora. Mr. Douglierty's father 
and family came to California in 1868. His 
fatlicB died at the Azusa in 1881. The members 
of that family now residents of the State are his 
mother, who is living in San Bernardino; his 
brothers, AVilliam and James, residing at Nor- 
walk, and his sisters, Virginia, now Mrs. E. C. 
Knott, of Azusa; Nancy, now Mrs. J. D. Price, 
of Garden Grove; and Mary, wife of James C. 
Preston. 

fEWEN H. DOPtSEY, of Spadra, is a 
native son of California, dating his birth 
at San Gabriel, April 17, 1858. He was 
a son of Hilliard Pierce and Civility R. (Ru- 
bottom) Dorsey. Mr. Dorsey's father, a native 
of Georgia, born November 30, 1821, was a 
leading man in his life-time in Los .\ngeles 
County, and a leader wherever he liad lived. 
In his native State he volunteered for the Mex- 
ican war, and served with great distinction as 
the Captain of Company C, of the Mississippi 
Battalion of Rifletnen. He was known as an 
expert in the use of the revolver or rifle, a man 
of commanding presence and fearless courage, 
of strict integrity and honor. He left Tarapico, 
Mexico, after the war closed, and drove from 
there to Los Angeles, arriving in September, 
1849. He was*in the turbulent times in the 
early days of the history of Los Angeles 
County, a man who had much to do with pub- 



lIISTORr OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



lie affairs and in making of its political history. 
His imperial temper illy brooked opposition, 
and personal encounters, altliongh perhaps not 
common with him, still were not rare. Not- 
withstanding, his many manly (jualities were 
never forgotten, and he won, by straightforward- 
ness, his fearless disregard of consequences when 
pursuing any line of action by him deemed right, 
his high regard for his word or pledge once 
given, hosts of Iriends. lie was an uncompro- 
mising Democrat. In 1850 he was appointed 
Receiver of the first land office opened at Los 
Angeles, a position he held until his death. 
Through his efforts mainly Los Angeles Lodge, 
JMo. 42, F. & A. M., was established. He was 
its first Master, and filled the chair during three 
terms of office. He also established the chaj)- 
ter, and was for two terms its High Priest. He 
became the owner of large estates, upon one of 
which, his San Gabriel Ranch, he resided. An- 
other, six miles south of Los Angeles, contained 
4,000 acres. His death occurred September 6, 
1858. Mrs. Dorsey was married again, her 
husband being James M. Greenwade, who died 
at Temescal, San Bernardino County, California, 
January 1, 1869. She lived some years after- 
ward, and died at the home of her parents in 
Spadra, March 6, 1876. She had two children 
by the second marriage: Jefferson D. Green- 
wade, now living in Pomona, and Lizzie Green- 
wade, who died January 1, 1869, the same day 
on which her father died. "William AViley Ru- 
bottom, the maternal grandfather of Kewen H. 
Dorsey, was born December 27, 1809, and was 
united in marriage. May 16, 1830, with Sarah 
Ann Edwards, who was born July 20, 1811. 
He was one of the pioneer gold-seekers of Cali- 
tornia, coming to the State in 1849. He engaged 
in mining in Trinity County, where he made a 
fortune; but this lie lost in the building of the 
celebrated Yuba Dam, which when swept away 
by the floods involved a loss of over $60,000. 
Disheartened, he returned East. But in 1852 
he came again to this State and settled in El 
Monte, and started to build up a town at Wil- 
low Cirove, an enterprise which miscarried. 



Later he settled at Cucamonga, where he lived 
a few years, and then started the town of 
Spadra, where he located in July, 1866. The 
place was named in honor of his old home in 
Arkansas. He opened the Spadra Hotel, which 
he kept fifteen years. There his wife died. May 
29, 1880. The last years of his life were spent 
at the home of the subject of this sketch. He 
outlived his three children, dying October 13, 
1885, at the age of seventy-six years. Their 
children were: Elizabeth Jane, born February 
24, 1881, died April 10, 1873; Civility, born 
March 10, 1840, died March 6, 1876; Jim D., 
born October 21, 1836, died January 12, 1875, 
Kewen H. Dorsey, after the death of his father, 
became a member of his Grandfather Rubot- 
tom's lamily. With them he remained until he 
commenced life for himself. The care bestowed 
upon himself early in life was compensated by 
the kind care he exchanged for his grandfather 
in his last days. Mr. Dorsey was educated in 
the schools of Los Angeles County. His entire 
lite has been devoted to agriculture. May 26, 
1878, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary F. Poswell, daughter of Ransom P. and 
Mary Ann Boswell, who were born, reared and 
married in Georgia, later becoming residents of 
Texas, where Mrs. Dorsey was born, October 
15, 1858. Her mother died in that State in 
1859. Her father and his littlj family came 
not long after to this county, and soon after that 
event he died. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey have two 
interesting children: Lola, born February 16, 
1880, and Ernest, born December '31, 1882. 
Politically Mr. Dorsey is a Democrat, with 
prohibition tendencies. Socially he is afliliated 
with Pomona Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and 
the past seven years he has been one of its 
officers. Both himself and wife are consistent 
members of the Baptist church. "Rosemont," 
the name of his beautiful home, is approached 
by an avenue shaded and embowered with roses. 
Passing a miniature lake filled with the purest 
spring water and nice fish of several kinds, the 
visitor reaches the tasteful cottage, with its 
pretty immediate surroundings, There genuine 





'^^.^Z^^ 



11 1 STORY OF LOS ANQELttS COUNTY. 



hospitality reigns. The esLate of eighty acres 
lies against tlie foot-hills on the south of San 
Jose Valley. One large spring of pure water 
from their base is brought by four-inch cement 
pipe to the house, and more than an ample sup- 
ply is at comtnand at all times for irrigation, 
from a large cement reservoir. The improve- 
ment of the property was commenced January 
1, 1880. An orchard of ten acres is planted to 
Bartlett pears, five acres to apricots, two acres 
to miscellaneous household fruits, and two acres 
to choicest of table grapes. Fifteen acres are 
producing alfalfa. The remainder of the prop- 
erty is used for general purposes. Only one-fourth 
of a mile from Spadra Station, "Rosemont," as 
well as being one of the most attractive, is by 
its location one of the most desirable rural prop- 
erties in San Jose Valley. 

fEORGE DALTON, Sr., was born in Lon- 
don England, July 10, 1806. Ileearly went 
to sea, and in 1827 he wa.s on this coast 
in a merchant vessel, and afterward he went to 
the East Indies and to many other parts of the 
world. In 1837, on the day that Victoria was 
proclaimed Queen, he left Liverpool and came 
to New York. He lived two or three years in 
Pennsylvania, and then wenttoCircleville, Ohio. 
Here he lost his wife, who before her marriage 
was Miss Mary Ann Sage, and by whom he had 
three children: George, Jr., Elizabeth M. (now 
Mrs. W. H. Perry), and Mrs. J. D. Crum, all now 
living and residents of this city. Afterward Mr. 
Dalton married his second wife, Mrs. Jenkins, 
who bore him four children, namely: Wirmall 
Travelley, Edwin Henry, Mathias Myers, and 
Josephine S., now Mrs. Charles Victor Hall, 
all of whom are residents of Los Angeles. After 
many years' residence in this city Mrs. Dalton 
died July 4, 1884, respected and beloved by all 
who knew her. Mr. Dalton brought his family 
to Los Angeles in 1851. He first went to 
Azusa where he had a brother, Iloiiry, who came 
to California from Calhio, Peru, where hehadlnvn 



a merchant for many years. In 1855 George 
Dalton bought land in this city, on Washington 
street, and east of what is now Central avenue, 
where he settled and planted a vineyard and 
orchard, and where he quietly lived and thrived 
thirty-three years, or till 1S87, when he sold out 
and moved to his present home on Walnut ave 
nue. Here, at the ripe age of eighty-three 
years, yet still hale andheai-ty, with his children 
and grandchildren near him, he is passing the 
evening of a long, chequered and useful life, 
conscious, without undue egotism, in the uni- 
versal respect of the community in which he 
has lived so many years, that the world is better 
for his having lived in it. 



fHARLES DAWSON (deceased). Among 
the older settlers and well-known resi- 
dents of the Azusa, mention must be 
made of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Daw- 
son was a native of Dayton, Ohio, dating his 
birth in 1827. His parents, Ephraim and 
Ellen (Buckingham) Dawson, were natives of 
Virginia, and were among the pioneers of Ohio. 
He was reared in his native place until seven- 
teen years old, when he went to Illinois, and 
after spending two years in that State, he located 
in Columbia County, Wisconsin. He there 
followed the occupation of a farmer and stock - 
grower until 1856. In that year he moved to 
Jasper County, Missouri, and continued his 
occupations as a farmer. He resided in that 
county, except three years spent during the war 
at Topeka, Kansas, until 1872. He then came 
to California and located in Los Angeles County. 
The next year he purchased a claim of 160 
acres of land at the Azusa, about one mile south- 
west of what is now the town of Glendora. 
This land was among the contested claims, and 
Mr. Dawson joined with the others in resisting 
the claim of the Azusa grant holders, and 
closely identified himself with all enterprises 
that advanced the interests of his section. In 
political matters he was Democratic, but liberal 



U I STORY OF LOS ANGEL. 



and conservative in his views; was a strong 
Union man during the late civil war. He was 
a inai) much respected and esteemed by his 
friends and associates who sincerely mourned 
his death, which occurred in August, 1884. 
Mr. Dawson was married three times. His 
first marriage was with Miss Mary A. Hopkins. 
She died in 1853, leaving two children: John 
M., who married Miss Sarah Faulkner, and is 
now a resident of Santa Ana; and Kobert W., a 
sketcli of whom appears in tliis volume. The 
st'cond marriage was with Miss Harriet Mc- 
Farland, a native of Tennessee. She died in 
' 1866, leaving three children: Frank, who died 
in 1888; Mary, and Ehna C, now Mrs. N. H. 
Houser. The third marriage was with Miss 
Dorcas Stevens, uf Tennessee. The three chil- 
dren from this marriage are: Hattie, Susan and 
Etta, all of whom are living with their mother 
on the old homestead. 

--^^4«f-|— 



R. DUNKELBERGER was born in North. 

nmberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1833. 

' His ancestors came from Germany in the 



ship MorehouE 



phich landed in Philadel- 



phia, August 28, 1824, and settled in Berks 
County, Pennsylvania. The subject of this 
sketcli read law with Hon. J. B. Packer, of 
Sunbury, Peimsylvania, and tlie day after being 
admitted to the bar he joined the Union army 
and was mustered into the service at Harris- 
burg, the same State, April 16, 1861. He was 
appointed First Sergeant of Company E, First 
Pennsylvania Volunteers; was promoted to 
Second Lieutenant, First United States Cavalry, 
May 26, 1861; First Lieutenant, June 1, 1861; 
and was made Captain of Company K, Fii-st 
United States Cavalry, June 7, 1863; was Bre- 
vet Major, for gallantry at the Wilderness, and 
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, for gallantry at Cold 
Harbor, Virginia. He was wounded at Tre- 
vilian Station, Virginia, June 14, 1864. After 
the war of the Rebellion he served five years in 
Arizona, when he resigned. Colonel Dunkel- 



berger was united in marriage February 26, 
1867, with Miss Mary Mallard, of Los Angeles. 
Tliey have five children living, three sons and 
two daughters. The subject of this sketch served 
as postmaster of Los Angeles from March, 1877, 
to March, 1885. 



ip^ENRY DE GARMO, of the firm of De 
IfRl Grarnio & Katz, dealers in lime, plaster and 
~^sM cement, No. 251 Upper Main street, Los 
Angeles. This firm establislied their present 
business in 1884, and are tlie oldest dealers in 
lime in the city. They handle Santa Cruz and 
domestic lime. They were engaged in manu- 
facturing for a time, but gave it up, and now 
are dealers e.xchisivel}', and have built up a good 
established trade, not only here, but also at other 
points. Mr. De Garmo, the senior member of 
the firm, was born in Rochester, New York, Oc- 
tober 15, 1842. During early boyhood his father 
came West, and he (Henry) lived in Wisconsin 
eight years, in Illinois nine years, and also in 
Michigan and Nebraska. In 1870 he came to 
the Pacific Coast, spent three years in Oregon, 
was in San Francisco a short time, and came to 
Los Angeles in 1874, and worked at the plas- 
terer's trade until he engaged in his present 
business. In 1870 Mr. De Garmo married Miss 
Emma Geiger, of Cleveland, Ohio. They have 
two sons: Elvvood and Curtis. 

'^-^■^ ■ 

tOBERT W. DAWSON was born in Colum- 
bia County, Wisconsin, September 12, 
1851. His father, Charles Dawson (whose 
history appears in this volume), was a farmer 
and stock-raiser by occupation, and Mr. Dawson 
was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving 
the benefits of a common-school education. He 
remained with his father's family until 1871, 
and tiien came to California, locating in the 
northern part of the State, engaging in farm 
labor and other occupations for one year. In 



uiaTuuy UF los angeles county. 



1872, upon the arrival of liis father and fajiiily 
in this State, he joined them; located in Los 
Angeles County, and in 1873 came to the 
Azusa. Mr. Dawson engaged with iiis father 
in agricultural pursuits upon the home farm of 
160 acres at the Azusa; and in 1871), when the 
failing health of his father compelled his retiring 
from active work, he took the sole charge of the 
farm. Since the death of his father, in 1884, 
he has conducted the farming operations, sup- 
porting his mother and the children, such as 
are yet at home. Of the original tract they 
still retain 127^ acres, wliich is very rich and 
productive land. Aside from a family orchard, 
the lands have been devoted principally to gen- 
eral farming and stock-raising. He is now 
establishing a nursery of 50,000 deciduous fruit 
trees and 20,000 of citrus, with the intention of 
devoting mo.st of his land to fruit culture. His 
irrigation system is complete, with an abundant 
supply of water from the Azusa Water Develop- 
ment and Irrigation Company. Mr. Dawson is 
one of the progressive men of his section and 
has taken a part in all enterprises that have 
developed the resources and attracted immigra- 
tion to the section in which he resides. He 
was one of the original incorporators and a 
director of the xizusa Water Development and 
Irrigation Company, and was also the assistant 
superintendent of the construction of the fine 
cement ditch system of that company. In 
political matters he is a Democrat, taking an 
intelligent interest in the success of his party. 
He is a worker in its ranks and has many times 
been called upon to represent his district in 
county conventions, etc. He is a member of 
Lexington Lodge, No. 104, F. & A. M., of 
El Monte. 



?INNALL TRAVELLEr DALTON 
was born August 3, 1845, in Circleville, 
Ohio. He came to California in 1851 
with his father's family, who settled in Los An- 
geles, wliere he has since lived. In 1873 he 



commenced tlie fruit business on his own ac- 
count, engaging in citrus and viae culture. He 
has about 14,000 vines and 1,000 bearing orange 
trees, which, till the advent of the white-scale 
pest, produced about 3,000 boxes of oranges 
annually. Mr. Dalton is unmarried. 



tLANSON DORMAN.— There is not, per- 
haps, within the bounds of Los Angeles 
County a more successful farmer than is 
he whose name is at the head of this sketch. 
He is a native of the Empire State, and a son of 
Alanson Dorman, Sr., who was a wealthy farmer 
in Ontario County, New York, till his death, 
which occurred there in 1865. He had a family 
of fifteen children, of whom our subject is the 
youngest. He has always worked on a farm, 
and as a farmer has been eminently successful. 
After due consultation with his excellent wife, 
in 1887 they determined to exchange the rigor- 
ous winters of New York for the more congenial 
climate of Southern California. To that end he 
sold out his various interests in the East, and 
has since been a citizen of California. He owns 
a ranch of seventy acres of as fine land as the 
sun shines on, one-half mile west of Rivera. 
From the twelve acres of English walnuts (in 
bearing) he realizes an aimual income of about 
$2,000 per annum. He has erected an elegant 
residence on a most beautiful site overlooking 
the San G-abriel River, and commanding a most 
magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks of 
the Sierra Nevadas. 



fC. DAVIDSON, an alfalfa and fruit 
raiser at .Compton, is one of Los Angeles 
® County's most lionored and respected 
citizens, and is a pioneer of 1875. He was born 
in Franklin County, Tennessee, November 12, 
1837, and is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth 
(Mansell) Davidson, natives of Tennessee and 
Arkansas respectively. Thomas Davidson, the 



II I STORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a 
soldier in tlie war of 1812. Samuel Davidson 
was a pioneer of La Fayette Comity, Missouri, 
where he was successfully engaged in fanning 
until 1886. In that year he caiue to California, 
where, the following year, he died at the age of 
seventy-three. They reared a family of eight 
children, all of whom are yet living except one. 
Mr. Davidson was married in 1860 to Miss 
Eliza Goodrich, a native of Kentucliy, and a 
daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Goodrich, both 
Southern people, and both died when Eliza was 
very young. For fifteen years Mr. Davidson 
was engaged in farming in La Fayette County, 
Missouri. For some time after coming to this 
coast he worked in the mines and prospected, 
lie was also employed at the dairy business, 
and later purchased the farm on which he has 
since resided. The improvements on this place 
speak of his energy and thrift as a farmer. Mr. 
and Mrs. Davidson have eight children, viz.: 
Rebecca, wife- of Bartimeus Aberley; Rosa, wife 
of John Brinkerhoff ; Alice, wife of Asbury Mc- 
Comas; Martha, James, Annie, Charles and 
John. Both Mr. Davidson and his wife are 
esteemed members of the Baptist Clinrch, in 
which he at present is a trustee, and in which 
he has held other offices. Politically, he is a 
Republican, and is a man who is respected and 
honored by all. 



tMOS FDD Y.— The pages of a work of this 
character would not be complete without 
appropriate mention of him whose name 
stands at the head of this sketch. He is a pio- 
neer of the pioneers. To his energies and push 
the native soil has yielded an abundant harvest, 
and the wild prairie, covered with mustard 
fourteen feet high, has given way to a highly 
cultivated farm, and orchards of luscious fruits; 
and a neat and comfortable residence adorns the 
farm which he has decided to make his home as 
long as life shall last. This gentleman was 
born in Herkimer County, New Yoi-k, February 



16, 1832, his parents being Levi and Lainy 
(Vosburgh) Eddy, natives of Now York, and of 
English and German origin respectively. His 
parents removed to Cattaraugus County, New 
York, and in that county the subject of this 
sketch was ■ principally reared and educated. 
Levi Eddy was a snccessful farmer in that 
place, where he reared a family of six children 
and spent the remainder of his life, dying in 
1877. Amos Eddy was married in his native 
county to Miss Mary Angel, of the same county. 
To avoid being drafted into the service during 
the late war he hired a substitute for $600. 
Mr. Eddy has been a Mason, and his wife is a 
consistent and active member of the Holiness 
Church. 

— ^€(i3i»',^- 

T. EAST was born in Copiah County, 
Mississippi, April 15, 1831; is one of 

*" a family of twelve children, and a son 
of Josiali and Nancy (Nicks) East, natives of 
Maryland and Louisiana respectively, and of 
English^origin. Josiali East moved to Louisi- 
ana shortly after his marriage, and later to Mis- 
sissippi, where he was engaged in farming until 
his death, which occurred in 1877, at the age of 
ninety-six years. The subject of this sketch 
grew to manhood in his native State and was 
married in Clinton, Louisiana, in 1858, to Miss 
Mary L. Long. This lady is a native of Clin- 
ton, Louisiana, and a daughter of G. E. and 
Mary A. (Hendricks) Long. She comes of the 
same stock as our late Vice-President, Thomas 
A. Hendricks, being a cousin of his. Mrs. 
East's grandmother was Nancy (Heatii) Hen- 
dricks, wife of Samuel Hendricks. Mr. and Mrs. 
East have had five children, three of whom are 
living: G. E.; Edwin T., now a resident of Los 
Angeles, and was deputy sheriff of the county 
during the year 1888; Charley, who died in in- 
fancy; R. L., who died March 18, 1888, aged 
eighteen years, and Roberta. Mr. East was en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits in Louisiana for 
sixteen years; the last four years of that time, 



UISTOltY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



liowever, were spent in the army. He was in the 
Louisiana Cavalry, Company A, under Captain 
Scott, and participated in the battles of Corinth 
and Baton Koiige under General Price; also at 
Gainesville, Alabama, under General Forest, and 
was surrendered to General Canby there in 
1865. After his return home at the close of 
the war, in 1866, he came to California. He 
went from New Orleans to Cairo by steamer, 
then by rail on the first train that went from 
Cairo, Hlinois, to Detroit, Michigan, after the 
Fenian trouble, and across Canada to New York 
City, where he took steamer for San Francisco, 
landing there July 5, 1866. His first work on 
the coast was in San Luis Obispo County, 
where he farmed for five years. In 1871 he 
moved to the County of the Angels and pur- 
chased ninety eight acres of land, which, five 
years later, he sold, and bought the fifty acres 
upon which he now resides. The well-kept 
vineyard and the orchards of oranges, lemons, 
etc., are proof of the industry and economy of 
Mr. East as a husbandman. Both his boys are 
members of the Masonic fraternity, and, with 
their father, are strong and intelligent support- 
ers of the principles as taught by the Demo- 
cratic party. 



-^^' 



;ILLIAM Y. EARLE was born in Wind- 
sor County, Vermont, in 1819. His 
father was a native of the same State, 
and was descended from an old colonial family 
of Rhode Island. His mother, nee Amelia 
Adams, was also a native of Vermont. Soon 
after the birth of Mr. Earle his father moved to 
Essex County, New York, and thence to St. 
Lawrence County, where he engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. The subject of this sketch 
was reared and received his education in that 
county until the age of eighteen, when his 
father inuved to Ohio and located in Knox 
County. There, at the age of nineteen, he 
commenced teaching in the public scliools dur- 
ing the winter seasons, and was engaged in 



clerking and other pursuits during the vaca- 
tions. About that time he also learned pho- 
tography. In 1850 he decided to try his fort- 
unes in the Golden State, and came via steamer 
route to San Francisco. Soon after his arrival 
he proceeded to the mines at Downieville, on 
the Yuba River, and for a year or more was 
engaged in mining, meeting with fair success. 
In 1851 he returned to his home, and for many 
years devoted his time to the art of photogra- 
phy. He built for himself a boat, called the 
Crystal Palace, which he fitted up as a photo- 
graph gallery, and in that most fascinating em- 
ployment he passed his time on the Ohio and 
Mississippi Rivers. In 1865 he went to Linn 
County, Missouri, and engaged as a contractor 
for raili-oad supplies, after which he devoted 
his attention to farming in Gentry, De Kalh 
and other counties in the State until 1882. In 
that- year he returned to California and located 
at Orange, Los Angeles County. In 1884 he 
moved to Pomona and settled on the well-known 
Kingsley tract. He sold his interest in that 
land in 1887 and then came to Azusa and pur- 
chased twenty acres of fruit land, two miles 
and a half south of Azusa. This land was 
partially improved, having upon it 250 orange 
and deciduous fruit trees and a small vineyard. 
Since that date Mr. Earle has devoted himself to 
horticultural pursuits, and has built up one of 
the representative places of his section. He 
has put in about 1,000 fruit trees, as follows: 
600 apricots, 200 French prunes, 100 figs, and 
the rest in apples, pears, olives, etc., and also a 
family vineyard of choice table grapes. A neat 
cottage residence, surrounded by ornamental 
trees and floral products, affords him a pleasant 
and comfortable home. Politically, Mr. Earle 
is a Republican, and takes a lively interest in the 
political questions of the day. He is interested 
in the growth and prosperity of his chosen 
section and takes pleasure in showing its horti- 
cultural productions. It may well be said that 
he is a desirable acquisition to the community. 
In 1845 Mr. Earle married Miss Emily Rus- 
sell, a native of New York. She is the danjrh- 



EISTOBT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ter of Isaac and Polly (Cleveland) Russell, of 
that State. They have seven children, viz.: 
Ethan 11., who married Miss Ellen Smart, now 
living in Pomona; Orrin W., who is married 
and a resident of Arkansas; Clarence W., who 
married Miss Etta Grant and is residing at 
Azusa; George W., a resident of Missouri; 
Charles F., residing with his parents and con- 
ducting the farm; Mary, wife of Rev. A. C. 
Long, a resident of San Diego; Eva II., a resi- 
dent of Los Angeles; and Ida V., now Mrs. 
John C. Bressler, of Azusa. 



IPiARVEY ENO, one of the older and well- 
IHl known residents of Pomona, is a native of 
"^M JVew York, born in 1835, in Cayuga County. 
His father, Imle Eno, was a native of Connecti- 
cut, and his mother, Maria (Winchell) Eno, of 
New York. Mr. Eno was reared as a farmer, 
and was employed upon his father's place in 
New York until 1857. He then accompanied 
his father and family to Peoria County, Illinois, 
where he engaged in teaching until the breaking 
out of the civil war in 1861. Upon the iirst 
call for troops Mr. Eno entered the military 
service of his country as a private in Company 
G, Eighth Regiment of Missouii Infantry. As 
a soldier, he rose through the successive non- 
commissioned grades until in Februrary, 1863, 
when he was commissioned as a Second Lieuten- 
ant, and in September of the same year was 
promoted to a First-Lieutenancy, which position 
he held until his discharge in 1864. Mr. Eno 
was actively engaged during his three years of 
service in some of the severest and most im- 
])ortant campaigns of the war. He served under 
Generals Grant, Sherman and Logan, and par- 
ticipated in the hard-fought battles of Fort 
Donelson and Shiloh, sieges of Corinth and 
Yicksburg, battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Cham- 
pion Hills, Arkansas Post, Dallas, Georgia, 
Chattanooga, and others. At the expiration of 
his term of service, in 1864, he received an 
honorable discharge, and in the fall of that year 



established himself in the grocery business in 
Elmwood, which business he conducted until 
1866. He then moved to Warren County, Iowa, 
where he entered into farming, fruit-growing 
and the nursery business. In 1875 he came to 
California and established his residence at Po- 
mona, in Los Angeles County. Upon his ar- 
rival there, he purchased a live-acre tract on the 
corner of Holt avenue and Palomares street, and 
commenced the cultivation of fruit. He after- 
ward increased his possessions to ten and a half 
acres. He has five acres of oranges of the 
Washington Navel and Mediterranean Sweet va- 
rieties, and five acres of olives and French 
prunes. He is also a part owner, with Mr. 
Burritt, of a sixteen-acre tract, devoted to de- 
ciduous fruits. In 1888 Mr. Eno was engaged 
in the real-estate business, under the firm name 
of Eno, Burritt & Co. He is a member, and 
one of the board of stewards, of the Methodist 
Church of Pomona; also a member of Pomona 
Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F., and of Vicksburg 
Post, No. 61, G. A. R., both of Pomona. In 
political matters he has been a member of the 
Republican party since its organization in 1856, 
but at the present writing is a strong supporter 
of the Prohibition movement. He is straight- 
forward and manly in his dealings, a good citi- 
zen, and receives the esteem and respect of his 
neighbors. In 1864 he married Miss Carrie N. 
Kellogg, a native of New England. Her par- 
ents, Philo and Nancy (Riley) Kellogg, were 
natives of New York. They have three children : 
Frank H., Bert W., and Imle L. 

"^■'|'2"S*|"-^ 



IHARLES A.ERHARDT, manufacturer of 
Ivanized cornices, corner of South Los 
Angeles and Mayo streets, was born in 
Wittenberg, Germany, July 8, 1848, learned the 
tin trade as he grew up, and in 1870 emigrated 
to the land of ''golden" opportunities. Work- 
ing at his trade in Chicago until 1873, he then 
came to the coast, and continued at his trade in 
San Francisco and in the mining region. In 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



1882 he came to Los Angeles, and established 
his present business on Upper Main street. In 
1886 he moved to his present location. His 
factory is 30 x 60 feet in dimensions, and with 
it is connected a large j-ard for the storage of 
■ stock. He has also a foundry and stamp-mill, 
doing all his own stamping. He is well equipped 
for fulfilling large contracts. Thoroughly skilled 
in his trade, he gives personal attention to the 
details of his business. During the busy season 
he employs tvventy to thirty men. Mr. Erhardt 
married Miss Anna Scrillmger, a native of Ger- 
many. They have two children: Arthur and 
Frida. 

^^(i^il:-^^^ — 

tS. EWINC4, artist, Los Angeles, is a native 
of Ohio, aud was born December 20, 
1843. His boyhood was spent in Mary- 
land. He attended school there and in Washing- 
ton, and studied his profession in Washington, 
U. C. During the war he entered the army, 
and was on detached service most of the time. 
He was taken prisoner in the battle of Stone 
River, was taken to Mobile and from there to 
Libby Prison, where he caught the small-pox, 
and was released and sent to Annajiolis, Mary- 
land. After his recovery he served in the War 
Department until his term of enlistment ex- 
pired. He received an appointment in the Ohio 
State Military Agency at Washington, being 
recommended and confirmed by the State Senate 
of Ohio. He has letters from senators and 
others in high official position, testifying to his 
ability and fidelity. He resigned this position 
to take up the practice of his profession in 
Washington, that being more to his taste. From 
Washington he went to Chicago and opened a 
studio, and executed a great many commissions 
in that city and other cities and towns through- 
out the United States, and has earned a national 
reputation as an artist of highest merit in por- 
traiture. In 1888 he came to Los Angeles to 
secure the benefit of this climate. His studio, 
on the corner of Main and Winston streets, is 



fitted up with great taste, being the finest in 
Los Angeles. Among other commissions now 
in his hands are orders for jiortraits of Presi- 
dent Lincoln and General Grant, for the sons of 
these distinguished men. 

fX. EBERLE, capitalist, 1100 San Pedro 
street, Los xVngeles, is a native of Ger- 
® many, and was born March 8, 1839. 
When reaching early manhood, in 1858, he 
emigrated to America, lived in New York one 
year, and then, like all new-comers, was affected' 
by the gold fever, came to California and went 
into the mines; was engaged in mining there 
ten years, after which he went to Nevada and 
engaged in mining there and in California until 
1874, when he came to Los Angeles. He bought 
the City Gardens, on the corner of San Pedro 
and Eighth streets, containing six and a half 
acres, and fitted them up with bowling alleys, 
swings, windmill, and in other ways improved 
and made it the most popular pleasure resort in 
the city. Mr. Eberle owns a fine home on San 
Pedro street, comprising six and a half acres of 
land, and also owns other valuable city property. 
He is what might be termed a self-made man. 



•inning life with no capital whatever, what 



Be^ 

he has acquired has been the result of his own 
industry. In 1869 he married Miss Marsetes 
Bute, a native of South America. They have 
two children: Robert and Herman. 



§^-^:^-'^* 

tM. EDELMAN, architect. North Main 
street, Los Angeles, is a son of Rev. A. 
W. Edel man, the Jewish rabbi, an old 
and honored resident of this city. The subject 
of this sketch vyas born in this city, August 19, 
1862; attended the public school during his 
boyhood, and is a graduate of the Los Angeles 
High School. Plaving decided upon his pro- 
fession, he entered the office of a leading archi- 
tect of San Francisco, where he remained several 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COCfNTY. 



3'ears; then went East and pursued his studies 
in New York, and traveled over tlie United 
States, visiting all the large cities. In 1884 he 
established his present business, and has de- 
signed many fine buildings in this city, among 
them the Spring street public school, also other 
schools, and the county jail, business blocks and 
fine residences, and is taking a prominent place 
in the profession. 

— ^€@::®»-^ — 

fUGUST E. ENGELHARDT.— Among the 
successful business men of Glendora, 
'^^ mention must be made of Dr. Engelhardt. 
His place of business is in the postoliice build- 
ing, of which he is the owner. This two-story 
building is located on the corner of Vista Bonito 
and Whitcomb avenues. The lower story is 
used by the Doctor for his store, and also for 
postotfice purposes. He is dealing in drugs, 
groceries, crockery, fancy goods and jewelry, 
and has one of the best appointed and most 
complete establishments in his section of the 
county. The subject of this sketch was born 
in Ohio County, Indiana, August 28, 1856. 
His parents, Henry D. and Anna Mary (Deal) 
Engelhardt, were natives of Bavaria, who, in 
1847, emigrated to the United States, and 
located in the county above mentioned. In 
1868 his father took up his residence in Trimble 
County, Kentucky, where he resided until 1873. 
He then moved to Platte County, Missouri. Dr. 
Engelhardt was reared as a farmer, receiving a 
good education, and in 1876 he entered upon a 
course of study at the Lane University at Le- 
compton, Kansas. He graduated at tiiat insti- 
tution in 1878, and then entered the Commer- 
cial College at Leavenworth. After completing 
his studies in Leavenworth he returned to his 
home in Platte County, Missouri, and engaged 
in teaching in the public schools. He was also 
engaged for one term in teaching in Kansas. 
Deciding to enter the medical profession, he 
placed himself under the tutorship of Dr. 
Ferrel, :i well-known medical practitioner of 



Platte County, and in 1882 entered upon a 
medical course of studies at the Physio-Medical 
Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, and received a 
diploma from that well-known college upon his 
graduation in 1884. While in Cincinnati the 
Doctor also studied under Drs. W. W. and W. 
H. Cook, well-known physicians of that city. 
Upon the completion of his medical studies in 
Cincinnati, Dr. Engelhardt returned to Platte 
County and located at Farley and for some 
time was successfully engaged in the practice 
of his profession. He afterward moved to Wal- 
dron, Missouri, continuing his practice there 
till May, 1887. when he ca ne to California and 
took up his residence in Glendora, since which 
time he has devoted himself to mercantile pur- 
suits. He built the first business house in 
Glendora, and started the first store under the 
name of Dr. Engelhardt & Bro., his brother, 
J. P. Engelhardt, being as.-^ociated with him. 
They still continue under the name of Engel- 
hardt Bros., carrying a stock of drugs, groceries, 
crockery, flout, feed, paints, oils, fancy goods 
and jewelry. The Doctor is an intelligent and 
educated gentleman, well versed in the medical 
profession, and designs in the near future to 
begin practice in Glendora. In July, 1887, he 
was appointed deputy postmaster, and in March, 
1888, received the appointment of postmaster, 
an ofiice he still holds. In 1887 the subject 
of this sketch was united in marriage with Miss 
Rosa Clardy, a native of Missouri. Carroll 
Clayton is the name of the only child born from 
this union. 



fOSEPHUES P. ECKLER.— The subject of 
this sketch is one of the best known and 
successful horticulturists and nurserymen 
of Azusa Township. He came to Los Angeles 
County in 1877 and purchased from James 
Baldridge a Government claim to forty acres of 
land. Mr. Eckler's only capital at that time 
was energetic and industrious habits, sound 
sense and good business principles; and with 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



these lie started iu his horticultural pursuits. 
He was successful from the start aud soon had 
one of the representative places of his section. 
In 1883 he engaged in the nursery business and 
soon had thousands of the choicest and most 
approved citrus and deciduous fruit trees that 
found ready sale at remunerative pi-ices in the 
San Gabriel Valley. In 1888 he sold his or- 
chards and orange groves at a price that gave him 
a modest competency. He then purchased his 
present residence, which consists of a ten-acre 
tract located three miles and a half south of 
Azusa and one mile north of Covina. Upon 
this he has re-established his nurseiy business, 
and is planting his land with lemon trees. 
Among his improvements are out-buildings, 
barns and a well-ordered residence. Mr. Eck- 
ler's success is an illustration of what can be 
done by a man with his characteristics, on the 
rich and fertile lands of the East San Gabriel 
Valley. A sketch of his life, though briefly 
stated, is of interest. He was born in Ver- 
million County, Illinois, in 1830. His parents 
were Jacob and Cassandra (Perrin) Eckler, 
natives of Kentucky. His father was one of 
the pioneers of Vermillion County, and Mr. 
Eckler was reared to the lot and labors that 
were inseparable from pioneer farming. His 
schooling facilities were limited to the common 
schools of that date. He remained on his 
father's farm until he reached his majority, and 
then his pioneer instincts, inherited from his 
parents, prompted him to seek a home in the 
far West. He crossed the plains in 1852, and 
at first located at Bedwell Bar, in Northern 
California, and engaged in raining; but failing 
health compelled him to abandon that calling, 
and in 1853 he went to Oregon and Washing- 
ton Territory, where he engaged in farming and 
lumbering. In 1855 and 1856 he enlisted in 
the Oregon troops and served through the 
Indian war, after which he returned to his 
agricultural pursuits, which he continued until 
1859. In that year he returned to his old home 
in Illinois, where he remained until 1862, when 
he returned to Oregon and made that State and 



Washington Territory his home until 1877, 
when he came to Los Angeles County. He is 
a straightforward and honorable man in his 
dealings, and has gained a large circle of friends 
in the community in which he resides. In 
political matters he is a stanch Republican. In 
1872 Mr. Eckler married Miss Orpha S. Bald- 
ridge, the daughter of John and Agnus (Barr) 
Baldridge, of Kew York. Her brothers, Michael 
and James Baldridge, are well-known residents 
of the Azusa. 

fEORGE C. EGAN, one of the best known 
men of Pomona, may be styled the pioneer 
of mercantile pursuits in that prosperous 
city. The tirst general merchandise store ever 
established in Pomona was opened by Mr. Egan 
in 1875, which he conducted for the ne.\t three 
years. The following brief sketch of his life 
and connection with the various business in- 
dustries of Pomona and Los Angeles County is 
of interest: Mr. Egan dates his birth in Ran- 
dolph County, Missouri, in 1844. His parents, 
Thomas and Nancy (Trimble) Egan, were natives 
of Virginia who emigrated to Kentucky, and, 
therefore, were among the early settlers of the 
county of his birth. Mr. Egan was reared as a 
farmer, receiving such an education as was 
aiforded by the common schools. In 1859 his 
parents moved to Texas and were engaged in 
farming and stock-growing. In 1862 the sub- 
ject of this sketch entered the military service 
of the Confederate States and served in a Texas 
cavalry regiment until 1864. He then aban- 
doned that service and came overland to Cali- 
fornia, locating at Wilmington, Los Angeles 
County. There he worked at blacksmithing 
until 1866, and then located in Kern County, 
working in the lumber business, after which he 
was engaged for a year or more in a prospecting 
tour through Arizona. This proving unsuc- 
cessful, he, in 1886, returned to Los Angeles 
County, took up his residence at Spadra and 
entered into mercantile pursuits as a clerk in 



HI8T0RT OF LOS AJUGELES COUNTY. 



the store of Charles Blake. His strict attention 
to business and genial manner secured him the 
confidence of his employer, and he was taken 
into the business as a partner, under the firm 
name of Egan & Blake. Some time later Mr. 
Blake retired from business and Mr. Egan con- 
ducted the enterprise alone. While engaged in 
business in Spadra, he established a general 
merchandise store in Pomona, in 1875, which 
he placed under tlie immediate charge of his 
brother, James H. Egan. He was engaged in 
mercantile %'entures until 1867, when he sold 
out and purchased the Pomona Hotel, which he 
moved from Garey and Fifth streets to the corner 
of First and Main streets, and there fitted.it up 
and furnished it as a first-class hotel, with bill- 
iard room, bar, etc. A fire in the same year 
destroyed his hotel, etc.; and, as he had all his 
capital embarked in the enterprise, he was 
financially ruined. Undaunted, Mr. Egan started 
anew in life, first establishing a store at Ranchito, 
about si.x miles from Downey. In that he was 
moderately successful, but finally liard times 
came, he closed the business and moved to Los 
Angeles, where he engaged in various pursuits 
until 1882. He then established a store at Ban- 
ning, San Bernardino County, which he con- 
ducted until 1884. In that year he purchased 
800 acres of land from the Southern Pacific 
Railroad Company, located wiiere the town of 
Beaumont now stands. He also pre-empted 160 
acres of Government land, and commenced farm- 
ing. The building of the town of I>eaumont 
was largely due to Mr. Egan, he having erected 
the first house and store ever built at that place. 
His ventures were successful, and he secured a 
competency by liis industry and sound business 
qualities. In 1887 he returned to the county 
of his choice and began residence in Pomona. 
He purchased fifteen acres of land at the corner 
of Fifth and Monrovia avenues, upon which he 
has erected one of the finest residences in Po- 
mona, at the same time improving his place by 
the planting of citrus and deciduous fruit-trees. 
He also established iiiniself in business as an 
insurance agent for some of the most reliable 



companies in the country. Mr. Egan has still 
large interests in San Bernardino County, but 
above all other places for a residence lie prefers 
the beautiful Pomona Valley, among a com- 
munity where he is well known and respected 
and has a large circle of friends. In politics he 
is a conservative Democrat, allied with the best 
elements of his party. He is a charter member 
and was the first secretary of Pomona Lodge, 
No. 246, I. O. O. F. ; also a charter member of 
Porno, a Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M. In 1875 
Mr. Egan married Miss , Laura Dunlap, the 
daughter of John and Mary (Houston) Diinlap. 
Mrs. Egan is a native of California, her parents 
being among the early settlers of the State. 
They have three children: Ida Grace, George 
Clifford and Leila Rae. 



fREDRICK EATON, City Engineer of Los 
Angeles, one of the most competent civil 
if engineers on the Pacific Coast, is a worthy 
representative of California's native sons. He 
was born in 1856 in the city he is now officially 
serving, and with whose future sanitary history 
his name will be prominently interwoven. His 
parents, Benjamin S. and Helen (Hayes) Eaton, 
were pioneers of 1850 in Los Angeles County, 
of which his father — a lawyer by profession — 
was one of the first district attorneys. He was 
also one of the founders of the Pasadena Colony, 
and president of it for several years. Haying a 
taste for horticulture, he, many years ago, planted 
a vineyard on what is now the J. F. Crank 
place, above Pasadena, and was the first to dem- 
onstrate the success of vine culture in Southern 
California without artificial irrigation; and his 
experiment was of great value to this portion 
of the State. He is now retired and resides in 
Pasadena. Fredrick Eaton never attended school 
but little, preferring to shape his educational 
course himself and pursue in private such 
studies as w^ere congenial to his taste, and would 
best fit him to achieve success in the vocation 
of his choice. At fifteen years of age he started 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTT. 



to acquire a practical knowledge of engineering 
with the Los Angeles City Water Company, 
and so diligently did he apply himself to study 
and so rapidly did he advance, that at twenty he 
was snperintetiding engineer for the company, 
and tilled that position for about nine years. 
In 1886 he was elected city engineer and served 
two years. During this term of otHce he con- 
ceived and designed the great sewer system for 
the city of Los Angeles, which has since been 
adopted, after the most careful examination by 
and unqualiiied approval of the most distin- 
guished sanitary engineers of America, among 
them Prof. Rudolph Herring, Consulting Sani- 
tary Engineer of New York City, and who was 
appointed and sent by the United States Gov- 
ernment to study and report upon the sewage sys- 
tem of the great cities of Europe. He came to 
Los Angeles County, by engagement of the city 
council, to examine Engineer Eaton's proposed 
sewage system, for the city, and after doing so 
heartily endorsed it as one of the most perfect 
in this country. The system contemplates the 
construction of 200 miles of sewers, including 
an outlet to the ocean and a plan to use the 
sewage for irrigating purposes on a sewage farm, 
and involves in its completion about $2,500,- 
000. It will be what is denominated a separate 
and combined system, designed to take care of 
the house waste only on the lower levels. The 
storm water will be combined with the house 
waste in the elevated portions of the city, and 
intercepted by large storm sewers leading to the 
Los Angeles Eiver. At the city election held 
in January, 1880, Mr. Eaton was again elected 
city engineer by a handsome majority, thus 
giving liira another term of two years in which 
to inaugurate and get well under way the great 
work which is of such incalculable importance 
to tlie 80,000 inhabitants of this growing city 
of Los Angeles, and the completion of which 
will be the most notable epoch in the history of 
California's southern metropolis. Mr. Eaton's 
parents are natives of the Atlantic States — his 
father of Connecticut and his mother of Maryland. 
The subject of this sketch was married before 



his twentieth birthday to Miss Burdick, of Los 
Angeles. She and her mother are the owners 
of the New Burdick Block, on the corner of 
Spring and Second streets, for which Mr. Eaton 
dictated the design, and which, when finished, 
will cost $140,000, and will be, from an archi- 
tectural standpoint, the finest business block in 
the city. 

— ^4M^^^^^~ 

tEV. RICHARD C. FRYER, deceased, was 
one of the pioneers of Los Angeles County, 
who for more than thirty-five years was 
connected with its history and development. 
The brief facts gathered in regard to his life 
are of interest. Mr. Fryer was a native of Dal- 
las County, Alabama, dating iiis birth January 
31, 1821. He was reared in that State until 
about eighteen years of age, when he went to 
Arkansas and located in Conway County, where 
he engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 
1839 he married Miss Caroline Veazey, daugh- 
ter of Deacon John Veazey, a native of Alabama. 
He continued his residence and occupation in 
Arkansas until 1852, and then came overland 
to California. Entering the State by the south- 
ern route, he came to Los Angeles County and 
located at El Monte. Upon his arrival he pur- 
chased land and resumed farming. For many 
years Mr. Fryer had been a devoted and earnest 
Christian, and had made theology a study, and 
in 1854, believing himself called upon to enter 
into the active service of his Lord and Master, 
he was ordained as a minister in the Baptist 
Church. He was the first minister ever or- 
dained in that church in Southern California. 
Immediately after his ordination he commenced 
his work in the missionary fields of Southern 
California, preaching the gospel in Los Angeles, 
San Diego, Santa Ana and other places. He 
was an earnest advocate of his religion, and the 
work he did in supporting the early churches 
and schools is well remembered and will ever 
remain a part of the history of the county. In 
18P)7 Mr. Fryer purchased 250 acres of land 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



from Louis Phillips, a portion of the San Jose 
Eanch, located at Spadra, and upon this took up 
his residence. There he spent nearly twenty 
years of his life, cultivating and improving his 
lands, while earnestly engaged in his ministerial 
labors, ever taking the deepest interest in the 
welfare and prosperity of the community in 
which he resided. In political matters he was 
a consistent Democrat, was always to be found 
allied with the best elements of his party, and ex- 
erting his influence for what he considered to be 
for its best interests. He was besought to accept 
positions of trust and honor in the service of 
the people, and in 1870 was elected a member 
of the Assembly from his district. In the early 
history of the county he was also a member of 
the board of supervisors; and during the early 
part of his residence in Spadra he was one of 
the most active and prominent school trustees. 
In 1879 Mrs. Fryer died. She had been his 
faithful wife, companion, and sharer of his labors 
for forty years. She was the mother of eleven 
children, nine of whom are at this writing (1889) 
living, viz. : John W., James W., Jeremiah, Little- 
ton M., Henry, Frances, Louise, Dixie and Mary. 
Mr. Fryer afterward married Mrs. Martha J. 
Maston, and in 1887 moved to Los Angeles, 
where he resided until his death, which occurred 
December 7, 1888. He was one of the most 
respected and honored citizens of the county, 
where tlie greater portion of his life was spent, 
an honest, upright man, ever seeking the right 
path through life. His consistent course of life 
gained him a large circle of friends, who remem- 
ber his many virtues and sincerely mourn his 
death. 

fF. FOSMIKE, President of the Fosmire 
Iron Works, Los Angeles, is a native of 
® New York, On reaching manhood he 
was engaged in business in Michigan for many 
years, and in 1882 came to the Pacific Coast, 
locating in Los Angeles. Here, on Spring street, 
in 1886, he established his present business, as 



a member of the firm of Bath & B'osmire. Re- 
quiring more room for their increasing business, 
they removed to their present location. In 
February, 1889, the present company was or- 
ganized. The shop covers a quarter of a block, 
having 220 feet frontage and being 120 feet 
deep, and is very commodious. The compan}' 
employ thirty to forty hands, and are fully 
equipped for doing all kinds of work in their 
line. Mr. Fosmire is a man of large experience 
as an iron manufacturer, and gives his personal 
attention to the management of the works. He 
married Miss Mary J. Webster, a native of New 
York, and they have two sons, Stephen and Will. 



fAMES M. FRYER was born in Conway 
County, Arkansas, June 25, 1847. His 
father, the Rev. Richard C. Fryer (a sketch 
of whom appears in this volume), emigrated to 
California in 1852 and took up his residence at 
El Monte. There the subject of this sketch re- 
ceived his education and was taught the practi- 
cal details of agricullural occupations upon his 
father's farm. In 1867 he accompanied his 
father to Spadra, where, with the exception of 
trading and dealing in stock, he has devoted 
himself to agricultural and horticultural pur- 
suits. He is now (in 1889) the owner of eighty 
acres of rich and productive bottom land, located 
at Spadra. This land he is devoting to general 
farming and stock-raising. A tine vineyard of 
eight acres is producing wine grapes of the Zin- 
fandel and Muscat varieties. A family orchard, 
in which he has a large variety of citrus and 
deciduous fruits, is one of the noticable features 
of his farm. The remainder of his land is de- 
voted to alfalfa, grain and stock. Among the 
latter mention is made of his fine specimens 
of Belmont horses, Jersey cattle and Poland 
Magay hogs. A neat cottage residence, sub- 
stantial barns, etc., are the results of his labor, 
and show the prosperous farmer. He is energetic 
and industrious, and is well known and respected 
throughout the community in which he resides. 



HrsTOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT i'. 



having been identified with the growth and 
prosperity of tliat section for the past twenty 
years. A strong supporter of churches and 
scliools, he is a member and trustee of the Bap- 
tist Church, and lias for the past ten or twelve 
years been an efHcient trustee of his bchool dis- 
trict. He lias also seived his township as a 
justice of the peace. In March, 1888, he was 
appointed postmaster at Spadra, which position 
he still holds. In politics he is a consistent 
Democrat, taking a great interest in the success 
of his party. He has served as a delegate in 
many of the county conventions, and is a mem- 
ber of the Democratic county committee. No- 
vember 20, 1870, Mr. Fryer married Miss Belle 
Arnett, the daughter of Robert S. Arnett, a 
resident of Spadra, and whose history appears 
in this book. They have three children: Roy, 
Bertha and Norman. 



SRUHLING BROTHERS, proprietors of 
the Artistic Wrought Iron Works, 118 and 
120 South Los Angeles street, Los An- 
geles. Among the most prominent manufact- 
uring establishments in Southern California, 
and leading in their line in the State, is the firm 
of Fruhling Brothers, of Los Angeles, estab- 
lished in May, 1886. Their factory is equipped 
throughout with a complete plant, including the 



most modern 



mpro 



ved macl: 



inery 



id all 



appliances for doing the highest standard of 
work on a large scale, employment being given 
to a force of from ten to twenty hands. In De- 
cember, 1887, their factory was entirely de- 
stroyed by fire, entailing a large lobs. They 
immediately rebuilt of brick, on a larger and 
more substantial scale, increasing largely the 
capacity of their shops. They make a specialty 
of manufacturing wrought-iron cresting rail- 
ing, tower ornaments, ornamental iron work of 
all kinds, iron doors, shutters, tire escapes, win- 
ilow guards, grates, awning braces, etc., etc. 
They have done some of the largest and finest 
jobs in their line in the city, including the tine 



ornamental iron work on the mansion of Judge 
Silent, and all the ornamental work on the 
Woman's Christian Temperance Union Build- 
ing,' corner of Fort and Temple streets; also 
the stair railing for the City Hall, and the Ab- 
stract Title Building, and other large impor- 
tant contracts. The skill and ability of this 
enterprising firm is shown on many of the finest 
buildings and residences in the city. W. A. 
Fruhling, the senior member of the firm, is a 
native .of California, and was born in San Fran- 
cisco, October 15, 1858. His parents, William 
and Bertha Fruhling, were among the early 
pioneers in California. He attended school in 
Santa Clara County, and completed his educa- 
tion at the University in San Jose, and learned 
his trade in his father's shops in the same ])lace. 
In May, 1886, he came to Los Angeles, and 
with his brother established their present busi- 
ness, and their success is owing to their practi- 
cal ability, energy and enterprise. A. G. Fruhl- 
ing, the junior member of the firm, is a brother 
of the preceding, and was born in San Fran- 
cisco, April 6, 1865. After attending the com- 
mon schools during his bo^'hood, he entered the 
High School at San Jose. For two years prior 
to his going to Los Angeles he was engaged in 
the real estate and insurance business; but de- 
cided to go with his brother to establish their pres- 
ent prosperous business, as already described. 



fAMUEL C. FOY was born in the city of 
Washington, D. C, September 23, 1830. 
His father was John Foy, and his mother's 
maiden name was Calvert, she being connected 
with the families of Virginia and Maryland of 
that name. His father, who was a native of 
Ireland, and who was a civil engineer, having 
made the acquaintance of Henry Clay in Ken- 
tucky, obtained, through the influence of that 
great statesman, employment in the city of 
Washington. He laid out the Botanical Gar- 
dens, and other public grounds, holding his po- 
sition as an employe of the Government till his 



UISTOltY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY 



death in 1833, wlien the subject of this sketch 
was tliree years old, soon after which tlie family 
returned to Kentucky. Samuel remained here 
and in Cincinnati and Natchez till June, 1852, 
when he started for California V)y way of New 
Orleans and the Isthmus. After his arrival in 
San Francisco he went to the mines on Feather 
River, but did not remain there long. Return- 
ing to Sacramento, he went in tlie fall to the 
Calaveras mines. In January, 1854, he came 
to Los Angeles, which he found to be mostly a 
Spanish or Mexican town of 2,000 or 3,000 in- 
habitants. He at once decided to locate here. 
As has happened with thousands of others, be- 
fore and since, he liked the place as soon as he 
saw it. He immediately ordered goods from 
San Fi-ancisco, and commenced business in the 
one-story adobe, — nearly every house here then 
was of that character, — on the site of the present 
Savings Bank, adjoining the Farmers and Mer- 
chants' Bank, on Main street. The same year 
liis Ijruther John, now of San Bernardino, came 
here and went into business with him. In May, 
1S56, he went up the country with cattle; he 
I'emained alternately there and here till 1865, 
still retaining his connection with the business 
he had e.-tablished liere, which he lias kept up 
till tlie present time. Thus it is that he has 
been continuously engaged in business in Los 
Angeles longer than any other business man or 
firm. In 1860 Mr. Foy married Miss Lucinda 
Macey, daughter of Dr. Obed Macey. Dr. Macey 
arrived here in January, 1851, having crossed 
the plains with his family by ox-team, the jour- 
ney occupying nearly nine months. In 1853 
Dr. Macey bought the Bella Union, then the 
principal hotel in Los Angeles, the site of which 
is now occupied by the St. Charles. Mr. 
and Mrs. Foy liave seven children living, six 
daughters and one son. Mr. Foy has been an 
active Mason, having been Master of Los An- 
geles Lodge, No. 42, and High Priest of Los 
Angeles Chapter, No. 33, Royal Arch Masons, 
several years. Mr. Foy's eldest brother, Colonel 
James C. Foy, came to California in 1850, but 
returned to Covington, Kentucky, in 1854. In 



1861 he raised Company A, Twenty-third Regi- 
ment, Kentucky Volunteers, and served his 
country until July 9, 1864. He was then in 
General Sherman's army, and was on the north 
bank of the Chattahoochee River,when a bursting 
shell, fired by the rebels, gave him a fatal wound. 
He was at the time in command as Colonel of 
his regiment. Mr. Foy's other brother, Jolin 
M., for many years a citizen of Los Angeles, is 
now a resident of San Bernardino. 




ILLIAM FERGUSON was born in 
Washington County, Arkansas, January 
20, 1831. His father, who was a native 
was of Scotch descent. When in 
his eighteenth year, William came across thte 
plains, arriving at Mud Springs, August 10, 
1850. After working in the mines awhile, he 
went to Sacramento and then to Nevada City, 
where there were very rich mines; and from 
there to Auburn, where he remained till Febru- 
ary, 1851. He then went up the Sacramento 
River to Shasta, and over to Weaverville, and 
with others undertook the damming of the 
Trinity River. This work, which was done by 
the Arkansas Dam and Flume Company, proved 
a failure, and Mr. Ferguson, atter taking a trip 
over to Humboldt Bay, came back and went to 
work at Oregon Gulch, where the diggings were 
rich, yielding $15 to $20 a day per man. He 
staid here about a year. After this he went to 
Sacramento Valley, to Red Bluffs, and engaged 
in packing from there to the mines. He fol- 
lowed this business for about a year. He then 
(1854) went to San Francisco and engaged in 
trading in stock at Suisun. Next year he went 
back to Trinity again, on CaSion Creek, where 
he took hold of both the butchering i.nd black- 
smithing business. In 1857 he sold out iiis 
business and went East. Returning next year, 
he gravitated back to Trinity again, as he had 
interests there, and remained tiiis time about 
three years, running a ranch, saw-mill, etc. In 
1861 he went to Humboldt County, Nevada, 



HI STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



where lie remained two or three years, mining, 
etc. He then went to Idaho and was gone about 
six months. Retuiniing in 1864 to San Fran- 
cisco, lie began trading in stock in Marin, So- 
noma, and other Bay counties, till 1868. That 
year he came to Los Angeles and took stock up 
country. In 1869 he returned, to remain per- 
manently. Mr. Ferguson has been a member 
of the city council two years. He is a man of 
good business capacity and ol' strict integrity, 
and is thoi'oughly respected by his neighbors. 
In the ups and downs of his checkered mining 
life he was several times "broke," as all good 
miners were in the early mining days. He has 
built himself a substantial and elegant home on 
the corner of Third and Spring streets. In 1871 
he married Miss Austin, in Sonoma County. 
They have two children, a son and dauijliter. 



tOBERT JACKSON FLOYD was born 
June 13, 1820, at Union Court-Ilouse, 
Union District, South Carolina. He came 
across the plains to California in 1868. He 
farmed from 500 to 700 acres near San Gabriel, 
about nineteen years, raising grain, stock, etc. In 
1854 he married Elizabeth A. Elam, in Palona, 
Mississippi. They have two children, a son and 
daughter. Mr. Floyd, who is now interested in 
mining in the San Gabriel Canon, is a resident 
of the city of Los Angeles. He is a man of the 
highest probity and is highly esteemed by all 
who know him. 



fAXIEL FREEMAN was born June 30, 
1887, in Norfolk County, Canada. His 
ancestors on his father's side were English, 
and on his mother's side, Scotch-Irish. He 
spent his minority and received his educatii^n 
in his native county. After studying law he 
practiced his profession some years in Canada, 
at the same time owning a large ship-yard at 
Port Burwell, on Lake Erie. In 1866 lie mar- 



ried Miss Christie, who bore him three children, 
two sons and one daughter. Her health failing, 
from incipient consumption, he spent several 
■ winters in the southern part of the United States 
with her; and in February, 1873, as they wei-e 
on their way from Macon to New Orleans to 
take the steamer for Jamaica, a newsboy laid a 
copy of Nordhoff's California on his seat. He 
bought it and read it, — presto! all their plans 
were clianged, and the ne.\t morning they were 
on their way to California. Arriving in San 
Francisco, Mr. Freeman traveled over California, 
examining localities and ranchos, from February 
till September, when he concluded to settle in 
Los Angeles County on the " Centinela Rancho." 
He rode over the rancho in April of that year 
(1873) with the owner. Sir Robert Burnett, now 
of Scotland, but then living on the ranch; and 
it presented a very beautiful appearance, with 
its wealth of grasses and bright flowers. But 
Sir Robert told Mr. Freeman that the land was 
useless for farming, because too dry; and he at 
the time was paying $30 a ton for hay; he held 
that the ranch was only valuable for grazing 
purposes. Mr. Freeman, after thorough ex- 
amination and comparison with the many other 
ranchos which he visited during the summer, 
finally decided that of them all the Centinela 
suited him best. Accordingly, in September, 
he moved down there and leased the ranch for 
live years, with the privilege of buying it within 
that time, for $6 per acre (the ranch contained 
23,000 acres), or $150,000, which was thought 
by many at that time to be a high price. Mr. 
Freeman bought sheep with the ranch and con- 
tinued in the business of sheep farming till 
1875-'76, which was a dry winter, when, having 
sent his sheep off to the mountains for feed, he 
lost 22,000 head. That season he put in 640 
acres of barley as an experiment, and as a result 
he raised twenty-five bushels per acre, on a rain- 
fall of only four and one-half inches. He has 
been raising wheat and barley and other farm 
products ever since. In 1880 he raised 1,000,- 
000 bushels of grain, and sent a ship-load of 
wheat to Liverpool, and another of barley to 



UISTOBY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



i^ew York. Mr. Freeman is a man of great 
business capacity, and of broad and enlightened 
generosity. He lias endowed the College of 
Applied Science of the University of Southern 
California witii 150 acres uf land near Ingle- 
wood, and has promised the institution $200,000 
in money. Mrs. Freeman died in 1874. 



-■-^^g^^^-^- 



tW. FLORA, deceased, was born in Loraine 
County, Ohio, in 1831, his parents being 
" John and Alvira (Mellen) Flora, na- 
tives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and New 
York. The father was drowned when the sub- 
ject of this sketch was eight years old. His 
mother mari-ied again and moved to Illinois 
and subsequently to Wisconsin. From the 
latter State Mr. Flora came to California, in 
1852, driving an ox team across the plains. He 
worked at mining from 1852 till 1873, alter 
whicli he purchased sixty-iive acres of land a 
quarter of a mile west of Rivera, where his 
widow still lives. On this farm may now be 
seen a fine orchard of 900 English walnuts, and 
oranges and lemons of choice variety and in 
abundant quantity. In 1866, after an experience 
of Iburteen years on the coast, Mr. Flora went 
back to Wisconsin and there married Mis-s Helen 
Kendall. This lady was born in Montgomery 
County, JS'ew York, and is the daughter of 
Amos and Elizabeth (Fuller) Kendall, natives 
of New York and Massachusetts respectively, 
and of English extraction. Amos Kendall is a 
wagon-maker by trade, and is now living in 
Minnesota, at the advanced age of ninety years. 
He was married three times; had four children 
by his second wife, of whom Mrs. Flora is the 
second. After his marriage in Wisconsin, in 
1866, Mr. Flora brouglit Jiis bride to California 
by steamer, coming via the Nicaragua route, 
and landing in San Francisco, June 16, 1866. 
They have had two children: Elmer, who died 
in 1884, and Blanche E. Mr. Flora was an 
enterprising businessman until his death, which 
occurred in 1889. Mrs. Flora has since carried 



on the farm operations, and is doing a prosper- 
ous business on the old farm. 



tEV. J. S. FLORY, Postmaster at Tuhunga, 
California, was born in Rockingham 
County, Virginia, in 1836, and is a son of 
Abraham and Susanna (Stoner) Flory, whose 
p.irents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of 
German extraction. The father was engaged 
in mining in California from 1850 to 1856. 
Then he moved back to Iowa, where he died in 
1874. The subject of this sketch is the third 
of a family of six children. He received a good 
common-school education, and taught school for 
three sessions in West Virginia. He and an 
older brother were early licensed to preach in 
the Dunkard Bretiiren Church. For a period 
of trtenty years he has been a bishop in the 
church. He now has charge of two congre- 
gations, one in Ventura County and one in Los 
Angeles Connty. In 1857 he was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Sangir, of Mt. Solon, Virginia. 
She is the daughter of Jacob and Annie (Miller) 
Sanger, whose parents were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania and of German origin. In 1861 Mr. 
Flory moved from West Virginia to Iowa, where 
he farmed and preaclied until 1866, when he 
went back to West Virginia. From there, in 
1872, he moved to Colorado, remaining until 
1884, when he came to California, and bought 
the beautiful place where he now lives, four 
miles east of San Fernando. This he has im- 
proved and beautified, and his place at the cafion 
is a most delightful spot, with its evergreen 
hedges and orchards of orange and other trees, 
and beautiful flowers. They have reared a 
family of nine children: William Howard, who 
is a graduate of Huntington College, Pennsyl- 
vania; Emma V., now Mrs. Madison Bashor; 
Mary A., now the wife of James Mason, a stock- 
dealer in Colorado; Maggie S., wife of James 
Boots; Sarah J., wife of Rev. J. Talley, of Col- 
orado ;ElizabetliH., wife of Frank Calvert; David 
P., Charles A. and Lottie E. Mr. Flory is not a 



ursTour of los angeles county. 



469 



political partisan; however, lie advocates the 
principles of the Temperance party. lie is 
recognized by all who know him as an lionest, 
uprijjht citizen, and a true Christian man. 



fllANCIS FERPJER, of Wilmington, is a 
native of Waterloo County, Ontario, Can- 
^ ada, iiorii Angust 29, 1851. He attended 
school there during boyhood, and served an 
apprenticeship to the milling business with 
Elias Eby, in the Lancaster Mills at Bridgeport, 
Ontario. Upon reaching manhood he went to 
Minnesota, and was in the large flouring mills in 
Minneapolis one year. In 1872 he came to the 
Pacific Coast and located at Vallejo. lie began 
working in the mills of Starr & Co., the largest 
on the Pacific Coast, and among the finest, most 
complete and most extensive flouring mills in 
the world. He was connected with these mills 
over seventeen years, and during that time 
became a stockholder. In March, 1888, he 
came to Wilmington and associated with Mr. 
E. N. McDonald in the grain, storage, and 
milling business, operating the Winfred Mills. 
Mr. Ferrier's experience in the largest and best 
equipped mills in the country makes him familiar 
with every detail of the business. He was 
married November 20, 1888, to Miss Lizzie 
Doble, a native of San Francisco, and a daugh- 
ter of Abner Doble, an old and honored citizen 
of that eity. 

fEORGE E. FULLERTON, druggist, 303 
North Main street, one of the leading 
pharmacists of the city, is a native of New 
York State, and is twenty-eight years of age. 
He began to learn the drug business in To- 
ronto, Canada, in early youth; and after com- 
pleting his course and receiving a diploma from 
the Dominion Government, he took a course in 
tlie Cincinnati School of Pharmacy, from which 
he also holds a diploma. His first experience in 



business on his own account was in Eaton, Ohio. 
From there he moved to Cincinnati, and le- 
maiiied in the Queen City until 1887, when he 
crossed the continent to the Pacific Coast and 
located in Los Angeles, his first place of busi- 
ness being at No. 16 North Main street. Early 
in 1888 he opened his present finely aj^pointed 
store, which is stocked with a complete general 
assortment of drugs, medicines and toilet goods. 
Mr. Fullerton being a thoroughly educated 
pharmacist, with fifteen years of active experi- 
ence, he enjoys a large prescription trade, of 
which he makes a specialty. Among proprie- 
tary articles which he compounds is a prepara- 
tion for the face and hands denominated Lactine 
Cream, which is a very popular lotion. His 
thriving business furnishes employment for two 
experienced men besides himself. Mr. Fuller- 
ton was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1885, 
to Miss McKrell, who was born in Kentucky, 
but reared in the Buckeye State. 



I.IAM W. FRAISHER.— Among the 
■presentative citizens of the Glendora 
iHji^i district, in the Upper San Gabriel Val- 
ley, mention must be made of the subject of 
this sketch. He is the owner of a forty-acre 
tract of rich and productive land located just 
west and south of Glendora, and on the western 
boundary of Alosta. He purchased this land 
in 1884. It was then in its wild and unculti- 
vated state. Since then he has cleared the land 
of its rank growth of cactus and brush, and 
placed it all under cultivation. He has six acres 
of tine orchard, producing a variety of deciduous 
fruits, such as apricots, peaches, apples, French 
prunes, nectarines, etc., and also one acre of 
Navel and Mediterranean Sweet oranges, and is 
now preparing ten acres which he will devote to 
the finer grades of citrus fruits. He is also part 
owner of a forty-acre tract adjoining his land 
on the south, and has cliarge of the cultivation 
of the same. Upon that he has eighteen acres 
of vines, about (ifteen acres of which areproduc- 



IIISrOBY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ing wine grapes of the Blauelba, Black Malvoise 
and Mission varieties, the balance of his vine- 
yard being devoted to a choice variety of table 
and raisin grapes. The rest of his lands he is 
devoting to hay, grain and stock. Among the 
latter are some iine specimens of Jersey cattle 
and Norman horses. His lands are watered 
from the Azusa Water Development and Irri- 
gation Company's ditch. His building improve- 
ments are first-class in every respect, comprising 
a Mibstantial and well-ordered cottage residence, 
commodious barn and out-buildings. Water is 
piped throughout his buildings and grounds, 
from a tank that is supplied .from water forced 
from the irrigating company's ditch, by pumps 
that are opera ed by an undershot wheel which 
he has constructed and placed in the ditch, the 
flow of water in the ditch being suthcient to give 
him a strong power. Mr. Fraisher's place in- 
dicates the successful and enterprising farmer, 
and he is destined to rank among the leading 
horticulturists of the valley. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Greene County, Missouri, in 
1843. He is the son of William and Rebecca 
(Myers) Fraisher. His father was born in Ten- 
nessee and was one of the early settlers of Greene 
County. His mother was a native of Vir- 
ginia. In 1845 his parents moved to Atchison 
County, Missouri, and there his father engaged 
in extensive agricultural pursuits and stock- 
raising, and also in mercantile pursuits. He 
was a man of wealth and sound business talents, 
well known throughout that section of Missouri 
and the adjoining counties in Nebraska. He 
was one of the founders and a director of the 
First National Bank of Brownsville, Nebraska. 
Mr. Fraisher was reared as a farmer, and given 
the advantages of a good schooling, after which 
• he was engaged with his father in mercantile 
pursuits and other enterprises. In 1881 his 
father moved to California and located near 
Covina, Los Angeles County, and there engaged 
in horticultural pursuits, until his death in 
1887. Mr. Fraisher remained in Missouri, con- 
ducting his various enterprises, until 1883. He 
then came to Los Angeles County and located 



at Los Angeles and at San Gabriel for a year or 
more, and in 1884 took up his present residence, 
lie is an energetic and progressive citizen, well 
schooled in business as well as agricultural pur- 
suits, and a desirable acquisition to any com- 
munity. Taking a deep interest in schools and 
churches, he is a consistent member and trustee 
of the Christian Church, of Glendora. In politi- 
cal matters he is a supporter of the Democratic 
party. In the dark days of the war of the Re- 
bellion, he was a strong Union man and a mem- 
ber of the Union League in Missouri. In 1868 
Mr. Fraisher wedded Miss Sue A. Hendrickson, 
a native of Indiana. She is the daughter of 
Elza and Mary E. Hendrickson, who are now 
residing in Los Angeles County. From this 
marriage there are three children: Robert L., 
Claude M. and Onel J., all of whom are resid- 
ing under the parental roof. 



fON JUAN FORSTER, the genial 
and hospitable owner of Santa Margarita 
Rancho, was for many years a prominent 
and striking figure in the history of Southern 
California. In the early pastoral times he was 
an ideal ranchero. His own sterling qualities, 
his patriarchal position at the head of an im- 
mense establishment, and his near relationship 
to General Andres and Governor Pio Pico, and 
the general respect and afl'ection in which he was 
held by both the native and the foreign popula- 
tion here, all combined to give him that char- 
acter. John Forster, Sr., was born in Liverpool, 
England, in 1814. He came to California when 
only nineteen years old, having first come to the 
west coast of Mexico (Guaymas) two years be- 
fore. After his arrival in California he made 
numerous trips down the coast in charge of a 
vessel (the Facio) belonging to his uncle, Don 
Santiago Johnson. In 1836 he decided to set- 
tle permanently in California. He was probably 
influenced in this decision by the attractions of 
Dona Ysadora Pico, sister of Don Pio and Don 
Andres Pico, whom he married the next year. 



^^ai«i 




>^^7^^^^ 



2^^.^ 



IIISTOBT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Conception (Arguello) Olversi. Judge Olvera was 
an attorney at law, and held many of the most 
important public places during the Mexican 
Government. Dona Conception Arguello comes 
from the old Castillian family of the Arguellos; 
her grandfather was Governor of the State. 
Mrs. Forbes was born and reared in Los Angeles, 
and educated in the Sisters' School there. Their 
union has been blessed with twelve children: 
Charles Duncan, Gnssie, James Humphry, Annie, 
Constance, Willie, John, Robert, Louis, Thomas, 
Louisa and Josephine. Charles, Gussie and 
Annie are n)arried; the others are at home and 
being educated by a private teacher. Mr. and 
Mrs. Forbes are both members of the Roman 
Catholic Church. 

^-3-7^ 

^ARCOS A. FORSTER, eldest son of 
John Forster, Sr., and Dona Ysadora 
Pico de Forster, was born in the city of 
Los Angeles, October 7, 1839. His birthplace 
was on the site of the old court-house, between 
Spring and Main streets. He received his edu- 
cation Tiiostly at a private school in San Juan 
Capistrano and at the Collegiate Institute, Be- 
nica. On attaining his majority he engaged in 
raising stock on Los Flores Rancho, near San 
Juan Capistrano. He married Dona Guadalupe, 
daughter of Don Juan Abila, of San Juan. Don 
Juan was the grantee of the Niguil Rancho of 
22,000 acres. Mr. Forster's present home is at 
San Juan. lie has six children, four boys and 
two girls. 

— •^^^'^W^ — 

fAMES M. FEARS, of Pomona, was born 
December 18, 1818, near Nashville, Ten- 
nessee. His father, Edward W. Fears, was 
a native of that State. His mother, Sarah 
(Scott) Fears, was born in Alabama. While the 
subject of this sketch was an infant his parents 
emigrated to Illinois and settled near what is 
now the ])rosperous city of Springfield, the capi- 



tal of that State. In 1825 they moved to De 
Witt County, that State, and there engaged in 
farming and stock-growing. Mr. Fears was 
reared upon his father's farm, receiving only a 
limited education, such as was afforded by the 
pioneer pchools of that period. He also learned 
the trade of shoemaker. His father was a 
vetei'an of the war of 1812, and also of the 
Black Hawk war. He died in 1852, and in that 
year Mr. Fears, our subject, left the old home- 
stead and located at Des Moines, Iowa, where 
he remained until the spring of 1853. He then 
emigrated to Texas and located in Grayson 
County; was a resident of the town of Sherman 
during his stay in that count}', and in addition 
to his agricultural pursuits was engaged in 
trading. He also established a shoe shop and 
meat market while there. In 1858 he came 
overland to California, and took up his residence 
at Warner's Ranch, San Diego County, where 
he kept a hotel and conducted a farm until 
1860. In that year he located at Yisalia, in 
Tulare County, and engaged in farming until 
1862. He then spent a few months at Los An- 
geles, and in 1863 moved to Arizona. After 
spending two years in hotel life in that Terri- 
tory, he returned to California and located at 
Tejon Pass, San Bernardino County. There he 
purchased land and established a hotel, which 
he successfully conducted until 1874. Renting 
his hotel, he changed his residence to San Ber- 
nardino; in 1875 came to Pomona, where he 
purchased seven town lots on the corner of Garey 
avenue and Third street, and erected a house. 
He also, at a later date, purchased eighteen acres 
of land at the foot of Garey avenue. The same 
year he built a livery stable, the first one opened 
in town, uj)on the lot now occupied by the opera 
house. Mr. Fears has made Pomona his home 
since 1874, and is one of its respected and 
esteemed citizens. He is a consistent member 
of the Universalist church, and a charter mem- 
ber of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F. In 
politics he is Democratic, but is liberal in his 
ithies. In 183S Mr. Fears married Miss 



syi 

Naomie Ilarrold, 



,-as l.)orn in Grayson 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT T. 



Comity, Virginia. Her parents, Jonatlian and 
llebecca (East) Ilarrold, were also natives of 
that State. They have two children living: 
Sarah J., who married Joseph Clark, now living 
in New Mexico; and Eebecca Ann, who married 
Richard Bennett, and after his death married 
Jeremiah Vincent. They are now living in 
Tejon Pass, San Bernardino County. 



fUAN F. FOESTEK is the fourth son of 
John Forster, Sr. Pie was born at San Luis 
Rej Mission, San Diego County, in 1845, 
and is now a resident of Los Angeles. He mar- 
ried Dona Josefa del Valle, daughter of Don 
Ygnacio del Valle, deceased, of the " Camulos" 
Rancho. Mr. Forster built and owns the Fors- 
ter Block on the east side of Main street. 



ILTON H. LA FETRA.— The subject 
of this sketch is a native of Wai-ren 
County, Ohio, dating his birth in 1846. 
His fathei-, James H. La Fetra, was a native of 
New Jersey. He was a prominent merchant in 
Warren County, Ohio, where he resided until 
1875, when he took up his residence in Los An- 
geles. He died in that city in 1885. Mr. La 
Fetra's mother was Sarah Hormell, a native of 
Maryland. The subject of this sketch was reared 
in his native place, receiving a good education. 
In 1864 he entered the military service as a sol- 
dier of the One Hundred and Forty ninth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was assigned 
to the department of Washington, and was en- 
gaged in the battles against Early's Confederate 
forcesin their memorable raid upon Washington. 
Mr. La Fetra served until the expiration of his 
term of service in September, 1864, and was 
then honorably discharged. He then returned to 
Ohio and completed his education in the Ohio 
Western University at Delaware. He next en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits witii his father 
until 1861J. In that year ho located in Kansas 



and established himself in mercantile enterprises 
at Augusta and later at Wichita. He followed 
his business pursuits in Kansas until 1872, at 
which time he took up his residence in Wash- 
ington, District of Columbia, where he remained 
until 1874. In that year he came to California 
and, after spending some months in other sec- 
tions of the State, located in Los Angeles in 
February, 1875. P'or many years Mr. La Fetra 
was engaged in mercantile pursuits in tl at city, 
among which was the well-known Grange store, 
under the firm name of Seymour & Co., and Sey- 
mour, Johnson & Co., and afterward was associ- 
ated with Henderson & Marshall. In 1885 Mr. 
La Fetra engaged in real-estate transactions, and 
wasoneof the original incorporators and directors 
of the Long Beach Land and Water Company. 
He took up his residence at Long Beach, and 
was the superintendent of that company, having 
charge of and directing the improvements pro- 
jected at that place, building railroads, hotel, and 
improving and extending their water works. In 
1887 the interest of his company was transferred 
to the Long Beach Development Company. Mr. 
La Fetra tlien resigned hissuperinteudency, and 
in 1888 took up his residence at Glendora. He 
resides upon a forty acre tract, located about 
one mile west of that town. He is now de- 
voting himself to agricultural and horticultural 
pursuits. At this writing (1889) he has seven 
acres of French prunes, five acres in raisin 
grapes of the Muscat variety, and a fine family 
orchard, comprising a large variety of citrus and 
deciduous fruits. With his characteristic energy 
he has entered into substantial improvements, 
among which is his well-ordered cottage home, 
suitable out-buildings, etc. His home is located 
upon elevated ground among the foot-hills, giving 
a beautiful view of the valley. He has ]iro- 
jected and partially completed a system of wa- 
ter supply from the Shorey Cafion, and from 
tunnels driven into the mountains, which will 
be made available for all purposes and portions 
of his land. In connection with his brother, 
Lawson M. La Fetra, he is the owner of a fine 
body of land lociated to the west of his home 



niSTORT OF LOS ANGELES G0UNT7. 



place, wliich is destined to become one of the 
most desirable tracts for villa residence and 
horticultural purposes in the East San Gabriel 
Valley. The contemplated Methodist Female 
College, under the auspices of the University of 
Southern California, will be located upon these 
lands. Mr. La Fetra is an energetic and pro- 
gressive man, with trained business qualities. 
These are securing his success in his new call- 
ing, and placing hiin in the ranks of the suc- 
cessful horticulturists of his section. In political 
matters he is a KepTxblican, but is a strong Pro- 
hibitionist in principle. He is a consistent 
member of the Methodist Church, and a trustee of 
the church at Long Beach. He is a member of 
Stanton Post, No. 55, G. A. R., of Los Angeles. 
In 1876 Mr. La Fetra returned to Ohio, and 
while there was united in marriage with Miss 
Emma R. Gard, the daughter of Silas and Mary 
(Ross) Gard, of that State. The names of the 
children born from this marriage are: Edna 
May, Ida Gard, Irene A., Everett Eads and 
Clara A. 

-^^M^W?^-^ — 

fRANK BENNETT FANNING was born 
in Brattleboro, Vermont, November 16^ 
1836, of English ancestry. He received 
an academic education. After clerking several 
years, he went West, to Pennsylvania, wliere he 
engaged in the coal business. He lived in 
Pennsylvania and New York till 1872, when he 
came to San Francisco, and from thence by 
stage to Los Angeles. Mr. Fanning was for 
some years Deputy Collector of Internal Reve- 
nue under William Higbie, after which he was 
chief clerk of the Banning. Transportation Com- 
pany about three years; since when, Jatiuary, 
1885, he has been chief deputy count}' clerk 
under Charles H. Dunsmoor. Mr. Fanning is 
a thoroughly efficient official. Under his sub- 
administration, the now very extensive and im- 
portant business of the clerk's office of Los 
Angeles County has been systematized and its 
methods perfected, so that the office compares 



favorably with that of any other county in this 
or any other State. Mr. Fanning was married 
to Harriet E. Lincoln in 1868. They have one 



ILLIAM II. FREER.— Among the Cal- 
ifornia pioneers of 1849, and long resi- 
dents of Los Angeles County, none is 
more worthy of mention than the subject of 
this sketch. He is a pioneer in its truest sense, 
one who in '49, braving the dangers and hard- 
ships of plain, desert and mountains, with his 
family sought the sunny climes and virgin soil 
of California, thus ])aving the way for the grand 
American civilization to follow. Not a gold- 
seeker, he came to help build up an empire on 
the Pacific Coast, and during his forty years of 
residence in the State has been a tiller of the 
soil. The brief sketch of liis life herewith 
given is of interest. He was born in Warren 
County, Ohio, February 5, 1814, descendhig 
from a race of pioneers. His father, Jonathan 
Freer, was a native of North Carolina, who 
moved to Ohio in his youtli, where he married 
Miss Hannah Seward, a native of Virginia. In 
1827 his parents moved to Randolph County, 
Indiana, and there engaged in farming. Mr. 
Freer was reared to that calling, receiving the 
limited education afforded by pioneer schools. 
In 18.39 he commenced his pioneer life upon 
his own account, and located in what is now 
Grundy County, Missouri. There, in 1840, he 
married Miss Zerelda Stucker, the daughter of 
John and Susannah Stucker. In 1844 he again 
took up his march westward, and located in At- 
kinson County, Missouri, where he engaged in 
farming and stock business until 1849. In the 
spring of that year he fitted' up his exjiedition 
for a journey of thousands of miles across the 
plains. His father having died in 1847, his 
mother and her family accompanied him in his 
emigration. The slow journey of six months' 
duration was brought to an end in October of 
1849, when he reached French Camp in Sacra- 



UlSTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



iiientu Valley, where he remained during the 
following winter. In the spring of 1850 Mr- 
Freer located in Santa Clara Connty, purchasing 
ten acres of land near the Berryessa District, 
northeast of San Jose. He then bought city 
land adjoining and conimenced agricultural pur- 
suits, general farming and stock-raising. For 
nearly twenty-iive years Mr. Freer was identified 
with the building up and development of that 
rich and prosperous county. In 1869 he visited 
Los Angeles County, and, pleased with the 
genial climate, rich and virgin soil, purchased 
over 300 acres of land in the San Gabriel Val- 
ley, about one and a half miles north of El 



[onte; in the Savanna 



jhool district. 



ipoi 



which he commenced to make improvements 
and place the soil under cultivation. He soon 
reduced his lands under subjugation and entered 
upon a system of general farming, and also 
built a snbstantial two-story residence and 
erected commodious barns and out-buildings. 
In 1875 he began residence upon his farm, and 
has since conducted its operations. His broad 
acres of rich bottom land are principally devoted 
to hay, grain and stock, cultivating only such 
fruit-trees and vines as are required to supply 
home consumption. In addition to his home 
farm, Mr. Freer purchased, in 1879, 320 acres* 
three miles east of El Monte, which he culti- 
vated until 1887, when he sold it at a high 
figure. Mr. Freer stands high in the estimation 
of his neighbors as a straightforward, repr.table 
citizen, taking a deep interest in the welfare of 
the community in which he resides. He is a 
school trustee of his district, and was one of the 
first to establish a school in the Berryessa Dis- 
trict, M'here he so long resided in Santa Clara 
County, and was an efficient trustee in that dis- 
trict for many years. In politics he is a con- 
sistent Democrat. Of the children born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Freer, nine are now living, namely: 
James J., who married Miss Sarah Hopper, 
living in Oregon; Matilda A., now Mrs. Will- 
iam Papson, of Lake County; John 11., who 
married Miss Lucy Moody, and is residing in 



Oregon; Hannah J. 



Mi-s. (^eorire Dol 



of Kern County; Martin S., living in Kern 
Connty; Thomas, Louisa, Jackson and Lee, who 
are residing under the parental roof. His 
daugliter, Delila F., married Walter Lowry. 
She died in 1888, leaving one child, Delila, who 
is being reared in Mr. Freer's family. 

fEOKGE FITCH, agent of the Bellevue 
Nursery, Los Angeles, is a native of Mas- 
sachusetts. His parents, George and Eliza 
Fitch, were Quakers. Born September 19, 
1831, he attended the public Schools during his 
boyhood, and in 1849, when only seventeen 
years old, started for California, by way of Cape 
Horn. When he arrived in San Francisco that 
little town was composed of shanties and tents. 
For twelve years Mr. Fitch manufactured soda- 
water in that place. Returning in 1800, he en- 
gaged in manufacturing sugar bari'els in Boston 
and other places. His father was the largest 
manufacturer of oil barrels in Nantucket, Mas- 
sachusetts. In 1872 Mr. Fitch married Mrs. 
Charlotte E. Somerby, of Boston, Massachu- 
setts. In 1884 they came to Los Angeles, where 
he has been engaged in the nursery trade. They 
have one son — George A., at present with the 
Los Angeles Furniture Company. 

'^■^■'^ 

fK. GREEN, manufacturer of windmills, 
tanks, hand and power pumps, etc., cor- 
* ner of Buena Vista and Walter streets, 
Los Angeles, was born in Orleans County, New 
York, August 28, 1840. His parents removed 
to Michigan during his early childhood, and he 
grew up to manhood and attended school in that 
State; afterward he engaged in teaching. In 
1863-'64 he completed a full coui'se at Bryant 
& Stratton's Commercial College in Chicago. 
For the next four years he was a bookkeeper in 
a large manufacturing house, and then for a 
time was engaged in mercantile business. In 
1872 he came and established his ])resent busi- 



UltSTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ness in Los Angeles, in Beaudr^' Block, corner 
of Alisi and Alameda streets. At that time 
there was but one windmill in the city, and two 
or three in the county. The first windmill he 
put up is still in good running order, and he 
has attained a wide reputation as a thorough 
mechanic and honest dealer, and accordingly 
enjoys an increasing patronage in this and 
adjoining counties. His business is extending 
even into Arizona. In 1886 he purchased the 
property he now occupies, at the locality men- 
tioned, where he is well equipped for supplying 
a large trade. He resides on the nortiieast cor- 
ner of Union avenue and Ninth street. In May, 
18(31, Mr. Green was united in marriage with 
Miss Loumira C. Ilalliday, a native of Vermont. 
Tiieir children are named Floyd and Ruth. 



fRED GOURLEY, carpenter and builder. 
West Fourth street, Los Angeles, was born 
in the city of Manchester, England, Janu- 
ary 2, 1857, son of John and Eliza Gourley. 
He attended the common schools and learned 
his trade of Robert Neill & Sons, one of the 
most prominent contractors in England. He 
came to America in 1882 and worked at his 
trade in New York seven years. He came to 
Los Angeles in 1888, and since then has been 
successfully engaged in business here. "While 
serving his apprenticeship he had a practical 
experience of two and a half years in the drafting 
department; he is, therefore, a thorough me- 
chanic and has already secured a good business. 



fE. GREEN, contractor, corner Court-House 
and Flower streets, Los Angeles, was born 
® in England, July 3, 1848; learned his 
trade in his native land; emigrated to this coun- 
try, and went to Chicago in 1872. After work- 
ing at his trade in building there eleven years, 
he came to Ciilifornia in 1883, locating in Los 
Anojeles and continuing in the same business. 



He built the Unity Church, the block for the 
Woman's Christian Temperance Union, corner 
of Fort and Temple streets, the University Bank 
Building, the St. Nicholas Hotel, the residence 
of Mayor Bryson, corner of Tenth and Flower 
streets, the celebrated Baron Roginat's residence, 
the Puente Hotel, the Sentous Block, Dr. Owen's 
residence and Mrs. A. L. Bath's residence. Mr. 
Green has a large practical experience, and has 
taken a prominent position in the business here. 

^-^^^ 



I^ENRY GARDNER, a retired capitalist, 
IHl -''*5*''di"g "" Second street, in the city of 
^M Santa Monica, is a native of tlie Empire 
State, being born at Laurens, Otsego County, 
New York, in March, 1828. He has been iden- 
tified with Los Angeles County since the year 
1885, and is known as a successful business man. 



fREDERICK C. GRESHAM, M. D., ranks 
among the most prominent physicians and 
surgeons of Sierra Madre and the San 
Gabriel Valley. He is a native of England, 
'and dates his birth in London in 1850. His 
father, John F. Gresham, was a prominent bar- 
rister at law in that city, ranking high in his 
profession and filling many positions of trust 
and honor. He is now (1889) chief justice of 
the Island of Grenada, West Indies, an honor- 
able position he has tilled for the past twent}'- 
tive years. Dr. Gresham was reared in the city 
of his birth, receiving his education in its schools 
and colleges. At the age of nineteen years he 
commenced his medical studies under the tutor- 
ship of Dr. John Stopford-Taylor, a prominent 
physician of Liverpool, and also entered upon a 
course of study in the best medical institutions 
of England. He pursued his studies with a zeal 
born with a love of the profession and an ambi- 
tion to excel! in his calling. In 1874 he gradu- 
ated with honor at the Royal College of Surgeons 
of England, and also at the Apothecaries Hall of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



London, and the next year received a degree | 
from the Queen's University of Dublin. The 
Doctor has been justly honored by the medical 1 
institutes of his country, and is the recipient of 
silver medals tor medicine, sur<j;ery and pathol- 
ogy, and also medal for midwifery, diseases of 
won)en and children and forensic medicine. He 
gained prizes for chemistry, comparative anat- 
omy and zoology. The years of arduous study 
pursued by the Doctor necessitated a relaxation 
and change of climate. He therefore, in 1875, 
accepted the position of Surgeon in the Tacilic 
Steam Navigation Company, and was employed 
on the R. M. S. Aconcagua for a year or more, 
after which he located in Bromley Common, 
Kent, near London, and there established him- 
self in the practice of Iiis profession. The close 
attention and skill displayed in his calling soon 
gained recognition and he built up a large and 
lucrative practice which he conducted until 1884. 
His failing healtli then demanded a complete 
change of climate and a suspension of his pro- 
fessional duties, and in the fall of that year he 
came to Californ a and took up his residence in 
Los Angeles, arriving October 23, 1884. He 
commenced the practice of medicine and sur- 
ger3' in that city, but was compelled to suspend 
operations and seek a more congenial climate. 
Sierra Madre offered such, and in January, 1885, 
he took up his residence in that colony. He 
purchased an eight-acre tract on the north side 
of Grand View avenue, upon which he erected 
a comfortable cottage home and added to his 
professional calling that of a horticulturist. In 
1887, desirous of a more central location in the 
town, the Doctor took up his residence on Cen- 
tral avenue, west of Baldwin avenue, where he 
has since resided. Dr. Gresham is well known 
throughout his section of the San Gabriel Val- 
ley. His professional skill, rare scholarship 
and many genial qualities have gained him a 
large circle of friends. He lias taken a deep in- 
terest in building up Sierra Madre, and has been 
a liberal supjjorter in the establishment of tlie 
public library, town iiall and churches. He is a 
member and warden of the Episcopal Church 



of Sierra Madre. In 1877 Dr. Gresham was 
united in marriage with Miss Julia M. Thorne, 
a native of London. There are three children 
from this imirriage, whose names are as follows: 
Francis T., Charles D. and Ivy May. Mrs. 
Gresham's mother, now Mrs. Julia E. Aj^les, is 
a resident of Sierra Madre. 



tG. GIROUX, of Santa Monica, is a native 
of Cedars, Canada, and came to the United 
® States in 1855, being then a young man 
seventeen years of age. For twelve years he 
engaged in mining and commerce, then, in 1875, 
he came to Santa Monica, and built the second 
house that was erected in that city. This house 
was on Second street, and in it for thirteen years 
he carried on the liquor and grocery business^ 
under the iirm name of Giroux & Bro. As a 
business man Mr. Giroux has been eminently 
successful, and though not professing to be a 
politician he was elected by the Democratic 
party as supervisor of Los Angeles County, and 
served in that capacity during the years 1883-"84. 
He is now retired from business, and lives on 
Ninth street, between Oregon and Arizona 
avenues, in the beautiful "city by the sea.'" 



fM. GREEN. — Among the worthy and en- 
terprising citizens who came from the 
® Eastern and Middle States to this favored 
spot in California, Pasadena, and who have 
devoted both their time and means to the devel- 
opment of its wonderful and varied resources, 
none are more justly entitled to honorable men- 
tion in a work of this character than is P. M. 
Green. A brief review of his life gives the 
following facts: He was born on a farm in Rush 
County, Indiana, in the year 1838. At fourteen 
years of age he accepted a clerkship in a general 
store at Milroy, holding this position four years. 
At twenty he went to Shelbyville. the same 
State, where he studied law with the firm of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Davis, Wright & Green, and in 1860 he began 
the practice of law there. In the meantime he 
was elected city clerk and helped to organize the 
city government. After serving two years as 
city clerk he was elected city attorney, holding 
that office till the spring of 1867, at which time 
he moved to Indianapolis and engaged in the 
wholesale and retail drug business. In the fall 
of 1873 he closed out his interests in Indianapo- 
lis and came to California, first locating in Santa 
Barbara and later in Los Angeles. He was a 
member of the " Old Indiana Colony," the 
first settlers of Pasadena; The original purpose 
of that colony was a failure, and its members 
organized what was known as the San Gabriel 
Orange Association. This association purchased 
4,000 acres of land on which is built the 
western half of Pasadena. The Indian colony 
adopted the name of Pasadena. At that time 
there were only about twenty families living in 
the place. Here Mr. Green devoted tnuchtime 
and labor to setting out young frnit trees, and 
the flourishing orchards showed in a few years 
that his efforts were being crowned with success. 
From a small beginning Mr. Green has, by in- 
dustry and economy, amassed a fortune. In 
1879 the subject of this sketch represented 
his district in the State Legislature. He was 
a member of the first session after the adop- 
tion of the present constitution, this session 
being of great importance and lasting 115 
days. The work of changing the laws to con- 
form to the constitution was vei-y trying. 
Mr. Green was chairman of the committee on 
labor and capital, and was a member of the 
committee on education. He served one term 
and declined a second nomination. In 1885 
Mr. Green organized the Pasadena Bank, a 
State organization, and was elected its presi- 
dent. It continued as a State Bank until 1886, 
when it was merged into the First National 
Bank, with a capital of $100,000, Mr. Green 
still being president. The bank now has a sur- 
plus of !?52,500, or a combined capital of $152,- 
500. Mr. Green was married in 1860 to Miss 
Hettie Campbell, the daughter of the postmaster 



at Shelbyville, Indiana. Much of his success in 
life he attributes to the assistance of his esti- 
mable wife, who has been a great helpmate 
through all the struggles of life. Mr. Green 
has been identified with the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church since its organization in Pasadena. 



fOSTANTINO GARIBALDI was born in 
Chiavari, Province of Genoa, Italy, in 
1852. His father, Joseph Garibaldi, was 
a prominent merchant, and gave the subject of 
this sketch the advantages of a good education; 
but young Garibaldi was of an adventurous dis- 
position and at the age of fifteen years left 
school and went to South America. Arriving 
in Montevideo, he sought employment and en- 
gaged as a clerk in mercantile establishments. 
He remained in South America for several 
years, and eventually opened a dry-goods store 
in Montevideo, but his scanty capital and the 
general depression of trade at that time com- 
pelled an abandonment of the enterprise, and in 
1875 he went to Cuba, where, for two years, he 
was engaged as a clerk in mercantile houses at 
Havana. Still desirous of change, he came, in 
1877, to the United States, and soon after his 
arrival at New Orleans came by the southern 
route to Los Angeles County and located at 
San Gabriel. There he entered the employ of 
his brother-in-law, A. Ginocchio, a well-known 
merchant at that place and Los Angeles. Mr. 
Garibaldi arrived in San Gabriel with no capi- 
tal, except 10 cents; but his trained business 
habits and knowledge and a determination to 
succeed have served him well. He remained 
with his employer, who soon found his worth, 
and placed the business under his control for 
over three years. He then established himself 
in business by opening the Cosmopolitan store 
(a general merchandise store) at San Gabriel, 
which he continued to conduct until 1886; 
then, after a visit of some months to his old 
home in Italy and the continent, he located at 
Lauianda Park. There he purchased land and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



became interested in building up the town. 
He purchased two lots on the corner of Rose 
avenue and Nina street, and upon the western 
half erected a two-story business house. On 
the corner of the lot he put up another build- 
ing and opened in it a wholesale and retail 
liquor store, which he has since conducted. He 
is interested in other real estate at Lainanda 
Park, consisting of unimproved residence lots. 
He also owns the Cosmopolitan store and two 
cottages with two and one-third acres of land 
attached, at San Gabriel. He has achieved a 
success in his business in the San Gabriel Val- 
ley, and it has been the result of his sound 
business knowledge and straightforward manner 
of dealing in his various business enterprises. 
He is a member of the Italian Society of Mu- 
tual Benefit of Los Angeles. He is not an 
American citizen by naturalization, and there- 
fore takes no active part in politics, but in 
principle and belief he is a strong Kepublican. 
He has never married. 



fOLONEL GEORGE BUTLER GRIFFIN 
was born September 8, 1840, in New- 
York City, where his father, Cliarles 
Alexander Griffin, was an attorney at law; his 
mother was Pastora de Forest, of New Haven. 
On both sides of the house lie is descended 
from a long line of honorable and eminent 
ancestors. The Griffin family was originally 
"Welsh, and has a coat of arms. The subject 
of this sketch is the eighth in line of descent 
from Jasper Griffin, a Welsh royalist, who emi- 
grated to America in the year 1043, and first 
settled in Massachusetts, and afterward in 
Southold, Long Island, where he was a Major 
of provincial troops. His son, Jasper Griffin, 
Jr., moved to Iladdam, Connecticut. Peter 
Griffin, the great-great-grandfather of George 
Butler Griffin, was a prisoner on the famous 
prison-ship Jersey, where death terminated his 
sufferings. George Griffin, his grandfather, 
was a well-known l)arrister in New Yoi'k City 



for fifty-two years. His great-uncle, the Rev. 
Edward Dorr Griffin, D. D., was a president of 
Williams College. Plis mother was the eighth 
in the line of descent from Henri de Forest, 
the leader of the Walloon Colony, from Leyden, 
Holland, and, in 1686, was the founder of Har- 
lem, which is now a part of New York City. 
Henri de Forest became a counsellor under 
Governor Peter Stuyvesant. An uncle of Mrs. 
Griffin's mother was General Wooster, a dis- 
tinguished officer of the Revolution. Admiral 
Wooster, a kinsman of Mrs. Griffin, gave her 
away at her marriage. Her father, David Cur- 
tis de Forest, went to Buenos Ayres before the 
revolution in that country, and there acquired 
considerable property. In that struggle he be- 
came a member of the revolutionary party, was 
elected to the first Congress of that Republic, 
and re urned to the United States of America 
as Consul General of the Argentine Republic, 
being the first representative of that country at 
Washington. Colonel Griffin has portraits of 
liim and his wife in full dress, as they were 
presented to President Monroe. Tlie paintings 
are the work of Samuel F. B. Morse, the in- 
ventor of the electric telegraph, and, in his 
younger days, a portrait painter of note. Colo- 
nel Griffin's father's mother was Lydia But- 
ler, a daughter of Colonel Zebulon Butler, of 
Wilkes Barre, who commanded the American 
forces at the Wyoming massacre, and who was 
the- founder of that colony from Connecticut. 
After Arnold's treason General Washington 
placed Colonel Butler in command of West Point. 
Collaterally Mrs. Griffin is related to the fam- 
ilies of Griswold, Wolcott, Selden, Hyde, Lord, 
Dorr, Peck, Sands, and others among the found- 
ers of Connecticut and New York. Colonel 
Griffin was educated at Columbia College, and 
afterward studied engineering. The first posi- 
tion he held was on the New York State works. 
When eighteen years old he went with Captain 
T. A. M. Craven, U. S. N., on a United S.tates 
exploring expedition for a ship canal across the 
Isthmus of Darien. After this he was assist- 
ant enginerr in the service of the Louisiana 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Teluiantepec Company, and was engaged in 
surveying a railroad line across the Isthmus of 
Tehuantepec. He then returned to New York, 
shortly after wliicli his fatlier died, and he 
studied law for tlie purpose of settling his 
father's estate, which had been left in a com- 
plicated condition. He wms admitted to the 
bar of New York in the spring of 1860. As 
a science, he is very fond of the law, but has 
never cared much for it as a profession. In 
1860 he was married in Albany to Sarah Ed- 
wards, daughter of Judge James Edwards, and 
had the misfortune to lose his wife and two 
children within three years. He went to the 
United States of Colombia in 1863, as a civil 
engineer, and for three years was chief of en- 
gineers in the Colombian service, holding a 
commission as Lieutenant-Colonel; for six years 
he was State engineer of the State of Antio- 
ijuia, and later chief engineer of the Cauca 
Uailway. In 1872 he settled on a plantation 
in the Cauca Valley, and for four years did 
very well. He took part in the revolution of 

1876, unfortunately for him on the losing 
side, and was forced to leave the country. 
While there, in 1870, he married Eva Gauda- 
lupe, daughter of Dr. Manuel Maria Garcia de 
la Plaza, a distinguished jurist of Buga, in the 
State of Cauca. The marriage ceremony was 
performed by proxy, a custom not infrequent 
in Catholic countries. Upon leaving the Re- 
public of Colombia he came with his family to 
San Francisco, where he arrived in January, 

1877. An inventory of his personal effects and 
belongings amounted to his wife and three 
children, the cash sum of $1.75 in his pocket, 
a debt to the purser of the ship for passage,' 
and a supposed knowledge that he did not have 
a single acquaintance or relative on the Pacific 
Coast. He met H. 11. Bancroft, who was mar- 
ried to one of his kinswomen, and was em- 
ployed as a historical writer in the Bancroft 
library till the summer of 1880, when he re- 
cei'ed a telegram from Rome, Italy, summon- 
ing him to the bedside of his only sister in 
order to bring her home. While on this trip he 



spent some months in France and Italy. Colonel 
Griffin had previously visited Europe, in 1854, 
spending some time in England and on the con- 
tinent. He also made several voyages between 
the United States and South America, and has 
visited many of the West Indian islands. He has 
voyaged westward, also, as far as the Sandwich 
Islands. After his return to America, in the 
fall of 1880, he met James B. Eads, of jetty 
fame, in Philadelphia, and accompanied him, as 
chief of staff, to Me.vico, to get a concession for 
a ship railway across the Isthmus of Tehuante- 
pec. On his return to New Orleans Eads sent 
him to Tampico with a party to make a thorough 
survey of the bar of Tampico and the river 
Panuco, which work Eads caused to be done for 
the Mexican Government as an act of courtesy. 
Colonel Griffin then resigned, came to Los An- 
geles in the spring of 1881, and went to work 
on the reportorial staff of the Jl!xj)ress, his 
first detail being to report the trial of Miss 
Abarta for the killing of Chico Forster. While 
at work on the Express he received a telegram 
from the chief engineer of the Atlantic & 
Pacific Railroad, calling him to San Francisco. 
He went, and, in consequence, took charge of 
the division of the road comprising the passes 
of the Sierra from Fort Tejou to Tehachepi, and 
the route across the desert eastward to the Fish 
Ponds on the Mojave River, and made the pre- 
liminary location of the road in the summer of 
1881. After a severe ride over the desert sands 
of 102 miles to San Bernfirdino he found a letter 
stating that one of his children was dead and 
buried, before lie even knew it was sick. He 
resolved to no longer pursue a profession that 
required him to be away from his family, and 
accordingly abandoned engineering, and located 
himself and his family permanently in Los 
Angeles. He has been an editorial writer on 
the Times, Herald, Commercial, Telegram and 
Express, and in politics is a Democrat. In 
1884 he was admitted to the California bar, 
taking this step in order that he might be in a 
better position to examine land titles, and for 
five and a half years has been a notary public. 



nrsroRY of los ANunLn.-i cuuNrr. 



Dnrins^ all this time lie has been a constant 
contributor to leadinof magazines and other 
periodicals and the daily press. His pen is not 
altogether confined to prose, and iriatiy of his 
poetic gems shine with more than nsual Instre. 
He is a deep thinker, a profound classic, Eng- 
lish, Spanish and French scholar, and a thorough 
bihlipole and historian. lie has a pleasant 
home in East Los Angeles. His botanical 
garden is tilled with exotics, and plants rare and 
curious. He has collected a choice and e.xcel- 
leiitly selected library of more than 3,000 vol- 
umes. His eldest daughter, Eva, now si.xteen 
years of age, is developing a remarkable talent 
for sculpture, and has modeled some busts from 
life that are an astonishment and a delight. 
His home is tvv\\y one of refinement, learning 
and contentment. 



-^^ 



l^-^-- 



fAMES M. GUINN, of Los Angeles City, 
was born near Houston, Shelby County, 
Ohio, in 1836. His boyhood years were 
spent in assisting his father to clear a farm 
Western Ohio at that time being an almost 
unbroken forest. The facilities for obtaining 
an education in the backwoods of Ohio forty 
years ago were very meager. Three months of 
each year he attended school in a little log 
school-house. By studying in the evenings 
after a hard day's work he prepared himself for 
teaching. For two years he alternated teaching 
with farming. He then began a preparatory 
course of study in Antioch College, of which 
Horace Mann, the eminent educator, was the 
president. In 1857 he entered Oberlin College. 
He was entirely dependent upon his own re- 
sources for his college expenses. By teaching 
during vacations, manual labor, and the closest 
economy he worked his way through college 
and graduated with honors. On the breaking 
out of the war in 1861, he was among the first 
to answer President Lincoln's call for volun- 
teers, enlisting April 19, 1861. He was a I 
member of Comjiany C, Seventh Regiment, j 



Ohio Volunteer Infantry 



Th 



s reffinient was 



one of tlie first sent into West Virginia. He 
served through the West Virginia campaign 
under McClellan. and afterward under Rose- 
crans. The regiment joined the Army of the 
Pototnae in the fall of 1861, and in 1863 was 
sent to the West under Sherman. Mr. (iuinn 
was engaged in the battles of Carnifex Ferry, 
Winchester, Port Republic, Second Bull Run, 
Cedar Mountain and Antietam. At Cedar 
Mountain his regiment lost in killed and 
wounded over sixty per cent, of those engaged — 
a percentage of loss nearly twice as great as 
that of the Light Brigade in its famous charge 
at Balaklava. Of the twenty-three of Mr. 
Guinn's company who went into the fight only 
six came out unhurt, he being one of the fortu- 
nate six. In 1868, having lost his health through 
exposure and hard service, he was discharged 
from the army. During the summer of that 
year he was'commissioned a Lieutenant in a new 
regiment, but being out of health he was obliged 
to decline. In November, 1863, he came to 
California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. 
Locating in Alameda County he engaged in 
teaching school. Soon after his arrival in Cali- 
fornia he received a commission as Captain 
from Governor Todd, of Ohio, but being away 
from the State and not having fully recovered 
his health, he was compelled to decline it. In 
1864 he joined the rush for the gold mines of 
Idalio, packing his blankets on his back and 
footing it from Umatilla, Oregon, to Boise 
Basin, a distance of 300 miles. He followed 
gold mining for three years with varying suc- 
cess, sometimes striking it rich and again dead 
broke. Returning to California in 1867, he 
engaged in various pursuits until 1869. In 
October of that year he came to Los Angeles. 
He was employed as principal of schools in 
Anaheim, filling that position for twelve con- 
secutive years. During the greater portion of 
that time he was a member of the county board 
of education. He helped to organize the first 
teachers' institute ever held in the county — 
October 31, 1870. In 1881 he was appointo 1 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



superintendent of the eity schools of Los Angeles 
iiiul removed to that city. He filled the posi- 
tion of city superintendent two years. PIo tlien 
engaged in the mercantile business, which he 
followed for three years. Selling out, he en- 
gaged in the real estate and loan business. Mr. 
Guinn was married in 1874 to Miss D. C 
Marquis, at Anaheim. To them have been 
born three children: Mabel, Edna and Howard. 
J'olitically Mr. Gninn is, and always has been, 
Republican. In 1873, when Los Angeles 
County was overwhelmingly Democratic, he was 
Eepubliean nominee for the Assembly and came 
within fifty-two votes of being elected. In 
1S75 he was the nominee of the atiti monopoly 
wing of the Republican party for State Super- 
intendent of Public Instruction. Being con- 
vinced that, with two Eejjublican candidates in 
the field, the Democratic candidate would be 
elected he withdrew in favor of Prof Ezra 
Carr, now of Pasadena, who was elected. He 
served a number of years on the Republican 
Central Committee, filling the position of sec- 
retary from 1884 to 1886. He took an active 
part in the organization of the Historical Society 
of Southern California in 1883, and has filled 
the position of treasurer ever since the organ- 
ization of the society. He has contributed 
several valuable papers on historical topics and 
on the meteorology of Southern California. 
While engaged in the profession of teaching he 
was a frequent contributor to educational peri- 
odicals, and delivered a number of lectures on 
educational subjects. He is a charter member 
of Stanton Post, G. A. R., and a Past Com- 
mander of that Post. At present he is filling 
the position of deputy county assessor. 



i^^ 



tODELL T. GRAVES, although a resident 
of Los Angeles for a period of less tiian 
two years, has taken a prominence in its 
business circles that is worthy of mention. Mr. 
Graves came to the Golden State in September, 
1S87, and located in Los Angeles, where he was 



prominently connected with the Southern Cali- 
fornia Investment Company. In January, 1888, 
he took up his residence in Monrovia, and 
established the real estate, loan and insurance 
business, known as "The Syndicate," of which 
he is the general manager, having an oifice 
on Myrtle avenue. He is a man of thorough 
business capabilities, and came here with the 
best references from some of the leading bankers 
and capitalists of the monied circles of the East. 
He dealt largely in real estate upon his own 
account throughout Los Angeles and the adjoin- 
ing counties besides conducting a large commis- 
sion business for his patrons. His agency in 
the insurance business comprises some of the 
most substantial fire, life and accident insurance 
companies of the country. Besides his real- 
estate interests in Monrovia he is largely inter- 
ested in property in various sections of Los An- 
geles and San Bernardino counties, and is 
thoronghly identified with the growth and pros- 
perity of Southern California. He is a stock- 
holder and a director of the South Riverside 
Land and Water Company, and also a stock- 
holder in the Granite Bank of Monrovia. Mr. 
Graves was born in Lakin, Illinois, in 1858. 
His father, the Rev. A. P. Graves, D. D., of 
New York, is a well-known minister of the 
Baptist Church, who has for the past twenty- 
five years been traveling tiironghout the United 
States in the interests of that denomination as 
an evangelist. His mother, Elvira L. (Bonney) 
Graves, died when he was two and a half years 
old. Mr. Graves was reared to farm life in 
Dodge County, Minnesota, receiving a good 
education, completing his studies in the Upper 
Iowa University, graduating in the commercial 
department of that institution when twenty 
years of age. He then located at Emmetsburg, 
Iowa, and was for the next three years engaged 
in banking in that city. In 1882 he took up 
his residence in Huronj Dakota, and established 
the banking-house of Ormsby, Graves & Co. 
He was conducting the afiairs of that bank as 
cashier for about three years. In 1885 he was 
one of the original incorporators and directors 



HTSTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



of the well-known American Investment Com- 
pany, of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and was the general 
manager of the branch otRce of that company at 
Huron, which lie conducted until 1887, when 
he came to Los Angeles County. lie is a con- 
sistent member and trustee of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Monrovia, and also a 
member and Noble Grand of Monrovia Lodge, 
No. 330, I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Repub- 
lican. In 1888 Mr. Graves was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Libbie Taylor, a native of Iowa. 
They have one child Koy. 

"^-^^-^ 

§EANDER CLEMENT GOODAVIN was 
born May 16, 1832, in F'orsyth, Monroe 
County, Georgia, of New England parent- 
age. He came to California in 1853 via Nica- 
ragua, and to Los Angeles soon afterward. He 
has been in business here ever since, e.\cept 
from 1857 to 1865, when he lived in Helena, 
Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee. And it is 
a singular fact that he started in business in 
1853 on the same spot, on the corner of Main 
and Commercial streets, where he is now, thirty- 
six years later, the vice-president and actini; 
manager of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank. 
He is also president of Los Angeles Savings 
Bank. Mr. Goodwin married Miss Elizabeth 
Keihl, of Suiibury, Pennsylvania, in 1858. He 
is a Past Master of Pentalpha Lodge of Masons, 
and Past High Priest of Signet Chapter, Royal 
Arch Masons. Mr. Goodwin served as a soldier 
in the Mexican war, in the Georgia cavalry. 
He is a thorough business man, and has been 
verv successful. 



>S«H 



fATRICK GOODWIN, proprietor of Good- 
win's Shoeing Siiop, Mayo and South Los 
Angeles streets, is a native of Ireland, and 
emigrated to America when fourteen years of 
age. He served an apprenticeship to his trade 
in Baltimore, and live<l tiiere until cominir to 



California. He arrived in San Francisco in 
May, 1866, and began working at his trade, 
later going to Kern County, where he worked 
at his calling two years for Joe Smith. He 
shod iiorses from San Jose to Wiiisky Flat, for 
A. O. Tliorn, proprietor of Uie stage line. In 
1866 he came to Los Angeles, and after work- 
ing at his tu-ade several years, engaged in busi- 
nees for himself, on Spring street, where the 
Empire Stables are located. He next moved to 
the corner of Second and Spring streets, and 
opened a shop wliere the Ilollenbeck Hotel now 
stands. From there he went to 128 South 
Spring street, and later moved to his present 
location on South Los Angeles street. He has 
successfully carried on the business in this city 
over twenty years, is well and favorably known, 
and has an old established trade. He has a 
nice home and valuable property at the corner 
of- Sixth and Hope streets. Mr. Goodwin mar- 
ried Miss Kate Hopkins, a native of Ireland. 
They have four children living: Bernard, John, 
Jerome and Mar}'. Two children are deceased. 

^OWARD F. GOODWIN, one of the most 
I ) public-spirited men of Pasadena, was born 
~J_; in Canaan, Maine, June 8, 1838, and lived 
upon a farm until he was twenty-one years of 
age, when he engaged in sorting wool. He first 
came to California in 1861, where lie remained 
four years. Returning East, he followed farm- 
ing two years at Canaan, Maine, and railroad- 
ing two years in Wisconsin, and for the 
succeeding twelve years he was connected with 
the Sheboygan Manufacturing Company. In 
April, 1880, he came to Placer County, this 
State. Tiie same year he made a short trip to 
Pasadena and purchased a ranch of Colonel H. 
II. Markham, on Orange Grove avenue. He 
returned to Gold Run and engaged in mining 
until January, next year, when he returned to 
Pasadena, sold his ranch on Orange Grove ave- 
nue, and purchased ten acres on Las Robles 
avenue. Since that time Mr. (toodwin has 



•i84 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



bought and sold a large amount of real estate, 
making a great deal of money. Five acres, ad- 
joining the intersection of Marengo avenue and 
Walnut street, he subdivided as the first tract 
on that avenue attached to the city plat. He 
has been engaged in several enterprises in Pasa- 
dena; has contributed in many ways tovs'ard 
making it a beautiful city; was one of the origi- 
nal stockholders in the Bank of Pasadena; is at 
jtresent a stockholder in the Pasadena Street 
liailway, and a director of the Colorado Street 
Railway, but is not now actively engaged in 
business. He devotes his time principally to 
the supervision of the imjirovements of his 
lands. He occupies a beautiful villa at the 
cornel' of Marengo avenue and Union street, 
and seems to lack nothing that aids in making 
"life woith living." In 1874 Mr. Goodwin was 
allied in matrimony to Miss Abbie A. Whit- 
tier, of Canaan, Maine. They have one child, 
a daughter. 



-=i^' 



fj. GILLMORE, of Pasadena, was born in 
Newton, Massachusetts, in August, 1854, 
® and piassed his early years as a clerk in a 
general store, receiving an ordinary school edu- 
cation. In 1874 he came to California with 
his mother, who was in feeble health, and, after 
spending a winter here, returned East and 
attended the Centennial. At this, the greatest 
exhibition the world has ever seen, he learned 
thousands of lessons which one can not learn 
from books. The ne.xt year he came again to 
California, settling in that most favored nook in 
this world, Pasadena. Here he purchased seven 
and a half. acres on Orange Grove avenue, and 
planted it in fruit trees. After devoting a 
year's time to the improvement of this place, 
he moved into Los Angeles and engaged first in 
mercantile business and then for four years in 
the grain commission trade. At the exjnration 
of this time he returned to Pasadena, where he 
has since resided, on Orange Grove avenue, 
devoting most of his time to the interests of his 



estate. He has speculated considerably in real 
estate with marked success. He spent one win- 
ter in Florida, and can now positively testify 
that Southern California is far ahead of that 
State, in respect both to the productiveness of 
the soil and perfection of climate, and the intel- 
ligence and spirit of enterprise of the people. 
Mr. Gillmore has always taken an active part in 
politics. During the Presidential campaign 
last year he was chairman of the Los Angeles 
County Republican Committee, and was an 
efficient worker. The Republican majority was 
about 3,700, a most surprising and highly grat- 
ifying result, as it entitled the county to the 
honor of being the banner Republican county 
of the State. The Republicans of Alameda 
County, the former banner county, have since 
presented to the Los Angeles County committee 
a beautiful flag as a token of the honor so justly 
earned. This flag is in charge of Mr. Gillmore, 
to whose efforts the grand victory is mostly due. 
He is a gentleman of I'are intelligence and 
affable manner. The characteristics of his pleas- 
ant nature are so impressive that they cannot 
be forgotten. 



ft) GERMAIN, importer of and dealer in 
wines and liquor^, 122 South Spring street, 
Los Angeles, is a native of Switzerland, 
and was born October 8, 1856. He grew up and 
attended school in his native country. After 
reaching manhood he came to America, and 
arrived in Los Angeles, December 13, 1877, 
where he entered the employ of his brother, 
Eugene Germain, who was established then in 
the grocery business here. He made the first 
sales of California oranges in the East, outside 
of Chicago and New York, in 1883; sold $60,- 
000 worth inside of sixty days. He was en- 
gaged in business in Arizona, New Mexico and 
Texasduring the building of the Southern Pacific 
Railroad, and remained there five years. In 
1885 he engaged in business with Henry Baer 
and continued with him two years, then bought 



HISTOBT OF LOS ANQELBS COUNTY. 



liis partner's interest and succeeded to the busi- 
ness. He deals in all kinds of imported and 
domestic liquors, making a specialty of Califor- 
nia wines and brandies for the Eastern market, 
and lias built up a large trade. Mr. Germain 
married Miss Emily Kremer, a native of Los 
Angeles, and a daughter of M. Kremer, one of 
the early settlers here. They have two children : 
Rose and Frankie. 



tNGUS GRAHAM, contractor for brick 
and stone work, Loi Angeles, is a native 
of Canada, and was born in 1852. He 
attended the common schools, and served an 
apprenticeship at brick and stonework with D. 
B. Campbell, contractor, Strathroy, Ontario. 
He came to the United States and followed his 
trade in Michigan at Detroit, St. Clair, Sagi- 
naw and Bay City. He ne.\t went to Chicago 
and worked at his trade there and in St. Paul. 
From the latter place he went to Helena, Mon- 
tana, in 1885, and after being there a short time 
located in Spokane. He built the county jail, 
the Sisters' Hospital and othei' fine buildings. 
He came to Los Angeles in 1887, and the fol- 
lowing year engaged in contracting. He erected 
McLain ct Lehman's Block, on Main street, and 
Alameda Block, on Alameda street. While liv- 
ing in Spokane he made judicious investments 
in real estate. He married Miss Emma Ecker, 
of Stratford, Canada, December 24, 1880. They 
have two children : Angus, Jr., and Edna Lillian. 



4-5mH 



fEORGE GREMINGER is a native of Oiiio. 
His father's name also was George, and he 
was of German descent. Mr. Greminger 
learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, 
which hefollowed the greater partof his life. For 
about eighteen years he engaged in the oil busi- 
ness in Bennsylvania, and subsequently came to 
California. About four years ago he and his 
two sons, George E. and Henry, bought the land 



upon which they now reside, about si.x miles 
north of Newhall, in East Canon. They have 
nearly 500 acres of the most productive land, 
and in the short period of four years they have 
made wonderful improvements. At a depth 
of 138 feet they struck an immense flow of the 
clearest and purest water. His well cultivated 
orchards of apricots, pears, cherries, grapes and 
peaches prove what this valley is capable of pro- 
ducing. And Mr. Greminger should be remem- 
bered as the first man who made the sage brush 
and the wild briar give place to golden fields of 
grain and orchards of delicious fruits. He was 
married in Ohio to Miss Theresa Richards, also 
of German origin. Their children are: Lizzie, 
wife of William Essner, of Pennsylvania; George 
E., Henry, Lewis, David and Frank. The two 
older sons are mechanics, and own 160 acres of 
land adjoining their father's farm, and the 
energy and enterprise displayed on their part in 
making a fruitful farm out of what looked like 
a desert is worthy to be imitated by other young 
men who desire to make a home. 



fOHN GILLESPIE, deceased, was born near 
Stenbenville, Ohio, in 1828, and was the 
son of Hugh and Martha (Kimble) Gilles- 
pie. His paternal grandfather was a native of 
Ireland, and came to America iu time to serve 
in the Revolutionary war. He had three sous: 
Hugh, William and James. Hugh had four 
sons and four daughters, the subject of this sketch 
being the second son, but fourth child. He re- 
ceived a good common-school education in Ash- 
land County, Ohio, and was married there March 
8, 185t), to Miss Charity M. Close, also a native 
of Ashland County, and a daughter of Alauson 
and Jerusha (Mathews) Close. The Close family 
was well known in Ashland County. Alauson 
Close was a successful "farmer and died in 1848, 
having reared a family of five children. On 
March 4, 1856, the day after his marriage, Mr. 
(iillespie and his bride started westward to 
make a home and to lind a fortuiie. They lo- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



cated at Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa, where for 
eighteen. years he was a siiceesslul tiller of tlie 
soil. He afterward moved to Page County, 
Iowa, and there farmed about nine years. Tlien 
lie moved to Los Angeles County, and bouglit 
a farm just south of Artesia, which he afterward 
Sold, and bought fifty acres north of Artesia. 
Tor some time previous to this Mr. Gillespie 
had been in declining health, and on August 11, 
1885, he died, leaving a large circle of friends 
and his faithful wife and six children, whose 
names are as follows: Ella, wife of David Stan- 
bangh, of Shenadoah, Iowa; James W., who is 
a farmer in Kansas; Frank C, a mechanic in 
Los Angeles, who owns the farm on which the 
family live; Edwin G., John W. and EtKe M. 
Mr. Gillespie was a second cousin to the Hon. 
James G. Blaine, the Gillespie family on both 
sides being irom the same stock. He was a very 
successful business man, and a highly respected 
citizen. Mrs. Gillespie and the two younger 
sons are carrying on the farm interests, and are 
regarded as one of the most successful families 
in the beautiful Artesia counti^'. 



fOHN GUESS. — Among the pioneers of Los 
Angeles County is the subject of this 
sketch, who is now one of the representa- 
tive farmers and successful men of the San 
Gabriel Valley, where he has resided for nearly 
thirty -five years. Mr. Guess is a native of In- 
dependence County, Arkansas, dating his birth 
March 28, 1828. His father, Joseph Guess, was 
a native of Tennessee, who early in life settled 
in Arkansas. His mother, 7iee Lottie Minyard, 
was also born in Tennessee. When John was 
about eight years of age the death of his father 
left the family dependent upon the mother for 
support, and she moved the family to Conway 
County, where the subject of this sketch was 
reared and schooled to the labors and privations 
attending pioneer farming. In 1852 Mr. Guess 
married Mi-s. Harriet (Hollafield) Rogers, who 
was the widow of Andrew Rogers, and who was 



born in Alabama in 1824, the daughter of James 
and Nancy (Owens) Hollaiield. Her father was 
a native of JNorth Carolina, and her mother was 
from South Carolina. On the 7th of April of 
that year Mr. Guess, with his bride, started 
across the plains for California. This journey 
was performed with ox teams, and after months 
of weary travel across plain, desert and mount- 
ain, they reached the Golden State. Entering 
by the Southern route, they arrived at El Monte 
in October, 1852. Alter a short stop here they 
located about twelve miles south of that place, 
at what is now Florence, where Mr. Guess en- 
gaged in farming and stock-growing. In 1855 
he returned to El Monte and settled at his present 
place of residence, which is about one mile west 
ot El Monte, at what is now Savannah. There 
he entered 133 acres of land, and devoted him- 
self to building up a home and tilling the soil. 
In this he has been successful, and is now the 
owner of a rich and productive farm of 174 
acres. His attention has been devoted princi- 
pally to general farming — hay, grain and stock- 
raising. He has thirty acres of alfalfa, which 
produces seven crops annually, yielding from 
ten to twelve tons of hay per acre. A family 
orchard, containing a variety of deciduous fruits, 
is among his improvements. A substantial and 
convenient two-story residence long since took 
the place of his humble cottage of early days. 
Commodious barns and well-ordered out-build- 
ings attest the successful farmer. Although 
deprived in his youth of the opportunities of 
gaining an education, Mr. Guess acquired those 
industrious and energetic habits which, com- 
bined with his natural intelligence and sterling 
qualities, have secured his success in life and 
placed him in the ranks of the esteemed citizens 
and solid men of his section. He has ever been 
a strong supporter of schools and churches, and 
has served his district as an able school trustee 
for many years. In politics he is a consistent 
Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Guess have live chil- 
dren living, all born in Los Angeles County. 
The lirst child, Henry, was born January 14, 
1863, and is believed Lo have been the tirst 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



4S7 



Aineripan white child born in the county. Sarah 
A. was born January 4, 1857; Emma, Decem- 
ber 29, 1859; Charles Richard, December 22, 
1865, and flattie, May 19, 1870. The second 
child, Louis, born January 14, 1855, died in 
18G1; the iifth child, Alice, born January 22, 
1861, died in August, 1862; the sixth child, 
Fannie, born March 28, 1863, died in 1878. 
Henry married Miss Mary Arburn, and is a 
resident of San Diego County; Sarah A. mar- 
ried William Slock, and is living at San Ga- 
briel; Emma married William Parker, now a 
resident of El Monte; Richard and Hattie 
are inmates of their father's household. Mr. 
Guess's mother is now a resident of Los Ange- 
les County, a hale and hearty woman, fast ap- 
proaching the eighty-third ye&v of her well-spent 
life. There is one child by Mrs. Guess's former 
marriage, James Rogers, who married Miss Jane 
Beardsley, and after her death married Miss 
Mary McCrary, and now lives near Monrovia. 

fEORGE E. GARD.— Among the promi- 
nent and well-known citizens of Los An- 
geles County is the subject of this sketchy 
who is now a resident of Gladstone. Mr. Gard 
has been a resident of the county for more than 
twenty years, and has been prominently identi- 
fied with its civic and political history. He is 
a native of Warren County, Ohio, dating his 
birth in 1843. His father, Dr. William V. H. 
Gard, was a native of Ohio, and prominent in 
the medical circles of that State. Dr. Gard was 
the younger brother of Dr. L N. Gard, of Green- 
ville, Darke County, Ohio, who served several 
terms in the Senate of that State; was first 
cousin to the Hon. Tom Corwin, of Ohio. In 
1840 he took up Jiis residence in Lebanon, 
Warren County. His death occurred there in 
the year 1849. Mr. Card's mother was Lucretia 
Williamson, a native of Ohio; was highly edu- 
cated, and for a time taught private school at 
Middlotown, Ohio. She died when the subject 
of this sketch was but tliree years old. After 



the death of his father, Mr. Gard became a mem- 
ber of his grandfather's family (Garret AVilliam- 
son, then located at Hamilton, Butler County, 
Ohio), where he was reared and schooled, 
receiving his education in the public schools 
and graduating at the Hamilton High School. 
In 1859 he came overland to California, ac- 
companying his uncle, Henry Williamson, who 
brought with him a band of thoroughbred horses 
and cattle. He remained with his uncle until 
the next year; resided in San Jose two years 
and then located in Mariposa County; there en- 
gaged in mining, and was soon afterward the 
superintendent of Lovejoy & Card's saw-mills, 
and later assistant superintendent of the Mari- 
posa Mining Company's Mills. In 1864 Mr. 
Gard entered the United States military service 
as First Sergeant of Company H, Seventh Cali- 
fornia Volunteer Infantry, and was with that 
command in Arizona and New Mexico nntil 
March, 1866, at which time his company was 
mustered out of service. After his discharge 
from the service Mr. Gard took up his residence 
at Wilmington, and there engaged in business 
until 1868. He then located in Los Angeles 
and established the Los Angeles Ice Company, 
and was the first to enter into that business in 
Southern California. This business was con- 
ducted V)y him until 1871, when he was appointed 
deputy county clerk, holding that position one 
year. He then spent three years as a member 
of the detective police force of the city, after 
■which he accepted the position of deputy county 
recorder, and from 1875 to 1879 was the chief 
deputy recorder of the county. In 1881 he was 
appointed chief of police of the city; in 1883 he 
was appointed deputy sherifi'. In 1884 he was 
elected on the Republican ticket as the sheriff 
of the county and served as such during the 
years of 1885 and 1886. In 1886 Mr. Gard 
purchased forty acres of land at Gladstone and 
the next year a tract of hind at Alosta. Soon 
after his purchase he commenced active oper- 
ations in subdividing his lands and inviting the 
settlement of that section. Early in 1887, in 
connection with F. M. Un(hTw,.o(l and S. Wash- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



biiine, he incorporated the Alosta Land and 
Water Company. Mr. Gard was the president 
and general manager of tlie company, and he 
developed wattr in the Little Dalton Canon and 
piped the same to that tract at an expense of 
abont $25,000. The lands of the company 
found readv sale. He also sold a portion of his 
property at Gladstone, and was one of the promi- 
nent leaders in opening up the section in whicli 
he resided. In addition to his real-estate oper- 
ations he devoted himself to horticultural pur- 
suits. His present home is located about 
one-half mile east of Gladstone, where he is 
establishing one of tiie representative fruit in- 
dustries of his section, having now (1889) fifteen 
acres of Washington J^avel oranges and a large 
variety of deciduous fruits on his eighty-acre 
tract at that point. In addition to his home 
place he has a tract of 107 acres of hill and val 
ley laud, one-fourth of a mile south of Alosta, 
upon which there is a live-acre orange grove and 
a two-acre orchard of deciduous fruits. He also 
has lands on Citrus and Broadway avenues in 
the Gladstone tract, which is well improved and 
producing deciduous and citrus fruits, besides 
business and residence property in Alosta, in- 
cluding wood and coal yard, cottages, etc. Mr. 
Gard is an energetic and go-ahead citizen, taking 
a leading part in developing the resources of his 
section and placing them before the public. He 
is sanguine as to the future prosperity of the 
section in which he resides, knowing it to be 
one of the most desirable of tlic P^ast San Gabriel 
Valley. In political matters Mr. Gard is a 
stanch IJepublican, and has for years taken a 
prominent part as a worker in the ranks of that 
party, representing his district as a delegate in 
the State and county conventions, serving in 
1880 as the secretary of the county central com- 
mittee, and in the campaign of 1888 as chairman 
of the Sixth Congressional District Republican 
Committee. He is also one of the most prominent 
men in G. A. R. circles in Southern California, 
He is a charter member of Bartlett Post, No. 6, 
G. A. K., of Los Angeles, and has tilled the 
various offices of that post and of the depart- 



ment. In 1888 he was elected a member of 
the national council of adn inistratiim, and in 
1889 was chosen as the Department Commander 
of the G. A. II., Department of California, whicli 
places him at the head of the organization on 
the Pacific Coast. He is a member of Olive 
Lodge, No. 26, K. of P., of Los Angeles, and 
also of Los Angeles Lodge, No. 55, A. O. U. AV. 
In 1869 Mr. Gard married Miss Kate A. Ham- 
mel, the daughter of Dr. William Hamrael, 
formerly a prominent physician of Washington, 
District of Columbia, where Mrs. Gard was born. 
The Doctor was well known in Los Angeles 
County, having taken up his residence there in 
1856. Mrs. Card's mother was nee Barbara 
Yon Deleaur. Both her parents were born in 
Germany. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Gard there are two children living: William 
Brant and Georgetta Miles. 



fOSEPH R. GARTHSIDE.— Among the 
tine residence properties of Holt avenue is 
that owned by Mr. Garthside. In 1877 he 
purchased five acres in block 152, upon which 
he erected a modest cottage, and this he occu- 
pied with his family. While pursuing his call- 
ing as a carpenter and builder, he also com- 
menced his horticultural pursuits by planting 
his acres with oranges and other trees. In 1880 
he purchased the five acres adjoining him on 
the east. The rapid growth of the city of Po- 
mona caused his locality to be eagerly sought 
for residence purposes, and in 1886 he sold one- 
half of his land. In 1888 he erected for him- 
self a substantial residence upon the remaining 
five acres. Mr. Garthside is a native of Utica. 
New York, and dates his birth April 20, 1846. 
His father, Richard Garthside, was a native of 
Lancashire, England, who emigrated to the 
United States in 1840 and located at Utica, 
where he followed the occupation of carpenter. 
His mother, Isabella (Relton) Garthside, was 
also a native of Lancashire, England. He was 
reared and schooled in his native place, and at 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



tlie age of seventeen years coiiiinenced work at 
tlie trade of his father. In 1869 he married 
Miss Marj E. Lewis, the daughter of Rees and 
Jane (Jones) Lewis, both of whom are natives 
of Wales, but came to the United States in 
childliood. Iti 1873 the subject of this sketch 
left New York and located in the Western 
States,- where he followed his trade as carpenter 
and builder until he came to Los Angeles 
County in 1877. Since that time he has made 
Pomona his home, and has been actively identi- 
fied with its growth and prosperity. In his 
profession as a carpenter and builder he has 
been engaged in tlie erection of many of its 
most substantial buildings. He is a represent- 
ative and progressive citizen, and well and 
favorably known in the comnninity in which he 
has so long resided. He is a strong supporter 
of church and school, and a consistent member 
of the Episcopal church, and also a member of 
Pomona Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F.; Pomona 
Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and Pomona Lodge, 
No. 225, A. O. U. W. In political matters he 
is a Democrat, but is liberal and conservative in 
his views. He has one child, Harry by name. 



flELDING W. {;IBS0N.— There is no man 
more widely known by the early settlers of 
the San Gabriel Valley, in the days of the 
'50"s, tlian the subject of this sketch. The brief 
facts given in relation to his early history and 
association with Los Angeles County are of in- 
terest. Mr. Gibson was born near Natchez, 
Mississippi, in 1809. His father, David Gib- 
son, was a native of South Carolina, and was 
among the pioneer settlers of that section of 
Mississippi. His mother was formerly Frances 
McKinley, a native of Pennsylvania, and a de- 
scendant of an old family of that State. Mr. 
Gibson was reared as a farmer, well schooled in 
the hardships and labor attending pioneer farm- 
ing, but was deprived almost entirely of any 
educational or scliooling facilities. UiK)n ar- 
rivinir at man's estate he en<raired in farmiiiir 



occupations in his native State and in Louisiana. 
He was also a large dealer and speculator in 
lands. In 1851 he started from New Orleans 
and traveled through Me.\ico to Mazatlan, and 
thence by steamer to San Francisco. After a 
short stay in that city he went to Sacramento 
and immediately sought the mines, remaining 
for two months. He again returned to the 
mines, remaining five months, and during that 
time made $7,000. Cattle being high in that 
county, he concluded there was a speculation in 
that business. Procuring a suitable outfit at 
San Gabriel Mission, he hired Mexican herders 
and proceeded to Sonora, Me.xico, where he pur- 
chased 550 head of cattle, which he intended 
driving into the northern coimties of California. 
The Mexicans in his employ, combining with 
others, commenced a systematic stealing of his 
stock as soon as the herd was en route for the 
North, and so successfully did they conduct 
their stealing that upon his arrival in the San 
Gabriel Valley he had but eighty-two head left. 
While recruiting his stock, Mr. Gibson de- 
termined to settle in the valley. He therefore 
purchased from Mr. Dal ton 250 acres of land, 
located about one-half mile west of El Monte. 
This land was wild and uncultivated, but of a 
rich, deep t-oil. He took up his residence upon 
this purchase and devoted himself to its cultiva- 
tion and improvement. He engaged in general 
farming and stock-raising, and soon had one of 
the representative farms of the valley. He was 
also engaged in dealing in land in other sec- 
tions. His long business experience, keen fore- 
sight and practical knowledge rendered him 
uniformly successful in his 0[>erations, and 
secured him a fair competency. Mr. Gibson is 
at this writing (1889) in his eightieth year, with 
all liis faculties seemingly unimpaired; but de- 
sirous of relieving himself from the cares and 
labors of agricultural pursuits, and at the same 
time make a sur& provision for his children, he 
has deeded to each of them lifly acres of the old 
homestead. Mr. Gibson's long residence and 
identification with various interests tliroughont 
the vallev and county, combined with his houcu'- 



HI8T0RT OF LOS AJHGELE8 GOUNTT. 



able dealings and manly qualities, have gained 
him the respect and esteem of a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. In political matters 
he is a consistent Democrat. In 1861-'62-'63 
he served as county supervisor from his district. 
In 1858 Mr. Gibson married Miss Betsey 
Aldrich, a native of Vermont. She was the 
daughter of Hazen Aldrich, also of that State. 
From this marriage tliere are live children 
living, viz.: Edward, who married Miss Alma 
Jaqua, now living in Los Angeles; Fielding, 
Brace S., who married Miss Luty Renfro (she 
died March 24, 1888); Blanche, wife of James 
S. Chapman, residing in Arizona; and Gadi S. 
Fielding is a resident of San Jose. Brace and 
Gadi are residing on the old homestead, and are 
engaged in its cultivation, giving their attention 
to general farming. Mr. Gibson has given all 
his cliildreu the benefit of a good education. 



tON. J. J. GOSPER is a native of Knox 
County, Ohio, where he first saw the light 
of this world on the 8th day of April, 
1841. About the year 1845 the Gosper family 
moved into the far West and located on a farm 
near Geneva, in Kane County, Illinois. When 
John was about nine years of age his father died 
leaving a widow and five helpless children. John 
was the oldest. Because of his very strong will 
and restless spirit his mother was unable to 
properly control him, consequently he was bound 
out to a farmer to serve with him until he 
reached his twenty-first year. To avoid the 
cruel treatment constantly inflicted upon him 
he ran away from his heartless home after tliree 
years of service. His legal lord placing a high 
value on his labor caused him to be arrested by 
the sherifi" of the county and returned like a run- 
away criminal. Two more years of cruel serv- 
ice equal to human slavery, and again the brave 
spirit of our young hero revolted and declared 
he would not submit to the demands of his 
merciless master. Tliis bold and unexpected 
declaration aroused the wrath of his would-be 



owner, and the next instant John was lying 
prostrate and senseless at the feet of a human 
monster, whose clenched fist had well nigh de- 
prived this friendless boy of iiis very life. With 
no eye to pity and no iiand to help he went 
thence out into the strange world alone. Seed- 
time and harvest, summer and winter, found 
him laboring with his hands until the war of 
the Rebellion, in 1861, called him into the serv- 
ice of his country. In his twentieth year he 
entered the army of the Union as a private in 
the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. Four long years 
did he thus act as a sentinel to national safety. 
The last part of his service was with the Twenty- 
ninth United States coloi-ed troops, as a com- 
missioned oflicer. His services were gallant 
and heroic. One of his legs was left upon the 
battlefield and he now wears a wooden one in 
lieu thereof. About this time the star of his 
human destiny came out from the darkness and 
its light has shone with unusual brilliancy ever 
since. For two years he was the duly elected 
tax collector for Geneva Township in Kane 
County, Illinois. About two years later, in 
1869, he located his home in Lincoln, Nebraska. 
Two years he served in the city council and was 
president of the same. Two years later he 
served the public as Secretary of State. He was 
nominated to these offices by the Republican 
party, of which he has always been a useful and 
active member. In the management of local 
and State politics he became a strong power. 
One of the new counties of the State of Nebraska 
was given his name in recognition of his accept- 
able public service. In April, 1877, President 
Hayes appointed him Secretary of the Territory 
of Arizona. This position he occupied a period 
of five years and most of that time was the act- 
ing Governor of the Territory. About four 
years ago he became a citizen of Los Angeles, 
California. Here, as it has been elsewhere, his 
neighbors and friends have singled him out to 
hold places of trust and responsibility. He has 
been selected as a delegate to nearly every city, 
county and State convention of his party held 
since he became a citizen of California. Because 



UISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



of his personal popularity and readiness of 
speech he is always in much demand in conven- 
tions to make nominating speeches. At the 
invitation of the State Central Committee he 
became one of the regular State speakers during 
the Harrison campaign. Recently he was elected 
a member of the Public School Board of his city, 
which position he is now filling. Few men 
there are of his age who have occupied so many 
places of public trust and responsibility, yet he 
is not an office seeker. Eecognizing his force 
and integrity of character, coupled with his 
push and public spirit, we piedict for this self- 
made man a future far more prominent and 
useful than has been his past. In early life he 
prepared himself for the practice of law, but his 
physical condition would not admit of a steady 
in-door occupation. His principal business is 
live-stock and real estate, although he has had 
considerable experience at mining. His habits 
are simple and natural. He is as affable and 
unpretentious as was Abraham Lincoln, indeed 
that man was his ideal of American manhood. 
From his sixteenth year he has been an honored 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He is also an active member of the Grand Army 
of the Eepublic and Past Commander of one of 
the posts. In time of trouble and danger he is 
as brave as a lion, yet in the presence of the 
weak and sufl'eriTig always kind and gentle. 



ROBERT GOLLMER, capitalist, 136 East 
|M First street, is a native of AVittenberg, 
"S|;\ Germany, born April 7, 1838. He at- 
tended school and served an apprenticeship to 
the painter's trade in his native country. In 
1865 he emigrated to America, landing in New 
Orleans, where he remained a year and a half, 
then went to New York and sailed for Califor- 
nia, by way of the Isthmus. He remained in 
San Francisco about si.x months, and in 1867 
came to Los Angeles, wliere he was employed 
by John Golier, remaining with him four years. 
He then entered the employ of L. Licliteuberger, 



in the carriage painting business, and remained 
with him for sixteen years. At the expiration 
of that time he gave his attention to improving 
his property. In 1871 Mr. Gollraer made a trip 
to his native land, and on June 8 married Miss 
Ana Magdalena Schwaigerer. After spending 
some months there he returned to America 
with his bride, in November of the same year. 
His good wife has done her full share in help- 
ing her husband to secure a competency, and in 
this, by their industry and good management, 
they have been successful. They have lived in 
their present location for seventeen years. Of 
their seven children, only three survive: Adolph, 
Amelia and Albert. 



fJ. GARBER, of the firm of Garber ct 
Harrington, contractors, Los Angeles, is 
'^ a native of Ohio, born October 22, 1854. 
He attended the common schools and learned 
the trade of carpenter and joiner in his native 
State. He went to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1883, 
remaining there until 1886, at which time he 
came to California, settled in Los Angeles and 
engaged in building. He erected the Barker 
Block and a number of other buildings and 
private residences. The firm of Garber & Har- 
rington was organized during the present year, 
1889. Among other contracts they have the 
ci)ntract for the residences of M. H. Newmark, 
on Grand avenue, one of the finest in the city; 
also the residence of Mr. Jacoby, on Hope 
street. 



fRANK ASBURY GIBSON was born in 
Pittsburg, Iowa, November 23, 1851. He 
has four sisters, three of whom live here 
and one in' Wyoming. His father, Hugh Gib- 
son, who was of Scotch descent, was born in 
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and died in 1873, in 
Los Angeles. His mother, who for some years 
has been an honored resident of this city, was 



UISTOUr OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



born in tlie Isle of Man. She is a woman of 
tnucli intluence and of many sterling qualities. 
The family came to California in 1866, when 
Frank was in his fifteenth year. The latter re- 
ceived his education in the common schools of 
Iowa, and in the University of the Pacific, lie 
lived in San Joaquin and Colusa counties three 
years. He came to Los Angeles in 1872, lirst 
engaging in surveying and then in the post- 
office, till 1877, when he went into the abstract 
business. He is now the manager of the "Ab- 
stract and Title Insurance Compauy." He was 
county recorder, lirst by appointment of the 
supervisors to fill a vacancy, and then ' by elec- 
tion from 1885 to January, 1889. He was a mem- 
ber of the board of education for the years 1883 
-'84:-'85, and during the latter portion of the 
time he was president of the board. In 1871-'72 
he was clerk and acting agent of the Round 
Valley Indian Reservation. In 1881 he married 
Mary K. Simons, and they have one boy. Mr. 
Gibson is a man of high character and enjoys 
the respect and confidence of the entire com- 
munity. 



f GRIFFITH JENKINS GRIFFITH was 
||! born January 4, 1852, in Glamorganshire, 
^ South Wales. In his early childhood he 
heard of Atnericaand the wonderful opportunities 
it afforded for success, and being ambitious and 
full of youthful courage, at the age of fourteen 
years he left his old Welsh home, and crossed 
the Atlantic Ocean to Pennsylvania. Here the 
young lad fell into the good hands of famous old 
Benjamin Mowry, of Danville, Pennsylvania, 
who took him and not only gave him a first- 
class intellectual and moral education, but cared 
for him with the tenderness of a natural parent, 
and performed deeds of kindness which it was 
the happy lot of Mr. Griffith to repay in after 
years. Plis education was rounded out at the 
Fowler Institute in New York City. Then fol- 
lowed a few years of newspaper work in Pennsyl- 
vania. In 1872 Mr. Griffith visited his childhood 



home in Glamorganshire, and, while enjoying a 
quiet retreat with his parents, he received infor- 
mation of the failure of the Odd Fellows Bank 
of Pittsburg, in which were all his savings, 
amounting to several thousand dollars. Not 
disheartened by this piece of unwelcome intel- 
ligence, he immediately returned to America to 
seek anew his fortune. This was in 1873, and 
he came direct to San Francisco. Here he re- 
sumed his first venture in journalism. For 
several years he was business manager of the 
Rerald Publishing Company, which at one time 
published in all thirteen different periodicals 
and newspapers, including the Overland Monthly. 
This was during the years of the great mining 
boom. He saw how rapidly fortunes were made 
in mining, and he employed his spare moments 
in studying everything he could find of value 
pertaining to that pursuit. Then he further 
qualified himself by many visits to the Corn- 
stock lode, and, by practically studying tiie rocks, 
was soon an expert. He became the mining 
correspondent of the San Francisco Alta, a very 
difficult position, which he held with honor and 
profit for a number of years. His services as 
a mining expert brought him a very liberal sal- 
ary of several hundred dollars per mouth, and 
he soon had a little capital to invest himself in 
mines. His colmillos were speedily cut, and he 
awoke one day to the fact that he was about 
S10,000 in debt. Calling his creditors together, 
who only numbered five, he told them the situ- 
ation, and instead of taking advantage of the 
bankrupt act, oflered his salary as interest if 
they would extend his note a year. They not 
only agreed to do this, but offered him the use of 
more money. In much less than a year his 
obligations were all cancelled. He made three 
fortunes and lost two of them in mining. He 
dealt extensively in mining properties in Vir 
ginia City, White Pine, Pioche, Eureka and 
Chihuahua. After making something over 
$1,000,000 in his last deal, he concluded to lay 
a little by for after years. In 1882 he pur- 
chased the Los Feliz Ranch, just above Los 
Angeles City, containing about 6,700 aci-es. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



This rHnch owned a fraction of tlie water in the 
Los Angeles River, and in order to give the city 
a clear title to the water, about which there had 
been litigation for many years, in 1884 Mr. 
(4riffith sold this fraction, amounting to 800 
inches per second, to the city for $50,000. The 
price was ver}' cheap, as it was easily worth 
four or five times that amount. While on a trip 
East, Mr. Griffitli visited hisold home in Danville, 
Pennsylvania, and enjoyed a large and generous 
reception at the hands of his old friend Mowry 
and his old townsmen. Danville was a mining 
town which had decreased in population from 
20,000 to 4,000; times were very hard and 
homesteads were being sold for taxes. Finding 
his old friend and benefactor in straitened cir- 
cumstances, he lifted the obligation, to the 
astoni^hment of the authorities, and no words 
can depict the supreme pleasure that was mut- 
ually experienced when he handed Mowry, then 
fourscore and ten years old, a receipt in full of 
all demands, and turned aside to veil his eyes 
from the scene when Mowry informed his aged 
spouse what "their boy" had done for them in 
their extreme old age and distress, as a small 
return for the great good they had done him in 
his youth. It was Mr. Griffith's privilege still 
later to visit Danville when East on his wed- 
ding tour, and erect a handsome monument of 
])olished granite, eighteen feet high, over their 
graves and to the memory of Benjamin and Jane 
Mowry, in kind remembrance of the loving 
deeds they had performed for the once friendless 
Welsh lad. January 27, 1887, Mr. Griffith mar- 
ried Miss CristinaMesmer, a daughter of the well- 
known Los Angeles capitalist, Louis Mesmer, 
who brought a handsome fortune and estate of 
her own. A male heir has blessed this union. 
During the real-estate boom of 1886-'87 Mr. 
Griffith parted with nearly $1,000,000 worth of 
his land at profitable prices, but his work has 
been more in the line of actual developments 
of the country's resources. As only one instance 
which may be here cited, he is having large 
tunnels driven tlirough the solid granite in the 
hills, a mile and a quarter northwest from 



the city's limits, which have already devel- 
oped a large stream of water about 500 feet 
above the city. He is still largely interested in 
mines in Mexico and elsewhere. In 1884 Mr. 
Griffith brought his parents over from Wales, 
and domiciled them, with five brothers and three 
sisters, on the Los Feliz Kancli. By one act 
alone, that of conveying to the city the much 
sued for water, Mr. Griffith prominently identi- 
fied himself with its history, and by many sub- 
sequent occurrences has justly obtained the 
reputation of a public-spirited citizen. 



■i<^ik->-^» 



fRANK GOOD ALL. —Of those in this 
county who have made their own way in 
the world, none are more worthy of a place 
in a work of this character than is he whose 
name is at the head of this notice. Left an or- 
phan when less than four years of age, he was 
reared by Solomon Graves. After he reached 
young manhood he made his home with Eli 
Graves, with whom he afterward formed a busi- 
ness partnership. Mr. Goodall was born in 
Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1856. Became 
to California in 1875, farmed in Santa Clara 
County till 1879, then went to San Diego 
County and engaged in the same occupation 
until 1882, in which year he came to this county 
and purchased sixty-five acres of land. On this 
place he has built a commodious residence, and 
has planted out a fine orchard of apple, peach, 
apricot and orange trees. He is also devoting 
some attention to the raising of fine horses, and 
is doing a prosperous business in general. Mr. 
Goodall was united in marriage November 30, 
1887, with Miss Sue Adams, a native of Missis- 
sippi. This excellent lady is the daughter of 
the Rev. Samuel M. Adams, well known in this 
and other counties of the State, where he served 
different charges as pastor in the Southern 
Methodist Episcopal Church. He now sustains 
a superannuated relation to the church, and lives 
in Downey. Mr. and Mrs. Goodall are both 
active members of the church, in which he has 



494 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



been honored by his brethren with some of the 
most responsible ofhces. As host and hostess 
they have a cordial welcome for all, and the 
writer of this biographical sketch will not soon 
forget the true Southern courtesy extended to 
him, nor their liospitality which he shared. 






f HARRINGTON, of the firm of Harring- 
ton & Garber, contractors, Los Angeles, 
"^ is a native of England, and was born 
September 2, 1848. He attended school and 
served an apprenticeship to his trade tliere, and 
after reaching manhood lie came to America in 
18G8. He spent three years in Chicago, and 
then went to Kansas City, where he remained 
two years. From there he came to California 
in 1880, and spent several years in the mining 
district in the northern part of the State. In 
1882 he came to Los Angeles, and engaged in 
building, and since then, for the past seven 
years, has been identiiied with the business here. 
Although a young man, he has, by his ability 
and good judgment in his investments, secured 
a competency. In 1883 Mr. Harrington married 
Miss Mattie Alderfer, of Ohio. They have one 
son, Roy Harrington. 



-Sm£- 



fW. GILLETTE, of Huguenot descent and 
son of a Baptist clergyman, was born in 
® Elmira, New York. He was on the Kan- 
sas border from 185G to 1858, and came, the latter 
year, with a sup{)ly train for Harney's expedition 
against the Mormons, to Camp Floyd; thence 
to the Sacramento Valley. Lung trouble and a 
business op]iortunity brought him in May, 1862, 
to Southern California and ultimate health. He 
has lived in Los Angeles since March, 1867. Was 
deputy county clerk, etc., till May, 1873; county 
recorder and auditor from March, 1874, to 
March, 1876. Was one of the founders (in 1867) 
of Merrill Lodge, Good Templars, which recently 
gave tiie Woman's Christian Temperance Union 



the lot whereon is their beautiful temple; also 
of the Brooklyn Tract Company; of the first 
street railroad on Aliso street; of the abstract 
and title firm of Gillette & Gibson, and lastly 
of the Arrowhead Hot Springs Company, in 
which he is extensively interested and secretary. 
He married Miss Emma Serrot, of our suburl>, 
Florence; both are members of Fort Street 
Methodist Episcopal Chui-ch, and have since 
June, 1875, resided on Temple street, near Fort. 
He was a Republican till the Presidential 
election of 1884 when he joined the Prohibition 
party. Mr.Gillette is thoroughly respected by the 
community in which he has lived so many years, 
and which he has served in various public and 
official capacities so well. He is a man of high 
principle, and thorough integrity and pure life. 



tD. GRISWOLD, contractor, corner of 
Wells street and Columbus avenue, is a 
® native of New York State, born May 28, 
1839. He attended school during boyhood and 
served an apprenticeship to the trade of car- 
penter and joiner. After reaching his majority, 
upon the breaking out of the war, he enlisted 
in May, 1861, in the Ninth New York Cavalry 
Regiment and served in the Army of the Po- 
tomac, and was with Sheridan's command in the 
Shenandoah Valley; also served under other 
cavalry leaders. General Kilpatrick and General 
Pleasanton. He was wounded and taken pris- 
oner at Brandy Station, Louden Valley, during 
the cavalry charge on General Mead's retreat; 
was taken to Richmond where he was a prisoner 
six months. After serving three years, he re- 
turned to New York State, and then went to 
Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the etnploy of the 
Government, where he was engaged in rebuild- 
ing. From there he went to New Mexico, and 
two years later removed to Colorado, remaining 
there ten years, engaged in building. He after- 
ward spent five years ir Texas and two years in 
Mexico. Mr. Griswold came to Los Angeles in 
January, 1885, and since then has been engaged 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQBLES COUNTY. 



in contracting and building. In 1881 he mar- 
ried Miss Anna Sleyster, in Texas. They have 
an elegant home on the corner of "Wells street 
and Columbus avenue, with large grounds and 
fruit orchard, all finely improved. It is one of 
the most attractive homes in East I>os Angeles. 



ILLIAM S. HURLBUT, builder, 226 
South Main street, Los Angeles, is a 
native of the State of Vermont, born 
April 26, 1837. His father was Eev. Elias 
Hurlbut, also a native of Vermont, and his 
mother, Lucinda (Stewart) Hurlbut, was a native 
of' New York State. Mr. Hurlbut was reared 
and served an apprenticeship to his trade as a 
builder in his native State. He went to Man- 
hattan, Ivansas, in 1857, and was one of the 
pioneers of that State during the troublous times 
of tiie free State movement. He enlisted the 
13th of April, 1864, in the Signal Corps, U. S. 
A., and served in the department of the Gulf. 
He participated in the siege of Mobile and at 
the battles of Forts Morgan and Gaines; was act- 
ing signal officer for the army on tiie United 
States sloop of war Ossipee. After a terrific 
fight with the Rebel ram Tennessee, the latter 
was obliged to surrender to the Ossipee. When 
the war closed Mr. Hurlbut returned to Kan- 
sas, and on the 12th of April, 1866, was united 
in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Limbocker, daugh- 
ter of the Rev. H. S. Limbocker, of the State 
of Michigan. They have two children: Grace 
Irene and Harry Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Hurl- 
but are both members of the Baptist Church of 
Los Angeles. 



♦::^.->c9i.*.<-. 



fOHN WESLEY GAINES, a farmer and 
stock-raiser, residing two and one-half miles 
east of the village of Compton, is one of the 
first settlers of this part of the county of Los 
Angeles, he having come hero in August, 1871, 
and located where he has since lived. Durini; 



that time he has improved a fine farm of sixty 
acres. Being a native of Kentucky, Mr. Gaines 
possesses in large measure that hospitality so 
characteristic of the Southerners. He was born 
in Madison County, and is a son of John W. and 
Sarah (White) Gaines, natives of the Old Do- 
minion and of Irish descent. Nathan White, 
Mr. Gaines's maternal grandfather, was a soldier 
in the Revolutionary war. The father of the 
subject of this sketch emigrated with his family 
10 Missouri at an early day, where he was a 
respected and honored tiller of the soil until his 
death. Mr. Gaines crossed the plains to Cali- 
fornia with ox teams in 1850, being on the way 
three months, this being the quickest time made 
in crossing over in those days. He landed in 
the mining districts near Nevada City, and there 
engaged in mining for two years, after which he 
worked at the carpenter's trade for awhile. 
About this time he was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary Clamp, a native of New York. Her 
parents emigrated to California when she was a 
small child. This union has been blessed with 
twelve children, all of whom are living: Will- 
iam A., AVesley Gaines, Edith, Sophie Lee, Ed- 
ward F., Lillie Belle, Louisa, Robert E., Nathan, 
Margaret, Clara and Laura G. AYilliani A. 
married Miss Lizzie Lord, and Edith is now the 
wife of L. P. Abbott, of Los Angeles. 

— '^■'m^^^ — 

fHARLES I. GOUCHER, Superintendent 
of the Long Beach Development Company, 
has been a citizen of this, place for two 
years. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 
Easton, in 1859, and is the son of William and 
Mary (Robinson) Goucher, natives of Connecti- 
cut and England respectively. The mother came 
to America at the age of six years. The father 
was engaged in the mercantile business in Phila- 
delphia until his death, which occurred in 1884. 
William Goucher had a family of seven children: 
William 11., who is president of the Long Beach 
Improvement Company; Emily, Thomas R., 
Minnie, Jennie, Charles I. (the subject of this 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



sketch), and Ulysses Grant. Mr. Goucher was 
educated at the public schools of Philadelphia, 
learned civil engineering by a six years' course 
in the Public Survey Department of that city, 
and served three years with the JNorfolk & 
Western Road. He was married in 1886 to 
Miss Mary E. Ellis, of Cayuga County, New 
York, and daughter of Jotham and Catherine 
Ellis. Mr. and Mrs. Goucher are members of 
the Episcopalian Church, and politically he 
affiliates with the Republican party. He has a 
pleasant residence on the corner of second and 
Daisy streets. Mr. Goucher is an enterprising 
young man, and by his pluck and energy is win- 
ning his way to the front ranks among the busi- 
ness men of Southern California. 



fEORGE HINDS, Collector of Customs, 
Wilmington, is a native of Ireland, and 
was born in 1834. He was reared in his 
native country, and at the age of seventeen years 
emigrated to America, in 1851, and lived in 
Pennsylvania until 1861. When the war broke 
out he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourth 
Pennsylvania Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, 
served all through the Peninsular campaign, and 
participated in many severe engagements; was 
in the siege of Fort Wagner, and in Florida a 
portion of the time, and on James Island, serv- 
ing three years. He was appointed hospital 
steward in the United States army, and remained 
in the employment of the Government until 
1868. He left the service at Wilmington, be- 
came associated with his present partner, Mr. 
Vickery, and engaged in the live-stock and 
butchering business. The firm of Yickery & 
Hinds is one of the oldest and most prominent 
in the business in Southern California. They 
have markets in Los Angeles, Wilmington, San 
Pedro and Long Beach, and have a large estab- 
lished trade and enjoy an enviable reputation. 
Mr. Hinds has been twice elected a member of 
the board of supervisors of this county, and 
served during the years 1874, 1875 and 1876, 



and during these years was president of the 
board. He was again elected a tnember of the 
board for four years, and resigned that office to 
accept the appointment by President Cleveland 
of collector of customs for the District of Wil- 
mington, August 23, 1886. Mr. Hinds was 
married March 1, 1865, to Miss Mary Kennedy, 
of Pennsylvania. They have no children. 



lAJOR HExNRY HANCOCK was born 
at Bath, New Hampshire, February 22, 
1822. He was in the Mexican war, and 
came to California via Cape Horn in 1849, and 
to Los Angeles in 1852. He was both an at- 
torney and a surveyor, and he surveyed many 
private ranches in different parts of California. 
He was also a United States surveyor for many 
years. He made the second official survey of 
the city of Los Angeles, Captain Ord, of the 
United States army, having made the first. 
Major Hancock represented Los Angeles County 
in the Legislature once or twice. He married 
a daughter of Colonel Harasthy, who still sur- 
vives him. John, a brother of Major Hancock, 
came to California with him, and is a resident 
of Los Angeles. Major Hancock died several 
years ago. 



^' • — ^ •'^"r*%^'^=^ "" 

fG. HATHERN is one of the first settlers 
in Compton. He is a native of Somer- 
® set County, Maine, and was born in the 
town of Athens, August 28, 1823. His father, 
Jacob Hathern, was born September 13, 1790, 
at Bowdoinham, Maine, and his mother, Lydia 
C. Whittier, was born in Nottingham, New 
Hampshire, August 18, 1784. They had a 
family of six children whose names are as fol- 
lows: Rodney R., Hannah A., Clarinda, J. G., 
Philena D. and Roena M. The subject of this 
sketch was married May 6, 1856, to Miss Martha 
F. Durrell, a native of Solon, Maine, and the 
daughter of Daniel M. and Jane (French) Dur- 



nrsroRT of los angeles county. 



rell. Jane French was the daugliter of Captain 
Josiali Frencli, who had five wives: First, Mol- 
lie Biiswell; second, llannali Gill, widow of 
Jolin Gill; third, Jane Eaton; fourth. Teinper- 
aTice Durrell; fifth, Elizabeth .lackinan. Cap- 
tain French outlived all liis wives. lie was a 
pioneer of Solon, Maine, having moved from 
Old Salisbury, Massachusetts, to Solon in 1805, 
where he died at the advanced age of ninety 
years. On the 27th of February, 1811, he re- 
signed his commission as Commander-in-Chief 
of the Fourth Regiment of Infantry, Second 
Brigade, Eighth Division of the militia of the 
commonwealth of Massachusetts. Daniel and 
Jane Durrell had four children, viz.: Josiah F., 
Jane, Martha F. and Rachel M. The mother 
of these children died, and Mr. Durrell married 
Elizabeth Somes, by whom he had six children: 
Naomi S., Mary S., Daniel M., Olive D., Caro- 
line D. and Edgar J. Daniel Durrell was a native 
of Nottingham, New Hampshire, and his sec- 
ond wife was born in Mt. Desert, Maine. Mr. 
Ilathern and his wife, with their two children, 
Jennie C. and Daniel M., left their lioine in 
Atlieus, Maine, December 21, 1868, fur Califor- 
nia. They reached New York the day before 
Christmas and took steamer, via the Isthmus of 
Panama, which they crossed January 1. They 
then took the steamer Constitution to San Fran- 
cisco, wliere they landed after a voyage of six- 
teen days. From that city they went by steamer 
to Sacramento, and then by rail to Marysville. 
J. F. Durrell and his wife had been their com- 
panions all the way from Maine, and he and Mr. 
Hathern left their wives with his brother-in- 
law, R. B. Russell, at Marysville, while they 
took steamer to Petaluma, and on horseback ex- 
plored the Russian River territory. The^' sub- 
sequently returned to their families at Marys- 
ville, and went thence by steamer to San Pedro, 
looking for a home. They had heard of Comp- 
ton, and, going there, met the gentleman they 
desired to see -A. M. Peck, a sketch of whom 
appears elsewhere in this work. They first ])ur- 
cbased 200 acres of land in partnership near 
where Florence now stands. Mr. Ilathern sub- 



sequently sold his in'erest to Mr. Durrell, after 
I wliich he jnirchased the forty acres on which he 
i is now so comfortably located, paying $1,850 
for the j)lace. Vast indeed have been the iin- 
pro\ements he has made and that have been 
made around him. The farm is now managed 
by his son, Daniel M., who married Miss Mag- 
gie J. Johnson, a native of Canada, and by 
whom he has one child, Ro\' E. Jennie C, 
oldest daughter of the subject of this sketch, 
died in\y 3, 1871. The two surviving children 
are: Daniel and Rena R. Mr. and Mrs. Ilath- 
ern are active members of the Holiness Band 
in Compton. Politically he has always been 
pronounced in his views, was an anti-slavery 
man, and now affiliates with the Prohibition 
party. He is one of the strongest and truest 
advocates of the great temperance question in 
Los Angeles County. 

--^€(i3il^-^^ — 

fACOB HARPS was born in Mercer County, 
Pennsylvania, in 1849, and is a son of 
Daniel Harps. He was early in life thrown 
entirely upon his own resources. His mother 
died when he was four years old, and his father, 
when he was seven. In 1872 Mr. Harps came 
to California and located in San Francisco, where 
for a period of four years he was engaged in 
bridge-building. In 1876 he came to Los An- 
geles County and located in San Fernando, as 
one of the first settlers of what is regarded as 
one of the most beautiful and healthful places 
in Southern California. He first bought 160 
acres of land, which he farmed till al)0ut two 
years ago. He still owns the farm, which he is 
having set to olives, but has gone into the 
lumber business in San Fernando, and deals in 
lumber, lime, cement, etc. In 1876 Mr. Harps 
was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Nick- 
erson, of Santa Cruz, California. Herparentsalso 
died before she was six years of age. They have 
a very pleasant home on Johnsoti street, San 
Fernando. Socially, Mr. Harps is a member of 
the A. O. U. W., and affiliates with Lodge No. 



nilSTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



214, San Fernando. He was one of the charter 
members of this lodge, which started out with 
twenty-one members, in 1882, and which num- 
bers now forty-nine members. He is the dis- 
trict deputy of District No. 7, Los Angeles 
County, having held all the minor offices. He 
is a member of the school board, and affiliates 
with the Democratic party. 



fEORGE HANSEN, the eminent civil en- 
gineer, is a native of Fiume, Austria. He 
was born in the year 1824. He came to 
California via Cape Horn and Peru in 1850, 
and to Los Angeles in 1853. He is the oldest 
surveyor and engineer in Los Angeles County. 
He has followed his profession ever since his 
arrival, and he has probably records of more 
surveys, made by himself and under his direc- 
tion, in Los Angeles County and in Southern 
California, than any other living surveyor. He 
projected and planted the vineyard town of Ana- 
heim, the pioneer colony of the Pacific Coast, in 
1857. Mr. Plansen is a very learned man, and 
a man of great intellectual ability. He is well 
read in almost every branch of human knowl- 
edge, and is familiar with several languages, 
ancient and modern, including German, French, 
Spanish and English. He is, withal, of a very 
genial disposition, and is held in high esteem 
for his sof'inl qualities as well as for his 
learning. 



tEV. A. C. HAZZARD was born in Detroit, 
Michigan, in 1825, and is a sou of William 
Hazzard, an old associate of General Cass. 
William Hazzard was born in 1798, in Con- 
necticut. The old Hazzard family were origi- 
nally from Rhode Island. His ancestors settled 
in Rhode Island in 1636 and came from Eng- 
land. As early as 1817 William Hazzard drove 
an ox team from Vermont to Detroit, Michigan, 
and walked and carried his personal effects on 



the yoke of his oxen. He married Casandra 
Coan, a daughter of Augustus Coan, who was 
an officer in the war of 1812, and his father a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war. Many were 
the adventures experienced by Mr. Coan. At 
the breaking out of the war in 1812 he was in 
Canada and was pressed into the British service. 
Not wanting to fight with the British against 
his own countrymen he deserted; was twice 
captured and was condemned to be hung by 
Colonel Meggs. On his way to execution, 
which was to take place just at sunrise, he 
watched his opportunity, and knocked his two 
guards down, springing into the brush beside 
the road in the twilight of the early morning, 
and stumbling over a log, fell behind it. Then 
he crawled to the water and swam the Detroit 
River, thus escaping two guards and two 
mounted dragoons! If all his adventures and 
narrow escapes from the British and the Indians 
could be published, it would be a work full of 
much interest. William Hazzard settled in St. 
Joseph County, Michigan, on Christinas eve, 
1828. He built the first house in the county,' 
and he and old Judge Sturgis, for whom the 
city of Sturgis was named, were the first settlers 
of St. Joseph County. He died at Centerville, 
Michigan, in 1882, his wife having died about 
the year 1869. They had twelve children, all 
living but one, James, wlio died at the age of 
forty years. The subject of this sketch was 
next to the oldest. He was educated at Albion 
College, and decided when quite young to be- 
come a preacher of the gospel, and was licensed 
to preach in 1854 in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. In 1851 he married Jane A. Lee, of 
Branch County, and a daughter of Dennis Lee, 
a pioneer of that county. After his marriage 
he joined the Michigan Conference, in 1857, 
and traveled as a preacher in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church seven years. In 1864 he 
came by steamer to California, landing in San 
Francisco, April 1, 1864. When at Santa Rosa 
he joined the California Conference. The fol- 
lowing are the charges filled by him during his 
connection with this conference: St. Helena, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Santa Rosa, Sacramento Circuit, Berryessa, Red- 
wood, Dutch Flat, Iowa Hill, Eureka, Antioch, 
Ferndale, Sonora and Clear Lake. Then he 
took the supernumerary relation, and five years 
ago liought the large ranch near Santa Fe 
Springs, where he has since resided. Mr. Ilaz- 
zard is an educated man himself, and has given 
all his children a liberal education at the Uni- 
versity of the Pacific in San Jose, lie has 
recently deeded 100 acres of land as an endow- 
ment fund for the post-graduate courses of the 
University of Southern California, and they are 
named in honor of him. He remained a mem- 
ber of the California Conference till 1888, when 
he was transferred to the Southern California 
Conference. Mr. Hazzard is a man of large 
experience and liberal views, and has accom- 
plished a great deal of good. The ineml)ers of 
his family are as follows: Mary Eva, now the 
widow of the late Rev. Harry Smith, of Wabash, 
Indiana; Hattie, wife of Rev. T. H. "Woodward, 
of Chico, California Conference; George L., 
Fred A., and Alice M., now of Los Angeles 
County. 



Ip^EORGE W. HAZARD, manufacturer of 
IKt? and dealer in harness and saddles, whips, 

W^ robes, etc., Nos. 118 and 115 Reqnena 
street, Los Angeles, was born in the town of 
Evanston, one of the most popular and populous 
of the suburbs of Chicago. His parents were 
Captain A. M. Hazard, a native of Rutland, 
Vermont, and Eleanor (Alexander) Hazard, a 
native of Glasgow, Scotland. They were among 
the earliest pioneers in Nortliern Illinois, and 
settled on the lake shore, on the land now occu- 
pied by the town of Evanston, and before the 
town was laid out or a house built. The city 
of Chicago was then only a straggling village. 
When the subject of this sketch was only ten 
years of age, in 1853, his parents emigrated to 
California with their family, coming with ox 
teams, and were nearly two years on the way, 
including several months at Iowa City and 



Council Bluffs. Upon reaching this county 
they located about four miles from Los Angeles, 
near Park Station, taking an upland tract. After 
living on the land some years, through some 
technicality it was declared Government land, 
and their claim was forfeited, and the family 
removed to the village for the convenience of 
schools. George attended school here on Spring 
street, where the Bryson & Bonebrake Block 
now stands. He also learn h1 his trade in this 
city. In 1866 he engaged in business here and 
continued until 1871, then went East and soon 
afterward engaged in business in Chicago, his 
native city, for seven years. While there, in 
1877, he married Miss Mary Anna Cox, a native 
of England. In 1881 Mr. Hazard returned to 
Los Angeles, and since then has been success- 
fully engaged in business here. He is well and 
favorably known, and has a good established 
trade. His parents lived to a good, ripe old 
age. His father died in 1873, atid his mother's 
death occurred in 1883, leaving three sons, 

namely, the subject of this sketch; Hon. 

Hazard, a prominent attorney, and recently 
elected mayor of the city; Daniel Hazard, of 
Etiwanda, San Bernardino . County; and two 
daughters, Mrs. Lechler aiid Mrs. Teft, both 
living in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Hazard have 
four children: Mabel, Herbert, Lulu and Eva. 



f^MMI D. HAWKS was born in Bingham- 
{ ton. New York, in 1834. His father. Nelson 
^ P. Hawks, was a native of Pennsylvania, 
who, early in life, located in New York, and 
there married Miss Hannah Crocker, a native of 
that State. When the subject of this sketch was 
three years old his father moved to Wisconsin 
and settled in Waukesha County. He was a 
pioneer of that section and became largely in- 
terested in building up that portion of the State, 
and besides engaging in farming operations, 
built and conducted a hotel; also built a flouring 
mill and saw-mill. He was energetic, public- 
spirited and a thorough business man, well and 



UISTOKY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



favorably known to the settlers of Waukesha 
County. Mr. Hawks was reared and schooled 
in that county, ;ind learned the trade of a miller. 
"When about nineteen years of age he engaged 
as a clerk in a wiiolesale and retail grocery store 
in Chicago, and later, in 1856, located in Mil- 
waukee, where he foliowed mercantile pursuits 
until the next year. In the fall of 1857 he en- 
tered upon a course of study at Racine College, 
which he continued until the war of the Rebell- 
ion induced him to enter the service of his 
country, in 1862 he enlisted as a private in 
Company C, Twenty -eighth Regiment of Wis- 
consin Volunteers. He served faithfully until 
the close of the war, and during that period 
participated in the battles, sieges and marches 
of the Thirteenth Army Corps, to which his regi- 
ment was attached. His soldierly qualities 
gained him the respect of his superiors and he 
was promoted to the responsible position of 
Quartermaster-Sergeant of his regiment. Among 
the battles in which Mr. Hawks participated 
may be mentioned the battle of Helena, the 
Yazoo expedition, the capture of Little Rock, 
and the siege and capture of Mobile, Alabama. 
The death' of his father having occurred in 1863, 
at the close of the war Mr. Hawks returned to 
Wisconsin and took chaige of the old homestead 
and spent the next six years in agricultural pur- 
suits. In 1872 he located at Green Bay, Wis- 
consin, and engaged in meicantile pursuits, 
establishing a grocery store which he conducted 
until 1875. In that year he came to California 
and took up his residence in San Francisco, 
where he was employed as the bookkeeper of the 
Pacific Type Foundry. lie held that responsible 
position ior seven years, and then engaged in the 
manufacture of printers' rollers, after which he 
established a collection agency, which he con- 
ducted until 1887. In July of that year he took 
up his I'esidence in Sierra Madre, on a twenty- 
acre tract of land that he had purchased in 1881. 
This land is located near the corner of Baldwin 
and Central avenues. The first year in Sierra 
Madre was spent by Mr. Hawks in his business 
as a real-estate dealer, he having established an 



office on Baldwin avenue, but since that time he 
has devoted himself to horticultural pursuits 
and is placing his lands under citru.s and de- 
ciduous fruit cultivation. Of his original tract 
be now has about fifteen acres, which he is 
rapidly planting with orange trees. Mr. Hawks 
was the first to bring to Sierra Madre the cele- 
brated Japanese orange — the Oonshiu. This is 
a thornless tree, ])roducing a seedless fruit of 
rich flavt)r. lie now has over 100 very fine 
specimens of that tree upon his place. Mr. 
Hawks is a thorough-going business man, and 
as he is applying sound business principles to 
his horticultural pursuits, he is destined to luiild 
up one of the representative places of the colony. 
lie is a public-spirited citizen, taking a deep 
interest in the future growth and prosperity of 
Sierra Madre. Politically he is a Republican. 
He has been prominent in various fraternal and 
beneficial societies and organizations and is a 
member of the followirg orders: George II. 
Thomas Post, No. 2, G. A. R.; Fidelity Lodge, 
No. 136, A. O. U. W.; Fidelity Lodge, No. 
2,108, K. of II.; and Memorial Lodge, No. 6, 
U. E. A., all of San Francisco. He was for nine 
years the efficient secretary of the A. O. U. W. 
and K. of II. lodges. He is a member and 
trustee of the Episcopal Church of Sierra Madre. 
In 1865 Mr. Hawks married Miss Almeriah A. 
Topliff, a native of New York. Her parents 
were Dyer and Elmina (Woodruff) Topliff, also 
of that State. From this marriage there are the 
following named children: Laura T., Ruth T., 
Daisy E. and Jamie N. 



fROF. JOHN J. HART was born in Cleve- 
land, Ohio, in 1843. His parents, Chris- 
tian and Catharine (Morgenstern) Hart, 
were natives of Germany, who came to the 
United States in 1834. Christian Hart became 
a business man and a merchant at Cleveland. 
The subject of this sketch was reared in that 
city and early displayed a taste and talent for 
music. He was educated in the schools of 



UISTORT OF LOS ANGELES VOUllTY. 



Cleveland, and after leaving the High School he 
entered upon his higher nuisical studies, and 
while thus engaged entered into mercantile jjur- 
snits as clerk. In 1864 he volunteered in de- 
fense of the nation, enlisting in Company F, 
One Hundred and P^iftieth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, serving faithfully his term of enlistment, 
in the defense of Washington. In 1868 he 
crossed the Atlantic and at Leipsic entered the 
Conservatoriuin of Music for a three years' 
course of study. Returning to Cleveland, he 
founded the Cleveland Conservatory of Music. 
Professors Underner and Heydler, gentlemen 
well known in musical circles, were connected 
with Prof Hart in this enterprise, the latter he- 
ing the principal manager of the institution, 
which at once took high rank. After thirteen 
years of his arduous duties and strict devotion 
to his work. Professor Hart found himself 
obliged to not only change his occupation, but 
to seek a more congenial climate; and he came 
to California in 1884, and located in Los An- 
geles County, taking up his residence in Sierra 
Madre. He purchased forty acres of land, on 
the south side of Central Avenue, from Mr. 
Clement, who had made considerable improve- 
ments, building a cottage residence, planting 
trees, etc. Prof. Hart entered into horticultural 
jjursuits upon his tract, which he continued 
until 1886 and 1887, when he subdivided his 
lands and offered them for sale, and about the 
same time opened up Manzanita, Ramona and 
Mariposa streets. He now owns his home of 
three acres and other lots, iTiaking about ten acres 
which he is cultivating and devoting to fruit- 
growing. He also owns a ten-acre tract on the 
corner of Sunnyside and Central avenues, which 
is producingoranges, grapes, peaches and prunes. 
His beautiful home on Central avenue is one of 
the most attractive places in Sierra Madre. A 
large variety of ornamental trees and rich floral 
productions add greatly to its charms. Prof. 
Hart has, during his residence in Sierra Madre, 
been closely identified with its best interests 
and has been a strong supporter of every enter- 
prise that has tended to advance its interests. 



He is a stockholder in the Sierra Madre Water 
Company, and from 1884 to 1888 has been a 
director. He is well known in his section, and 
receives the well-merited respect and esteem of 
his friends and associates. In political matters 
he is a conservative Republican. lie Is a memi)er 
of Cleveland City Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M. 
In 1871 Prof. Hart was united in marriage with 
Miss Emma Corlctt, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, 
the daughter of Robert and Catherine (Giles) 
Corlett. Her father is a native of the Isle of 
Man and her mother was born in England. Prof, 
and Mrs. Hart have three cliiklron: John W., 
Edwin G. and Frank R. 



►4«^ 



fD. HOWRY, junior partner and manager 
of the firm of Hpwry Brothers, roasters 
® of coffee and wholesale dealers in coffees, 
teas and spices, at No. 113 North Los Angeles 
street, is a native of Ohio, born is Warren 
County in 1855. Mr. Howry's first business 
experience was in the dry-goods trade, in which 
he engaged until his health was so seriously im- 
paired by in-door confinement and close applica- 
tion that he was compelled to withdraw from 
business entirely. Being threatened with pul- 
monary consumption, he sought relief in the 
dry, bracing climate of Minnesota for a time, 
but grew worse and left there, after suffering 
from a hemorrhage of the lungs, so reduced 
that his friends feared he would never reach 
California alive. On arriving in Los Angeles 
he was able to walk only a few blocks. Going 
at once on a ranch in the country, his health 
and strength improved so rapidly that in a short 
time he could follow a plow all day, and in two 
years passed a satisfactor}' examination by two 
medical experts for life insurance. Mr. Howr^' 
has resided over six years in this land of sun- 
shine and flowers, and his health is so thor- 
oughly restored that few business men in Los 
Angeles do more work than he does. In Janu- 
ary, 1888, W. K. and C. I). Howry, as the firm 



)F llowrv liroth' 



n I STORY OF LOS jXNGELES COUNTY. 



spice business, in a moderate way, on Banning 
street. Under Mr. Howry's energetic and ju- 
dicious management it prospered iVom the start, 
and soon demanded more commodious quarters. 
In January, 1889, they moved into the ample 
rooms they now occupy, which are fitted up 
with roasting and grinding machinery and other 
necessary appliances. The business has steadily 
grown, each month showing an increase over 
the month previous, until the firm now does 
nine-tenths of the roasting for tlie city's con- 
sumption, aggregating 30,000 pounds per 
month for other merchants. The house enjoys 
a fine jobbing trade in coffees, teas and spices, 
it prepares and puts up under its own labels; 
and as none but the best grades in the market 
are handled by them, Howry Brothers' goods 
have attained great popularity. The firm are 
sole agents on the Pacific Coast for Mrs. Stew- 
art's liquid bluing, and manufacture large quan- 
tities of it for the trade. Six men are employed 
in the business besides Mr. C. D. Howry, who, 
being the only resident member of the firm, has 
entire charge of the establishment. 

fHAl^LES FEEDERICK HOLDEK.^ 
The ancestors of the subject of this sketch 
came to America, from England, in 1657. 
They were among the first of the Friends or 
Quakers who fled to this country to escape re- 
ligious persecution so common in the reign of 
the Georges. The little party of eleven Quak- 
ers took passage upon the ship VVoodhouse. 
Five landed in New York, others going to 
Rhode Island, while Christopher Holder and 
John Copeland went to Boston, where they 
were assaulted and imprisoned for avowing 
their faith, and suflfered jnuch from the bigots 
of the time. The extent of the indignities 
heaped upon them, which are chronicled in the 
records o'f Essex County, can scarcely be be- 
lieved when it is remembered that the country 
uNOwedly offered an asylum for those who 
SdUglit religions freedom. The homestead of 



the founder of the American branch of the 
Holder iamily is still in use in Lynn, Massa- 
chusetts, standing upon Union street, opposite 
the Friends' burying-ground. It was built 
about 1690, on what is now the corner of JS'a- 
liant and Sagamore streets, and was removed 
in 1855. Here Joseph Bassett Holder, M. D., 
naturalist and author, was born. His son, 
Charles Frederick Holder, the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Lynn, August 5, 1851. 
Dr. Holder was a friend of Agassiz, the elder, 
and Prof. Spencer F. Baird, Secretary of the 
Smithsonian Institute, and in 1859 went to_ 
Florida at their suggestion to make an extended 
examination and study of the coral reef and the 
fauna of the Gulf. The investigations covered 
a period of seven years, and much of the col- 
lecting was done by C. F. Holder, who here 
developed a taste for natural-history studies 
which shaped his subsequent career. He had 
the immediate contact with rare natural objects 
so valuable to a writer, and in later years 
reaped the benefits of the early association. In 
1869 Dr. Holder joined Prof. A. S. Bickmore 
in the establishment of the American Museum 
of Natural History at Central Park, New York 
City, Mr. Holder accepting a position as an assist- 
ant, thus observing the formation of this institu- 
tion which ranks but second to-day in the country. 
At seventeen Mr. Holder was a contributor 
to natural history periodicals, and year after 
year increased his work and widened his field. 
In 1875 he was offered the position of con- 
sulting naturalist of the New York Aquarium 
and had charge of the scientific arrangement of 
the specimens and publications relating to them. 
Continuing his writing, he did much to create 
the interest in natural history that began about 
this time. His efl'orts were mainly directed to 
interesting young people in natural history and 
kindred sciences. His. articles appeared in 
nearly all the periodicals of the day. He also 
contributed articles on natural history and popu- 
lar science to the press, weekly and daily, to, the 
scientific publications of this country and 
Europe, his articles being frequently translated 



HItSTVHT OF LOS AJ^OELUS COUNTY. 



into the Swedish and French languages and 
published in the magazines of these countries; 
and it may be said tliat his labors aroused a de- 
cided interest in this branch oi' science. In 
1877 Mr. Holder gave up all other interests and 
devoted hituself entirely to literary work, con- 
fining himself in general to his favorite Held, 
marine zoology. His articles found their way, 
into almost every publication in the country, 
from Harper's Monthly to the scientific publi- 
cations, and he is perhaps the most prolific 
writer on popular natural history to-day in this 
country or Europe. His first published work 
was a text-book on zoology, published in 1885 
by D. Appleton tfc Co., New York. This was 
followed by " Marvels of Animal Life," 1886; 
"The Ivory King," a popular account of the 
elephant and its allies, published in 1887 by 
Charles Scribner's Sons, New York; ''Living 
Lights," a work on animal phosph jrescence, pub- 
lished in 1888 by the same firm, this being 
a subject in which Mr. Holder is particularly 
interested; "A Frozen Dragon," by Dodd, 
Mead & Co., New York; a collection of his 
tales in St. Nicholas and other publications; 
" A Strange Company," by 1). Lathrop & Co., 
Boston; and '"Pasadena," by Lee & Shep- 
pard, Boston. Tlie last three books were 
written in lS88-'89; the three former have 
been issued in London by Sampson, Low & Co. 
In 1886 Mr. Holder came to Southern Cali- 
fornia and settled in Pasadena, finding renewed 
health in the place of his choice. Here he 
has continued his work and has written much 
regarding the natural history of the region. 
He has published two books on Pasadena, 
especially calling attention to its advantages as 
a health resort; a guide book on Southern Cali- 
fornia in general, and numerous pamphlets and 
articles on its resources. His descriptions of 
the country, its climate and agricultural possi- 
bilities, find their way into a large number of 
influential publications. Mr. Holder originated 
the Pasadena Academy of Sciences, is a trustee 
of the Pasadena Lil>rary, a school trustee, a 
member of the Linti;ean Society of New York, 



and a Fellow of the New York Academy of Sci- 
ences. While Mr. Holder is a naturalist and a 
specialist on the subject of animal phosphor- 
escence, he is best known as a writer of books 
on natural history subjects for young people, 
this being the labor of his choice and the work 
in which he is most interested, in his relig- 
ious belief he entertains that of the (Orthodox) 
Society ot Friends, being a member of that 
church. 

.^|*-:«j^-^-« — 

fHARLES F. IIEINZEMxVN is emphati- 
cally the representative druggist of South- 
ern California, having been in the busi- 
ness in Los Angeles twenty-one years. His 
couimodious store, at No. 122 North Main 
street, is the most artistic and elegant in its 
finish and furnishings in this part of the State, 
if not on the whole Pacific Coast. The ceil- 
ing and walls are tastefully decorated with 
fresco painting, and the shelving and counters 
are of unique and ornate designs in rare finely 
carved woods, making the whole interior of the 
place a real work of art and a thing of beauty. 
In the rear of the ample salesroom, and con- 
nected by arched aisles, are the laboratory and 
private office, and back of them a large, well- 
filled store room, thus giving a completeness to' 
one of the most attractive drug stores on the 
continent. Mr. Heinzeman does an extensive 
retail and prescription business, probably the 
largest south of San Francisco, in which the 
services of six men and a boy are required. 
Mr. Heinzeman was born in Wallmerod, in Cen- 
tral Germany, in 1841. He received a liberal 
education and a special training for the drug 
business in his native land, having attended the 
chemical school of Dr. Fresenius, one of the 
most eminent analytical chemists in the world. 
In 1868 he immigrated to America, and, after 
a brief stay in New York and San Francisco, 
came to Los Angeles, embarking at once in his 
chosen pursuit, and has carried on the business 
for two decades, o\\ the site of 'his present 



UI8TURY OF LOd ANGELES COUNTY. 



Sjilendid new store, built during the season of 
18S8. Before leaving Europe, in the year 
1868, Mr. Heinzenian was joined in marriage 
with Miss Antonia Jfreuss, an American lady, 
born in New Orleans. Three sons and five 
daughters comprise their family. The two 
oldest sons, Carl and Edward, are associated 
with their father in the drug business. 

— ^ifdl::®^*^ — 

fOHN EDWAIID HOLLENBECK was born 
in Hudson, Summit County, Ohio, June 5 
1829, where his parents lived until 1845, 
at which time they moved to Winnebago County, 
Illinois. Previous to their going West, Edward, 
or Ed as he was familiarly called, attended the 
district schools; but after the age of fourteen he 
had the privilege of school in the winter only, 
the summer being spent in working on the farm. 
In his boyhood days he was a favorite with 
young and old, being possessed of a genial dis- 
position and generous to a fault, both of which 
traits followed him through life. One little 
anecdote will serve to show the strength of his 
will power and endurance. In the vicinity 
where he lived the crows were very destructive 
to corn when first planted in the spring. As 
soon as it made its appearance above the ground 
the crows would pull it up, root and blade. In 
order to get rid of them, the Ijoys in the neigh- 
borhood joined in hunting their nests, destroy- 
ing them whenever found. On one occasion, 
while Ed with several others was trying to dis- 
lodge a nest, a pole slipped from the hand of one 
of his comrades, coming down sharpened end 
first and passing through Ed's left foot, just 
back of the toes, jjinning him to the ground. 
Of course the pole had to be pulled out; and the 
only time he ever shed a tear was after it com- 
menced healing, when a large boy stepped on 
it. At the time of the accident he was between 
thirteen and fourteen years of age. In the spring 
of 1846, farming not being to his taste, with his 
father's permission, and with a dollar and a half 
in his pocket, he started out to make his own 



way in the world. He worked in different places 
until he made enough money to take him back 
to the place of his birth. From there he went 
to Cuyahoga Falls, only eighteen miles d-istant, 
where he apprenticed himself to learn the ma- 
chinist's trade. By faithfulness and industry, 
he very soon gained tlie respect and approbation 
of his master. While learning his trade he 
received $6 per month with which to }iay his 
board and clothe himself, and yet. from this 
small amount, he always had money to spare to 
help others. By close application he became 
master of his trade in three years, at which time 
his employers offered to take him into the busi- 
ness as a partner, but at this time the Califor- 
nia gold fever was at its height, and he decided 
to start for the land of gold. He took passage 
on a sailing vessel, as the expense was less than 
by steamer, from New Orleans to Aspinwall; 
but on his arrival there, being too sick to go 
further, he sold his ticket for California and 
remained in Aspinwall until he recovered. He 
then engaged as an engineer on a steamer run- 
ning up the Chagres Kiver, and afterward ran 
from Aspinwall and Chagres to Greytown, 
Nicaragua, and then for a time up the San Juan 
River. In 1852 or 1853 he engaged in busi- 
ness in Greytown, furnishing entertainment to 
travelers, via Transit route, Nicaragua, to Cali- 
fornia. At Castillo he also established a gen- 
eral merchandise store and hotel; and at this 
time made large contracts witii the Transit 
Company for cutting wood on San Juan Fiiver, 
for use on steamers. In January, 1854-, he 
married Elizabeth Hatsfeldt, who survives him 
and who was in the strictest sense of the word a 
help-mate, undergoing all the trials and reverses 
of fortune while in Central America, with cour- 
age and fortitude, helping at all times without 
once faltering, and in the accumulation of their 
fortune did well her part. About 1856 or 
1857 Walker, the filibuster, came into the coun- 
try, and the Costa Ricans made a raid on 
Castillo. They, the Costa Ricans, took Mr. 
Hollenback and his faithful wife as pi-isoners 
and carried them up the San Juan River sotnc 





■X 



-^^^-^^^^^ 



iii^sTony OF Loa anoeleu county. 



ten or twelve miles and kept them two weeks 
under a wood-shed. They were then taken bj 
the same partj' up the river to Lake Nicaragua, 
where they were kept for two months. During 
the time they were prisoners their store, house 
and goods were burned, and everything they had 
in the world was gone. Walker was afterward 
conquered by the Nicaragnans, and tliey were 
allowed to return. Fiiidingeverythingdestroyed, 
they concluded to return to the States and see 
their little son, who had been with his grand- 
parents in Illinois during these turbulent times. 
Descending the river to Greytown, they took 
steamer to Aspinwall, and from there to New 
York. On their arrival in New York, they 
learned that their little boy was dead. After 
spending a few months with their relatives in 
Illinois and other States, they again returned to 
Greytown, and Mr. Ilollenbeck engaged as be- 
fore in general merchandising. While doing 
business, he bought a riversteamerof the Transit 
Company, which was at this time somewhat 
embarrassed and about to suspend business. In 
the fall of 1800 he and his wife returned to 
Missouri, intending to make their home there) 
having closed out their business at Greytown. 
Soon after arriving in Missouri, leaving his wife 
at a brother's, Mr. Hollenbeck returned to Grey- 
town to take a steamer, which he had not disposed 
of, to Carthagenia, to sell. The steamer being 
built for river service, was not suitable for open 
sea service, and the experiment of taking her to 
Carthagenia proved to be a very hazardous and 
dangerous one; but after many trials and hair- 
breadth escapes, he made the voyage, sold the 
vessel and returned toMissouri. During his ab- 
sence the civil war had broken out, and npon 
his return he found there was an embargo laid on 
travel and business; railroads were torn up and 
soldiers quartered in every town. So, after 
traveling one or two hundred miles in an old 
farm wagon, under many ditKculties, to his 
brother's, he concluded to again return with his 
wife to Greytown, and there he went into busi- 
ness for the fourth time. During this stay in 
Greytown he did a very large commission busi- 



ness, having been appointed agent for the Royal 
Mail steamers, and also for an English mining 



company. 



ppir 



large quantities of Indi;; 



rubber, Brazil wood, hides, cedar, rose-wood, 
coffee, indigo, etc. About 1872 the Transit Com- 
pany again became embarrassed and closed out all 
its business there; and Mr. Ilollenbeck, in con- 
nection with three other gentlemen, bought all 
the property owned there by this company, 
including all the steamers. In 1874 he and his 
wife visited Los Angeles, California, which was 
then booming, in expectaticy of the Southern 
Pacilic Railroad coming in, and while here he 
made several purchases of real estate, and de- 
posited a large sum of money in the Temple &, 
Workman Bank, and returned to Greytown. In 
1874, after varied successes with the Transit 
Company's property, having lost during his stay 
there several steamers, one of which he had 
built in Philadelphia, he closed out all his busi- 
ness and came to California. Prior to his 
leaving Nicaragua, that Government appointed 
him Minister Plenipotentiary to the United 
States, and on his return he visited Washington, 
transacting business for that Government in 
this official capacity. Arriving in Los Angeles 
early in the spring of 1876, he soon after pur- 
chased land on the east side of the Los Angeles 
River, and built what was in those days one of 
the finest residences in that part of the State, 
expending many thousands of dollars in im- 
provements. This was his home until his death, 
and here his widow still resides. This splendid 
dwelling stands on Boyle avenue, in the midst 
of several acres of hig'dy ornamental grounds, 
upon which neither money nor taste has been 
spared, the whole comprising one of the most 
beautiful and elegan^ homes in Southern Cali- 
fornia. At the time of leaving Nicaragua, Mr. 
HoUenbeck's health was somewhat broken from 
at) attack of fever, overwork and long-continued 
mental strain through a period of years. Some 
time prior to his arrival in Los Angeles the 
Temple & Workman Bank had failed, and of 
the money deposited there some two years before 
— principal and interest amounting to about 



r,06 



EI8T0RT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



$25,000 — he never received one cent, all being 
a total loss. In 1878 he became a stockholder 
in the Commercial Bank of Los Angeles, and 
was elected its president, which position he held 
nntil 1881, when he, with others, organized and 
established the First National Bank, of which 
he was chosen president, and held the position 
nntil failing health compelled him to resign. 
He and his wife then spent a year or^ two in 
visiting every section of the United States and 
manj of the countries of Europe. Before and 
after his return from Europe he purchased real 
estate, owning at one time 600 acres situated 
four miles south of the city limits. This tract 
he improved with fine buildings, and planted a 
vineyard of 300 acres. He also owned a large 
tract of land in the San Gabriel Valley, planted 
with oranges, lemong, and grapes; and 3,500 
acres of the La Puente Rancho — a grain and 
stock ranch. In 1884 he built on the corner of 
Spring and Second streets, in the city of Los 
Angeles, the Hollenbeck Block, extending 120 
feet on Spring by 240 feet on Second. He at 
one time was the principal owner of the East 
Los Angeles and Main and Sixth street horse- 
car line; and also largely interested in the Hue 
to Boyle Heights; but had disposed of them 
some time prior to his death. For five months 
before his decease he was too feeble to attend 
to business, and his mind became somewhat im- 
jjaired, but he was able to be up and about the 
jjremises, and passed the day and evening of 
his death quite comfortably. He passed away at 
nine o'clock on the evening of September 2, 
1885. Mr. Hollenbeck was a man of strong 
character, and was noted for his energy and pub- 
lic spirit and large-hearted generosity, always 
assisting every worthy enterprise, and ever will- 
ing to help those who showed a disposition to 
litlp themselves. Before his death he made 
jirovision out of his estate for all of his rela- 
tives. Mrs. Hollenbeck resides at and presides 
over the Los Angeles mansion; she is a lady 
possessed of broad intelligence, quiet demeanor 
and kindly spirit. The name of Mr. Hollen- 
beck is held in pleasant remembrance in Los 



Angeles by all who knew him. He was one of 
the few men whose character-was not marred nor 
in any way made worse by the possessioti of 
wealth. How few there are in this world, when 
we come to study the matter impartially, who 
are as thoroughly and disinterestedly g'>od, with 
riches, as they would have been if they had 
been poor, or, if, having been poor from the 
start, -they had always remained so. Riches 
almost invariably corrode, or in some way unfa- 
vorably influence even the finest and noblest 
natures. All who knew Mr. Hollenbeck will 
agree that the harmony and beauty and amiabil- 
ity of his character were not, apparently, in the 
least prejudiced by the possession of wealth. 
Los Angeles is better materially, socially and 
morally because he was one of her citizens. Of 
course this can be said of others of her citizens; 
would that it could be said of them all; then, 
ndeed, it would be an ideal city! 



1 ^ W. HELLMAN, the senior partner in the 
|H\ extensive wholesale grocery house of Hell- 
"^(f'" man, Haas & Co., is not only one of the 
oldest but one of the most prominent business 
men of this section of the State, his active busi- 
ness career in Los Angeles County dating from 
1859, when he began as a clerk in the forward- 
ing and commission house of General P. Banning, 
in Wilmington. Resigning his position there 
in 1861, Mr. Hellman engaged up to 1870 in 
the fancy-goods and stationery business, then 
closed out and spent a year in Europe. On his 
return to California he formed a partnership 
with Jacob Haas and opened a wholesale grocery 
store. Subsequently Abram Haas and Jacob 
Baruch became members of the firm. Under a 
judicious, independent management the career 
of the hoiise has been one of continued growth 
and uninterrupted prosperity, until it now holds 
a commanding position in the business realm 
of Southern California. Their store and office 
occupy the two-story and basement brick build 
ing, comprising Nos. 209 to 212 North Los 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGBLES COUNTY. 



Angeles street, each floor being 60x180 feet in 
area. The firm carries a very large stock of 
evei'}'thing in the line of staple and fancy gro- 
ceries, tobaccos and cigars, drugs and liqnors. 
They are among the grocery hmises one of the 
largest importers of teas on the Pacific Coast, 
and are the sole agents for Southern California 
for the celebrated Blue Point oysters, Highland 
corn. Imperial pure spices, and Strattan & 
Strong's brands of cigars. Forty men are em- 
ployed to transact the business of the establish- 
ment, which extends over Southern California, 
Arizona, New Mexico, and as far as El Paso, 
Texas. Over $500,000 capital is invested, and 
the sales amount to riiillions of dollars a year. 
Mr. Hellman is a native of Southern Germany, 
and was born in lS-i3. At fifteen years of age 
he came to America, and his entire active busi- 
ness life has been passed in Los Angeles County. 



tICIIARD N. LOUCKS, one of the repre- 
sentative business men of the thriving and 
progressive city of Pomona, is a dealer in 
books, stationery, toys, etc., and has one of the 
best appointed and most complete stocks of 
goods in his line of business in the city. He 
came to Pomona in 1882, and was employed as 
a clerk in the store of E. J. Vanter, located on 
the corner of Second and Gordon streets, the 
site now occupied by his present establishment. 
He was thus employed until early in 1884, and 
then took the position of assistant book-keeper 
foi' the extensive lumber firm of Kerchoff & 
Cuzner until lie entered into business, succeed- 
ing R. S. Bessett in that year. Mr. Loucks was 
born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1848, and 
was there reared and educated. At the age 
of sixteen years he entered the military service 
of the Confederate States, and gallantly battled 
for his native State until captured by the Union 
troops just before the fall of Mobile. This ended 
his military service, and at the close of the war he 
returned to his home, where he remained until 
1882, when he came to California and made 



Pomona his home. He is an enterprising and 
energetic man, winning his way to success in 
his business by sound business principles and 
honorable dealings, and gaining the respect of 
his associates. He is thoroughly American, 
and, though a soldier in a lost cause, accepted 
the results of the war and is now a strong be- 
liever in and a supporter of an undivided union 
of the United States. In political matters he 
is a Democrat. He is a member of the Pomona 
Board of Trade, and is an active worker in ad- 
vancing such enterprises as will redound to the 
benefit of his chosen city. He is also a mem- 
ber of Etna Lodge, No. 107, Knights of Py- 
thias, of Pomona. In 1872 Mr. Loucks married 
Miss Ida B. Roberts, a native of Louisiana. 
Siie died in 1880, leaving three children : George 
Roberts, Frank Henry and Sylvester Day. His 
second marriage was in 1885, to Miss Cora 
Cromer, a native of Indiana. From this union 
there is one child, Richard Frederick. 



ALBERT H. HOYT is one of the California 
ffi| pioneers of 1849, and for more than thirty- 
^1^ five years has been a resident of Los An- 
geles County, closely identified with its marvelous 
growth and prosperity. He is a native of New 



birth in Orange County, in 



York, dating 
1830. His father. Rev. Albert Hoyt, of the 
Episcopal ChtH-eh, was also born in New York, 
and was a descendant of an old family in Con- 
necticut. His mother, whose maiden name was 
Gertrude Lawrence, was from one of the promi- 
nent families of New York. Mr. Hoyt's father 
died in 1831, leaving hiin to the care of his 
mother, by whom he was reared and educated. 
He finished his studies at Rutger's College in 
New Brunswick, New Jersey. He then engaged 
ill teaching. The California gold fever of 1848 
and 1849 swept over the country and claimed 
him as a victim. In February, 1849, he em- 
barked on board the bark Clarisa Perkins, for 
the Golden State. He was one of a company of 
120 men wiio had cliartered that vessel for a 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



voyage around Gape Horn to San Francisco. 
The vessel left New York Harbor February 6, 
1849, and it was not until September 16 that 
they ebtered tlie Golden Gate of San Francisco 
Harbor. Soon after his arrival in that city, 
Mr. Hoyt sought iiis fortunes in the mines on 
the American River, wiiere he remained for 
about six months. Not meeting with the de- 
sired success or reaping a rich harvest from his 
labors, he returned to Sacramento, and tlien 
located in Solano County, where he engaged in 
farming, continuing there until 1853. In the 
latter year his mother, coming from the East, 
joined him at Benicia, and tliey came to Los 
Angeles at once. He located in the San Gabriel 
Valley at El Monte, in 1854, and she remained 
in Los Angeles, teaeliing. There he purchased 
seventy-three acres of land lying just south of 
the village. In addition to conducting agricult- 
ural pursuits upon his farm he also engaged as 
a teacher in the school at El Monte, and in the 
year 1855 taught in Los Angeles. In 1856 his 
sister, who was also a teacher, joined her mother 
in Los Angeles, and for many years they were 
prominently identified with the schools of that 
city. His mother died in Los Angeles in 1863. 
As Mr. Hoyt cleared his land and brought his 
acres under cultivation, he abandoned his calling 
as a teacher and devoted himself to agricultural 
pursuits. Excepting about two acres, compris- 
ing a family orchard, he has devoted his land to 
hay, grain and stock. Alfalfa is grown without 
irrigation, yielding six or seven crops each year, 
and averaging ten tons per acre per annum. Mr. 
Hoyt has some fine specimens of Guernsey cat- 
tle. The subject of this sketch is well and favor- 
ably known throughout the San Gabriel Valley 
and other sections of the county. He was one 
of those men who, in the earlier days, identified 
themselves with the best elements and enter- 
prises of the section, strongly supporting the 
establishment and maintenance of schools, etc. 
He has a large circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances by whom he is respected and esteemed. 
Politically he is an Independent. During the 
dark days of the Rebellion he was a strong Union 



man, and a supporter of the Republican admin- 
istration. Mr. Hoyt is unmarried, a hale and 
hearty man of nearly sixty years. He makes 
books his companions and solace when not en- 
gaged in the active pursuits of lite. In con- 
nection with the life-history of this pioneer, it 
may not be out of place to state that El Monte 
was the first American settlement in Los Angeles 
County. 

'^■^■^ 

fF. HOLBROOK, manufacturer of pipe. No. 
43 Vine street, Los Angeles, was born in 
" Adams County, Indiana, July 21, 1846, a 
son of Nicholas and Mary (Wehfel) Holbrook. 
During his boyhood he attended school at Fort 
Wayne, Indiana, and learned his trade at the 
same place. Then he went to Pittsburg and 
worked at his trade until 1868, and the follow- 
ing year came to California, reaching San Fran- 
cisco in the fall of 1869. He went to San Jose 
and was there two years. Returned to San 
Francisco and resided there uutil in the spring 
of 1873, when he came to Los Angeles for Bar- 
ber & Regan to supervise the manufacture of 
fourteen miles of iron pipe for Cerro Gordo. 
During the following year he engaged in busi- 
ness with Charles E. Miles in the manufacture 
of water pipe. They took the contract to manu- 
facture three miles of pipe for the Indiana 
Colony, now Pasadena. In 1875 Mr. Holbrook 
bought out his partner's interest, and since then 
has been sole proprietor of the business. He is 
the oldest pipe manufacturer in Southern Cali- 
fornia. His shops are 70x100 feet in ground 
area, giving employ metit in the busy season to 
twenty and twenty-five hands. He also has 
large shops at Colton, where he employs thirty- 
five to fifty hands. He has put in seven miles 
of pipe twenty-four inches in diameter; has 
manufactured over 150 miles of various sizes 
since he started in business. In 1883 he organ- 
ized the Union Iron "Wurks, carried it on for 
three years, and sold to the present owner. 
Since then he has devoted his whole attention 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



to tlie development of his business. Mr. IIol- 
brook was married January 1, 1874, to Miss 
Lora M. Commons, a native of Jefferson County, 
Missouri. They have three children : Fred W., 
Racine and Charles E. They lost one daughter, 
Jessie. 



tAYDEX & LEWIS COMrANY, manu- 
factuiers of and jobbers in saddlery, 
saddlery hardware, carriage trimmings, 
harness, shoe leather, etc., 123 and 125 Los An- 
geles street, Los Angeles. The business of this 
company, established in 1884, entitles it to con- 
spicuous mention among the commercial and 
industrial interests of Los Angeles. They do a 
large wholesale business, their store and offices 
occupying three floors with a frontage of forty 
feet, by 100 feet deep. They have eight to ten 
men connected with the bouse, and several 
traveling salesmen represent the interests of the 
house on the road. The business of the com- 
pany has grown very rapidly, and the volume of 
its trade is enormous, the sales aggregating over 
$1,000,000 annually, and extending over South- 
ern California, Arizona and New Mexico. It 
is needless to say, as their goods are received 
from their own factories, that it gives them un- 
surpassed facilities and enables tiiem to offer 
superior inducements to the trade. The officers 
of the company are: S. B. Lewis, President and 
Manager; Palmer Bigelow, Secretary and Treas- 
urer; and C. H. Allen, Vice-President. Mr. 
Lewis, the president and manager of the com- 
pany, is a native of Peimsylvania, born July 
30, 1834, and received his education in his 
native State. After reaching manhood he spent 
three years in Iowa. In 1860 he went to Chi- 
cago and entered the employ of Hayden & Kay, 
the leading saddlery and hardware house of the 
Northwest, and remained with this house eleven 
years. He then engaged in business for himself, 
and became a member of the firm of Ortmayer, 
Lewis & Co. This firm carried on an extensive 
trade for twelve years, when Mr. Lewis with- 



diew and established the business of the Hay- 
den & Lewis Company in Los Angeles. There 
are few men in the trade who have had such a 
large practical experience in all the details of 
the business. Mr. Lewis has been unanimously 
elected president of the board of trade of Los 
Angeles. Previous to his election he had served 
four years on the board of directors. He is 
actively identified with all the public industries 
of the city. 

^-^B--^ 

fOHN HANLON, contractor, Los Angeles, 
came to this city first in 1869, but remained 
only a short time, and then went to San 
Diego, where he was engaged in contracting for 
many years. In 1881 he came to Los Angeles 
and established his present business, and during 
this time he has erected some of the best and 
most substantial blocks and residences in Los 
Angeles. One of the heaviest contracts he has 
taken is for building the new City Hall, which 
is being erected during the present year. He 
employs thirty to forty hands, and is a practical 
workman of large experience, and gives his per- 
sonal attention to every department of the work. 

PENJAMIN HAY'MAN, wholesale and re- 
tail dealer in fine carriages, spring and 
farm wagons, 8 and 10 North Los An- 
geles street, Los Angeles, was born in England, 
November 5, 1844, and there attended school 
and served an apprenticeship 'to the blacksmith 
trade. Soon after reaching his majority he 
came to America, in 1869, and on to California 
the same year. After living in San Francisco 
two years, he went to Navarro River, Mendocino 
County, where he remained five years, and then 
came to Los Angeles in 1876, and engaged in 
general blacksmithing and wagon manufacturing 
on Aliso street. He carried on the bu.^iness 
there for ten years, then gave up manufacturing 
and began dealing in ready-made work, import- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELBS COUNTY. 



ing all kinds of light carriage work, spring and 
farm wagons, etc. In 1888 he opened iiis re- 
pository on Los Angeles street, carrying a stock 
of line carriages and wagons of all descriptions, 
and has large, commodious rooms, with good 
facilities to accommodate his trade. His long 
practical experience, and fair, iionorahle dealing, 
have secured a good trade. He has a large 
store-house on Aliso street. In 1863 Mr. Hay- 
man married Miss Rebecca M. Pears, a native 
of Devenport, England. Tiiey have four chil- 
dren: Benjamin, born in England, and William 
R., Bessie M. and Harry L., born in California. 
They lost one daughter, Mary Ann, aged twenty 
years and eight months, born in Devenport, 
England. 



irSAIAS WILLIAM HELLMAN is a native 
f I of Bavaria, Germany, where he was born 
•^ October 1, 1842. He came to California in 
1859, via the Isthmus. He first engaged in 
clerking in the dry-goods business, in the xlrca- 
dia Block, on Los Angeles street, Los Angeles, 
which at that period was the central business 
portion of the town. Afterward the business 
was moved to Main street, on the site where the 
Farmers and Merchants' Bank is now located. 
In July, 1868, in connection with Mr. F. P. F. 
Temple, also an early pioneer of 1841, and a 
wealthy ranchero, and Mr. William Workman, 
Mr. Hellman started the banking liouse of Hell- 
man, Temple & Co., of which he became the 
manager. Three years later, in 1871, the 
Farmers and Merchants' Bank was incorporated, 
of which Mr. Hellman was cashier and manager; 
and, except for a brief period after its first 
organization, he has been continuously both 
president and manager. The Farmers and Mer- 
chants' Bank of Los Angeles is one of the most 
solid and substantial banking ' institutions of 
California, or of the country. Mr. Hellman 
has, not inaptly, been termed "a born banker." 
He has the true instincts of a banker and finan- 
cier. He holds that the money deposited with 



him, or with a bank in the management of which 
he is in any wise responsible, is a sacred trust; 
and that whenever called for, no matter what 
happens, it must be forthcoming. In his long 
and extensive banking experience in Southern 
California, he has fully lived up to this maxim, 
and he has had tiie sagacity to see that this very 
principle, if strictly lived up to, at whatever 
cost, ultimately, by an admirable law of com- 
pensation, redounds to the credit and advantage 
of him who acts in accordance with it. He 
intuitively sees that by associating with himself 
men who have capital, as well as sound business 
sense; who, as well as himself, have besides 
large holdings of property, in city and county; 
in other words by undertaking banking with 
sufficient instead of insufficient capital, he there- 
by takes the first step toward inspiring confi- 
dence; and then, like the wise mariner who in 
fair weather never forgets that storms may 
come, Mr. Hellman holds that the true banker 
should conduct his business in "good times" 
in such a way as to be prepared for " bad times " 
when they come; and then when they do come, 
as come they must, first or last, as do storms at 
sea, he will be prepared for them; and being 
thus prepared he cannot well be taken by sur- 
prise. Although the National banking law 
only requires the carrying of a cash reserve of 
twenty-five per cent, of deposits, Mr. Hellman 
holds that safe banking requires that the cash 
reserve should not fall below fifty per cent.; and 
then if loans are judiciously made, stockholders 
and officers of the bank, as well as depositors, 
can all feel secure that their funds will be safe 
whether the weather be fair or dark storms 
lower. Some of the statements of the Farmers 
and Merchants' Bank are remarkable as showing 
its financial strength and impregnable attitude 
under Mr. Hellman's conservative management. 
The one made December 31, 1888, will serve as 
a sample: the total cash assets were $2,911,- 
810, or counting Government bonds as cash — 
$182,787— the total assets were $3,094,597. 
The deposits were .$4,300,000, showing a reserve 
cash fund of nearly seventy-two per cent, of the 



IIISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY . 



total deposits, and yet tlie bank had at tlie same 
time loans out for over $2,400,000. A bank 
that can make such a showing as that ought to 
be prepared for almost any kind of a financial 
storm. Mr. Hellman is one of the regents of 
the State University. At the present time he is 
absent with his family on a visit in Europe. 
April 4, 1870, Mr. Hellman married Miss 
Esther Newgass, of New York, by whom he 
has three children, — one son and two daughters. 



--^^^ 



t^'^^ 



1^ W. HAMMERTON was born in England, 
^^ May 23, 1S32. He is a son of "William 
■^Ijo and Elizabeth (Cutter) Hammerton. The 
mother was of English origin and the father of 
Irish. William Hammerton was born in 1800, 
had a family of three sons and four daughters, 
and died in 1880. His wife was educated at a 
boarding school in England. His father having 
been a brick-maker by trade, the subject of this 
sketch was reared in a brick-yard, and had very 
poor educational advantages; but by his wide 
observation and travel he has gained a practical 
education, and his library is one that many, who 
have had a higher education, might be proud of 
He came to America in 1850, landing in New 
York. The vessel which brought him to this 
favored land was the Andrew Foster, and the 
voyage consumed si.x weeks. He worked on a 
farm and also at the blacksmith's trade for about 
a year and a half, then spent one winter in 
Will County, Illinois, and in 1853 he started 
for California. After reaching St. Louis, .he 
determined to wait another year. From St. 
Louis he went to Alton, Illinois, and from there 
to Brighton, where he was engaged as a brick- 
layer. He also worked at this trade two years 
in Sangamon County. In March, 1856, he 
went to Texas, and in 1857 crossed the plains, 
with ox teams, to California. He arrived at 
Fort Buchanan, now Camp Critenden, and drove 
team for the Government for several months. 
About the 25th of June, 1858, he arrived in 
Los Angeles Countv. In 18()() he went to Tulare 



County, and after a year spent thei-e he married 
Miss Orpah J. McCollough, a native of Texas. 
She is the daughter of Robert and Isabella 
(Shelby) McCollough. Her father was born in 
Alabama, and her mother in Missouri. They 
lived in Texas sixteen years, and subsequently 
went to Tulare County, where they have since 
lived. Mr. Hammerton moved to El Monte, 
where he resided one year. In 1862 he went 
to the mountains on Tahnnga River, and in 
1868-'64 lived just south of where Florence is 
now located. In November of the latter year 
he bought sixty-seven acres of land near Downey. 
He is one of the true pioneers. He erected the 
first brick house as a residence in this part of 
the county. His family consists of eleven chil- 
dren whose names are as follows: Julia, Fran- 
ces, Charles, Mary, Orpha, John, James, Rosetta 
(whodied in infancy), Sarah, William and Martha. 
Socially, Mr. Hammerton is an I. O. O. ¥., and 
he at present holds the office of D. D. G. P., 
of District 28. Mrs. Hammerton is one of the 
Rebeccas. Politically Mr. Hammerton is a 
Republican, and is practically a self-made man. 



^,ENRY HAMILTON.— The subject of this 
f^ sketch has been connected with the news- 
"^l paper history of Los Angeles City. Mr. 
Hamilton is a native of Ireland, his birth place 
being the city of Londonderry. Early in life he 
was apprenticed as a printer, an occupation 
which he followed for many years. In 1848 
he emigrated to the United States and engaged 
in his calling until the next year when the 
"California fever" induced .him to seek his 
fortunes in the new El Dorado of the Pacific 
Coast. In March of that year he left New York 
for the Golden State, coming via New Orleans, 
thence to Vera Cruz and across Mexico to Ma- 
zatlan, and from there by vessel to San Fran- 
cisco. Upon his arrival he proceeded to the 
mines and for the next year or more was en- 
gaged in mining on the American River and 
other places. Not meeting witli the desired 



niSrORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



success, he decided to turn his attention to 
other pursuits, and in 1850 he returned to San 
Francisco. He was there employed in tiie office 
of the Public Balance, one of the first papers 
established in that city. Tiie next year he was 
a part owner of that paper. In 1851 lie located 
at Mokelumne Hill, and in connection with J. 
J. Ayers — who at present writing (1889) is the 
proprietor of the Los Angeles Herald — estab- 
lished the Calaveras Chronicle. He conducted 
that paper until 1854, and then returned to San 
Francisco and for the following year was en- 
gaged in job printing in the San Francisco Mer- 
cantile Job Printing Office on Sansome street. 
In 1855 he made an extended tour through 
Southern California, and early in the following 
year purchased the Los Angeles Star. As the 
sole propiietor and editor Mr. Hamilton de- 
voted his talents and business principles to his 
work and the Star soon ranked as the leading 
paper of Los Angeles Connty and of Southern 
California. As a sound Democrat he took a 
lead in the politics of the country, ever working 
for the best interests of his party. In 1863 he 
was elected as the State Senator of his district 
and served as such in 1863 and 1864. In 
1864 Mr. Hamilton suspended the publica- 
tion of his paper and went to Arizona, where 
he was engaged in various enterprises until 
1866, when he visited the Sandwich Islands, re- 
turning the next year to Los Angeles. In 1868 
he resumed the publication of the Star and con- 
tinued the same until 1872, when he sold his 
newspaper interests to Ben. C. Truman, and 
took up his residence in San Gabriel. There he 
purchased land and engaged in horticultural 
pursuits. To this calling Mr. Hamilton has 
since devoted his attention and has been suc- 
cessful in his enterprise. He is the owner of a 
rich tract of land located just southwest of the 
San Gabriel Mission, which is under a high 
state of cultivation and improvement. Ten 
acres are devoted to citrus fruits, producing the 
most approved varieties of seedling and budded 
oranges and lemons. Of deciduous fruits he 
has such as are desired for family u.^e. He is 



using fifteen acres of his land for vine culture, 
producing wine grapes of the Mission, Berger 
and Blauelba varieties. His land is well sup- 
plied with water for irrigation purposes from 
the San Gabriel Ditch. Mr. Hamilton has 
gained a large circle of friends in Los Angeles 
County and is an esteemed and respected citi- 
zen. He has for several years served as a jus- 
tice of the peace in San Gabriel Township. For 
many years he was prominent in the Masonic 
circles of the ccuinty. 



f A.HAMILTON, engineer and repair- 
man of the pumping department of the 
® Pacific Coast Oil Company, was born in 
Clinton County, Indiana, in 1843. His father, 
John Hamilton, was a farmer by occupation, 
and a native of Ohio. The subject of this 
brief sketch entered the army at the age of 
seventeen years. He enlisted in Company E, 
Fifteenth Indiana Volunteers; subsequently re- 
cruited a company and was Second Lieutenant 
in Company M, Eleventh Indiana Cavalry, and 
was afterward promoted to Captain. There is 
a beautiful romance connected with his mar- 
riage, which took place on the battle-field of 
Stone River, in 1862. The lady of his choice 
was Miss Francelia Bean, and by her he had 
only one child, "W. S. Hamilton, now of Chi- 
cago, an employe of the Northwestern Rail- 
road. Mrs. Hamilton died eleven years ago, 
and Mr. Hamilton has never married again. 
He is a trusted and respected employe of the 
Oil Company, and socially is connected with the 
G. A. R. and the A. O. U. W. 



^^^ 



his 



tENRY HASKIN, in connection witl 
son, E. C. Haskin, is one of the success- 
ful dairymen of Los Angeles County, and 
owns a fine tract of 130 acres of land twelve miles 
south of Los Angeles and two and one-half miles 
west of Comptoi., on the Telephone road to 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



Wilmington. Tliis was all wild land at the 
time it was purchased by him in 1874. A neat 
and attractive residence, the orchard, the long 
rows of evergreen trees, together with the fields 
(lotted over witli cattle, all go to make a pleas- 
ing picture and to show what has been accom- 
plished by him in a period of fifteen years. Mr. 
Ilaskin was born in the Empire State, and in 
1841 went to Indiana, where he remained till 
1862. At that time he went to Chicago and 
engaged in the salt trade. In 18G8 he ?eft the 
city and turned his face toward the setting sun, 
stopping for a number of years in Colorado 
where he engaged in mining and prospecting. 
Here he continued up to the time of his advent 
in Los Angeles County. The subject of this 
sketch was married in Indiana in 1843 to Miss 
Maria Billings. This lady was a native of New 
"i ork State, an earnest Christian worker, and a 
woman beloved by all who knew her. She died 
in December, 1888. They reared a family of 
four children: E. C, William H., L. P. and 
Fanny M. Mr. Haskin is one of the stanch 
supporters of the principles of Republicanism. 

--^€(i"®»'^ — 

HAMILTON, proprietor of the East 
Side Pottery, Wells street, East Los 
Angeles, was born in Brown County 
Illinois, February 22, 1883. When only six- 
teen years old he went upon the Mississippi 
lliver, and when nineteen years of age he 
started overland to California by ox tea.ns and 
was between four and five months on the way. 
He was in Oregon and served under General 
Joseph Lane during the Rogue River Indian 
War, and was in San Francisco in 1850, during 
the "Vigilants" troubles. Then he returned 
East, to New York and Minnesota. After the 
breaking out of the war he enlisted in the 
First Minnesota Regiment and served two 
years; was at the surrender of Lee. After the 
war he returned to Minnesota, and in 1875 
came to Los Angeles and established the As- 
bestine Stone Works; made the first cement 



pipe that was made in Southern California; also 
invented the system of sub-irrigation, of the 
Asbestine and continuous cement pipe machine. 
He established his present business in 1884. 
His pottery is located in East Los Angeles, 
where every convenience is provided to carry 
on the general operations of trade. He drives 
an extensive business in the m mufacture of 
fire brick, hollow brick, drain tile, sewer and 
water pipe, jugs, stone- ware, terra cotta, flower 
pots and ornamental vase work of all kinds. 
He has doubled the capacity of his works and 
employs from ten to fifteen hands during the 
busy season. He owns his clay mines, and his 
buildings cover about an acre of ground. He 
has a large practical experience, and gives his 
personal attention to all the details of his busi- 
ness. He is a highly respected citizen. He 
owns a valuable property of eight acres where 
he now resides, on the East Side, and Iiis resi- 
dence is the fifth or sixth house built in East 
Los Angeles. He has served two terms in the 
Los Angeles city c.nincil. Mr. Hamilton was 
married April 21, 1867, to Miss Harriet Mof- 
fett, a native of Illinois, and daughter of Judge 
Mofiett, of that State. They have four son"^: 
Fred M., Eugene, Luster, and Truman. 



1^ B. HARRIS, a farmer on part of the 

1^ Temple and Gibson tract of the San Pe- 
■-W® dro Ranch, is a pioneer of 1881. He 

makes a specialty of fine horses and cattle, and 
also raises hay and fruit, having a tine orchard, 

principally of apples and Bartlett j)ears. This 
gentleman is one of the farmers of whom Los 
Angeles County should be proud. He is a 
native of England, and possesses the push, en- 
ergy and enterprise so characteristic of the true 
Englishman. Mr. Harris was born in Corn- 
wall, England, in 1846, and is the son of Charles 
Vivian Harris, who was a butcher, wholesale 
and retail— the wholesale market was in London. 
Coming to California first in 1866, Mr. Harris 
worked in the mines at Soulsbyville, and later 



EI STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



went to San Joaquin Connty, pxirchasing land 
near Lockelbrd. This lie gold soon after and 
went to his home across the sea, remaining two 
and one-half years, and again embarking for 
the "Land of the Free." iVfter landing he 
worked in a saw-mill at Soinersville, California, 
then went to the mines at Marklee, and later 
engaged in farming in San Joaquin Countj', 
where, for ten years, he raised wheat. He was 
married at Harmony Grove parsonage in San 
Joaquin County, to Miss Aniie Tetheway, a 
native, also, of England. By her he has two 
children: Minnie and Addie. Mr. and Mrs. 
Harris are both highly esteemed members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he 
has at various times held offices of prominence 
and trust. Politically he votes the Prohibition 
ticket. Mr. Harris is a loyal, honest, enter- 
prising man, and enjoys the confidence and re- 
si>ect of all who know him. 

^-6^-'^ 

fDWARD M. HASKELL.— The subject of 
this sketch is the proprietor of the only 
general merchandise store located at Glad- 
stone. He is also the postmaster at that place. 
This store was established by him in 1882, and 
he has since conducted it. His appointment as 
postmaster was in 1885. Mr. Haskell is a native 
of New England, dating his birth in Penobscot 
County, Maine, in 1852. His parents, N. Ben- 
nett and Hannah (Shorey) Haskell, were both 
natives of that State and descendants from old 
families. When about six years of age his 
father moved to Steuben County, New York, 
where the subject of this sketch was reared 
until eleven years old. He then returned to 
Westbrook, Maine, and entered the Westbrook 
Seminary, devoting the next si'x years in study 
at that institution. In 18G9 he joined his father 
in Huron County, Michigan. His father was 
largely engaged in business pursuits in that 
county — lumbering, manufacturing salt, and 
general mercantile business. Mr. ILiskell was 
^mployed as a clerk by his father, and later 



attended the Commercial College at Detroit. 
After graduating there he located in Juneau 
County, Wisconsin, and for a year or more was en- 
gaged in teaching school, after which he entered 
the employ of the Shorey Brothers, and had charge 
of their lumber goods at Princeton, Iowa. In 
1875 he came with his uncle, Charles Storey, to 
Los Angeles County, California, and was em- 
ployed by him as a clerk in his store at Glad- 
stone until 1877. He then purchased land just 
north of Covina and for the next two years 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. Not suited 
with a farmer's life, in 1879 he went to Inyo 
County, and there engaged in mining, and also 
clerked in a mercantile establishment, remain- 
ing until 1882, when he returned to Los Ange- 
les County and established his present business. 
Mr. Haskell has considerable real-estate interests 
in his section, among which is an eighteen-acre 
tract of land on the old San Bernardino road, 
three miles south of Azusa; his business prop- 
erty in Gladstone, and also a fine cottage resi- 
dence on Buena Vista avenue, in Glendora. He 
is a progressive citizen, and a supporter of 
such enterprises as will aid in the development 
of his section. He is a member of Independ- 
ent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1885 Mr. Has- 
kell returned East, and while there married Miss 
Dollie Rowles, the daughter of Captain Nathan 
Rowles, a veteran of the late civil war, and the 
mayor of the city of Bellaire, Belmont County, 
Ohio. Mrs. Haskell is a native of that place. 
From this marriage there are two children: 
Charles G. and an infant son. 



-€*>H- 



fONVERS HOWE.— One of the oldest 
mercantile establishments in the city of 
Pomona is that owned by the above-named 
gentleman. His large and well-appointed dry- 
goods and furnishing-goods store is on Second 
street, near the corner of Gordon street. His 
first business venture in Pomona was in 1882, 
when he entered into the merchandise business 
with Edward Evey, under the firm name of C. 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Howe & Co. This partnership was continued 
for less than a year, when Mr. Howe, by the 
purchase of his partner's interest, became tlie 
sole proprietor of the business, which he has 
since so successfully conducted. As one of 
Pomona's leading and representative business 
men, a sketch of Mr. Howe's life is of interest 
in the history of the county. He is a native 
of Muskingum County, Ohio, and dates his 
birth from 1838. His father, John M. Howe, 
a native of Vermont, was a man of high in- 
tellectual attainments and education; was the 
' principal of t!ie McTntire Acaiiemy at Zanes- 
vilie, Ohio, for a long time. His mother, Mary 
E. West, was a native of New York, a descend- 
ant of one of the oldest families of the Empire 
State. Mr. Howe was reared and schooled in 
his native place until 1852. He then started 
with Iiis mother for California to join his 
father, who had preceded them to this State in 
181:9. His mother was destined never to com- 
plete the voyage. She died at sea between 
Acapulco and San Francisco, January 1, 1853, 
a victim of cholera, that terrible scourge of the 
Isthmus route in the early '50's. Mr. Howe 
joined his father at Sacramento and commenced 
life as a clerk in a store. In 1855 he com- 
menced teaching in public schools, and was for 
several years engaged as a teacher in Sacra- 
mento. At this time, although yet a minor, he 
took a great interest in politics and was a strong 
supporter of the principles advocated by the 
newly formed Republican party. In 1850 he 
was the sergeant-at-arms of the first Republi- 
can State Convention ever held in California, 
and in 1861 he organized the Republican party 
in Lake County, and was sent as their delegate 
to the State Convention held at Sacramento. 
In that same year he was appointed a clerk in 
the postoffice at Sacramento, which position he 
held until tiie spring of 1864. He then went 
East and entered the United States military 
service as a private in the Fifteenth Regiment 
of Connecticut Infantry. His regiment was 
stationed at Newbern, North Carolina. In Oc- 
tober of that year Mr. Howe was stricken with 



yellow fever, and was confined to the hospital 
for weeks. Upon his recovery he rejoined his 
command, and in March, while his regiment 
and other commands were on their way to open 
cominutiication with Greneral Sherman's army 
at Raleigh, he was captured by the Confederate 
forces and sent as a prisioner of war to Libby 
Prison at Richmond. Just before the Con- 
federates evacuated that city Mr. Howe was 
paroled, and after Lee's surrender was ex- 
changed and ordered to the front. While en 
route to rejoin his command he was taken sick 
and placed in the hospital at Fortress Monroe. 
He was honorably discharged from the service 
at the close of tlie war, in June, 1865, and in 
the fall of that year returned to California, and 
entered the employ of the Central Pacific Rail- 
road Company, as their agent at Freeport. 
From there he went to Sacramento, where he 
engaged in trucking for the Central Pacific 
Railroad Company, and finally as a book-keeper 
for the firm of Hooker & Co. In 1867 Mr. 
Howe resumed his occupation as a teacher, and 
was engaged in Sacramento County until 1868, 
when he went to Alameda County, where he 
was appointed the principal of the San Leandro 
Grammar School, and afterward of the Alameda 
Grammar School, until 1872. Tlien became to 
Los Angeles County and located at Westmin- 
ster, where he purchased eighty acres of land 
and engaged in farming. He also taught school 
in that vicinity. In 1877 he established him- 
self in mercantile pursuits at Garden Grove, 
and conducted a general merchandise store at 
that place until 1882, when he moved to Po- 
mona and established his present business. As 
a progressive and enterprising citizen Mr. 
Howe has been identified with the building up 
of Pomona, and is a supporter of such enter- 
prises as develop the wonderful resources of the 
San Jose Valley. He is an active member of 
the Pomona Board of Trade, and president of 
the. Pomona Board of Education, taking a deep 
interest in the school system of the city. A 
hearty sujjporter of churches, he is a trustee of 
the First j'resbyterian Church. He is a mem- 



uisTonr OF los anoeles county. 



her and the former Post Commander of Vicks- 
burg Post, No. 61, G. A. P., of Pomona. In 
political matters he is a life-long Pepublican, 
and has ever taken an active part as a worker 
in the ranks of that party. "With the exception 
of 1884 he has been a delegate to every Pe- 
publican county convention held in Los An- 
geles County since 1872. In 1869 Mr. Howe 
was united in marriage with Miss UTiion Au- 
gusta Clawiter, a native of Alameda County. 
Her father, Edward Clawiter, was a native of 
Berlin, Germany, who came to California in 
1846. Her mother, Mary Gadding, was a na- 
tive of Hamburg. They have four children: 
Pobert C, Edward C, Walter C. and Lonis P. 

'^-^■^ 

tADCLIFFE F. HOUSE, one of the promi- 
nent and progressive business men of Po- 
mona, is engaged in the real estate and 
insurance business on Second street, next to 
Brewer's Hotel. Mr. House was born in Had- 
dam Neck, Connecticnt, in 1848, and is the son 
of Chauncey B. and Jane (Forbes) House. He 
was reared in his native place until fourteen 
years of age, when his restless and roving dis- 
position prompted him to seek his fortune in 
the world at large. The ojiposition of his father 
(liis mother died in 1860) to this project did not 
restrain him, and he ran away from home and 
entered upon a seafaring life as a common sailor 
upon vessels engaged in the Atlantic coasting 
trade. In 1866, when but eighteen years of 
age, he came by steamer to San Francisco. Soon 
he secured employment as a hrakeman upon 
the Central Pacific Pailroad, making liis resi- 
dence at Sacramento. He soon showed his 
capabilities in railroading, and after nine months' 
service as a hrakeman was promoted to con- 
ductor. Mr. House remained in the employ of 
the railroad until 1876, tlie latter portion oi his 
service being on the Southern Pacific Eoad, with 
headquarters at Los Angeles. In the latter year 
he purchased land in the San Jose Valley, in 
what is now the city of Pomona and the home 



of Murchison, and engaged in fruit cultivation. 
When he first settled in the valley there were 
but a few families where now stands a thriving 
city. As the population increased and the de- 
mand for business enterprises arose, he estab- 
lished his present business, first in 1882, 
under the firm name of House & Thomas, and 
then as House, Thomas & Dreher; but since 
1887 he has conducted the enterprise alone. In 
business he lias been successful, and has done 
much in adding to the prosperity of his chosen 
city. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and 
in 1883 and 1884 was a deputy sheriflf of Los 
Angeles County, and for the six years preced- 
ing 1888 was a school director. He is promi- 
nent in Masonic circles, being a member of 
Pomona Lodge, No. 246; of Signet Chapter, 
No. 57, and Ca3ur de Lion Commandery, No. 
y, Knights Templar, of Los Angeles. He is also 
a member of Capital Lodge, No. 86, I. O. O. F., 
of Sacramento, and of ^tna Lodge, No. 107, 
Knights of Pythias, of Pomona. Mr. House, in 
1887, built himself a beautiful cottage residence 
on Ellen street, upon his orchard property, sur- 
rounding the same with orchard grounds. He 
is also engaged in orange culture. His thorough 
and systematic cultivation, which he is able to 
give from his long experience in the business, 
has produced results almost marvelous, and has 
tended to convince even the most skeptical that 
wonderful riches are lying dormant in the soil 
of the San Jose Valley. In 1870 Mr. House 
was united in marriage with Miss Florence J. 
McCullough, the daughter of George McCul- 
lough, a native of Scotland. Mrs. House is a 
native of Illinois. They have had but one child, 
born July 21, 1871, and died February 21, 1874. 



fOHN T. HADDOX.— Among the mer- 
chants of El Monte is the subject of this 
sketch, whose well-appointed store is cen- 
trally located in that town. His establishment 
is well fitted and stocked as a representative 
country store, dealing in dry-goods, groceries, , 



HISTORY. OF LOS ANQBLES COUNTY. 



boots, slioes, clothing, hardware, drugs and agri- 
cultural implements, and is well patronized by 
the community in which he resides. Mr. Had- 
dox also combines the real-estate and insurance 
business with his enterprise, and is the agent of 
E. J. Baldwin in his land sales in that section. 
A brief resume of his life and association with 
the industries of the San Gabriel Valley is as 
follows: He is a native of Hancock Oouiity, 
Ohio, dating his birth in 1858. His father, 
Jacob Haddo.>:, .vas a native of that State, but a 
descendant of an old family of Virginia, who 
devoted himself to mercantile pursuits. Mr. 
Haddox lived in iiis native county until 1868, 
when his father moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 
where the subject of this sketch received a good 
common-school and academic education, and 
also received his early training in mercantile 
pursuits. In 1876 he started in life for him- 
self, seeking the Golden State as the scene of 
his operations. Upon his arrival in California 
he located at El Monte, where for about a year 
ho engaged in farming with his cousin, William 
Haddox, after which he rented land from Nicho- 
las Smith, about a mile east of town, and engaged 
in agricultural pursuits until 1881. He then 
established himself in mercantile business in 
El Monte in partnership with Charles M. Bell, 
under the firm name of Bell & Haddox. This 
enterprise was successfully conducted until 1885, 
when he sold out his interest to Mr. Langstadter 
and established his present business. He has 
also ten acres of land located in the Temple 
school district, which he is devoting to vegetable 
cultivation, besides 210 acres near Fort Yuma, 
in Arizona. Mr. Haddox is a progressive and 
enterprising citizen, who by his energy and firm 
business principles has secured success in his 
various enterprises, and one who is ever ready 
to aid such projects and movements as will build 
up the section in which he has cast his lot. He 
is a strong Republican in politics, and a worker 
in the ranks of his party, having been a delegate 
in many of the Republican county conventions. 
In 18S1 ho was appointed postmaster of Et 
Monte, a |.i.,sition he l.cM uiiLiI lSS7. Ilui.s 



serving his second term as a justice of the peace, 
first elected in 1881, and later in 1888. He is 
a member of El Monte Lodge, No. 104, F. & 
A. M. In 1886 Mr. Haddox was united in 
marriage with Miss Victoria Mayes, the daugh- 
ter of the late Dr. Thomas A Mayes, one of the 
pioneer physicians of Los Angeles County and 
a resident of El Monte at the time of his death. 
Her mother, Mary (King) Mayes, is still a resi- 
dent of that place. By this marriage there is 
OTie child, Dorothea. Mr. Haddox's mother, nee 
Elizabeth Smith, was a native of Ohio. She 
died when he was three years old. 



fEORGE R. JOHNSON.— Among the rep- 
resentative and enterprising business men 
of Monrovia is the subject of this sketch. 
He is the senior member of the firm of Johnson 
& Parker, dealers in staple and fancy groceries, 
crockery, glassware, etc. The well-equipped store 
of this firm is located on the corner of Ivy avenue, 
opposite the Grand View Hotel. It is one of 
the oldest business houses in Monrovia, and was 
established by the present proprietors April 1, 
1887. The firm are the owners of the two-story 
building occupied by them. It contains two 
stores on the first floor, and residence and office 
rooms in the second story. This building was 
erected in the spring of 1887. Mr. Johnson 
was born in liockford, Illinois, in 1859. His 
father, Hobert J. Johnson, was a native of New 
York, and a farmer by profession. His mother, 
Charlotte L. Johnson, was born in Connecticut. 
Mr. Johnson was reared as a farmer and was 
educated 'n the public schools of Rockford, and 
later graduated at the Rockford Business Col- 
lege. At the age of twenty-one years he en- 
tered into mercantile pursuits in Rockford in a 
general merchandise store, which he conducted 
until February, 1883. He then engaged as a trav- 
eling agent for the Elder Publishing Company, 
of Chicago, and continued that occupation until 
1886. In November of that year lie came to 
Los Angeli's Cmnly. and \ovMr,\ in tlir city «>f 



HI STOUT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Los Angeles, remaining there until the follow- 
ing spring, when he came to Monrovia and es- 
tablished his present business. Mr. Johnson is 
an enterprising and progressive citizen and a 
trained business man, and is closely identified 
with the building up of Monrovia. He is well 
known and respected; is a consistent membcrof 
the Methodist Church; has for the past ten 
jears been an active member of the Young Men's 
Christian Association, and is vice-president of 
the association in Monrovia. Politically he is 
a Eepublican, taking an intelligent interest in 
his party. In 1888 Mr. Johnson was united 
in marriage with Miss Hannah G. Hooper, the 
daughter of Edward D. and Mary B. Hooper, 
residentsof Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in which 
city Mrs. Johnson was born. Her father is now 
a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 



tLBERT JENKS, artist, Los Angeles, was 
born in New York, May 26, 1830. His 
parents, Levi and Nancy Jenks, came 
West to Chicago in 1836, and were among the 
earliest settlers of that western metropolis. 
They located at Joliet, Illinois, when there were 
only three houses there. The subject of this 
sketch attended the common schools, and com- 
pleted his education at Rock River Seminary. 
When quite a young man he studied medicine 
in the oiRce of D. S. Smith, the veteran home- 
opathist of Chicago and the Northwest. After- 
ward he removed to Aurora, Illinois, and en- 
gaged in mercantile business for some years, 
and then entered into banking and carried on 
the business for ten years. Upon the breaking 
out of the Rebellion he went into the army. In 
raising a company of cavalry he had 400 appli- 
cations for enlistment, but accepted only 100, 
and the men furnished their own horses and 
equipments. He was commissioned Captain of 
cavalry in the Thirty-si.xth Regiment, was pro- 
moted to Lieutenant-Colonel, participated in 
several battles, and served from 1861 to 1863. 
After his return from the service he engaged in 



mercantile business for several years, and gave 
it up to follow his chosen vocation. From early 
childhood he had a remarkable taste for paint- 
ing, and in all the schools he attended during 
childhood, so fond was he of drawing that he 
was called the "boy artist." After taking up 
the brush he remained in Chicago until 1872. 
Then he was in Detroit several years, and in 
1875 he came to the Pacilic Coast, locating in 
San Francisco until 1886, when he came to Los 
Angeles, and since then has been busily engaged 
in executing orders received here, and has taken 
a leading position in the profession on the Pa- 
ciiic Coast. After the nomination of President 
Lincoln in 1860, Mr. Jenks received a letter 
from William Butler, Secretary of State for 
Illinois, asking him to go to the capital to 
paint a portrait. Mr. Jenks responded to the 
request, not knowing who the subject was until 
he reached Springfield, and found it was Mr. 
Lincoln, the great martyr President. Mr. Jenks 
has been twice married. His first wife was Miss 
Frances H. Wetniore, of Ohio, who died leaving 
one daughter, now Mrs. Charles Sontag, of San 
Francisco. His present wife was Mrs. Cornelia 
A. Trowbridge, of the city of Detroit. 

fA. JONES, of tlie firm of Mackay & Jones, 
contractors. No. 710 South Fort street, is 
'^ a native of Ohio, born September 11, 1850. 
His parents, A. L. and Margaret (Eaken) Jones, 
were both natives of Pennsylvania. He attended 
school during his early boyhood, and, in 1865, 
when he was fourteen years of age, his parents 
removed to Illinois, where he served an appren- 
ticeship to his trade. Upon reaching his ma- 
jority he went to Iowa, in 1871, and remained 
there until July 1, 1878; then went to Colorado 
and for two years was engaged in prospecting. 
The next three years were spent in a quartz- 
mill building. He remained there until the fall 
of 1882, when he came to Los Angeles and 
'worked at his trade; was foreman for Mr.Mackay 
for three years and then became a partner with 



U I STORY OP LOS ANOBLBS COUNTY. 



him. Since then tlie firm of Mackay & Jones 
has done a leading business in contracting^ and 
building, and no firm in Southern California 
enjoys a higher reputation than does this one. 
While living in Colorado Mr. Jones was mar- 
ried, April 26, 1881, to Miss Ella Woodfill, a 
native of Rochester, Indiana. They have two 
children: xllbert and Myrtle. 



fD. JOHNSTON.— The Empire State has 
furnished some excellent men as pioneers 
* of Los Angeles County, and perhaps none 
more worthy of an appropriate mention in this 
work than Mr. Johnston. He was born in Erie 
County, New York, in 1842. His father's name 
was Joseph E. Johnston, and his mother's maiden- 
name was Annie Wenger; she was a native of 
Pennsylvania and of German descent. When 
the subject of this sketch was ten years old, his 
father moved to Lorain County, Ohio, and for 
many years was a farmer there, and now lives 
retired with his youngest son in Toledo, that 
State. After our subject was twenty-one years 
old, he went to Monroe County, Michigan, and 
in company with two brothers carried on tlie 
saw-mill business for nine years. In 1865 he 
was married near Toledo, Ohio, to Miss Eu- 
dolpha De Witt, a native of Monroe County, 
New York, whose father was Samuel De Witt, 
a New York farmer. In 1876 Mr. Johnston 
came to Los Angeles County and purchased a 
farm of 123 acres one-half mile south of Nor- 
walk. This he has put under a high state of 
cultivation, and his comfortable surroundings 
are evidence of the prosperity which has at- 
tended him since coming to the " County of the 
Angels." He has about 1,200 French prune 
trees on the ranch, from which, at the age of 
four years, he produced seven tons of prunes. 
He cultivates forty acres of vineyard, and man- 
ufactures his own wines. Last year he made 
over 27,000 gallons. He is also a partner in 
the cheese factory at Norwalk. He is a mairof 
large business experience, and is energetic and 



enterprising. He helped to organize the Nor- 
walk school district, and for nine years he has 
held the office of clerk of the board of directors. 
He is especially in terestea in educational matters. 
His oldest daughter, Cora A., is a graduate of 
the Normal School and will be enrolled among 
the teachers of the county. Edie L. is a stu- 
dent in the Norwalk district school. Tiiese 
two young ladies are all the children of Mr. and 
Mrs. Johnston. Politically Mr. Johnston is 
one of the able, intelligent supporters of the 
Republican party, and is socially a Freemason. 



AJ OR EDWARD WADS WORTH 

, y. ,, JCJNES, President of the Los Angeles 
"^^^ Chamber of Commerce and also of the 
Historical Society of Southern California, was 
born at New Hartford, Connecticut, November 
28, 1840. He is of Puritan stock; a collateral 
descendant of the officer w^'o hid the Charter 
of Connecticut in the famous "Oak;" of the 
founder of Wadsworth Atheneum at Hartford, 
and of William Williams, a signer of the Dec- 
laration of Independence. Major Jones was edu- 
cated in the schools of his native State, and at 
the University of Tennessee. At the breaking 
out of the war of the Rebellion he entered the 
army, and served something over three years in 
the Second Connecticut Artillery, as Captain 
and Major. He was with the Army of the Po- 
tomac; was in the Shenandoah Valley; and at 
Cedar Creek was in command of his regiment, 
as shown by Sheridan in his Memoirs. He was 
brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel for gallant and 
meritorious conduct. After the close of the war 
he settled temporarily in Illinois. From there 
he went to Idaho and Utah, where he engaged 
in mining operations ten years, from 1871 to 
1881. He worked profitably some rich silver 
mines in the Salmon River region, his company 
taking out $600,000 or $800,000. During this 
time there were two Indian wars in that country. 
Major Jones made his headquarters at Salt Lake 
City, where his lainily hjcatcJ, and where he 



UlfiTOUY OF LOS ANOELRS COUNTY. 



spent the most of liis winters during those ten 
years, thus affording him an opportunity to 
study the Mormon question with considerable 
thoroughness. The winter of 1876 and 1877 
he spent in Central America (San Salvador) ex- 
amining mines. In 1881, having sold his in- 
terest in the Salmon River mines, he spent the 
year in New York, and came to California in 
1882, partly on account of his health. After 
looking over Central and Northern California 
pretty thoroughly, lie determined to see the 
Southern part of the State, and came by steamer, 
arriving here in August. He decided as soon 
as he landed in Los Angeles County, as so many 
others have done, that this was the climate that 
he wanted; and he almost immediately wrote 
for his family, which he had left at Oakland, to 
join him here. He built a home in the west 
pait of the city, where he now resides. He was 
a member of the city council in 1886-'87, and 
he is one of tlie most useful and public-spirited 
citizens that Los Angeles has. In 1863 Major 
Jones married Miss Spencer, a native of Illinois, 
in Washington. They have three children liv- 
ing, two daughters and one son, the latter now 
a student at Phillips Academy, Exeter, New 
Hampshire. 



fE. JENISON, a farmer residing iiear Dow- 
ney, and the senior member of the firm of 
® Jenison & Greening, general merchants 
in Downey, came to Los Angeles County in 
1877. Two years previous to this he was at 
San Jose. He is a native of Illinois, born in 
Menard County, December 10, 1838, and is a 
son of John Singletary Jenison and nee Martha 
McNabl), natives respectively of Massachusetts 
and Kentucky. The father was a pioneer of 
Sangamon County, Illinois, where he died in 
1853. Of his seven children, only three arc 
now living. Mr. Jenison did good service in 
the late war, entering the army in 1861 and 
serving four years and four months. He was a 
member of Company A, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, 



and at the siege of Vicksburg and on the Yazoo 
expedition was in McPherson's Corps, Logan's 
Division, and Mower's "Eagle Brigade." This 
is the brigade that carried the eagle through 
the war. In 1875 Mr. Jenison was married in 
Menard County, Illinois, to Miss Susan B. 
Champion, of the same county. To them have 
been born four children, two of whom are 
living, Roy and Lena. On account of his health 
Mr. Jenison has retired from the mercantile 
business, and is now devoting his time to the 
management of his farm. He also conducts a 
good dairy Inisiness. 



■•#► 



Jig^ANS JEYNE, proprietor of tlie tinest retail 
•fM\ grocery store in Southern California, and 
"^i whose name is probably familiar to more 
households in and about Los Angeles than that 
of any other business man, severed his connection 
with his brother, C. Jevne, in Chicago, who 
owns the most elegant retail grocery in that great 
metropolis, if not in America, and in February, 
1882, came to the Pacitic Coast. Nine months 
later he opened his grocery store in the building 
he now occupies, at Nos. 38 and 40 North Spring 
street, in a room one-fourth as large as his pres- 
ent store. Having had a thorough training in 
the business in Chicago, first as salesman and 
afterward as manager in his brother's mam- 
moth establishment, for seventeen years — with 
but ten days' vacation — Mr. Jevne was master 
of the grocery trade in every detail, as conducted 
upon the highest standard and best metliods. 
Therefore, the success of his business has been 
phenomenal from the beginning, demanding fre- 
quent enlargement of store-room and facilities 
until now two floors of the spacious brick build- 
ing are required to accommodate his immense 
trade, which gives employment to twenty-six or 
twenty-seven men and thirteen horses. Mr. 
Jevne makes a specialty of the very choicest 
brands of goods, and buys the best the markets 
of the world can sup])ly. He imports large 
quantities of the finest French antl English 



UltSTOUT OF LOS AJfOELES COUNTY. 



Bottled and other fancy goods direct from 
Bordeaux and other European points, which he 
sells at wliolesale to dealers throughout South- 
ern California, Arizona and New Mexico, besides 
supplying his extensive retail trade — the largest 
in the State outside of San Francisco. His 
commodious store is a model of neatness and 
order, and the artistic arrangement of toothsome 
edibles makes it a veritable palace of beauty and 
attractiveness. Besides the careful supervision 
of his large business, Mr. Jevne finds time 
to look after his outside investments, which 
are quite extensive, and also to take an active 
part in the Chamber of Commerce and other 
local organizations which he is a member of and 
which have for their object the prosperity and 
general advancement of Los Angeles and South- 
ern California, of which he is a most loyal 
and public-spirited citizen. Hans Jevne was 
born in Norway on the 28th of February, 
1849, and enjoyed superior educational advan- 
tages during the first sixteen years of his life 
that he remained in his native country, so much 
so that he was a good English and German 
scholar when he came to America in 1865. His 
entire commercial experience has been in 
Chicago and Los Angeles. Mr. Jevne possesses 
an active mental temperament, is suave and gen- 
tlemanly in manner, making a friend of evury 
acquaintance. 

JfllLLIAM H. JUENGER, senior partner 
■^•;V' *A ^^ ^'^^ ^'''" °^ Juenger & Cross, drug- 
i^>H gists. No. 27 North Main street, estab- 
lished the business at that number over four 
years ago, having opened the store on March 
16, 1885. About a year later he took in Frank 
C. Wolf as a partner, who sold his interest in 
the early part of 1888 to W. S. Cross, the pres- 
ent junior member of the firm. They have one 
of the largest and prettiest drug stores in Los 
Angeles, and carry a full and complete stock of 
every kind of goods usually kept in a first-class 
drug store. They make a specialty of the phar- 



macy branch of the business, and have a very 
large prescription trade, averaging thirty-five to 
forty a day. During the first four years of the 
history of the house it compounded and sent 
out 28,000 prescriptions, besides those prepared 
for the French Hospital, for which institution 
this firm has furnished all the drugs ijnd medi- 
cines in the past three years. Mr. Juenger is 
one of the most thorough pharmacologists in 
Southern California, having had seventeen years 
of active experience in pharmacy. He manu- 
factures several proprietary prescriptions. Mr. 
Juenger was born in New Orleans, July 22, 1859, 
and passed the first thirteen years of his life in 
the Crescent City. Coming from there to Cal- 
ifornia, he located in San P'rancisco, where he 
began to learn the drug business early in his 
teens. Fifteen years ago he came to Los Ange- 
les, and was five years in the employ of Mr. 
Heinzeman, in the oldest drug store in the city. 
In September, 1884, Mr. Juenger and Miss 
Eliza Anderson were united in marriage. She 
is a "native daughter," born in Los Angeles. 



ifEVINE JOHNSON, a true pioneer of the 
n Golden State, who is now spending the 
W evening of life with the wife of his youth, is 
a retired farmer, residing three miles west of 
Downey, and is a man in every respect worthy 
of honorable mention in a work of this character. 
He was born in Madison County, Kentuckv, 
July 1, 1817. His father, John Johnson, born 
October 15, 1785, was a soldier in the war of 
1812; and his grandfather, James Johnson, was 
a Captain in the Eevolutionary war. John 
Johnson's first wife was Elizabeth Campbell, 
who was born in Virginia, and by her he had 
four children, to which family L-vine belongs. 
The mother died when he was three years old, 
and the fathei' married Elizabeth Parker. Of 
this union three children were born, two of whom 
are living. A half brother of the subject of this 
sketch, Thomas Walker Johnson, was a soldier 
in the Southern army, and died in prison some- 



HI STORY OF LOS AJSOBLBS COUNTY. 



where in the South. In 1857 John Johuson 
moved to Gainesville, Cook County, Texas, where 
he died in 1860. Irvine Jolinson was married 
March 2, 1836, to Miss Elizabeth Ann Maggard, 
of Randolph County, Missouri. She is the 
daughter of Jacob and Susan (Bright) Maggard, 
natives respectively ofEast Tennessee and South 
Carolina. The father was of Pennsylvania Dutcli 
descent, and the mother traces her ancestry to 
the Scotch. They were pioneers in Missouri, 
and at times were compelled to live in forts to 
protect themselves against the Indians. They 
had four sons and live daughters, one son and 
two daughters still living. Mr. Johnson left 
ills old home in Missouri, April 3, 1853, with 
his wife and five children, to cross the plains to 
the Golden Coast. Six months were spent on 
that famous journey, and it is with peculiar in- 
terest that one listens to Mrs. Johnson tell liow 
she enjoyed camping in wagons, and seeing the 
beauties and wonders of nature which were new 
and changing every day. Mr. Johnson spent 
five years in mining in Amador County, one 
year in farming in Sacramento County, then 
two years in Sonoma County, from which place 
he moved to Solano County, where for seven 
years he was a tiller of the soil. Next he farmed 
for seven years in San Luis Obispo County. 
Twelve years ago he became a citizen of Los 
Angeles County, where, in retirement, he ex- 
pects to spend the residue of life, being now in 
liis seventy-third year. He and his faithful 
companion have been workers together in the 
Southern Methodist Episcopal Church for over 
fifty years. During that time he has held the vari- 
ous otHces of the church. Politically he was a 
Whig wliHe the party had an existence, and since 
then he has been a whole-souled Democrat, be- 
lieving heartily in its doctrines and supporting 
its principles by his vote and influence. He is 
a man of recognized ability, having, while in 
Missouri, served as justice county judge. He is 
a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. and 
Mrs. Johnson have reared a family of seven 
children: John, who married Martha Summer; 
James A., who married Nancy Root; David M., 



who married Sarah Barnett for his first wife and 
Alice Floyd for his second; Matilda, wife of 
Thomas Barnett; Thomas W., who married Lil- 
lie Raymond; Mary A., wife of T. N. Cocke; 
and Ella, wife of William J. Edwards. Mr. 
Johnson has twenty six gratidciiildren and three 
great-grandchildren. 



tLBERT H. JUDSON was born in Port- 
land, Chautauqua County, New York, on 
the 21sfc of September, 1838. He received 
a common-school education in his native town, 
and attended the Fredonia Academy several 
terms; taugiit school, and afterward followed 
civil engineering for a time; then studied law, 
attended one term at the Albany Law School, 
and was admitted to the Superior Court of his 
native State in 1860. He commenced the prac- 
tice of law in Fredonia, New York, in 1861, and 
in 1871 removed to San Leandro, California, 
where he remained, practicing law and editing 
the Alameda County Gazette., until May, 1873, 
when he went to Los Angeles, California, open- 
ing a law office and starting the first abstract 
office ever opened in Los Angeles. The abstract 
branch of his business grew rapidly, and was 
cai'ried on successively by Judson & Fleming, 
Judson & Gillette, Judson, Gillette & Smith 
and Judson, Gillette & Gibson, and at present 
is known as the Abstract and Title Insurance 
Company, a corporation, the largest institu- 
tion of the kind in the State. Mr. Judson sold 
out his interest in the abstract firm in 1884, but 
remained as counsel for the firm until 1886, 
when he retired from his law practice and re- 
ujoved to Highland Home, in San Gorgonio 
Valley, on account of the failing health of one 
of his children. He has recently returned to 
Los Angeles. Mr. Judson has always been an 
Independent Republican in politics. He has 
not sought office, but reluctantly consented on 
two occasions to permit himself to be nominated, 
once for superior judge and once for city at- 
torney, but on botli occasions was defeated, with 




^ ^. l/e^^Au^t^ 



UISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



the most of the ticket, his party being both, 
times largely in tlie minority. As a lawyer? 
Mr. Jndson has occupied an honorable position 
at the bar, and enjoyed a lucrative practice, and 
is esteemed one of the best real-estate and title 
lawyers in Southern California. He has bought 
and sold largely of real property in this and ad- 
joining counties, and was very successful. He 
has the confidence and respect of the community 
in which he lives. Pie belongs to no church, 
has no love for creeds, but believes in Chris- 
tianity in its broadest and best sense; and while 
he has contributed liberally toward the build- 
ing of half a dozen or more churches in Los 
Angeles, his sympathies are with the church of 
the Unity and liberal religion. Mr. Judson was 
married in 1876 to Sarah A. Fairman,of Elmira, 
New York, by wjiom he has seven children, five 
sons and two daughters, four of whom — all 
sons — still survive. 

fHAKLES MEYKS JENKINS was born 
at Circleville,'Ohio, June 2, 1839. His 
ancestors originally came from Wales and 
Germany, settled in Maryland, and afterward 
moved to Ohio. Charles came to California via 
Panama in 1850. In tlie war of the Kebcllion 
the Government did nut call for volunteers from 
the Pacific States to serve in the East, for two 
reasons — the expense of transportation was so 
great, and then it was thought there might be 
need for them here, as there was much talk of 
a "Pacific Reljellion." Nevertheless a Califor- 
nia (cavalry) battalion of 500 adventurous spir- 
its voluntarily organized themselves, in October, 
1862, and offered their services to the Govern- 
ment. But in order to be accepted they liad to 
smuggle themselves into the service, and get 
themselves accepted as a part of the quota of 
the State of Massachusetts. And they actually 
paid their own fare from San Francisco to New 
York, and Governor Andrew paid their fare 
from there to Boston, where they were I'nustered 
in for three years, or the war, as tlie Second 



Massachusetts Cavalry, with Colonel Charles R. 
Lowell as commander. This battalion was in 
about fifty battles. Mr. Jenkins fought in 
twenty battles, and was a jjrisoner of war fifteen 
months, suffering a thousand deaths from sick- 
ness, cold and starvation. He was captured at 
Coyle's Tavern, Virginia, and was taken to 
Libby Prison, then to Belle Island, and from 
there to Andersonville. Eventually he was taken 
to Savannah, and then to Millen, Georgia, where 
he was exchanged. Of the 150 uien captured, 
only three lived to get out: Jenkins, Dr. Demp- 
sey (now living in Ventura County), and Will- 
iam Manker, who died soon after his release; 
he over-ate at Parole Camp and never recovered. 
Mr. Jenkins, who says he resolved to be a man 
and live if possible, controlled his appetite, and 
weathered through, barely. But it was nearly 
twenty years after the close of the war before 
he recovered from the efiects of the starvation 
and chronic dysentery he suffered from during 
his long and terrible imprisonment. After 
being exchanged he joined his regiment, De- 
cember, 1864, at Winchester. He was twenty- 
six days with Sheridan in his raid, and at the 
final surrender at Appomattox. Of course at 
this time he could only do the lightest service, 
but his comrades relieved him whenever they 
could, and he stayed with his command until 
the last. He was mustered out at Fairfax 
Court-House, July' 20, 1865. During his service 
he acted as private, Corporal and Sergeant. Im- 
mediately after his discharge Mr. Jenkins came 
back to Los Angeles, where he has lived ever 
since. Notwithstanding all Mr. Jenkins has 
sacrificed, namely, the best part of his life, if 
his long disability is included; and notwith- 
standing all he has suffered, equal to a thousand 
deaths, for liis country, he iias never received 
one dollar, aside from his wages, from the Gov- 
ernirient, as pension or otherwise. It may be 
because lie has not asked for it, for the reason 
that he is too proud or is too independent to 
ask favors of anybody! But can the American 
people consent to receive such sacrifices and not 
hunt up the heroes who rendered them, and re- 



UISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



ward thein in some measure as they deserve, 
even without tlie asking? Mr. Jenkins was 
married to Miss Pliffibe S))eague, July 13, 1869. 
They have no children. If, with her care and 
nursing and assistance, he is yet alive and has 
any means on which to live and "keep the wolf 
from the door," thanks are due to their own 
heroic exertions, and not to the Government of 
the United States! A word should be added as 
to the boyhood and early life in California of 
Mr. Jenkins, for he came to California when he 
was a mere boy, with his step-father, George 
Dalton, Sr. Young Jenkins learned the printer's 
trade and worked on the first newspaper pub- 
lished in Los Angeles, the Star, also on the 
Southern California, the Southern Vineyard, 
El Clamor PtMico, and the News. On April 
1, 1889, he was appointed special Aide-de-camp 
on the staff of the Department Commander, 
George E. Gard, of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, with rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Mr. 
Jenkins was "zanjero," or overseer of water or 
irrigation of the city of Los Angeles, for about 
seven years. 

fOllN KENEALY was born in County 
Cork, Ireland, in October, 1838. At the 
age of fifteen years he was employed as a 
clerk in a large dry-goods establishment in the 
city of Cork. In a few years he was advanced 
to the position of buyer and commercial trav- 
eler. In September, 1865, he was arrested by 
the British Government for connection with 
the Irish National party known as the Fenian 
movement. He was convicted and sentenced 
to ten years penal servitude for the crime of 
trying to restore to Ireland her national itide- 
pendence. He served two years in the prisons 
of Fentonville and Portland, England, and two 
years in the penal colony of Western Australia. 
Forced by public opinion, the British Govern- 
ment released the political prisoners before the 
term of their sentences expired. Mr. Kenealy 
arrived in San Francisco in January, 1870. 



Here he married Miss Hennessy, a sister of one 
of his fellow compatriots. He became con- 
nected with a large wholesale house in that city, 
as general salesman and manager of a depart- 
ment. In March, 1875, he came to Los An- 
geles, with Mr. Richard Dillon, his brother-in- 
law, and engaged in the dry-goods business, under 
the firm name of Dillon & Kenealy. After a very 
successful business career, they closed out their 
dry-goods stock in this city, three years ago 
They have yet a store at Phoenix, Arizona. They 
have a fine young vineyard of over 200 acres, 
from four to six years old, near Roscoe, four miles 
aboveBurbank; also have large wineries and make 
their own wine and brandy. They are also inter- 
ested jointly and separately in other valuable 
real estate. Mr. and Mrs. Kenealy have two 
children, a daughter sixteen and a son fourteen 
years of age. 

-^€@::®»'^ — 

fAMES M. KING is a native of Indiana^ 
born in Knox County, in 1847, and is 
the oldest of three sons. His father was 
William King, who was also born in Indiana. 
His mother was Nancy (Murphy) King. They 
moved to Illinois at an early day, and later to 
Texas, where the father died in 1855, and the 
mother married J. G. B. Haynes. After three 
years they started across the plains with ox teams 
and arrived in Arizona, where they stopped for 
six months, and from there they pursued their 
westward course till they arrived in El Monte. 
The subject of this sketch, in company with 
Jefferson Beck, purchased the first land sold 
from the old Peco Ranch. This was in 1866, 
and vast indeed has been the improvement made 
here. Where the wild mustard nodded to the 
wind, and where the wild horse roamed over un- 
cultivated plains, there theoranges bloom and the 
carefully tilled soil yields abundant harvests. As 
a wise husbandman, Mr. King has planted out 
about twenty acres of English walnuts, and has 
a fine ol'chard of apples, oranges and smaller 
fruits. The passer-by cannot fail to observe the 



IIT8T0RT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



systematic arrangement of everything on this 
ranch, and its owneris recognized among farmers 
as one worthy of imitation. October 10, 1865, 
he was made one with Miss Mary J. Nicliolson. 
Her fatlier was James and her inotlier Marga- 
ret Nicliolson. They had six children. The 
father was a pioneer of 1850 and died in 1860, 
and his widow is still living with lier dauo-hter, 
at a good old age. Mr. and Airs. King have a 
family of four sons: James, William, Henry, 
and Charles; and one daughter, Catherine. Both 
the parents are active members of the Seventh 
Day Adventist Church, and he is an enthusi- 
astic supporter of the principles of government 
as taught by the Democratic party. 

tBBOT KINiYEY was born on a farm 
known as Brook Side, in Middlesex County, 
New Jersey, November 16, 1850. His 
early life was largely spent in Washington, Dis- 
trict of Columbia, with his father, Hon. Frank- 
lin Slierwood Kinney, who filled various public 
positions at the national capital. Mr. Kinney 
also spent much of his time with his uncle, the 
Hon. James Dixon, for sixteen years a represen- 
tative in the United States Senate from the State 
of Connecticut. Abbot Kinney's genealogy 
traces him through a long line of American an- 
cestry and gives him a blood connection with 
many familiar American names, such as Ralph 
Waldo Emerson, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, 
General William Henry Harrison, etc. He re- 
ceived his education in Switzerland, Paris and 
Heidleberg, and supplemented a thorough classi- 
cal course with the study of law and medicine, 
at Columbia College, Washington, District of 
Columbia. In 1869 he went into the whole- 
sale commission business in Baltimore City and 
acquired a competency, but ill health obliged 
him to give up sedentary pursuits. He was 
delegated as a botanical garden commissioner 
of the city of Baltimore and traveled in Europe 
on that commission. In 1873 he was connected 
with the [Inited States Geological Survey under 



Prof O. C. Marsh, on the Sioux Indian Reser- 
vation, now about to be opened for settlement. 
In this year he first visited California, passing 
through the State from the Oregon line to San 
Diego. Mr. Kinney had previously traveled in 
the old world, but in 1874 he received a com- 
mission from the Khedive of Egypt to investi- 
gate the famine-stricken districts of the Upper 
Nile. Here he gained an insight into the char- 
acter of this spiritless people. In 1875-'76 he 
traveled in Turkey, when 12,000 Christians were 
massacred in Bulgaria and Macedonia. He 
continued his trip around the world, visiting 
Ceylon, Java and New Guinea. He went to 
Australia with the idea of making that country 
his future home. He had thus far found no 
climate to his liking, and in 1880 he came to 
San Francisco on his way to Florida. While 
on his way to San Jose he learned of the Sierra 
Madre Villa as a health resort, and in February 
of that year lie put up at that famous hostelry. 
His health so improved that he was in love with 
the balmy clime and grand mountain scenery. 
In June of that year he purchased his present 
farm, most of which is now in a high state of 
cultivation, being planted with citrus and decid- 
uous fruits. Improvements have been lavishly 
made on this country seat until it has attained 
the luxurious beauty of a fabled oriental para- 
dise. F>om the grand towering Sierra Madre 
that forms the background, cold streams of 
purest water flow, while live oak, citrus groves, 
palms and flowers aflFord perpetual verdure 
and foliage. An extensive view of the San 
Gabriel and Los Angeles valleys, the Pacific 
Ocean and distant islands rounds out the pano- 
rama. Mr. Kinney has thoroughly identified 
himself with the leading interests of California 
and has been a somewhat conspicuous figure in 
the agitation and decision of some of its most 
important questions of State and national issue. 
He received a commission from the Federal 
Government to examine into the condition of 
the Mission Indians of Southern California and 
report as to what he might deem it necessary 
to do for the iujproveinent of their condition. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



He served on this coininission with Mrs. Helen 
Hunt Jacivson, tlie autlioress of "Ramona," and 
in this he represented tlie practical side of the 
Indian question and Mrs. Jackson the senti- 
mental. Together they visited every Indian 
ranchero between San Diego and Monterey. 
They also visited all of the twenty-one Francis- 
can Missions of California, gleaned facts and 
materials for a series of illustrated articles 
which subsequently appeared in the Century 
magazine, and the popular novel entitled " Ra- 
mona," by Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson, was a 
result of this tour. In May, 1886, Mr. Kinney, 
was appointed by Governor Stoneman a member 
of the State Board of Forestry and was elected 
chairman of that board, which position he filled 
with marked ability and enthusiasm for nearly 
three years. Mr. Kinney is the founder of the 
free public library at Pasadena. He is a Dem- 
ocrat in politics. Is the author of a work on 
free trade and also author of a book on forestry. 
He is an occasional contributor to several East- 
ern jonrnals. In 1885 Mr. Kinney took a lirm 
stand against the anti-riparian movement, a 
political agitation that like a whirlwind swept 
the State. Mr. Kinney married, November 18, 
1884, Miss Margret J. Thornton, daughter of 
Judge Thornton, of the Supreme Court of Cali- 
fornia, and a lineal descendant of Mildred Wash- 
ington, an aunt of the tixst President of the 
United States, and they have three children. 



jAURICE KREMER was born January 
14, 1825, in Loraine, France. He came 
^y^^ to the United States in 1844:, and en- 
gaged in business in New Orleans and in St. 
Louis about six years. In 1850 he came via 
Panama to California. He went to Sacramento, 
remaining there till December, 1851. In March, 
1852, he came to Los Angeles, and has lived 
here ever since. April 9, 1856, he married 
Matilda Newmark, a native of New York, and 
daughter of Mr. Joseph Newmark, long a re- 
spected citizen of Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs 



Kremer have six children living. Mr. Kremer, 
during his long residence in Los Angeles, be- 
sides being in mercantile business, has accepted 
many public positions of trust, namely: He 
served six years (from 1859 to 1860) as county 
treasurer; was some nine years (from 1866 to 
1875) on the city school board; was four years 
county tax collector and one year city tax col- 
lector; was clerk of the city council five years; 
and two years a supervisor of tlie count}'. Since 
1880 he has been extensively engaged in the 
insurance business. 



fOIIN A. KINGSLEY, the subject of this 
sketch, is a native of the State of Michigan. 
He was born in the city of Eaton Rapids, 
April 18, 1852, and is the eldest of two children 
of Phineas and Adelia (Holmes) Kingsley; he 
is a wheelwright by trade, and a native of James- 
town, Chautauqua County, New York, and she 
of Niagara County, in the same State. They 
emigrated from New York to Michigan in 1845, 
and 2-emoved to Lansing, the capital of the State, 
in 1864. Here John A. spent his boyhood, re- 
ceived a liberal education and acquired the art 
of printing in the publishing house of W. S. 
George & Co., State printers. In-doors work 
and too close application to business injured his 
health, and in his search for a milder climate 
and open-air employment, the year 1880 found 
him in Los Angeles. Being a young man of 
good address, gentlemanly bearing and earnest 
endeavors, he readily found employment with 
the Southern Pacific Railway Company as a 
locoinotive fireman, and was in a brief time ad- 
vanced to the position of engineer and put iu 
charge of a locomotive engine. Mr. Kingsley 
followed railroading four years and then resumed 
the calling of his early choice, opening a job 
printing establishment at No. 20 North Spring 
street in company with Thomas F. Barnes, with 
whom he still continues, under the firm name 
of Kingsley & Barnes. These gentlemen both 
being practical printers and proficient in the 



HIBTORT OF LOS ANGBLBS COUNTY. 



art preservative of arts, have enjoyed marked 
success. Tliey do book and job printing in all 
its branches and make a specialty of commercial 
work. From the organization of the firm these 
gentlemen Jiave enjoyed a constantly increasing 
and well-merited patronage, and the rapid in- 
crease in the volume of their business now 
demands increased facilities and more roomy 
quarters, which they are soon to have at No. 57 
North Spring street. Mr. Kingsley was married 
November 11, 1871, to one of Michigan's most 
estimable school teachers, and they have two 
daughters, Grace and Mildred, both bright and 
ambitious young ladies. Mr. Kingsley and his 
family are menjbers of the Third Congregational 
Church of Los Angeles, and all active in church 
and Sunday-school affairs. Mr. Kingsley is a 
member of the Pentalpha Lodge, No. 202 F. & 
A. M., and is Junior Warden of the lodge; also 
a member of Signet Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M. 

— ^m^m^-^ — 

tAOL KEKN, of 1603 South Main street, 
Los Angeles, is a native of Germany, and 
was born in Baden, June 25, 1828. He 
attended school and served an apprenticeship to 
the trade of nail-maker, and afterward served 
three years in the army. In 1852 he emigrated 
to this country, landing at New Orleans; from 
there lie went to Texas and remained in that 
State until 1854, when he was employed by Cap- 
tain Ilolliday to drive a large herd of cattle to 
California. There were sixty-two men engaged 
and they brought the stock safely to Warner's 
Rancho, San Diego County. Mr. Kern came 
to Los Angeles and worked for Governor R. D. 
Wilson about a year. From there he went with 
a surveying party to survey the Mojava.Desert 
and was gone nearly a year. He conducted the 
American Bakery one year. At the expiration 
of that time he went out in the country and 
purchased twenty-four acres of land and set out 
a vineyard. Tiiis land is now a part of the city 
and is very valuable. He carried on the vine- 
yard business, making wine and brandy for fifteen 



years. This property he sold to Mr. Kiefer. In 
1875 he made the improvements on his prop- 
erty at the junction of South Main and Spring 
streets, and lived there until two years ago, when 
he sold out. Since that time he has not been 
engaged in active business. Mr. Kern has been 
a resident of Los Angeles County for thirty-five 
years. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of 
the community and is one of its most worthy 
and respected citizens. In 1859 he married Miss 
Kate McElroy, of this city. They have an at- 
tractive home, situated on the corner of Morris 
and Main streets. Mr. Kern is affiliated with 
the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 35. 

5J^p f- KIEFER, senior member of the firm 
^ of Kiefer & Company, wholesale dealers 
~K m imported and domestic liquors, is a 
native of Germany, and was born in Bingen on 
the Rhine, January 11, 1835. His parents emi- 
grated to America during his early childhood 
and located in the State of Wisconsin, near 
Milwaukee. During his boyhood he attended 
the common schools, and upon reaching man- 
hood engaged in the grocery business in Mil- 
waukee. In 1856 he went to St. Paul and en- 
gaged in business there until 1860, at which 
time became to the Pacific Coast and landed in 
San Francisco on May 1, of that year. He was 
first employed in a store, and the following 
year he went to Tulare County and engaged in 
hotel and mercantile business and stock-raising, 
successfully carrying on a large business there 
for many years. He still owns a large ranch 
property in Kern County. He came to Los An- 
geles January 1, 1882, and afterward associated 
with his brother John, in the present business 
of Kiefer & Company; and since his brother 
retired from the business, January 1, 1887, he 
has been the head of the house. This firm dlaU 
in all kinds of imported and domestic wines and 
liquors. Until two years ago they handled 
their own wines. This company is one of the 
most reliable in Southern California and has a 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



large established trade. Mr. Kiefer was mar- 
ried in 1874 to Miss Edith M. Barr, a native 
of Plaeerville, California, and daughter of J. B. 
Barr, one of the pioneers of '49. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kiefer have one son living-James Paul; and 
one son, Oren A., is dead. 



fOSEPH W. WOLFSKILL.— Tiie subject of 
this sketch was born at the old Wolfskill 
homestead, in Los Angeles, September 14, 
1844. His father was William Wolfskill, the 
earliest Wolfskill pioneer in California, who set- 
tled in this then far-off land in the year 1831, 
of whom a further account is given on page 121 
of this work. His motlier was Dofia Magda- 
lena Lugo de Wolfskill, of Santa Barbara, dangli- 
ter of Don Jose Ygnacio Lugo and Dona 
Rafaela Romero de Lugo. Don Jose and Don 
Antonio M. Lugo were brothers; their descend- 
ants are very numerous in this and other coun- 
ties of Southern California. J. W. Wolfsldll's 
"padrinos," or godparents, were Captain and 
Mrs. Alexander Bell. He was educated wholly 
in the private school maintained for many 
years in his father's house. Among his teachers 
were Rev. J. W. Douglas, founder of the 
Pacific newspaper; Miss Goodnow, now the 
wife of Hon. H. J. Wells, of Cambridge, Massa- 
chusetts; H. D. Barrows, of this city; A. F. 
Waldemar, and a Spanish teaclier. On the 
death of his father, in 1866, Mr. Wolfskill took 
charge of the extensive vineyards and orchards 
planted by his father, and cultivated and 
improved them with great success. By per- 
sistently and intelligently procuring the best 
varieties of citrus and other fruits from various 
parts of the world, he brouglit his orchards to 
a higli degree of perfection. The excellence of 
the oranges and lemons of the "Wolfskill or- 
chards " became known far and wide. He was 
one of the first to send car-load lots of oranges 
of his own production east of the Mississippi 
River. His orchards yielded some seasons 
nearly 25,000 boxes, or over eighty car-loads. 



The appearance in Southern California of the 
destructive white-scale insect several years ago 
from Australia, gradually checked production, 
in spite of most vigilant efforts to exterminate 
the pest. Inasmuch as his neighbors did not 
co-operate witli him in fighting this dangerous 
citrus parasite, which multiplies witli enormous 
rapidity, it seemed almost hopeless for him to try 
to save his finegroves. And so, as their proximity 
to the city made tlie land valuable for building 
lots, he reluctantly divided it up and put it on 
the market, in 1887. Tiins the glory of tiie 
" Wolfskill orchards," so laboriously built up by 
both fatherand son, has becomeathingof tiie past. 
The magnificent Continental Passenger Depot 
of the Southern Pacific Railway Company oc- 
cupies a portion of the tract, fronting on Alameda 
steeet, where once the Wolfskill's successfully 
and for many years raised oranges, lemons, 
limes, grapes and other fruits. Mr. Wolfskill, 
in connection with his foreman, Mr. Alexander 
Craw, and Prof. D. W. Coquillett, of tlie En- 
tomological division of the Agricultural Bureau 
of Washington, have engaged in a long series 
of experiments for the destruction of the white 
or fluted scale, witii washes, sprays, gases, and 
latterly with parasites of the white scale which 
have been brought from Australia, where they 
are known to be the deadly enemy of that de- 
structive bug. Prof. Coquillett has established 
a regular experimental station at Mr. Wolfskill's 
place, for the purpose of breeding and experi- 
menting with this parasite of a parasite Septem- 
ber 20, 1869, Mr. Wolfskill married Dona Elena 
de Pedrorena the youngest daughter of the late 
Don Miguel de Pedrorena, of San Diego (a native 
of Madrid, Spain), and Dona Maria Antonia 
Estudillo. Mr. and Mrs Wolfskill have eleven 
children. Following the example of his father, 
he maintains a private school in his own house. 
Mrs. Wolfskill has large landed interests in the 
San Jacinto Rancho, amounting to about 12,000 
acres, in San Diego County, which she inherited 
from iier father. Mr. Wolfskill has been for one 
or two terms an active and useful member of 
the city council. Like his father, he has never 





rf^ 




KaKS,J®§iiF[Hl \T.-^?f'QlFi>m'LL. 



niSTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTT. 



lieen a seeker for public position; bat his quiet 
lal>ors in iiis orcliards and vineyards, like those 
of his father, have been invaluable to this sec- 
tion ill (lenionstratinj^ the wondrous fertility of 
its soil and its possil)ilities for the profitable 
cultivation of almost every variety of deciduous 
and seini-tropical fruits. Mr. Wolfskill, Sr., 
introduced here most of the best varieties of 
moderti French and American pears; besides 
planting in 1858 the, then, largest orange or- 
chard in the United States; the son has helped 
to introduce by building and grafting some of 
the best varieties of citrus fruits to be had any- 
where. Mr. Wolfskill lias two sisters living: 
Mrs. C. J. Shepherd and Mrs. Frank Sabichi. 
His younger brother, Lewis, died in 1884. 



5RS. J. W. WOLFSKILL is the youngest 
daughter of Don Miguel Pedrorena and 
Dona Maria Antonia Estudillo de Pe- 
drorena, and is a native of San Diego, where 
she was born in December, 1849. Her father 
was born in Madrid, of a good family of high 
social and ofKcial standing; and while still a 
young man he lived in Loudon several years, 
where he learned to speak the English language 
as if it were his own vernacular. One of liis 
brotliers held a high office in Madrid, in 1887, 
when Right-Rev. Bishop Mora, of Los Angeles, 
visited him, and of whom he made eager in- 
quiries concerning his, Mr. Pedroreiia's, relations 
in distant California, whom he had never seen. 
Don Miguel, father of Mrs. Wolfskill, came to 
California in 1837, as a supercargo of the Span- 
ish-American l>rig Delmira of which McCall & 
Co., of Lima, South America, were agents. 
JJancroft says he owned some building lots in 
San Francisco in 1845 and 1846; that he had 
a claim against the Mexican Government of 
$3,000 and upward; and that he declined an ap- 
pointment to present charges against Governor 
Miclieltoretia, etc. From 1845 his home was in 
San Diego, where he married Miss Estudillo, 
by whom he had four children: Victoria (de- 



ceased), married U. Magee; Miguel, Jr. (de- 
ceased), who married a daughter of Captain Bur- 
ton; Ysabel, wife of J. A. Altarairano; and 
Elena, wife of J. W. Wolfskill. Mr. Pedrorena 
was the grantee of the Rancho San Jacinto 
Nuevo in 184G, and his wife was grantee of the 
Rancho El Cajon in 1845, the former of which 
DoiiaElenastill owns — the portion she inherited. 
He strongly favored the cause of the United 
States, acting as Juez de Paz and as Stockton's 
aid, with the rank of Captain, in the California 
Battalion. In 1847-48 he was Collector of 
Customs at San Diego. He represented the S in 
Diego district in the Constitutional Convention 
at Monterey in 18i9, being one of the most 
popular and influential members of the Spin- 
ish race in that body. He died in 1850. Of 
him, Bancroft says: '-Don Miguel was an in- 
telligent and scholarly man of excellent charac- 
ter, who by his courteous affability made friends 
of all who knew him." Mrs. Pedrorena died 
February 2, 1851, while Elena was still an in- 
fant. The orphaned children were reared by 
the grandmother, wife of Don Jose Antonio 
Estudillo. Dona Elena, who was educated at 
San .Diego and at the College of Notre Dame, 
at San Jose, was married to Mr. Wolfskill, in 
San Francisco, September 20, 1869. They have 
a large family of eleven children; and they still 
live on the old homestead founded by William 
Wolfskill, over half a century ago. 



fj. KUBACH, contractor. East Seventh 
street, Los Angeles, was born in Ger- 
® many, October 30, 1855. He received 
the advantages of a common-school education, 
and served an apprenticeship to the trade of car- 
penter and joiner, afterward pursuing a course 
of study at the architectural school in Heidel- 
berg. Upon reaching early manhood, he deter- 
mined to seek his fortune in the new world, and 
accordingly came to America'in 1873. Having 
an uncle in Pittsburg, he went tliere and re- 
mained one year; and the following year came 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



to the Pacific Coast, and worked at liis trade in 
San Francisco nntil 1876. He then went to 
Nevada and spent one year in Virginia City, and 
from there went to Sacramento. In the winter 
of 1877 he made a trip to Los Angeles, the fol- 
lowing year went to Sacramento and from there 
went to Mexico. In the winter of 1880 he re- 
turned to Los Angeles and since then lias been 
prominently identified with the contracting and 
Imilding interests of this city. He has taken 
the contracts for some of the best buildings in 
Los Angeles; has a large practical experience, 
and enjoys an enviable reputation for his ability, 
integrity and fair dealing; and he is a generous, 
]iiiblic-spirited citizen, actively identified with 
the ]ir(igress and development of the city. He 
is a niernl)er of the Masonic fraternity, the I. 
O. (). F.. and the A. O. U. W. lodges. In 1883 
Mr. Kubach married Miss Sophia Wetterhauer, 
a native of Germany. They have two daugh- 
ters: liosa and Sophia. 



fj. KEENS is one of the substantial 
farmers of Los Angeles County. He 
* carries on a large dairy business, and is 
also largely interested in fruit growing. There 
is no kind of fruit grown in Southern Califor- 
nia that is not produced in fine varieties on his 
nicely arranged and well-kept grounds. Mr. 
Kerns is also engaged in breeding fine horses. 
His residence, one mile south of Downey, is a 
neat structure, where, with his wife and six 
children, he enjoys as much true happiness as 
any other man in this or any other country. 
He is a native of Illinois, born in Kankakee 
County, in 1838. He is a son of John and 
Margaret (Vrooman) Kerns, natives of Schenec- 
tady County, New York. His father was one 
of the first settlers of Chicago, but thinking it 
would never amount to much of a town, he 
sold out and went south to Kankakee County, 
where he purchased a farm and was engaged in 
agricultural pursuits until his death, which oc- 
curred in 18-42. The subject of this sketch left 



home at the age of fifteen years, going to New 
York with the expectation of taking a steamer 
for California. Arrived there he found the fare 
to San Francisco was up to $210. This was 
more money than he had to spend, and meeting 
an old Irishman, who, after having purchased a 
ticket, had concluded not to venture so far from 
home, he purchased the Irishman's ticket for 
$160, and in great excitement took the steamer. 
They landed safe at the Isthmus of Panama. 
Mr. Kerns walked across it, and by the first 
departing steamer continued his journey to the 
Golden Gate, arriving in California in 1854. 
He went directly into the mines of El Dorado 
County, and continued there until 1864, engaged 
in mining in placer, hill and quartz mines. In 
1864 he went to Sonoma County, and, in con- 
nection with Daniel Branthaverand C. "VV. IIow- 
laiul, builtasawand planingmill, and there made 
thefirst rusticsidingever madein thatcounty. In 
1869 he came to Los Angeles County, and bonght 
240 acres of land in the New River Settlement. 
This, however, he subsequently sold and pur- 
chased eighty acres where he is now so nicely lo- 
cated. In 1874 he was married, choosing for his 
partner in life Miss Fannie G. Moores, daughter 
of the well-known pioneer preacher, Rev. Will- 
iam Moores. This marriage has been blessed 
with six children: Eva Moores, Mary Alma, 
Fannie M., Edith P., Willie E. and Florence E. 

fACOB KUHRTS, capitalist, corner of Main 
and First streets, Los Angeles, was born 
in Germany, August 17, 1832. At the 
age of twelve years he stepped on board of an 
English vessel and went to England, thence to 
America, Australia, China, and other foreign 
ports. He followed the sea for about five years, 
and came from China to California in 1848. 
Soon after his arrival here he went to work at 
the Mission Dolores. Upon the discovery of 
gold in this State he was among. the first to 
reach the mines in Placer County, and was en- 
gaged in mining until 1858 and then went to 



niSTORT OF LO^ ANQBLES COUNTY. 



the Slate Range, 200 miles from liere, wliere 
lie cuiitiniied liis mining operations and was 
back and forth between this place and that for 
five or six years. In 1864 he engaged in mer- 
cantile trade in this city, on Spring street, 
wliere the new Shoemaker Block now stands, 
and two years later removed to the corner of 
Main and First streets, the location of his pres- 
ent block, which was erected for him in 18G6- 
He carried on a large and snccessfnl bnsiness 
until 1878, and since then he has not been en- 
gaged in active bnsiness, but has given his 
attention to the care and improvement of his 
property. Mr. Kuhrts has been actively and 
j)rominently identified with the municipal gov- 
ernment of the city for many years. He has 
been a member of the city council fourteen years, 
serving in every position from president down. 
He held the position of chief of the fire depart- 
ment, also that of superintendent of streets, and 
now holds the office of lire commissioner. There 
are few persons in any community who have re- 
ceived such abundant evidence of the confidence 
of its best citizens as has the subject of this 
sketch. He has traveled extensively throughout 
the State and is familiar with its every portion; 
and there are few persons better known all along 
the coast. Mr. Kuhrts was united in marriage. 
May 29, 1864, to Miss Susan Buhn, a native of 
Germany. They have four children: George, 
Emily, Grace, and William. 

fOHN M. KING, rancher, near Whittier, was 
born in Morgan County, Indiana, in 1849, 
and is the second son of William and Nancy 
(Murphy) King, whose sketch appears elsewhere 
in this work. He, with his two brothers, had 
very poor educational advantages, but they made 
very good use of what they did have, and by 
reading and observation he may be regarded as 
a man of mon; than ordinary intelligence. He 
was reared principally by his step-father, and 
early thrown on his own resources. His first 
purchase of real estate was a small tract of 



twenty acres near Santa Ana. This he after- 
ward sold and purchased where he now lives, 
near the beautiful town of Wintrier. On this 
ranch may i)e seen over 400 English walnut 
trees in a good state of cultivation; also a vine- 
yard and an orchard of various fruits. In 1870 
he was married to Miss Ellen Noe. This lady 
is a daughter of L. D. Noe, who died in Texas, 
and her mother married Alfred Ilickox, who 
came to California in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. King 
have an interesting family of eight children: 
James, William, Mary, Daisy, Arthur, Gertrude, 
Lory and AUie. Mr. King is an enterprising 
man, and has been eminently successful. He 
is generous and public-spirited, and favors every 
enterprise that has for its object the public im- 
provement. 



tLBERT FENNER KEUOHEYAL was 
born in Preble County, Ohio, March 10, 
1839, and is of French Huguenot ancestry 
on the paternal side, and on the maternal side, 
English. His father, who was a native of Vir- 
ginia, moved with his family from Ohio, when Al- 
bert was a child, to Northern Illinois, just before 
the Blackhawk War, in 1832. The latter received 
his education in the common schools and in an 
academy at Joliet. He was left an orphan at 
the age of sixteen, when he was thrown upon his 
own resources. In 1849 he came to California 
across the plains and reached Hangtown (now 
Placerville), where lynch law had before his 
arrival been inaugurated, from which fact the 
town had derived its name. At Sacramento he 
saw Sam Brannan on a pile of his own lumber 
(which was selling at $500 per thousand whole- 
sale or $1 per foot, retail), haranguing the popu- 
lace, urging them to " clean out the squatters !" 
— he having bought land under the Sutter title, 
which included Sacramento. Eggs were then 
selling there at $12 a dozen or $1 a piece. He 
worked at mining near Drytown with varied 
success; he had to send to Sacratnento for rockers 
which cost $50 each. At one time In; took out 



HISTORY UF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



$75 a day, from "pocket diggings." Earjy in 
1850 be went to Rough and Ready, near Grass 
Valley, where his party had a fight with the 
Indians who were hostile and very nuraeroi.s. 
In March they started for the head-waters of 
the Yuba; the snow was deep and they had to 
send their mules liack to where there was grass, 
and pack their things on their backs over the 
frozen crust of snow, that in places was twenty- 
five feet deep. Some of their men picked out 
with their knives $50 in an hour or two, on 
<' Poor Man's Creek," which they turned, after 
six weeks' labor, when Kercheval took out $300 
in lialf an hour; and a company below took out 
$40,000 to the man in about three weeks. Mr. 
Kercheval followed mining with the usual ups 
and downs till the fall of 1850, when he came to 
Sacramento, and he and his brother and an uncle 
Uiimed Runyon took up land below the city 
which the two latter still own. In 1855, after a 
vit-it East, he went to San Antonio, Texas, where 
he located 20,000 acres of land, with Texas Sol- 
diers' Warrants. In 1857 he married Sarah A. 
Wilson ; they have three children living. Mr. 
Kercheval came to California again in 1800; 
lived awhile in the Sacramento Valley; in 1864 
went to Austin, Nevada; engaged profitably in 
farming three years, but the water on which 
they depended was taken from him in a big 
lawsuit, causing the loss of a $20,000 crop. In 
1870, abont Christmas, he came with his family 
via Owen's River to Los Angeles. 1871 he 
moved on to the lot on the west side of Pearl 
sti'eet, near the end of Sixth, formerly known as 
the Gelcich place, where he raised strawberries 
which he sold at 50 cents a pound, and early 
tomatoes which he sold in San Francisco for 20 
and 25 cents a pound. Afterward he bought 
and moved on to his present home. Here he 
has an orange and lemon orchard which some 
years yields him as much as $500 per acre. Mr. 
Kercheval in 1884 published a volume of his 
poems, which was very favorably noticed by the 
local press. Some of his poems have genuine 
merit. He has great natural facility in versifica- 
tion, as also has his daughter, Rosalie, whose 



sense of musical rhythm seems to be more highly 
developed than that of her father. 



tAWSON M. LA FETRA.— Among the 
representative farmers and horticulturists 
of the Azusa Township is the above-named 
gentleman, who is the owner of 160 acres of 
rich and productive land, about one mile south 
and west of Glendora. Mr. La Fetra took up 
his present residence in 1883, upon this land, 
which was then wild and uncultivated, and by 
his industry and intelligence has built up one 
of the most pleasant homes in his section. He 
has a fine orange grove of ten acres in extent, 
about two-thirds of which is in budded fruit. 
The most of his farm is devoted to general farm- 
ing and stock-raising. Among the stock are 
some fine specimens of Jersey cattle and good 
American horses. His improvements are first- 
class, consisting of a well-ordered cottage resi- 
dence and commodious barns and out-buildings, 
the general appearance of which attest the suc- 
cessful farmer. ETis cottage residence is located 
upon liigh ground, which affords a magnificent 
view of the Azusa Valley away to the south. It 
is situated in a natural park of live-oak trees, 
the grounds of ■which have been transformed 
into shaded lawns. Mr. La Fetra's lands are 
supplied with water from various mountain 
canons, which he has developed by tunnels, etc., 
and the system is capable of being increased so 
as to furnish from twenty-five to thirty inches. 
In addition to his home farm of 160 acres, he is 
the owner, in connection with liis brother, M. 
H. La Fetra, of some 300 acres of land adjoining 
his premises. These lands are beautifully lo- 
cated, and among the most desirable for villa 
residence purposes in the East San Gabriel 
Valley. The erection of the Methodist Female 
College, under the direction and control of the 
University of Southern California, upon his 
lands, is to be one of the events in the near 
future. The subject of this sketch is a native 
of Ilarveysburg, Warren County, Ohio, born in 



IIISTOUY OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



184:4. His father was James li. La Fetra, a na- 
tive of JNew Jersey, who, early in life, took np 
his residence in Ohio, and there engaged in 
agricnltural and mercantile pursuits. Ilis 
mother, nee Sarah Harniell, was a native of 
"Warren County, Ohio. Mr. La Fetra was reared 
upon his father's farm until about eighteen 
years of age, receiving a good education. He 
was then for a short time engaged in his father's 
store, after which he completed his education at 
the Ohio Weslejan University, at Delaware. 
Upon the completion of his studies at that in- 
stitution, he returned to his native place and 
was engaged in mercantile and other pursuits 
with his father, until about 1872. At that time 
he went to AVashington, District of Columbia, 
where he was employed as the business manager 
of the Washington Chronicle. He held that 
responsible position until the summer of 1874, 
when he came to California, and in the spring 
of the next year located in Los Angeles, where 
he was engaged in mercantile pursuits and other 
enterprises until betook up his present residence 
in 1883. Mr. La Fetra is a man of culture and 
trained business habits, a desirable acquisition 
to any community, well meriting the respect 
and esteem accorded him by his friends and 
associates. He is a member and trustee of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at Glendora. In 
politics he is allied with the Republican party, 
but in principle is a strong Prohibitionist. In 
1881 Mr. La Fetra was united in marriage with 
Miss Stella B. Lanterman, the only daughter of 
Dr. J. L. Lanterman, a prominent citizen and 
principal owner of the famous Kancho La Canada, 
Los Angeles County. 

fLAUBERSHEIMER, druggist in Wil- 
mington, came to Los Angeles County as 
' a soldier in 1861, and in 1864 located 
here as a druggist, which business he has suc- 
cessfully and ])rotitably carried on up to the 
present time. This gentleman is a native of 
Bavaria, Germany, lie came fo America in 



1849, landing first in New York, and later going 
to St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in the 
grocery business. After this he traveled exten- 
sively through several of the States, and in 1856 
came to California, coming by the typical mode 
of travel at that time — the ox team, and being 
a little over six months on the road. He en- 
gaged in mining in Amador County until he 
entered the service of the country. He enlisted 
in the First Regiment, California Infantry Vol- 
unteers, serving three years and being mustered 
out at Prescott, Arizona. He Was • hospital 
steward, and was in several Indian fights, and 
was also on the celebrated march to the Rio 
Grande, under General Carlton. Mr. Lauber- 
sheinier was married August 20, 1867, to Miss 
Lucy Chapman, of Los Angeles, and daughter 
of Charles Chapman. They have a family of 
five children: Lilian, a graduate of the Normal 
School at Los Angeles, and now an active teacher 
in the county; Adina, Daniel, George and 
Grace. The subject of this sketch has dealt suc- 
cessfully in real estate, and is the owner of val- 
uable lands in this and San Bernardino County. 
He has built as fine a residence on the corner of 
Fifth and D streets, Wilmington, as there is 
south of Los Angeles. 

... „i?i.'iir.?i, ... 



B. S. LEWIS, now engaged in the 
milling business in Long Beach, has 
been a resident of California since 
1877. He located first at Wilmington where 
he farmed for about a year. He subse(juently 
purchased farm lots five and six of the Wilming- 
ton tract of the Cerritus Ranch. This he lived 
on and improved until he came to Long IJeach, 
where he has built the mill property, and where 
he lias also been actively and successfully en- 
gaged in buying and selling real estate. Mr. 
Lewis is a native of Missouri, and a descendant 
of one of the best old Virginia families. He 
was born in Saline County, Missouri, in 1840, 
and is the son of William It. and Elizabeth 
Lewis. Ho received a trc.o.l cunimoii. school 



ni STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



education, and after the death of his lather, 
which occurred in 1857, his mother sent llini to 
school in Virginia. He attended school at 
Staunton preparatory to the University. From 
here he returned to the old homestead and took 
cliarge of the farm until the war broke out. He 
at once enlisted in the Southern army, and en- 
tered Company D, Gordon's Regiment, Missouri 
Cavalry, Shelby's Brigade. He was captured by 
Price's last raid, and carried a prisoner to 
Indianapolis, where he was kept until May 22, 
18G5. After the war he again took charge of 
the old farm. October 18, 1868, he married 
Miss Mary Garrison, a native of Kentucky, and 
a daughter of John and Sarah Garrison, who 
were also descendants from one of the best 
families of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis 
have been blessed with four children: Sadie M., 
William IL, John C. and Ernest Lynn. Polit- 
ically the subject of this sketch affiliates with 
the Democratic party. He and his wife are 
both highly esteemed members of the Presby- 
terian Church, in M-hich Mr. Lewis holds the 
office of elder. Their residence is on the corner 
of Second and Linden streets. Long Beach, Cali- 
fornia. 

'^■^B'^ 

I^AIiTIN LUPER, a farnjer three miles 
south of Norwalk, is a native of the Key- 
stone State, born in. Crawford County, 
Pennsylvania, in 1817, and is a son of Jacob 
and JMancy (McMuntry) Lnper. His father 
moved to Huron County, Ohio, when Martin 
was twelve years old, and there followed farm- 
ing until his death. Mr. Luper went to Hli- 
nois when a young man, and there, on October 
24, 1841, married Margaret Robinson, who 
died April 11, 1844, leaving one child. He 
married Frances Dunbar, April 14, 1846, with 
whom he crossed the plains in the early days of 
California, coming with three two-horse wagons 
and eighteen yoke of cattle, about half of them 
being cows, and one span of mules and one of 
mares. They were on the way from April till 



August 27, 1853. His wife died May 16, 1859, 
leaving five children. He followed farming 
very successfully in the Willamette Valley, 
Oregon, till 1878, when he moved to Los An- 
geles County. Since coming here he has also 
been very successful. He owned aiine farm near 
Downey till recently, when he sold out at a hand- 
some profit and bought 160 acres of land where 
he now lives. He has built a very commodious 
residence and barn, overlooking the finest scope 
of country toward tlie ocean that can be seen in 
this county. On this rancii he has two fine 
artesian wells, and has planted some fine or- 
chardsof bluegum, oranges, peaches andapricots; 
and in his wide and fertile pastures may be seen 
some of the finest horses in this or any other 
part of the State. Mr. Luper married Mary 
Gosuer in Los Angeles, February 8, 1889. She 
is a native of the Buckeye State, being born near 
Mount Vernon, and is a daughter of Dr. Joseph 
and Sarah (Plue) Gosner. Her father was of 
Pennsylvania Dutch origin, and her mother of 
French. Her father was a farmer in his early 
life, but later a practicing physician. Mr. Luper 
has been a man of energy and eminently suc- 
cessful. He is one to whom " Nature has been 
kind," and in his old days, wliich are now be- 
ginning to come on, he will be able to extract 
as much comfort from life as any man living. 

- -^^$^m^^ — 

fOLOMON LAZARD,who has been a resi- 
dent of Los Angeles for thirty -seven years, 
is a native of Lorraine, France, where he 
was born April 5, 1827. He came to New York 
in 1844, and to California, via New Orleans and 
the Isthmus, in 1851, and to Los Angeles in 
1852. He was engaged in mercantile business, 
on the corner of Aliso and Los Angeles streets, 
from 1852 till 1867 — about fifteen years — when 
he moved to Main street, northeast of the Dow- 
ney Block, where he carried on a large dry- 
goods business, under the name of " The City of 
Paris," till 1874, when he sold out to Eugene 
Meyer & Co., who afterward removed that e.x- 



HISTORY OF LOIS ANQELES COUNTY. 



tensive emporium to its present quarters on 
Spring street. In 1868 S. Lazard, F. Beaudry 
and Dr. J. S. Griffin bought of J. L. Sainsevaine 
and D. W. Alexander their lease from the city 
to lay pipes and supply water, etc., with the 
understanding that the city would renew the 
lease for thirty years, and the iievr lessees would 
lay iron in place of the wooden pipes with which 
the city was then being supplied with water. A 
joint stock company was formed, of which the 
original members were: Lazard, Beaudry, Grif- 
fin, Meyer, Sainsevaine, C. Lepan and ex- 
Governor John G. Downey. The original water 
pipes laid for the city by Mr. Sainsevaine and 
D. Marchessault were made of logs of pine 
from the mountains of San Bernardino, bored 
and fitted end to end together. The cost of iron 
pipes was then thought to be beyond the reach, 
financially, of our primitive city. Of course, 
soft sugar-pine logs could not be made into 
very durable water pipes, and, as a consequence, 
they were continually bursting, and springs of 
water were constantly making their appearance 
in our streets wherever these wooden pipes were 
laid. Workmen were compelled to clamp them 
with iron bands; but the leaks were too many 
for them. Mr. Marchessault, who had formerly 
been mayor of the city, and who was superin- 
tendent of these wooden water- works, committed 
suicide one morning in the old city council 
room, in the adobe on the site of the present 
Phillips Block, on Spring street. Whether dis- 
couragement at the hopelessness of stopping 
these perennial leaks had anything to do with 
driving him to this desperate deed is not cer- 
tainly known. Mr. Sainsevaine, who died a 
mouth or two ago in this city, offered these 
water-works to the administrators of the Will- 
iam Wolfskin estate for about $9,000, which, 
though lie truly characterized them as " inag- 
nijiqm" they declined. The City Water Com- 
pany, to whom he sold the franchise later, have 
now a magnificent and very extensive iron pipe 
system, with an annual income running up into 
the hundreds oF thoubands of dollars, thus mak- 
ing true to the letter the words of good Don 



Louis Sainsevaine that, in view of its future 
value, he was offering for a mere nominal price 
something that was really " maynifique." Mr. 
Lazard, who had the nerve and the foresight to 
take hold of this great enterprise, has been a 
stockholder and director of the company from 
the first organization of the same till the present 
time. On July 5, 1865, Mr. Lazard married 
Miss Carrie, daughter of Mr. Joseph Newinark, 
longa resideutuf this city, but now deceased. Mr. 
and Mrs. Lazard have six children — three boys 
and three girls. The eldest daughter is married 
to Louis Lewin, of the firm of Michel Levy & Co. 
Li 1861 Mr. Lazard visited France, when he was 
arrested on the pretext that, though he was a 
naturalized citizen of the United States, he owed 
military duty to his native country, lie was 
promptly tried by court-martial and sentenced 
to sixdays' imprisonment, which he served, when 
he was taken to the barracks of his regiment. 
The matter was finally settled by his hiring a 
substitute, when he was released. Our Minister, 
Mr. Faulkner, took much interest in the matter; 
but he could do very little, as France insists 
that every native-born Frencliman owes seven 
years' military service to his country, and that 
absence or expatriation does not annul that obli- 
gation, and if he ever returns he must perform 
it. Formerly, French law provided that if the 
subject paid a certain amount (3,500 francs), 
which was the amount Mr. Lazard paid, the 
Government would undertake to sujjply the 
substitute. But that law lias been abrogated, 
and now if an expatriated Frenchman owing 
military duty sets foot on French soil, he is com- 
pelled to serve out his time in prison. 



AVID LEWIS, deceased, was one of the 
early men of San Gabriel Valley, a man 
who, by his active, honorable life, won the 
respect and esteem of an entire community, a 
law-abiding citizen, a liberal in religion, un- 
hampered by creeds, just to all men, kind and 
charitable to the necilv. His life was .so well 



UISTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 



spoilt that !ill who knew him felt bereaved at 
his deatli. Mr. Lewis was Imrn ami reared in 
Clieinuiig County, New Yurk, the year of his 
birtli being 1820. He crossed the plains, deserts 
and mountains to this State, and located in San 
Gabriel Valley in 1851. October 2, 1852, he 
wedded Miss Susan A. Thom])son. Their home 
was two miles southeast of what is now El 
Monte. There he engaged in general farming, 
though in later years he turned liis attention to 
tlie culture of hops. To him were born eight 
cliiklren, live of whom lived to receive a father's 
loving care and to become men and women. At 
the home he founded in the prime of manhood, 
his widow and her son Chauncey yet reside. 
The names of all the children in order of their 
birth are: Isabella, now the wife of A. T. Garey, 
of Los Angeles; Hardy and Chauncey, twins 
(Hardy died at the age of four years); Ira D., 
a resident of El Monte; Abbie IL, the wife of 
Albert Kowland, of Fuente Ranch; Agnes died 
in infancy; Olive is the wife of Chai'les Black- 
ley, of El Monte; and Ida, who died in infancy. 
Chauncey and Ira D. are their mother's assist- 
ants. Ira I), is at present deputy sheriff of this 
district. Mr. Lewis died January 21, 1885, in 
his si.xty-tilth year. Mrs. Susan A. Lewis, a 
lady remarkable for her business qualities, com- 
bined as they are witli culture from early 
educational advantages in the East, is a repre- 
sentative of one of the early American families 
who settled in San Gabriel Valley. Her father, 
Ira Thompson, was born in the old Green 
Mountain State in 1800, of one of the old New 
England families. He because a stone mason, 
and after reaching manhood was a resident of 
the State of Massachusetts. There he wedded, 
in 1832, Miss Eebecca Hall, who was born in 
1812, also in the State of Vermont, and of an 
old family. Their home was made in the town 
of Amherst, Massachusetts, where Mrs. Lewis 
was born, and also her eldest brother, El bridge 
R. When tiie children were quite young the 
parents moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, thence 
to the State of "Wisconsin, and later to Musca- 
tine, Iowa, where Mrs. Lewis received much of 



her schooling. In June, 1850, having made 
ample preparation for a long, leisurely journey 
to this county, the family started on the over- 
land journey. They drove ox teams, and brought 
cows. Plenty of time was taken, resting for 
months, as rest was needed, where the neces- 
saries of life could be had and comfort secured. 
Her mother's youngest child was born on the 
Gila River, opposite P'orl Yuma, and named 
Hila, the English pronunciation of the name of 
the river. She lived to marry Wallace Case, of 
San Bernardino County, but died at the age of 
twenty-four years. The eighteenth birthday of 
Mrs. Lewis occurred January 8, 1851, while the 
family were at Tucson, Arizona. July 18, 1851, 
the family reached their future home, "Willow 
Grove," at what is now El Monte. Mr. Thomp- 
son was the founder and improver of the "Wil- 
low Grove" projierty. Then they opened a 
hotel, on a small scale at first, later building 
larger, also improving fifty acres of land. He 
kept the overland stage station, becoming known 
and respected far and wide. He was a strong, 
stalwart New England man. His death occurred 
in June, 1865. His widow still lives, and is in 
excellent health considering her age. Besides 
her children whose names have been mentioned, 
we give tlie names of the others as Ira S., who 
died in Shasta County, this State, leaving a 
large family; Lucy, now Mrs. Lucy Maxy, of 
Los Angeles; Joseph, a ranch owner of this 
county; and Harriet R., now Mrs. Harriet R. 
Park, of Reno, Nevada. Mrs. Lewis is the 
eldest of the children. 

t I CHARD LIVINGSTON, foundry man, 
No. 432 South Los Angeles street, Los 
Angeles, is a native of Canada, born in 
Montreal, June 12, 1852. He was reared in 
Ohio, and served an apprenticeship to his trade 
in Mansfield, .ifter reaching manhood he came 
to the Pacific Coast, in 1875, and engaged in 
mining in Plumas County, in the Feather River 
mines, remaining there six years. He came to 



UIsroliT OF LOS ANOMLES COUNTY. 



537 



Los Angeles in 1882, and was employed at the 
iJaker Iron Works for eight months, after which 
he was with Bath & Fosnier one year. lie then 
started the Union Iron and Brass Foundry, tak- 
ing in J. B. Ginther, the tirm being Livingston 
»fe Ginther, and later George Morton became in- 



terested with thein, when the name ' 



ed 



to the Union Foundry and Machine Company. 
It continued until July, 1887, when Messrs. 
Livingston and Ginther withdrew, and the Union 
Iron Works bought the foundry business. Mr. 
Livingston ran the foundry for them about six 
months, and in July, 1888, he and his son estab- 
lished the present business. Afterward Mr. 
Cornelius bought an interest and the lirni be- 
came Livingston & Cornelius. They do all 
kinds of light foundry, iron and brass work. 
Mr. Livingston has had a large practical experi- 
ence, and the firm has built up a good trade. In 
1871 Air. Livingston married Miss Jennie 
Starry, of Richland County, (3hio. They have 
four children: Frank, Maud, May and Susie. 



tNNA E. LOGAN. — Among the representa- 
tive farm properties of the Azusa section 
is that owned by Mrs. Logan. This farm 
consists of 150 acres and is located in the Azusa 
school district, five miles directly south of 
Duarte and four miles north of Puente. Her 
lands are devoted principally to general farm- 
ing, though well adapted to fruit culture, as is 
attested by the remarkably fine specimens of 
citrus and deciduous fruit trees to be found in 
her orchards. Mrs. Logan has one of the most 
attractive and beautiful residence properties in 
tiiat section. She i)urchased the place in 1877 
from Mrs. Mary I. Caldwell, it being a portion 
of the well-known Reed tract. A neat and well- 
ordered cottage residence was erected in 1881 
and Mrs. Logan commened improving the 
grounds by the planting of ornamental trees 
and flowers, also laying out circular drives, which 
were bordered witii cypress hedges. She is en- 
tlinsiastie in horticultural pursuits, and most of 



the rich floral productions, etc., have been 
planted atid reared by her own hands. Mrs. 
Logan is one of those energetic ladies to whom 
the word failure is unknown. She has, with her 
characteristic sound business principles and 
practical knowledge, built up and conducted for 
years one of the finest farms in this section, 
achieving a success in her enterprise that is 
often sought for in vain by practical farmers. 
Mrs. Logan is a native of Franklin County, 
Pennsylvania, in which State she was reared 
and married. Her husband was Daniel Logan, 
a native also of that State, and a farmer by oc- 
cupation. Domestic troubles arose, and Mrs. 
Logan secured a divorce. Her daughter, Mary 
E. Logan, had married John B. Reichard in 
1876 and had come to California. It was 
natural for the mother to follow her only child 
and remain near her, so she at once took up her 
present residence just west of her daughter, and 
commenced the practical life of a horticulturist. 
Mrs. Logan is well known in the community 
where she has resided for the past twelve years. 
Her straightforward and consistent course of 
life, and the interest she has taken in the welfare 
and prosperity of her section^ have gained her 
the well-inerited respect and esteem of a large 
circle of friends. 



'^<d^^^^^' 



tACY, WARD & CO., manufacturers of 
sheet-iron, well and water pipe, factory in 
East Los Angeles, on Lecouver street, was 
established in 1883, under the name of tlie Lacy 
& Verick Hardware Company. This company 
carried on the business until 1880, when it was 
succeeded by the present firm of Lacy, Ward & 
Co., in the manufacture of riveted iron and steel 
pipe and also the manufacture of iron tanks for 
storing oil in Los Angeles and for the Puente 
Oil Company. This firm has executed some of 
the largest and heaviest piping contracts in 
Southern California. Among them are five miles 
of large pipe for the city water works of Los 
Angeles, six miles of thirteen-inch pipe for the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



Mound City Land and Water Company at River- 
side, three miles of pipe for the National Sol- 
diers' Home at Santa Monica. This company 
also operates a factory at San Diego, which has 
just completed eight miles of fifteen-inch pipe 
to conduct the water of the great San Diego 
flume to the city. Tlie^' have the most exten- 
sive works in this line in Southern California, 
with ample capacity to turn out contracts of any 
size. The works of the company are located in 
East Los Angeles on Lecouver street, giving 
employment to from fifty to seventy-five hands. 
William Lacy, Jr., of this firm, is a native of 
California, born November 12, 1864. His par- 
ents, William Lacy and Isabella (Regg) Lacy, 
are both natives of England. He received his 
education in the common and high scliools of 
his native State. After leaving school he served 
an apprenticeship of three years in the sheet 
metal business, and since then has been actively 
identified with the management of the business, 
and has a practical knowledge of every detail 
connected therewith. It is owing to his ability 
and energy that the business of the company is 
being so rapidly extended. 



-•5-^ 



tLEW. J. LLEWELLYN,, of the firm of 
Llewellyn Urothers, proprietors of the 
Columbia Foundry, corner of San Fernando 
street and Magdalena avenue, Los Angeles, was 
born in Glamorganshire, South Wales, Septem- 
ber 29, 1858; attended the common schools, and 
during his boyhood his parents came to Califor- 
nia. He served an apprenticeship, learning his 
trade with his uncle, Reese Llewellyn, in San 
Francisco, and afterward continueil in his em- 
ploy, becoming foreman of his foundry and 
machine shops; remained until he came to Los 
Angeles in January, 1887, and established their 
present business the following April. He has 
associated with him his two brothers, Reese and 
AVilliam. They make a specialty of architect- 
ural iron-Work of all kinds for building pur- 
poses, and ornamental iror.-work; also act as 



agents for Dale's celebrated concrete tiles for 
lighting basement areas. Their foundry room 
is 35x60 feet in dimensions, and ])attern shop 
65x35 feet. They employ during the busy 
season twenty-five to thirty men, and have built 
up a good trade here and in Pasadena, Santa 
Ana, San Bernardino and other interior towns, 
reaching as far north as San Buena Ventura and 
to the east to Arizona Territory. They are all 
practical workmen, and give their whole atten- 
tion to the different departments of their busi- 
ness. Their father, David Llewellyn, was an 
iron-worker, a native of Wales, who died in San 
Francisco in 1881. Their mother, Hannah 
(James) Llewellyn, is also a native of Wales 
and is living here with her children. 

fW. LUITWEILER, dealer in Studebaker 
farm wagons, carriages and agricultural 
® implements, 100 and 102 Los Angeles 
street, Los Angeles, is tiie proprietor of one of 
the largest establishments in his line in Southern 
California. The store was established by Mr. 
Luitweiler in 1877. He occupies as salesroom 
a two-story brick building, 50x153 feet, and 
basement, which is used for the storage of car- 
riages, wagons and farm implements. He is 
agent for the celebrated Studebaker farm and 
spring wagons, carriages, Moline plows, Cham- 
pion mowing-machines, Thomas rakes. Planet, 
Jr., cultivators, Monitor windmills and other 
of the most standard makes of farm machinei-y. 
He has by his energy and enterprise built up a 
large established trade, which is constantly in- 
creasing and extends all over Southern Califor- 
nia and into Arizona and New Mexico. Mr. 
Luitweiler was born in the city of Rochester, 
New York, April 9, 1847; is a son of Jacob G. 
and Martha (Woods) Luitweiler, early settlers 
of that State and still living there. He attended 
school during boyhood, and when fourteen years 
of age entered the bank of Rochester Bi-others. 
Desiring to enter the army as a drummer-boy, 
his parents ol)jected. In 1863 he left the bank 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES GOUNTT. 



to go to the army; enlisted in tlie First New York 
Veteran Cavalry, and was at one time an orderly 
tor General Sheridan during his campaign in 
the Shenandoah Valley. Alter the war he 
entered his father's store, and through his energy 
and ability built up a large business. Upon 
coming to California in 1877, he traveled 
through the JSIorthern and Central portions of 
the State and decided to locate in Los Angeles. 
Besides having the active supervision of his 
extensive business, he is connected with several 
land and water companies; is president of the 
Los Ai geles and Santa Monica Land and Water 
Company, and is vice-president of the Los 
Angeles & Pacitic Railroad. It was largely 
through his eflbrts that the Soldiers' Home was 
located in Southern California and in Los Ange- 
les County. He is actively identified with all 
measures of public interest in the city and 
county and in this section of the State. Li 
1869 Mr. Luitweiler married Miss Sophia C. 
Maurer, a native of the city of Rochester, New 
York. They have six children. The sons are 
Walter, Jesse and George, and the daughters, 
Mabel, Ethel and Adelaide. 



|mM|jlCHEL LEVY, of the firm of M. 
qWiwi; Levy & Co., wholesale dealers in iin- 
^4^5^ ported and domestic wines and liquors, 
Los Angeles, was born in France, February 18, 
1834. He emigrated to this country in 1851; 
came to California the same year and located in 
San Francisco. Afterward he went to Benicia 
and Placerville, and was engaged in business 
there and at Diamond Springs five years. Go- 
ing next to Sonoma County, he was engaged 
in business in Cloverdale five years, and then 
went to Nevada, Humboldt County, and re- 
mained five years, until 1808, when he came 
to Los Angeles and established his present 
business, in Downey's Block, on Main street, 
the firm being Levy & Coblentz. They carried 
on the business together for eleven years, when 
Mr. Coblentz retired and Mr. Levy became 



sole proprietor and carried on the business alone 
for several years. Then Louis Lewin was ad- 
mitted to a partnership in the business, and later 
Lesser Hershfeld also became a partner, and 
since then the firm has retained its present name 
of M. Levy & Co. They started the Los Angeles 
Vintage Company, and now both are conducted 
under the same name. Tliis firm transacts a 
large business in all kinds of imported and 
domestic liquors, wines, etc. It is the oldest 
house in this line in Los Angeles, and has a 
large established trade, and Mr. Levy is the 
oldest dealer in wines and liquors in the city. 
He enjoys a high reputation for integrity in 
commercial and business circles. Mr. Levy was 
married April 12, 1870, to Miss Rebecca Lewin, 
a native of Germany. They have three children : 
Hortense, Therese and Isaac Onry. 



^-f^. 



fllOMAS LEiVHY was born in Cork, Ire- 
land, August 12, 1834. He came from 
Liverpool, via Cape Horn, to California, 
arriving in San Francisco, February 15, 1851, 
and in Los Angeles the succeeding April 6. 
At first he worked for his uncle, Mathew Kel- 
ler, as a clerk and otherwise, about nine years. 
After that he engaged in merchandising on his 
own account, for some fifteen years. He then 
devoted himself to vine culture and wine mak- 
ing, and is now so engaged. He was a mem- 
ber of the city council three years. In 1873 he 
married Miss Garthorne, a native of New 
Orleans; they have six children. After the 
death of his uncle, Mr. Keller, Mr. Leahy was 
made the guardian of two of his minor children. 



fOHN LANG is a native of Herkimer 
County, New York, born May 5, 1828, 
and is a son of James P. aud Lucy (Rarick) 
Lang, the former an Irishman by birth and 
the latter of Mohawk-Dutch extraction. James 
Lang located with his family in Waterloo, Wis- 



IIIHTOUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



cousin, and followed farming and the dairy 
business; roared a family, and there died. He 
had four sons and two daughters, of whom the 
subject of this sketch is the third. lie left 
home at twenty-one years of age; taught school 
successfully for a time; also acted as salesman 
in dry-goods liouses for several years. lie sub- 
sequently engaged in merchandising on his own 
account at Kochester, Wisconsin. Later he took 
a situation as tutor in Todd's Seminary at Cam- 
den Point, Missouri. In 1854 he crossed the 
plains to California, by way of the North Tlatte, 
entering the Golden State on Dry Creek, thirty 
live miles north of Marysville, wliere he spent 
his first California winter. The following spring 
he wtnt to Sacramento, opened and operated 
two hotels, the Tremont and the American, for 
about one year. He then located at Martinez, 
California, and engaged extensively in the dairy 
business, and there made the first cheese vats in 
the State, in the spring of 1856. In 18(i2 he 
moved to Virginia City, Nevada, and was one 
of the leading pioneers of that section. Owing 
to the ill health of Mrs. Lang, he was compelled 
to sell his property there, which he did at a 
heavy sacrifice, and returned to California. He 
then located on thirty-five acres of laud now 
comprising the Washington Gardens, wliere he 
cultivated grapes, oranges, olives, etc. He also 
spent two years in the San Gabriel Valley, and 
manufactured cheese on the ranch of Hon. D. B. 
Wilson. The profits of this business venture 
netted him $25 per day. In 1870 he purchased 
IfiO acres of land, forty miles north of Los An- 
geles, on the Southern Pacific Railroad, paying 
$300 for the same. This he has since developed 
into one of the finest estates on tlie line of tliat 
thoroughfare. Lang's Station, Lang's postothee 
and express oflice are there, the results of his 
enterprise. He also owns the valuable Sulphur 
Springs at that point, and the Sulphur Springs 
Hotel. His ranch now comprises 1,200 acres, 
devoted to diversified farming. It is finely 
located and the improvements are of the most 
attractive and modern character. In connection 
witii the life of Mr. Lang, we note that in IST.'J 



he killed the great bear that was known as the 
Monarch of the Coast. This bear was for over 
thirty years the terror of California, as he 
roamed over the entire State and proved invin- 
cible against all the many plans invented to 
capture him. Many human beings fell before 
him, and by his cunning iiundretls of cattle, 
sheep, hogs, etc., were mowed down in his wake. 
But on July 7, 1873, Mr. Lang made up his 
mind that this outrageous and ferocitius brute 
had spilt human bloud long enough; hence he 
took his trusty gun and followed his trail for 
about twelve miles into the San Fernando Ilange 
of mountains, in Los Angeles County, and there 
came upon him. The brute at once started after 
him witii a scream that nuide the mountains 
ring for miles away. Then the battle for life 
began, for it was only victory that could save 
either, as escape was impossible. But Lang, 
knowing his gun, waited for the mad brute 
until he came within thirty feet, then aimed for 
the sticking place in the beast, and the infuriated 
champion bear fell to rise no more. His weight 
was 2,350 pounds; size of foot, ten and three- 
fourths inches in width, and nineteen and one- 
half inches in length. The hide is at the mu- 
seum in Liverpool. It was the largest grizzly 
bear ever known. Mr. Lang was married May 
3, 1862, to Mary E. Floretta. They have three 
sons and two daughters living, all at home. The 
Lang estate is valued at about $50,000. 

fW. LA DOW, farmer, five miles south- 
west of Los Angeles. Of all who are 
"* represented in this work, none are more 
deserving, none are more worthy, than he whose 
name stands at the head of this biographical 
notice. He was born in Milton, Saratoga County, 
New York, in 1824. His parents were Daniel 
and Laura (St. John) La Dow. His grandfather 
had twenty-three children, by two wives, and 
his father was a native of France. Mr. La 
Dow's maternal ancestors were of English ori- 
gin. Tlie subject of tiiis sketcli is tlie fifth of 




^4^^^=- 



/^^i^ 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



seven children. His mother was a first cousin 
of P. T. Barnnm, her mother, Ruhanna Taylor^ 
being a sister of Barnnm's motlier. Laura St. 
John had but one brother, Taylor St. John, a 
well-known clergyman in New York. He had 
four sons, all of whom occupy honored positions 
in Albany. New York, in educational and scien- 
tific circles. Mr. La Dow was married in 
184:6. in his native State, to Margaret McWill- 
iams, of Galway, New York. By that marriage 
he had two sons, Charles and John. In 1852 
he left his family at the old home and came to 
California via Panama as a seeker of gold. He 
arrived in Los Angeles in May, and in July re- 
ceived the sad intelligence of his wife's death. 
His home was then broken up in the East, and 
his boys were taken care of by their grandmother, 
Mrs. McWilliams. Mr. La Dow went to the 
northern part of the State where he engaged in 
mining till 1863, when he returned and bought 
twenty- five acres of land near Los Angeles, 
and soon added to it thirty-five acres more. 
On this farm he lived until 1868, when he pre- 
empted 160 acres where he now lives, near the 
southwest limits of the city of Los Angeles. He 
has recently erected a new residence near the 
La Dow school-house. In 1860 he married 
Miss Harriet Dorman, of Stanford, Maine, and 
they have one daughter, Hattie M., who has re- 
cently graduated at the Los Angeles High 
School. It is altogether proper, in this con- 
nection, to stale that Mr. La Dow's sons by his 
first wife are very successful business men. 
Charles, the elder, is an inventor and machinist 
well known throughout the country. He is at 
Albany, New York; has accumulated consider- 
able wealth, and has recently beautified the old 
homestead in New York. John is an inventor, 
now located at Denver. Mr. La Dow is one of 
the best citizens of Los Angeles County; is 
now well along in years, and can look back over 
a life well spent, and with a clear conscience en- 
joy the prosperity which he has so well earned. 
Mr. La Dow gave one acre of land to the school 
district in which he lives, and which was named 
in his honor, the " La Dow Dish-ict;" and he 



has been a trustee of the district twelve years 
and upward. He was the first person to take wa- 
ter for irrigating purposes to that locality, which 
had a very beneficial eflect on the material pros- 
perity of the community living there. Though 
Mr. La Dow has lived a quiet and rather un- 
eventful life, it has been an industrious and use- 
ful one. 



SAAC LANKERSHIM was born in Nti- 
remberg, Bavaria, 1819. He came to the 
^ United States when seventeen years of age, 
and made his way to St. Louis, where, for sev- 
eral years, he engaged in the stock and grain 
business, buying and shipping cattle, grain, etc., 
from St. Louis down the Mississippi River to 
New Orleans. In 1854 he came to California, 
bringing cattle across the plains. He went to 
Napa County and again engaged in the stock 
business and in raising grain. Afterward he 
went to San Francisco, where for a number of 
years he was a heavy shipper of grain to Europe. 
In 1868 he bought EI Cajon Rancho, in San 
Diego County, where, the next year, he com- 
menced raising wheat; and later he built a flour 
mill there. In 1869 he bought one-half of the 
immense San Fernando Rancho in Los Angeles 
County. Eventually, he and Mr. Van Nuys 
began to raise wheat successfully on their ranch, 
till nearly the whole 60,000 acres were brought 
under cultivation. In 1878 they built a flour 
mill in Los Angeles. In this enterprise he was 
the moving spirit. This mill is equipped with 
all the modern appliances, and has a capacity 
of 400 barrels of flour per day. For a number 
of years previous to his death Mr. Lankershim 
carried on farming and milling simultaneously 
in San Diego and Fresno counties, where he 
owned a farm of 14,000 acres; and at the same 
time he was at the head of a company that was 
engaged in the same business in Los Angeles 
County. Mr. Lankershim was a man of strict 
honesty and integrity, and of good, ju-actical 
business capacity, as must be obvious from the 



niSTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



foregoing; and he was also public-spirited, gen- 
erous, and of strong religions convictions. He 
built and equipped the Metropolitan Temple, 
including a $14,000 organ, in San Francisco, 
so that the Baptist denomination tliere, of which 
he was a member, could have a commodious 
place in which to worship. His estate owns the 
property yet. He also gave in his life time a 
good farm in Vacaville, as an endowment of a 
Baptist College. In 1842 Mr. Lankershini 
married Miss Moore, who was a native of Kent 
County, England, and who still survives him. 
Two children were born to them: a danghter, 
now the wife of I. N. Van Nuys; and a son, 
James B. Lankershim, all of whom are residents 
of Los Angeles. Mr. Lankershini died April 
10, 1882, at the age of sixty-three years. The 
good that he did lives after him. 



''*•»■ f*'^* ^ 



>DDISON W. LEE.— Ai 



the 



prorai 



1^1 nent capitalists and health-seekers who 
^a^ have chosen the beautiful Monrovia for a 
residence is the above-named gentleman, whose 
elegant residence, located at the corner of Pros- 
l)ect and Grand avenues, is one of the land- 
marks among the beautiful homes that nestle at 
the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains. In 
February, 1888, Mr. Lee purchased one acre of 
land at the above-named location and immedi- 
ately commenced its improvement and the erec- 
tion of a home. In this he spared no expense. 
The location of his residence gives one of the 
most pleasing, varied and magnificent views 
that it is possible to obtain of the San Gabriel 
Valley, while the immediate grounds are beau- 
tified with lawns, floral productions and orna- 
mental trees; nor has he failed to combine the 
useful with the ornamental, for he has planted 
on his grounds nearly 150 of the choicest citrus 
and deciduous fruit-trees to be obtained. Mr. 
Lee is largely identified with Los Angeles 
County and is one-third owner (with Messi's. 
Speiice and Bieknell) of the well-known Chiirch 
tract, comprising Tit) acres, about three miles 



and a half southeast of Monrovia. With the 
exception of thirty acres of deciduous fruits 
this land is now (1889) devoted to hay and 
grain. The brief facts given in regard to the 
life of Mr. Lee, and his success in business pur- 
suits, are of interest. He is a native of Huron 
County, Ohio, dating his birth in 1829, the son 
of Benjamin and Mary (Smith) Lee, both of 
whom were of old families of New England, 
his father being a native of New Hampshire, 
and his mother of Rhode Island. His parents 
were among the early settlers of Huron County, 
having taken up his residence there in 1820. 
Mr. Lee was early in life put to work, and given 
but limited time to devote to schooling. From 
the age of ten to twenty years he was almost 
constantly engaged in the hotel and on the 
farm of his father. In the fall of 1849 he con- 
cluded to seek his fortunes in the El Dorado of 
the West, and started via New Orleans for Cal- 
ifornia, arriving in San Francisco in January, 
1850. He proceeded to Sacramento and there 
joined his brother. Barton Lee, and was with 
him engaged in mercantile pursuits, and later 
in the livery business. In 1851 he returned to 
Ohio, and engaged in farming in Huron County. 
From 1866 to 1869 he spent in railroading. In 
the latter year he went to Toledo, Ohio, and 
established himself in the manufacture of bar- 
rel staves, heading, hoops, etc. He was success- 
ful in his enterprise, and in 1873 moved to 
Henry County, Ohio, where he increased his 
business, establishing three large factories and 
employing a large corps of men. The success 
he achieved and the accumulation of large prop- 
erty interests in various counties in Ohio, is the 
result of his business habits, his strong will, 
and his untiring energy in carrying to an end 
whatever he undertook. Years of this life has 
broken his health, and recently he has sought 
the genial climate of Southern California, for a 
much needed rest. Despite his business cares, 
he takes an intelligent interest in politics, and 
is an uncompromising Republican. In 1851 
Mr. Lee married Miss Mercy Hoyt. She died 
in 1867, leaviiig one son, Dwight L., who is 



lUtldY OF LOS ANGELES GOUNTY. 



now (1889) a resident of Lucas County, Ohio. 
In 1868 Mr. Lee married Mrs. Eliza C. (Wiers) 
Yates. 



SLDRIDGE W. LITTLE was born in Fred- 
erick, Maryland, in 1832. His father, 
William Little, was born in Pennsylvania, 
and his mother, nee Wilhelmina Stanger, was a 
native of Prussia. In his youth Mr. Little's 
parents moved to Springfield, Clarke County, 
Ohio, and later, in 1841, emigrated to Iowa and 
located in Louisa County. His father was one 
of the pioneers of that county, and built the 
first house erected in Columbus City. In 1848 
the fviniily moved to Ogle County, Illinois, and 
there the subject of this sketch was educated, 
completing liis studies in Eock River Semi- 
nary. At the age of twenty years he left the 
school and engaged in the study of medicine; 
but not feeling suited for the practice of that 
profession, he entered upon legal studies, and 
in 1857 was admitted to the bar, and com- 
menced the practice of his profession in Oregon, 
Ogle County, Illinois. He was successful in 
his profession and took a leading part in the 
afi'airs of the community in which he resided. 
He was superintendent of schools in Ogle 
County from 1858 to 1862. In the latter year, 
at the urgent solicitation of Secretary Fred Law 
Olmstead, he entered the employ of the United 
States Sanitary Commission as a Field Agent — 
making no charge for his services — and for the 
next year was with the Army of the Potomac. 
Then he accepted a clerkship in the office of 
General Meigs, Quartermaster-General of the 
United States Army, and in 1865 was appointed 
chief clerk to General Luddington, Chief Quar- 
termaster of the Department of Washington. 
Mr. Little held this responsible position for the 
ne.Kt four years, spending two years of that time 
in Santa P'e, New Mexico. In 1869 he returned 
to Washington, and in the spring of that year 
was appointed United States Sub-Treasurer at 
Santa Fe. He was also Iveceiver of the Land 



Office and agent for the payment of pensions at 
that place. As receiver he made the first sale 
of public lands in the Territory of New Mexico 
Mr. Little's trained business habits and legal 
mind soon enabled him to place the aftairs of 
his office, which had been for years badly man- 
aged, upon a sound basis, and gained him the 
high encomiums of his superiors at Washing- 
ton. He held his office until 1874, and then 
resigned to accept the position of secretary and 
assistant treasurer of the Orinoco Navigation 
Company of New York, of which Governor A. 
B. Cornell was president, which he held until 
1876. In 1871 he was appointed one of the 
managing commissioners of the Centennial Ex- 
hibition, and at the close of his labors in 1876 
he accepted a position on the editorial staff of 
the Daily Herald and Sunday Chronicle, of 
Philadelphia. In Febraary of 1877 Mr. Little 
re-entered upon his legal profession, and as the 
attorney of the Pusey-Jones Company, a large 
ship-building company of Wilmington, Dela- 
ware, went, in their interest, to South America, 
where he remained until the spring of 1878. In 
1874 Mr. Little married Miss Lulu Pile, the 
daughter of General William A. Pile, now of 
Monrovia. Mrs. Little became an invalid, and 
in 1878 Mr. Little was compelled to abandon 
his business occupations and seek the restora- 
tion of his wife's health. He accordingly took 
up his residence at Ocean Grove, near Long 
Branch, New Jersey, where he resided until the 
fall of 1886. In that year he came to Califor- 
nia and in December located at Monrovia, Los 
Angeles County. Upon his arrival he pur- 
chased three and a half acres of land on the 
south side of Banana avenue, east of Mayflower 
avenue. In March, 1887, he commenced the 
erection of his handsome residence. Mr. Little 
has one of the representative places of Monro- 
via, and has spared no expense in fitting his 
home with all the modern conveniences, and 
even luxuries, that characterize a well-ordered 
home. His grounds are beautifully laid out, 
rich in ornamental trees and flowers. He has 
also planted 104 citrus fruit trees and fifty de- 



niSTOUY OF LOS ANGELES GOUNTT. 



cidnous fruit trees, comprising a large variety 
of the most approved fruits grown in liis sec- 
tion. In 1887 Mr. Little commenced the practice 
of his profession in Monrovia, and has been 
identified witli the remarkable building up and 
growth of that city. Upon the incorporation 
of the city of Monrovia in December, 1887, he 
was appointed city attorney, a position which 
he has since held; and in the same month was 
appointed a notary public by the Governor of 
the State. He is the secretary and treasurer of 
the Monrovia Street Kaiiroad and one of the 
original incorporators of that company. In pol- 
itics Mr. Little is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. 
Little have one child, William E. 

^-^3--^^ 

p. LARGE. — Among the repre- 
sentative business men of the city of 
Monrovia, mention must be made of the 
subject of this sketch. Mr. Large is the senior 
member of tiie firm of Large & Wheeler, dealers 
in furniture, carpets, oil-cloth, etc. Tlieir es- 
tablisliment is located on Myrtle street, and is 
the pioneer furniture store of Monrovia, having 
been established in October, 1887. Mr. Large 
came to Los Angeles County in the spring of 
1886 and located at Pasadena, where he was en- 
gaged in real-estate business and building enter- 
prises until became to Monrovia in June, 1887. 
Upon his arrival in Monrovia he identified him- 
self with its interests, purchasing and improving 
both business and residence property. He is 
the owner of the store he occupies, also a sub- 
stantial residence on Myrtle street, and other 
real estate in the city. Mr. Large is a native 
of Muskingum Connty, Ohio, dating his birth 
in 1853. He is the son of Andrew T. and Sarah 
(Hendrickson) Large. His father is a native of 
New Jersey, and a carpenter and builder by 
trade. In Mr. Large's youth, his parents located 
in Monroe County, Wisconsin, where he was 
reared and received his schooling until 1865. 
In that year the family moved to Chicago. At 
an early age the subject of tliis sketch was put 



to work in his father's shops, and there learned 
the carpenter's trade. When about seventeen 
years of age he entered the employ of the well- 
known firm of F. H. Hill & Co., of Chicago, as 
a shipping clerk. The great fire of Chicago in 
1871 swept away most of the business houses of 
that city, and at that time he returned to his 
trade, helping to rebuild the city. In 1872 the 
house of F. H. Hill & Co. re-established them- 
selves in business and he again entered their 
employ. He remained in their service, filling 
many positions of responsibility and trust until 
1886, when he came to California. Mr. Large 
has taken a deep interest in the growth and 
prosperity of his chosen city, and has been a 
liberal supporter of such enterprises as tend to 
advance the welfare of the community. He was 
one of the first school trustees of the city, a po- 
sition that he still iiolds. In politics he is a 
consistent Republican, taking an interest in the 
affairs of his party, serving as a delegate to the 
county conventions. In 1888 he married Miss 
Jeanette Beebe, the daughter of Alonzo Beebe, 
a well-known resident and pioneer of Kendall 
County, Illinois, in which county Mrs. Large 
was born. Mr. Large's father is at this writing 
(1889) a resident of San Diego. His mother 
died at that place in 1888. 



fIDNEY LACEY, notary public and a 
dealer in real estate at Los Angeles, is a 
native of England, and was born in Bristol 
in 1845, his parents being John and Anna 
Maria (Davies) Lacey. His father was a me- 
chanic and of Irish ancestry, while his motlier 
was of Welsh parentage. Young Lacey was 
educated in the common schools until his thir- 
teenth year, when he began to clerk in the dry- 
goods store of Mr. William Jones, at Bristol, 
and was so employed until 1863, when, in the 
early part of that year, lie came to America. 
After visiting friends in Canada he went to De- 
troit, Micliigan, and was employed as clerk by 
the dry-goods firm of Campbell, Linn & Co., 



niSTORT OF LOS ANGELES GOUNTT. 



until 1867. He then started for the West, and 
after spending two years in Colorado, New 
Mexico and Dakota, and being variously em- 
ployed, he came to California; and while so- 
journing at San Francisco he was employed in 
the carpet house of Mitchell & Bell as clerk and 
carpet-layer for about one year. In 1870 he 
came to Los Angeles under an engagement with 
Smith & Walter, the pioneer carpet, upholstery 
and paper firm of Los Angeles, with whom he 
remained until 1873, when he engaged in the 
same business with the firm of Dotter & Lord, 
afterward Dotter & Bradley, which later merged 
into the Los Angeles Furniture Company, re- 
maining with the concern through its various 
changes, by having an interest and being an em- 
ploye, until 1886. Li that year he made a trip 
to the East to visit the friends he had left twenty 
years before. lie returned to Los Angeles in the 
summer of the same year, and being a member 
of the Democratic State Central Committee for 
the county of Los Angeles, he spent several 
months during the campaign at San Francisco, 
working with the executive committee of the 
Democratic State Committee, in behalf of the 
party candidates. In 1885, while in the employ 
of Dotter & Bradley, lie started the carpet beat- 
ing and cleaning works known as the Los An- 
geles Carpet Beating Works, which are located 
on Alvarado street, above the woolen-mill reser- 
voir, said works being still owned and run b}' 
him. In 1887 he was commissioned notary 
public by Governor Bartlett, and wa^ re-ap- 
pointed in March, 1889, by Governor Waterman, 
and during the same year he engaged in the 
real-estate business at Los Angeles, in which 
business he is still actively engaged at 101 North 
Main street. Politically he is a Democrat, ever 
being active in the interests of his party. He 
has been a delegate to every Democratic State 
Convention for the past ten years, and lias been 
a member of the State Central Committee for 
Los Angeles County since 1879; a member of 
the executive committee of the same for six 
years, and is still a member. The holding of 
the late Democratic State Convention at Los 



Angeles, which jiassed off so harmoniously, is 
conceded by all to be due to the exertions of 
Mr. Lacey. December 10, 1874, he was mar- 
ried at Los Angeles to Miss Conception E. 
Williams, a native of Los Angeles, and of Eng- 
lish-Spani'ih parentage. Her parents are both 
deceased. Mr. Lacey is a member of Ashler 
Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., of Detroit. Michi- 
gan, lie is one of the organizers of the Iroquois 
Club (Democratic) of Los Angeles, of which he 
is president, the membership of the club being 
over 200. 



fARL LAUX, proprietor of Laux's phar- 
macy stores Nos. 48 South Spring stre jt and 
447 South Fort street, has been in the drug 
business for more than a quarter of a century, 
and is a thoroughly representative man in his 
profession in all that that term signifies. He 
was born iti Germany forty-six years ago, and 
came with his parents to America in early child- 
hood. On reaching the proper age he began to 
learn the drug business, and was engaged in it 
in various capacities of employe and proprietor 
in the city of Chicago over twenty years. Be- 
ing affected with bronchial trouble, induced by 
the rigorous climate of Chicago, Mr. Laux de- 
cided to sell out his prosperous business in the 
Lake City, in 1883, and came to California. 
Locating in Los Angeles, he resumed the drug 
business at 208 North Main street. After pur- 
chasing the store he refitted and refurnished it 
and put in an entire new stock of goods. Tiiis 
store he has recently removed to the handsome 
new Burdick Block, corner of Spring and Second 
streets. The store, which is furnished in curly 
redwood, is one of the finest and most completely 
stocked retail drug houses in Southern Cali- 
fornia. A prominent feature of Mr. Laux's ex- 
tensive ti-ade is his large prescription business. 
He prepares several proprietary compounds, 
among which area quinine hair tonic, a " bead- 
ing oil " for liquor manufacturers and dealers, 
and his celebrated Kumyss, a beverage alike 



HISTORY OF LOS AN0ELE8 COUNTY. 



palatable, healthful and nutritious. Mr. Laux 
■was one of the first in Chicago to manufacture 
Knm3-ss, by a forn-iula of his own. It soon 
gained great popularity and had a large sale. 
He now makes a great specialty of this remedial 
agent so valuable for persons with weak or dis- 
eased digestive organs, and being the only 
manufacturer of Kumyss in the State, south of 
San Francisco, he sells large quantities of it. 
His formula is so superior to any other that the 
druogists of the Golden Gate City use it. Mr. 
Lanx's iaith in the therapeutic advantages of the 
Southern California climate has been fully real- 
ized in his complete restoration to health since 
settling in Los Angeles. Confident of the great 
future of Los Angeles, Mr. Laux has recently 
increased his business by starting a branch store 
at 447 South Fort street. 



,1LT0N LINDLEY, Esq., is a native 
of North Carolina and was born in 
Guilford County in 1820. When he 
was twelve years of age his parents, David and 
Mary (Hadley) Lindley, removed to Morgan 
County, Indiana. The former was of English- 
Scotch and the latter of English-L-ish extrac- 
tion. She was a descendant of the Hadleys, 
one of the old and prominent Quaker families 
of. Hendricks County, Indiana. Milton Lind- 
ley lived with his parents until manhood and 
was given only a common-school education, yet 
through much reading and study — which is 
even now his daily habit — he has acquired an 
excellent education. Although reared a farmer 
he did not follow that vocation, but on leaving 
the homestead started out on his business ca- 
reer as a harness and saddle maker at Monrovia, 
Indiana, which occupation he continued for 
twelve years. In 1850 he engaged in general, 
merchandising at the same pilace, and four years 
later, when his health became impaired by a 
too close application to business, he engaged in 
farming and afterward in general merchandis- 
ing in Hendricks County, Indiana, remaining 



there twelve years. During this time he was 
sent East by a number of wealthy gentlemen to 
study the new National banking system. His 
investigations proving satisfactory, he assisted 
in organizing the First National Bank of Dan- 
ville, Indiana, which is yet a stanch institu- 
tion. In 1866 he removed to Minneapolis, 
Minnesota, where he resided until the latter 
part of 1875. In that year he came to Los 
Angeles, having previously spent two winters 
there for the benefit of his health. He pur- 
chased forty acres of land adjoining the western 
limits of the city, which he devoted to fruit 
culture, the varieties being so numerous that he 
could pluck ripe fruit of several kinds every 
day in the year. Selling his ranch in 1882 
and retiring from business, he became a resi- 
dent of the city of Los Angeles. Politically 
he is a Eepublican. In 1879 he was elected 
treasurer of Los Angeles County, which posi- 
tion he held for three yeais, holding over one 
year on account of a constitutional change. In 

1884 he was elected a member of the county 
board of supervisors, and served as such during 

1885 and 1886. Mr. Lindley was married in 
1849, at Belleville, Hendricks County, Indiana, 
to Miss Mary A. Banta, daughter of Cornelius 
and Elizabeth (Eccles) Banta. She was born 
in Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana, but 
reared principally in Hendricks County. She 
is a member of the Christian Church. They 
are the parents of nine children, seven of whom 
are living: Walter, a physician of Los Angeles; 
Ilervey, banker and dealer in real estate at the 
same place; Ida B., filling the chair of modern 
languages in the University of Southern Cali- 
fornia at Los Angeles; Arthur, a contractor of 
Claremont, California; William, a physician of 
Albion, Idaho; Albert, solicitor and collector for 
the Black Diamond Coal Company, of Los Ange- 
les; and Bertha, still at home, and a graduate in 
both letters and music, of the University of 
Southern California, with the class of 1887. Mr. 
Lindley is now nearly seventy years of age, 
but retains all the genial social attributes for 
which he was noted during his younger days. 



nrSTORY OF LOS ANO ISLES COUNTY. 



While a careful business man, he is also a gen- 
erous one, anil what he has given to assist 
worthy young men and religious, charitable 
and educational institutions would be consid- 
ered a competence by almost any family. He 
has yet with him, much of the time, his mother, 
who is bright and intelligent and eighty-seven 
years of age. With a wife, wiio has been in 
every sense of the word a helpmate to him for 
the last forty years, with seven grown children 
around him, with several grandcliildren looking 
up to him with love and veneration, he is pass- 
ing the evening of a well-spent life in this 
sunny land of the Pacific Coast, where the 
orange, the vine and the fig-tree flourish, and 
the mighty ocean and majestic mountains pro- 
claim the glory of the Creator. 



-^^€(i!"ii)» 



tERVEY LINDLEY, of Los Angeles, was 
born in Belleville, Hendricks County, Indi- 
ana, June 25, 1854. When twelve years 
of age his family moved to Minneapolis, Min- 
nesota, where he was educated in the grammar 
and high schools. In 1870 he began learning the 
lumber business, with one of the leading Minne- 
apolis firms. Threeyears later, when but nineteen 
years of age, he became a partner in the lumber 
business in Waterloo, Iowa. He soon became 
one of Waterloo's most active citizens and, 
while always refusing an}' political office him- 
self, was very active in the Republican party. 
He served for several years as secretary and treas- 
urer of the Republican County Central Com- 
mittee. In 1875 he was married to Miss Kate 
(/. Owens, of Waterloo. Like many other suc- 
cessful men, Mr. Lindley can attribute much 
of his prosperity and advancement in life to the 
force of character and wise council of his wife. 
The firm in which Mr. Lindley owned a one- 
half interest soon established three branch yards 
in Dakota, all proving very profitable. In 1879 
Mr. Lindley came on a visit to his father and 
family in Los Angeles. He was much delighted 
with Southern California, and returned to Iowa 



determined to close out his business and trans- 
fer his home to the Pacific Coast. Almost 
immediately on his becoming a resident of Los 
Angeles, he was recognized as a considerable 
factor in financial, political and social circles. 
The co-operation of his active, comprehensive 
mind is always considered a valuable aid to any 
enterprise for which it can be secured. Mr. 
Lindley was one of the organizers of the Cali- 
fornia Bank of Los Angeles, in which he is a 
director and member of the finance committee. 
He is a stockholder in the Southern California 
■ National Bank of Los Angeles, and a one- third 
owner in the Whittier Bank. While he spends 
the most of his time in Los Angeles, he has a 
country residence at Whittier, twelve miles 
away. Mr. Lindley takes great pride in the 
village of Whittier, where he has several hun- 
dred acres of land devoted to barley and fruit. 
Ilis farm and his horses are his chief delight 
and recreation, and he is never happier than 
when he can take a day's absence from his 
multifarious duties in Los Angeles and spend it 
with his stock and trees. While a business man 
in business matters, he is also very generous, 
and his purse is invariably open to every worthy 
call for aid. He was recently appointed by the 
Gov'ernor of California as president of a board 
of three trustees to locate, build and control a 
State Reform School, for which the Legislature 
has appropriated $200,000. He was also selected 
as one of a commission of five to control the 
police department of the city of Los Angeles, 
under the new charter adopted early in 1889. 
Hervey Lindley is noted for his indefatigable 
energy and industry, his keen, quick and com- 
prehensive mental grasp, his incorruptibility 
and his intense patriotism. He is a typical 
American, and his boyhood days were spent 
where the strains of Yankee Doodle from the fife 
and drum of the recruiting ofiicer were making 
the blood of the Union man run quick from 
heart to head and from head to heart again; 
where wounded boys in blue came home to tell 
of the valor of the country's defenders, who 
were risking their lives that the " stars and 



UIsrORV OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



stripes " might float over a free and undivided 
country. Cradled in such an atmosphere, his 
every fiber thrills with love for his liome and 
native land. 



tNTONIO MARIA LUGO.— One of the 
old patriarchs of California, whose de- 
scendants to the fourth and fifth genera- 
tion are scattered throughout the State, was 
born at the Mission of San Antonio de Padua 
in 1775, and died in 1860. He was a soldier 
here under the King of Spain. He lived many 
years in a large adobe house on the east side of 
Negro alley, which in early times, before gam- 
blers and Chinamen took possession of that lo- 
cality, was a sightly and desirable place of resi- 
dence. There the greater portion of his large 
family of children were born. He told the 
writer in 185G, that he obtained permission to 
settle on his Kancho of San Antonio where he 
then lived (near the present town of Corapton), 
in 1813, after the expiration of his term of serv- 
ice as a soldier. Later he obtained a formal 
grant of eleven leagues. Eventually, as his 
boys grew up, and his flocks and herds increased 
to such an extent that he did not know what to 
do with tliein, he obtained a grant in his boys' 
name of the Rancho of San Bernardino, which 
at that time belonged to this county, and a 
portion of his horses and cattle were moved to 
the new gract, where they continued to increase 
and multiply. In after years he planted a vine- 
yard on San Pedro street, and sometimes made 
his home in the long adobe house on the tract, 
still standing, and belonging to his grand- 
daughter, Mrs. Woodworth, now Mrs. O'Reilley. 
In the latter part of hia life, he used to ride into 
town on horseback with a sword strapped to 
his saddle, according to the custom of Span- 
ish Caballeros. One of Mr. Lugo's daughters, 
Merced, married a Perez; she is still living and 
is now the wife of Stephen C. Foster; her 
daughter married Wallace Woodworth, and her 
grandchildren are numerous. Another daugh- 



ter of Lugo married Colonel Isaac Williams, the 
owner of El Chino Ranch. The descendants by 
this line include the Carlisles, the McDougalls, 
the Rains, etc., and their children. Don Jose 
Ygnacio Lugo the grandfather of the Wolfskills, 
was a brother of Don Antonio. The wife of old 
Sergeant Vallejo, mother of General Yallejo, 
was one of Lugo's sisters. 



tON. FREDERICK LAMBOURN, senior 
partner in the wholesale grocery firm of 
Lambourn & Turner, was born in England, 
in 1837, but passed most of his childhood youth 
on his father's farm in Marshall County, Illi- 
nois, his parents having immigrated to the 
United States while he was quite young. He 
attended Eureka College in Woodford County, 
Illinois, but did notstay long enough to graduate, 
for want of funds, and in 1859 came to California 
and has been a resident of Los Angeles County 
ever since. Previous to 1876 he was engaged in 
farming, wine-making and ranching, part of the 
time as manager of William Workman's exten- 
sive Puente stock ranch. In July of the year 
last named Mr. Lambourn started in the grocery 
business, in company with William F. Turner, 
his present partner, in one room of the brick 
block they now own and occupy, comprising 
numbers 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 Aliso street. 
The firm had erected the first story of that part 
of the block including numbers 29 and 31 the 
same year they opened their grocery in one of 
the rooms; and the following year (1887) built 
another story. Two or three years later they 
erected the first story of the remainder of the 
block, and some four years ago added the second 
story to that part. The block has over ninety 
feet frontage on Aliso street, and is a substan- 
tial business building. In the beginning of 
their modest mercantile ventures the proprietors 
did all the work, one of them acting as sales- 
man and book-keeper and the other delivering 
the goods to customers; but by upright dealing 
and judicious management the volume of busi- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



iiess steadily increased and more help and facili- 
ties were .idded ; another, and later another, room 
was occupied; gradually a jobbing department 
was developed; and now the bulk of the goods 
liandled is sold by wholesale, though the firm 
does a flourishing business in the retail depart- 
ment. Their jobbing trade extends along the 
lines of railroad to points throughout Southern 
California and as far east as New Mexico and 
Western Texas. Mr. Lanibourn has had some 
experience in politics, having been elected on 
the Democratic ticket to the General Assembly 
of California, in which he served in 1875 and 
1876, with satisfaction to his constituents. 
Since coming to Los Angeles, Mr. Lambourn 
married Miss Georgia Morrison, a Texas lady. 
They have two sons: Frederick Francis, aged 
nine years, and William Walter, seven years old. 



WILLIAM LITTLEBOY was born in Par- 
kersburg, Virginia, in April, 1840. On 
the breaking out of the civil war he en- 
listed in the Union army, and rose to the rank of 
staff officer. On June 5, 1864, he was appointed 
Captain of Commissary, in the Army of the Po- 
tomac, by President Lincoln, and served till 
about the close of the war. Soon after return- 
ing from the army, he located in Philadelphia, 
where he engaged in the drug business and soon 
built up a fine trade. But owing to ill health, 
he was compelled to seek a milder climate. After 
spending a winter or two in Florida, he decided 
to move to California, believing it to be a better 
State for business than the Peninsular State; he 
came from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in 1874, 
bringing with him, by steamer, a stock of drugs 
and store fixtures with which he fitted up and 
stocked the drug store now owned by his widow, 
Mrs. A. E. Littleboy, at Nos. 56 and 58 North 
Main street. During the ten years following he 
carried on a growing and prosperous business, 
which, at the time of his death, in 1884, was 
one of the best retail drug stores in the city. 
Since her husband's decease Mrs. Littleboy has 



continued the business with equal success under 
the efficient management of Mr. Edward T>. 
Rives, a practical pharmacist of some ten years' 
experience. Tlie fine store is kept fully stocked 
with the purest drugs and chemicals, and choicest 
toilet goods. The business requires the services 
of two clerks besides the manager. 



fRANK LEC0U7REUR is a native of 
Ortelsburg, East Prussia. lie was born 
June 7, 1830. He came to California by 
way of Cape Horn in 1851. Mr. Lecouvreur, 
who is a very accomplished civil engineer, was 
county surveyor four years; but most of his 
work in his profession has been done for private 
parties, in surveying ranches, etc., in this and 
other counties in Southern California. He was 
also engaged in the county clerk's office for a 
number of years. In June, 1877, he married 
Josephine Rosana Smith, a lady of Irish origin 
who had been for several years a resident of Los 
Angeles. They have no children. Mr. Le- 
couvreur, on account of ill health, has lived a 
retired life latterly, at his pleasant home on 
Main street. He is a man of great learning, 
and in former years he lived a very active and 
useful life; and he is held in the highest esteem 
by all who know liim. 



^'^' 



tIEUTENANT-COLONEL M. MUDGE is 
one of the later pioneers of Compton, and 
one of Los Angeles County's most honored 
and popular men. He was born in Monroe 
County, New York, November 21, 1833, his 
parents being Ebenezer and Lucretia (Heaton) 
Mudge, the former a native of New York, and 
the latter of Vermont, and botli of English de- 
scent. The original families settled in Plymouth 
and Boston in 1638. In 1838 Ebenezer Mudge 
moved to Lenawee County, Michigan, and sub- 
sequently to Branch County, where he still lives, 
at Quincy. lie was born in 1804, was a miison 



U I STORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



by trade, and some of the line buildings in Buf- 
falo, JSfew York, stand as a monument to his 
architectural skill. The mother died in 1886, 
aged seventy-nine years. They had a family of 
four children, three still living. In the service 
of tlieir country in the late war, few men are 
deserving of more praise than is Lieutenant- 
Colonel M. Mudge. lie raised a company in 
1801, in Branch County, Micliigan, for the three 
months' service, and was mustered in August 
24, ill the Eleventh Michigan Volunteer In- 
fantry. December 9 his command moved to 
Louisville, Kentucky, was assigned to the Army 
of the Cumberland, and remained with that 
army till Atlanta was taken. January 7, 1863, 
he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel of the 
same regiment, which rank he held till mustered 
out near the close of the war. At the battle of 
Chickamauga he received a severe wound in the 
left arm. While convalescing he was assigned 
to court-martial duty, and was president of Gen- 
eral Thomas's court. After his recovery he asked 
and obtained leave to join his regiment at the 
front at Atlanta, and commanded a regular 
brigade till the fall of Atlanta. At Sydney, 
Ohio, his regiment captured a cannon which the 
citizens of that place were tiring as a salute to 
Vallandigham and Pendleton, who were enter- 
ing their city as guests. Colonel Mudge's regi- 
ment took this cannon into their car and carried 
it with them to Sturgis, Michigan, where it 
still remains as a relic, and is known as Vallan- 
dighani's cannon, lie was mustered out of the 
service at Sturgis, Michigan, . September 30, 
1864. In 1873 the suljject of this sketch went 
to Chicago and worked on ilm Evening Post, 
and was traveling correspondent for the Inter 
Ocean, and established agencies in different 
parts of the country. He was subsequently one 
of the editors of the Northwest Lumberman, 
tlien a monthly paper. Later on he was con- 
nected with two papers in South Chicago. Pre- 
vious to going to Chicago he liad for six years 
been a general agent for the Security Life In- 
surance Company of New York, for the State 
of Michigan. In 1877 he came from Chicago 



to Los Angeles County, California, and located 
near Florence, remaining there two years. Tlien 
he was partner with A. M. Hough, in the hog 
business, for three years. Later he purchased 
fifty-two acres of land where he now lives, 
within the corporate limits of tlie city of Comp- 
ton. Colonel Mudge is now a member of the 
city council of Compton, and deputy assessor of 
Los Angeles County. In 1884:, with sixteen 
others, he established Shiloh Post of the G. A. 
R., at Compton, and served as Commander five 
years. The subject of this sketch was Com- 
mander, during the year 1889, of the Seventh 
Inspection District Encampment of Southern 
California. Socially, he is a Mason. He was 
nominated by the Republican party in 1882 for 
assemblyman for Los Angeles County, but was 
defeated. In 1884 he was nominated for super- 
visor of the Fourth Supervisorial District, and 
was again defeated. During these years the 
Democratic party was largely in the majority, 
he having received his party vote in both in- 
stances. The Colonel was married in Quincy, 
Michigan, in 1865, to Miss Sarah Ashley, who 
is the daughter of George and Jane (Wheat) 
Ashley. She was born in Canandaigua, Michi- 
gan, November 19, 1842. Her mother was a 
native of Orleans, New York, and her father of 
Massachusetts. He was a student in Yale Col- 
lege, and a sclioolmate of our late Chief Justice 
Waite. 



fESUS F. MORENO, manufacturer and 
dealer in saddles, harness and saddleware. 
No. 136 Los Angeles street, Los Angeles, 
is a native of Mexico. He was born in Sonora 
in 1840, and during his boyhood he attended 
school and learned his trade there. After reach- 
ing manhood, in 1863 he came to Lus Angeles, 
and began working at his trade and continued 
until 1875, when he established his present 
business on Los Angeles street; afterward he 
removed to Aliso street, and thence to his present 
location. He employs from three to six hands, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



as his trade requires, and by fair dealing and 
close attention to his business he has secured 
for himself a good patronage. In 1866 Mr. 
Moreno married Miss Susanna Montano, of So- 
nora, Me.xico, and they have ten children — seven 
sons and three daughters. 



tEV. AVILLIAM MOORES.— A more 
worthy name is not to be found in the his- 
tory of Los Angeles than the one at the 
head of this sketch. He is a native of Middle 
Tennessee, born January 26, 1808. His father, 
Josiah Moores, was a local preaclier and died in 
Arkansas. Mr. Moores received a liberal com- 
mon-school education, or rather, as it was known 
in those days, a boarding-school education. In 
1834 he was licensed to preach by {lev. Joshua 
Butcher, who was then presiding elder of the 
district. In the fall of that same year, 1835, he 
took work in the Tennessee Conference, and 
traveled three years. In 1840 he transferred to 
Ash Conference. Later he transferred to the 
Alabama Conference, for which he traveled seven 
years. Within this time he was married to Miss 
Juliet S. Hardwick, who lived only seven months 
after they were married. Two years later he 
chose for his second companion Miss E. Mariah 
Greening, of Alabama. She is the daughter of 
Eldridge Greening, a prominent lawyer in Ala- 
bama. After his second marriage Mr. Moores 
moved to Arkansas, and joined the Arkansas 
Conference, in the bounds of which he traveled 
twenty-four years. During the greater part of 



the time he wi 



ing 



elde 



In 1870 he 



again transferred, this time to the Pacific Con- 
ference, and when the Los Angeles Conference 
was organized he chose that for his future home, 
where he has been actively engaged in the Mas- 
ter's service for eighteen years. Since joining 
this conference he has been presiding elder of 
the district of Los Angeles, and also of the San 
Luis Obispo district. He served the congre- 
gation at Downey most acceptably as pastor 
several different times. It sliould be further 



stated that he helped to organize the conference 
which he joined in 1870. He has purchased 
forty acres of land near Downey, upon which he 
resides. There he is quietly spending the even- 
ing of life, and waiting the summons of the 
Master. Mr. Moores and his e.xcellent wife have 
reared a large family, in all eleven children: 
Julia, now the wife of George E. Butler; Olin 
G., Charles W., Faunie G., now the wife of 
Thomas J. Kearns; Josiah B., Lucia, wife of J. 
C. C. Harris; Glorvenia, wife of L. V. Glass- 
cock; Mariah, wifeof James O. Butler; William, 
Orlanda and Edna. Their children are all on 
the coast. Charles W. is a lawyer, but is now 
teaching in the city schools in San Francisco. 



fN. McDonald, capitalist, Wilmington, 
is one of the earliest pioneers of Lower 
® California who are still engaged in act- 
ive business. He was born in Oswego County, 
New York, May 9, 1832, a son of Colon and 
Jane (Winslow) McDonald, the former a native 
of Scotland, and the latter of Ireland. They had 
eleven children, only two of whom are now liv- 
ing: John, in Canada, and Edward, the subject 
of this sketch. The family moved to Canada 
when Edward was twelve years of age, and took 
possession of a tract of land. After four years' 
labor on the farm, the lad returned to New 
York and served an apprenticeship to the black- 
smith's trade. September 20, 1853, in company 
with two cousins, he left New York on the 
steamship Illinois, and arrived at San Francisco 
October 17, following. The very next day lie 
engaged to come to San Pedro for Alexander & 
Banning, and worked for this firm and for Gen- 
eral Banning for a number of years; then, in 
jiartnership with Horace Wheeler, now in Japan, 
he followed the mercantile trade in Los Angeles, 
and also dealt in live-stock; and for fourteen 
years he followed sheep-raising. In all his busi- 
ness ventures thus far he had been signally suc- 
cessful. In 1870 he built McDonald's Ith.ck, 
on Main street, Los Angeles. (Jf iii.s large es- 



HISTOBT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tate he lias disposed of 5,000 acres, and yet has 
several thousand left, which is valuable. He is 
an honest but shrewd manager of business af- 
fairs, and in all of his dealings his word is liis 
bond. October 19, 1865, Mr. McDonald mar- 
ried Miss Mary Winslow, a native of Argyle, 
Washington County, New York. They have 
had two sons: Winford Savage, who was born 
March 1, 1871, and Eanson Walton, who was 
born October 27, 1873, and died November 27, 
1886. 



T-rTir^LlAM MARSHALL.— One of the 
\/\/ must successful horticulturists of the 
''C~^~~l t^an Gabriel Township is the subject of 
this sketch. His lifteen-acre orange grove is 
located in the Alhambra School District, about 
one-fourth of a mile west of the San Gabriel 
Mission. He purchased this land from B. D. 
Wilson in 1875, and in 1876 commenced its 
improvement and cultivation. Nearly fifteen 
acres are devoted to seedling oranges, 1,000 trees 
of theTahite and Sandwich Islands varieties, and 
about five acres to budded trees. He lias also 140 
deciduous fruit trees, comprising the most ap- 
proved varieties of peaches, apricots, plums, ap- 
ples, etc. Mr. Marshall has kept his place under 
a high state of cultivation and is liberal in the 
use of fertilizers, and though havingan abundant 
supply of water has not used any for irrigation 
purposes for the past four or five years. His 
seedling trees are in full bearing, and their yield 
is noticeable. Individual trees have yielded 
twelve or thirteen boxes, and the average yield 
in 1888 from about ten acres of trees was nearly 
nine boxes per tree. His improvements com- 
prise a neat cottage and substantial out-build- 
ings. Mr. Marshall is a native of Ireland, 
dating his birth in Limerick in 1835, the son of 
Joseph and Elizabeth (Griffin) Marshall, natives 
of that country. When twenty years of age he 
came to the United States and engaged as an 
apprentice at cabinet-making in New York for 
about eighteen months. His failing health then 



compelled him to seek an out-door and more 
active occupation, and he engaged in teaming. 
In 1857 he located in Bloomington, Illinois, and 
for the next two years was employed in the nurs- 
eries at that place. In May, 1859, he entered 
the United States army as a private in Light 
Battery E, Second United Sttites Artillery. He 
served in that battery until honorably discharged 
at the expiration of his terra of enlistment, May 
3, 1864. His record during the war of the Re- 
bellion is worthy of mention. He participated 
in some of the severest campaigns and hardest- 
fought battles and sieges of that memorable 
struggle, commencing at Bull Run in 1861. He 
was through the Peninsular and Maryland cam- 
paigns of 1862, and at the sieges of Vicksburg 
and Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1863. His record 
embraces fourteen of the historic battles of the 
war, beside the exposures of skirmishes, sieges, 
etc. After' his discharge he was employed in 
the Commissary and Quartermaster's Depart- 
ment at Washington until the close of the war. 
For the next three years he was engaged in va- 
rious occupations in New York, and in 1868 
came to California, locating at San Diego until 
the fall of that year when he took up his resi- 
dence in Los Angeles. There he engaged in 
nursery labor until he took up his present resi- 
dence. Mr. Marshall is a practical horticultur- 
ist, industrious and energetic in his labors. He 
has made a success of his operations and gained 
a comfortable competency. He is a consistent 
member and strong supporter of the Catholic 
Church. In politics he is Democratic. In 1877 
Mr. Marshall was united in marriage with Miss 
Rebecca Isabella O'Donovan, a native of Limer- 
ick County, Ireland. No children have blessed 
this union. 

tMcGARVIN, real-estate dealer, 120* 
South Spring street, Los Angeles, is a 
* native of Canada, and was born June 2, 
1841. During boyhood he attended the com- 
mon schools and served an ajipreuticeship to the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



carriage and wagon making trade. After reach- 
ing manhood he worked at his trade in Michi- 
gan and Ohio. Then he engaged in the oil 
business in West Virginia for two years, after 
which he went to Southern Kansas, remaining 
there eight yeais. Mr. McGarvin came to Cali- 
fornia in 1875 and located at Los Angeles. 
The following year he engaged in carriage 
and wagon making on South Spring street, be- 
tween Second and Third streets, on the site 
of his new block. He built up a large estab- 
lished trade and carried on the business suc- 
cessfully a number of years, until two years ago, 
when he retired from active business. After 
his retirement he improved his property by 
erecting the present substantial business block. 
Mr. McGarvin is a member of the Board of 
Trade and is identified with all the progress and 
development of the city. In 1869 he was mar- 
ried to Miss A. B. Woolsey, in Kansas. They 
have one son, I). C. McGarvin. 



tICHARD MOLONY, wagon and carriage 
manufacturer, Aliso street, Los Angeles, 
is a native of JSew York State, and was 
born in the city of Syracuse, February 25, 1839. 
In early childhood his parents went to Dubuque, 
Iowa, and he grew up and learned his trade 
there. After reaching manhood, he determined 
to come to California. Landing in San Fran- 
cisco, he went to Sonoma County, and remained 
there ten years. In 1872 he came to Los An- 
geles and established his business on Aliso 
street. Being a practical workman in all 
branches of his business, he soon built up a good 
trade. In 1888 he built his present large and 
commodious factory, 140x80 feet, three stories 
in height, which when running to its full ca- 
})acity gives employment to from twenty-five to 
thirty hands, lie manufactures all of Iiis own 
work, heavy and light, importing all of his 
material, — steel springs, iron bolts, wood and 
trimmings, and warrants everything he turns 
out of his shops. By good management and 



close attention to the details of his fa.ctory he 
has been successful in establishing the leading 
business in his line, and is the oldest manufact- 
nrer in the business. Mr. Molony has been 
twice married. His first wife was Miss Ellen 
ilulcahey, of County Limerick, Ireland, who 
died in 1875, leaving three children: Mary, 
Mark and Clement. His present wife was Miss 
Kate Fennesy, of County Cork, Ireland. They 
have four children: William, Margaret, Frances 
and Johanna. 

,, • — P t.:f-i..t..[^:. L : t 

fG. McGARVIK, carriage and wagon 
maker, No. 235 East Second street, Los 
® Angeles, was born May 7, 1848, in 
Chatham, Canada. His parents, John and Susan 
(Houstin) McGarvin, are both living. He at- 
tended the common schools in his native town 
and learned his trade there. He remained in 
Canada until 1883, when he came to Los An- 
geles. Here he worked at his trade until 1886, 
when he engaged in business for himself. Tie 
employs four hands. His work is mostly on 
orders, and he has built up a good local trade. 
Mr. McGarvin has been twice married. His 
first wife was Miss Cottier, of Canada, who 
died in 1882, leaving two children: Frank and 
Maggie. His present wife was Mrs. Ollie Bel- 
lew, of Granby, Missouri. She has one son, 
Thomas. 



ONTGOMEPtY, GRANT & CO., 233 

Ni'i-tli Los Angeles street, Los Angeles, 
;,,~^ importers and dealers in agricultural 
implements, wagons and carriages. This busi- 
ness was established in 1886, and the following 
year the Bull & Grant Company was organized, 
who carried on the business until the past year, 
when Mr. Grant withdrew and the territory was 
divided, Mr. Bull taking the northern jiart of 
the State and Mr. Grant succeeding to the 
business here. Tlie firm is now Montgomery, 



HISTORY OF LOS AJSGELES COUNTY. 



Grant & Co. This company represents some of 
the best-known agricultural implement makers 
in the United States for wagons, plows, mowers, 
reapers, rakes, buggies and traction and port- 
able engines. They carry a full and complete 
stock of agricultural machinery, wagons, car- 
•riages, etc., at their establishment, No. 233 
North Los Angeles street. They have a branch 
house at San Bernardino and also one at Pomona. 
E. Glencross Grant, the manager here, is a na- 
tive of England, who came to California in 1884 
and was connected with the agricultural imple- 
ment business in San Francisco until he came 
to Los Angeles in 1886. He understands the 
business in all its details, and is an energetic, 
practical business man. 



lANIELM. McGARRY was born in County 
Antrim, Ireland, January 20, 1842. He 
came to Philadelphia and from there to 
Chicago, in 1866, where he was in business until 
1881, at which time he came to Los Angeles. 
He settled in his present home, at the corner 
of Eighth and Alameda streets, soon after his 
arrival, and engaged in the vineyard and wine 
business. He married Margaret McCaughan 
in 1871, and they have six children. Mr. Mc- 
Garry was a member of the city council from 
1883 to 1885. He is a man of many sterling 
qualities and is respected by all who know him. 

^-^->¥ ■ 



fSCAR MACY was born in Liberty, Union 
County, Indiana, July 28, 1829. His 
father. Dr. Obed Macy, a pioneer of Los 
Angeles, was of New England stock and was 
born on the Island of Nantucket in 1801. He 
moved AYest with his family when a young man 
and practiced medicine for years in Southern 
Indiana. He crossed the plains with his wife 
and nine children, one of whom died of cholera 
on the way, arriving in Los Angeles in Decem- 
ber, 1850. He settled first in El Monte, but 



afterward rented and conducted the Bella Union 
Hotel (now the St. Charles) in this city two 
years, when he disposed of the same to W. G. 
Ross, who was, some years after, killed by C. P. 
Duane in San Francisco. Dr. Macy started the 
Alameda Baths, on the site of the three-story 
brick building on the corner of Main and Macy 
streets, recently erected by his son Oscar. Dr. . 
Macy died July 9, 1857. His eight children 
are still living in California. Oscar, the subject 
of this sketch, worked awhile in 1851, as a 
printer, in San Francisco, but could not resist 
the temptation of a miner's life, and left his 
position to rough it in the mines, where he 
worked with varying success for two years. Re- 
turning to Los Angeles, he took up a claim in 
El Monte, which he afterward sold to the father 
of Judge A. J. King, of this city. He then took 
np his residence in Los Angeles, working most 
of the time at the printer's trade. During these 
times the Republican party was in a chrysalis 
state; and when General J. C. Fremont was 
nominated for the Presidency he became an en- 
thusiastic advocate of his election and of the 
success of that young national political organiza- 
tion from whose principles he has never swerved. 
On the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Pres- 
idency, he received the appointment of collector 
of customs at San Pedro, which position he 
held until the port was reduced to an inspector- 
ship, when, at the solicitation of the depart- 
ment, he accepted the position of inspector. Af- 
ter some time he resigned in favor of George C. 
Alexander, who was appointed in his place. In 
addition to the above Mr. Macy has filled va- 
rious places of public trustin the city and county. 
He was a councilman for several terms, city 
treasurer for two years, and chairman of the 
board of supervisors for four years, occupying 
the latter office from January, 1885, to January, 
1889, during which time the present site of 
the new county court-house was purchased, 
that substantial structure, the county jail, was 
erected, and also plans of the court-house 
adopted. This magnificent temple of justice, 
when completed, will do credit to the people of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



Los Angeles County, whose wealth and liberal- 
ity have made it possible to erect a public build- 
ing unsurpassed by any county on the Pacific 
Coast, excepting San Francisco County. Mr. 
Macy has been largely engaged with others in 
the sheep industry on San Clemente Island, 
some fifty miles off the coast, where the sheep 
run wild and thrive with very little care; and 
where, twice a j'ear, the owners go over and stay 
several weeks to supervise their shearing and 
the packing and shipment of their wool, or to 
look after the sending to market of the mutton 
sheep. From 8,000 to 10,000 sheep range over 
the island and the business is understood to be 
profitable. Mr. Macy married Miss Margaret 
E. I3ell in 1873, and has five children. 



fW. MORGAN was born in Theresa, Jef- 
ferson County, New York, April 30, 
® 1831. He lived upon a farm and attended 
the neighboring schools, which were held in 
primitive log school-houses with high pine 
benches for seats, until fourteen years of age; 
and during the intervals when his time was not 
devoted to his studies, he did his share of 
plowing and hoeing, as many of our prominent 
men have done whose boyhood days spent on a 
farm gave that vigor which enabled them to 
battle successfully for emineucy in after years. 
His family then emigrated to Wisconsin, and 
he remained with them for nine years. About 
1855 he removed to Oberlin, Ohio, where he 
lived for seven years, during a portion of which 
time lie attended the Oberlin College. His 
intention had been to complete a college course, 
but being troubled with bronchial affections, on 
the advice of a physician he prepared to emi- 
grate to California. After a short visit to his 
parents in Wisconsin, he went to New York 
City and took passage via Panama, and after an 
uneventful voyage he arrived in San Francisco a 
day or two before Christmas, 1862. On his way 
out he contracted a severe cold, and his ill health 
kept him in San Francisco for about eight 



months. At that time there was considerable 
excitement over the discovery of quartz mines 
in Contra Costa County, and the report of the 
richness of the Mt. Diablo mines induced him 
to go there, where he obtained his first mining 
experience. His claims, as well as those of others, 
pi'oved a failure, and Mr. Morgan turned his 
attention to various other pursuits for about a 
year and a half. While in Contra Costa County 
diphtheria was very prevalent, and he had the 
misfortune to lose his wife and two children, 
who were all carried away so near the same 
hour that all were buried in the same grave. 
At about the same time the much lamented llev. 
Starr King, to whose memory a handsome mon- 
ument was erected last year by prominent Cali- 
fornians, died of the same disease. Not caring 
to remain on the scene of so much sorrow, Mr. 
Morgan went to San Francisco in the spring of 
1865 and remained there for eight years, fol- 
lowing the business of life insurance. So suc- 
cessful was he in this business that in one year 
he secured $900,000 worth oi' insurance. The in- 
tricacies of this calling so interested him that 
he became thoroughly wrapped up in it, and his 
earnestness and thorough familiarity with the 
problem of insurance bore him the most signal 
success. His reputation resulted in receiving 
the most flattering offers from first-class Eastern 
companies to take charge of their business on 
the coast. January 26, 1868, Mr. Morgan was 
again married, in Santa Barbara, to Miss Alice 
Brown, of that place, who had been a former 
acquaintance at Oberlin. The result of this 
union has been three children, one son and two 
daughters. It was on his wedding journey, in 
1868, that he first visited Los Angeles. He 
became so favorably impressed with the place 
that he took up 320 acres of Government land, 
and after renuiining one month went back to 
San Francisco. His land purchase at $1.25 per 
acre in 1868, the most of which he has disposed 
of, is to day worth from $200 to $1,000 i)er 
acre. Even that price has been refused for some 
of it. Every winter thereafter for four years 
he visited Los Angeles in the interest of his 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



business, and in August, 1872, lie became deter- 
mined to reside permanently. Soon after arriv- 
ing he opened an office and engaged in the real- 
estate business and incidentally did a little 
insurance. His real-estate business, which he 
has followed ever since, became very extensive 
during the first twelve years of his residence. 
Almost one-half the sales transacted in the city 
passed through his hands. His business acumen 
and good judgment inspired everybody with 
confidence in his ability to buy or sell property 
to the best advantage, and his advice on such 
matters was eagerly sought for and acted upon. 
He was, it may be truthfully said, the first man 
in the city who bought large tracts of land and 
divided them into lots. Others followed the 
same plan, and from that time the boom in 
Southern California commenced. Mr. Morgan's 
time is now taken up in looking after his large 
personal interests. He has large interests in 
the Highland Yiew tract; is a stockholder and 
president of the Highland Park Water Com- 
pany. He is a Republican in politics, but has 
never desired or sought any political office. 
Mr. Morgan, who is a member of the Methodist 
Church, is an earnest and consistent Christian, 
believing in doing all the good to humanity 
within his power for their spiritual and moral 
welfare; and all charitable affairs and any move- 
ment tending to advance the interests of the city 
receive generous support from him. He has a 
very interesting family to whom he is devoted, 
and his fireside presents a picture of rare hap- 
piness. 



i?i£;-i 






fUDGE H. W. MAGEE, President of the 
San Gabriel Valley Bank, Los Angeles, was 
born in Coles County, Illinois, October 9, 
1847. His parents, B. W. and Elvira (True) 
Magee, were natives of Kentucky. His mother 
died in 1874, and his father is living in Ne- 
braska. At the age of seventeen years the sub- 
ject of this notice entered the office of the clerk 
of the court of Coles County, and after remain- 



ing there three years was appointed clerk of the 
Court of Common Pleas. After serving his 
term, he entered the University of Michigan at 
Ann Arbor, and graduated in the Law Depart- 
ment in 1873. He practiced law in his native 
county for seven years, and in 1882 came to 
Los Angeles, continuing in his chosen profes- 
sion. In 1885 he was nominated by acclama- 
tion for the Legislature, but withdrew on account 
of not being eligible for the office, lie was 
elected president of the San Gabriel Valley 
Bank in 1887, and since then has held that posi- 
tion. He has one of the most attractive homes 
in Pasadena. In 1873 Judge Magee married 
Miss Ellen J. Barnes, of Indianapolis. They 
have three children: H. Grace, William H. and 
Paul. 



ILLIAM MOSS was born in Arkansas 
in 1825, and is a son of Matthew and 
C^s^ Mary (Caldwell) Moss, both of whom 
were natives of the Old Dominion. They were 
early settlers in Hempstead County, Arkansas, 
but subsequently moved to Texas, and in the 
Lone Star State he farmed until his death. The 
subject of this sketch came to California in 
1849, worked in the mines for some time, later 
engaged in farming, and in 1859 returned to 
Texas, remaining there ten years. In 18G0 
Mr. Moss married Miss Henrietta Field, a native 
of Tennessee, born in 1836, and daughter of 
Harrington and Lucy (Mitchell) Field, both of 
Virginia. Mr. Field was educated for a physi- 
cian, but chose farming for his occupation. He 
moved with his family to Texas in 1851, where, 
after farming successfully for eiglit years, he 
died. His aged companion is still living in 
Austin, Texas, in her eighty-third year. It 
may not be out of place here to note that Mr. 
Field had one brother, Dr. Thurman Field, also 
a half-brother, Prof. J. A. McRoberts, for many 
years an honored and widely known public in- 
structor in several colleges in Tennessee. It is 
also proper to state that Mrs. Moss is a first 



IIISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



cousin to General Thomas Green, well known 
in the history of our late war. Mr. and Mrs. 
Moss have reared a family of four children. The 
two oldest, Harry and Mollie, were born in 
Texas. The latter is now the wife of J. S. 
Moss, of El Paso. Matthew and Willie were 
born in California. In 1869 Mr. Moss, with 
his wife and two children, came to the Golden 
State, and for live years he was engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits on a rented farm near where 
the ttiwn of Rivera is now located. In 1874 
he purchased fifty-six acres where he now lives. 
On this farm he has erected a comfortable and 
commodious residence, which is surrounded by 
an orchard of oranges and lemons, bearing the 
choicest variety of fruit. He has also planted 
out forty acres of English walnuts, the cultiva- 
tion of which he has demonstrated to be an in- 
dustry which will yield handsome returns. 
Politically Mr. Moss affiliates with the Demo- 
cratic party, and is one of the strongest sup- 
porters of its principles. He is one of the 
self-made men, and a man liberal in his views, 
aiid ready to forward the interests of any enter- 
prise having for its object the public good. 
Mrs. Moss and her daughter are active mem- 
bers of the Baptist church. 



fLIJAH MOULTON was born in Montreal, 
Canada, in 1820. His father, Elijah Moul- 
ton, was a native of JVlassachusetts, and 
moved to Montreal at an early day. Mr. Moul- 
ton traces his ancestry back to the French. He 
was apprenticed to learn the cooper's trade of a 
Scotchman in Monti'eal, but on account of the 
old gentleman's ill treatment of him, he ran 
away when his time was half out, and went to 
West Troy, New York. From there he went 
to Cincinnati and spent one year. Then he 
went to Akron, Ohio, and followed his trade for 
some time, after which he went into Pennsyl- 
vania, and from there to Michigan, then to 
Ohio, and in 1843 he concluded he would like 
to see some of the roujih side of life and its 



hardships. He accordingly hired himself out 
to the Union Fur Company, and set out for the 
Rocky Mountains. They started from St. Louis 
and went westward to the mouth of the Yellow- 
stone River, and there remained until the spring 
of 1844. At this time he asked and obtained 
leave to join Jim Bridger, in an expedition to 
California. They trapped in Montana and the 
Black Hills, then to Bridger's Fort, to Fort 
Laramie, to Fort Pier, Missouri, and back to 
Bridger. Then the company set out on a 
trapping expedition to Arizona in the fall of 
1844. In the spring of 1845 they came to 
California, where our subject severed his con- 
nection with the company, and went to work 
for Don Louis Vignes, and continued with him 
till 1851, with the exception of two trips he 
made to the mines. He then bought a piece of 
land located near Wolfskill's, and in 1855 took 
charge of William Wolfskill's property, and 
continued with him three years, when he bought 
160 acres in what is now East Los Angeles. 
This was before there was any city here, and 
Mr. Moulton lias been an eye witness of the 
wonderful growth of the City of the Angels. 
He was the first deputy sheriff of Los Angeles, 
under George Burrell. He was marshal of 
the city and a member of the city council in 
1860 and 1861. Mr. Moulton served in the 
war with Fremont, and belonged to the Mexican 
veterans. He can relate some of the most in- 
teresting incidents of the war, and of the hard- 
ships they endured. For days at a time they 
were without food, and on one occasion he and 
another man used the stars and stripes as a 
seine to catch some fish to eat. Financially 
Mr. Moulton has been eminently successful. 
He was for some years in the dairy business. 
He has recently sold land and city property to 
the amount of nearly $100,000. He still owns 
several houses and lots in East Los Angeles, 
and also property in Santa Monica. He mar- 
ried a daughter of Mr. William Wolfskill, and 
by her had one child. Both mother and child 
died in 1861. He was again married, and has 
1 an interesting family. Their residence is on 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Lyle street in East Los Angeles. Mr. Moulton 
is a self-made man and highly respected by all 
who know him, and it is only justice to him, in 
writing the history of his county, to say that of 
the pioneers he is a true pioneer. 

'^■im-^ 

tICHARD T. MILLER was born is Cas- 
well County, North Carolina, in 1841, but 
was reared from early childhood in Vir- 
ginia. His father was Rev. John A. Miller, an 
itinerant preacher in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, a native of Virginia, and of English 
origin. He married Jane B. Williams, of North 
Carolina, by whom he had a family of seven 
children. He died iri Prince Edward County, 
Virginia, in 1849, well known and much be- 
loved by a very large circle of friends. His 
wifedied in Virginia in 1888. Our subject was 
the third child and was quite young when his 
father died. His opportunities for an educa- 
tion were very limited. He was a soldier in 
tlie Confederate army, a member of tlie " Dan- 
ville Blues," Eighteenth Virginia Regiment, 
and was one of the first who went to Richmond. 
He was in the battles of Cloyd's Farm, Cold 
Harbor and around Petersburg. Was taken 
sick prior to the battle of Bull Run with 
typhoid fever, and sent to hospital, and was 
afterward discharged for disability. Having 
regained his health, he enlisted in the Ring- 
gold Battery, Thirteenth Virginia Battalion 
Artillery, and was appointed Commissary-Ser- 
geant, and held that position until March, 1865, 
when he was appointed Quartermaster-Sergeant; 
was captured on the 2d day of April, 1865, 
when General Grant broke the lines at Peters- 
burg, and was carried a prisoner to Point Look- 
out. He was released on the 15th day of June, 
1865. He was married in 1869, to Ella R. 
Flippen, of Danville, Virginia, and tliey have 
an interesting family of nine children, whose 
names are as follows: Emery L., Janie E., 
Arthur, Edwin B., Minnie V., Edna T., Grade, 
Grover Cleveland and Belle. When he first 



started in life Mr. Miller learned the drug busi- 
ness, and after coming to California he clerked 
for three years in a store in Fresno County, and 
subsequenti}' went to farming there and lost 
very heavily. Not discouraged, however, he 
came to Los Angeles, with nothing but two 
horses and a wagon, and his family. He bought 
thirty acres near Compton, which he soon sold. 
Then he rented for several years, till he pur- 
chased the twenty-acre ranch where he now re- 
sides. 



WILLIAM C. MARTIN was born in what 
is now Red River County, Texas, Jan- 
uary 29, 1824. His father, Gabriel N. 
Martin, was a native of North Carolina, who 
went to Texas in 1812. His mother was for- 
merly Henrietta Wright. She was born in Ala- 
bama. Mr. Martin's father was a wealthy farmer 
and a prominent man in his section. He was 
for some years a judge and a leader in political 
circles. He also engaged largely as a contractor, 
furnishing supplies for the Indian agencies 
of the United States Government. He was killed 
by the Indians in 1834. The subject of this 
sketch was reared as a farmer, receiving limited 
educational advantages until the age of eighteen 
years, when he educated himself. December 
31, 1843, he married Miss Rebecca C. Miller. 
She was the daughter of Richard G. and Re- 
becca (Bayless) Miller, who resided in Lamar 
County, Texas. Mr. Martin was engaged in 
farming and cotton-planting in the county of 
his birth until 1853. In April of that year he 
started overland for California, making the jour- 
ney by ox teams. After a short stay at War. 
ner's ranch, in San Diego County, he came to 
Los Angeles County, and located near El Monte, 
taking up what he supposed to be Government 
land, about a mile southwest of what is now 
Savannah. There he engaged in general farm- 
ing and stock-raising until 1865. In that year 
he abandoned his farm (the land having been 
decided as grant land) and located in El Monte, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



where he opened a hotel which he conducted 
until 1872. He then purchased a squatter's 
right to 160 acres of land located just north of 
the San Diinas Canon. There he took up his 
residence and engaged in general fanning and 
the bee business, until 1887, when he sold out 
and moved to Pomona, and took up his resi- 
dence on the corner of Seventh street and Town 
avenue. Mr. Martin also owns other property 
in Pomona, among which is a ten-acre tract in 
block 197, twenty acres in block 212, and two 
houses and lots on Third street in block 52. 
He has been a resident of Los Angeles County 
for more than thirty-five years, and is well 
known throughout the San Gabriel and San 
Jose vallies. Politically he is a Democrat. In 
1854 he was elected justice of the peace, serv- 
ing as such for several years; and for more than 
twenty years he has served as a school trustee. 
He is a consistent member and a steward of the 
Methodist Church, South; is a charter member 
of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M. Two chil- 
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin: 
William T. (a sketch of whom is given in this 
volume), and Henrietta Jane, who died in 1853, 
aged seven years. 



fLARENCE S. MARTIN, of Pasadena, was 
born in Brooklyn, New York, February 
12, 1852. After a three years' course at 
Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, he 
graduated there, and then went to Boston, where 
he learned the printer's trade. For a time he 
was employed on the Boston Herald, and for 
another period he was engaged on the Congre- 
gationalist. After a six years' residence in Bos- 
ton he was absent a year and a half in South 
America, during which time he visited Peru, 
Chili and other places of note. He returned to 
Boston, and in 1876 came to California and set- 
tled in Pasadena. He built the first house east 
of Fair Oaks avenue, the present site of E. C. 
Webster's residence. Purchasing twenty acres 
of land, he stocked it with fruit trees, and since 



then he has operated considerably in real estate. 
To-day he is in possession of a large fortune. 
He built an elegant residence on Orange Grove 
avenue, costing over $10,000, which lie now 
occupies. He has been a director in the San 
Gabriel Valley Bank ever since its organization; 
is also a part owner of 160 acres on Wilson's 
Peak, the site for the new observatory. He is 
not at present engaged in active business — only 
attending to his investments. Mr. Martin mar- 
ried a daughter of Lucy Gilmore; she died in 
1888, and he now lives with his mother. Mr. 
Martin is a genial gentleman, who will always 



have many friends. 



-^-f^ 



fAMES W. McGAUGH was born in Da- 
vidson County, Tennessee, in 1813. His 
father, Robert McGaugh, was a native of 
Virginia. His mother, Elizabeth (Miller) Mc- 
Gaugh, was born in Georgia. In 1819 his par- 
ents emigrated to Missouri, first settling in St. 
Louis and afterward in St. Charles, Rice and 
Daviess counties, where his father was engaged 
in farming and stock-growing. Reared upon 
frontier farms of that State, he received such a 
limited education as the pioneer schools afforded. 
On arriving at his majority he entered into 
farming upon his own account, in Daviess 
County. In 1836 he married Miss Sarah J. 
Edwards. She was born in Kentucky, of which 
State her father also was a native. Mr. Mc- 
Gaugh continued his residence in Missouri until 
1850, wiien he decided to seek his fortune in 
the new El Dorado of the West. In the spring 
of that year, accompanied by his family, he 
started across the plains for California. His 
journey was made by the typical o.x team of that 
period, and the "prairie schooner of the plains." 
Arriving in due season in the Golden State, he 
located in the mining districts of Placer County 
and engaged in mining enterprises. Here he 
had the misfortune to lose the faithful wife who 
had so cheerfully followed his fortunes and 
shared in his labors and hardships. She died 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COdNTT. 



in 1850. Mr. McGaugli labored in the mines 
until 1853, and then with his children returned 
to his old home in Daviess County, and resumed 
his agricultural pursuits. In the same year lie 
married Miss Emma Ann Scott, who was born 
in Lexington, Missouri, a daughter of John and 
Charlotte (Meek) Scott, natives of Virj^fiuia. 
In 1857 Mr. McGaugh made his second over- 
land trip to California and located in Yolo 
County, and for the next three years engaged 
in grain raising. He then moved to Lake 
County, and entered into general farming and 
stock-raising, which he continued until 1870. 
In that year he visited Southern California, and, 
selecting Los Angeles County for his liome, he 
purchased fifty acres of land, a portion of the 
Pico Ranch, in the Ranchito school district, 
about two and one-half miles from Rivera. 
The land was then in a wild and uncultivated 
state, but with his characteristic energy he set 
to work cultivating the soil and building him- 
self a home. In this he has been successful, 
and now has a fine farm under a high state of 
cultivation, yielding abundantly the various pro- 
ductions to which he is devoting his acres. A 
plentiful supply of water is available from tlie 
San Gabriel River. His fine orchards show care 
and attention, and are producing both citrus and 
deciduous fruits, such as oranges, lemons, ap- 
ples, pears, peaclies, apricots, quinces, prunes 
and pomegranates. Alfalfa gives large yields; 
also hay, grain and corn. He takes a well-mer- 
ited pride in his live-stock, having some line 
Jersey, Holstein and Durham cattle, and re- 
markably fine specimens of horses from the 
famous " Echo " stock. Mr. McGaugh's con- 
sistent manner of life and straightforward 
dealings have gained him the respect and es- 
teem of his neighbors and a large circle of 
friends. He is a co!isistent member of tlie 
Metliodist Church, South, and an honest sup- 
porter of churches and schools. He has for 
many years been a school trustee in his district. 
In politics he is a Democrat, but is liberal and 
conservative in his views. By his first marriage 
there are three childreti livina:: Matthew J., 



who married Miss Harriet Goodwin; Phillip G., 
who married Miss Martha Speigle; and Mary J., 
the wife of Judge J. B. IloUaway. All of the 
above are residents of Los Angeles County. 
Five children have been born by tlie second 
marriage, three of wliom are now living, 
namely: Sarah Belle, now Mrs. J. F. Goodwin, 
of Santa Barbara County; Sue L. ; and William 
G., who married Miss Lydia Pierce and resides 
in Los Angeles. His son, "Wesley Preston, died 
in 1879, aged twenty-two years, and one daugh- 
ter, Nancy Ellen, died in 1880, at the age of 
twenty years. 



fOSEPH MULLEN, of the firm of Newman 
& Mullen, retail grocers, whose store is 
located on the south side of Second street, 
west of Gordon street, was born in Grant County, 
Wisconsin, in 1845. His father, John Mullen, 
a native of Ireland, settled in Grant (younty in 
1834. His mother was also a native of Ireland. 
Her name before marriage was Margaret O'Con- 
nell. She was a niece of the great Irish patriot, 
Daniel O'Connell. In 1852 Mr. Mullen's father, 
with the family, crossed the plains to California 
and located where Redding now stands, in Shasta 
County, and engaged in farming and stock-grow- 
ing. There the subject of this sketch received 
his education, and became schooled in the prac- 
tical knowledge of agricultural pursuits. When 
eighteen years of age the death of his father oc- 
curred, and he then took the care and control of 
the farm, and conducted the same until 1875. 
He then engaged in the livery-stable business 
in Redding until 1882, when he came to Los 
Angeles County, and located near Los Angeles 
and engaged in farming and fruit-growing. In 
October, 1883, he moved to Pomona and estab- 
lished a livery and sale stable on Second street, 
just east of Thomas street. After conducting 
that enterprise for some months, he sold out and 
devoted his attention to real estate and building 
operations, in which he was largely engaged for 
several years, purchasing lots and erecting both 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT V. 



business and residence huuses for rent in the 
rapidly growing city. In 1888 Mr. Mullen 
entered into ])artner8liip with Mr. (). G. iS'ew- 
nian and established his present business. He 
is the owner of the brick building in which his 
business is established, and also of his pleasant 
residence on the corner of Fourth and Main 
streets: and of other improved residence prop- 
erty, which he rents. He is one of the pro- 
gressive and energetic men to whose efforts and 
enterprise is due the rapid growtli and building 
up of the city of Pomona during the four years 
preceding 1889. In political matters Mr. Mullen 
is a Republican. He is city assessor of Pomona, 
and also deputy assessor of the county. He is a 
member of Pomona Lodge, No. 225, A. O. U. 
W., and of Redding Lodge, F. & A. M. He 
was a charter member of the Redding lodges of 
I. O. O. F. and A. O, U. W. He is a supporter 
of the Episcopal Church, of which his family 
are members. In 1878 Mr. Mullen married 
Miss Lillian G., the daughter of Henry and 
Mary E. (Davis) Garuham. Her father was a 
native of Scotland, and her mother of New York. 
The children from this marriage are Frank B. 
and William, both members of their father's 
household. 

fUNCAN McGregor.— Among tbe men 
who have sought the genial climate of the 
foot-hills in the Sierra Madre Colony, as a 
desirable place of residence, is the above-named 
gentleman. Mr. McGregor is a native of Scot- 
land, dating his birth March 4, 1821. His 
]>arents were Peter and Clementina (Sems) 
McGregor, both natives of that country. In 
1822 his parents emigrated to Canada East and 
located at Cornwall, wliere his father engaged 
in farming and lime-burning. Mr. McGregor 
was reared as a farmer until .eighteen years of 
age. He then learned the trade of a bricklayer 
and mason. In 1837 and 1838, when the Pa- 
triot Rebellion broke out in Canada, Mr. Mc- 
(.iregor. despite his youth, enlisted in the British 

36 



army, or the Canada Loyalists, and served until 
tlie Rebellion was ended. In 1843 or 1844 he 
came to the United States and worked at his 
trade in New Orleans, and also worked in Pitts- 
burg soon after the great fire of 1845. In the 
fall of the latter year he returned to his home. 
In 1848 he married Miss Jane Moss, a native 
of Canada, and the daughter of Thomas and 
Hannah (Hill) Moss. Her father was a native 
of Canada, and her mother of Scotland. Mr. 
McGregor remained in Canada until 1849 and 
then decided to try his fortunes in the United 
States. In that year he located in St. Croi-x 
County, Wisconsin, which at that time was an 
unbroken wilderness; and he was the second set- 
tler who located in the county. He took up his 
residence near what is now the thriving town of 
River Falls, on the Kinnickinnick River. There 
he took up prairie land and commenced the life 
of a farmer. As the settlement of the great 
Northwest increased he engaged in work at his 
trade in St. Paul, and other points. He saw 
cities spring up as if by magic, where he had 
first found' nothing but small trading posts, and 
thriving and populous towns take the place of 
the wilderness. Mr. McGregor prospered in 
worldly goods, and took a leading and prominent 
part in developing the resources of his section . 
He was called upon to fill many positions of 
trust and 'responsibility in the community in 
which he resided. In 1851 he was the first as- 
sessor ever elected in his district. In 1853 he 
was elected the chairman of the town board of 
councilmen, of Hudson, and was also chairman 
of the county board of supervisors. In 1855 he 
was the chairman of the Kinnickinnick board 
of councilmen, and a member of the county 
board of supervisors, and in 1857 was the first 
chairman of Troy board of councilmen, and a 
member of the county board. He was univer- 
sally respected and esteemed for his manly qual- 
ities and straightforward, honest dealings. In 
1876 Mr. McGregor entered into mercantile 
pursuits and established a hardware store in 
River Falls. This enterprise he conducted un- 
til 1883, wlu'u his failing health admonished 



HISTORY OF 



ANGELES COUNTY. 



liim that he must seek a less rigorous climate 
than Northern Wisconsin. He retired from his 
business and spent two or three winters in Cali- 
fornia, in Santa Clara and Sonoma counties, and 
in 1886 he came to Los Angeles Countj' and 
located at Los Angeles until August of 1887, 
when he decided to take up his residence in the 
Sierra Madre Colony. He therefore purchased 
a lot upon which he erected a comfortable and 
well-ordered cottage residence, and also planted 
orange and deciduous fruit trees, for family use. 
Of ]\[r. McGregor's family there are three chil- 
dren living. His eldest son, Roderick, is a 
resident of River Falls, Wisconsin; Malcolm M. 
is a resident of Billings, Montana; Norval is a 
resident of San Jose, Santa Clara County. 



mOJ^IA McLAIN, owner of the 



>/ 1. .-t. Nichols Hotel, Union street, Pasa- 
,?^~' ilena, is the daughter of John McLain, 
a wealthy and public-spirited planter of Louisi- 
ana, who, at the commencement of the late war, 
owned about a hundred slaves. During that 
national struggle he lost his valuable estate, but 
by his extraordinary business tact he amassed 
another fortune. He served one term in the 
State Legislature, and was strongly' urged to 
accept the position for a second terra, but his 
business interests were too extensive to permit 
him to do so. Miss McLain graduated with 
high honors at the female college in Minden, 
Louisiana. She was strongly devoted to her 
parents, and since their death she has spent much 
of her time in educating her younger sisters. 
She came to California in 1884 to care for her 
uncle. Captain Thomas McLain, of El Monte, who 
was an invalid, and who ai'terward died, leaving 
her to settle up the estate. In 1886 she located 
in Pasadena, investing some $15,000 in real 
estate. By shrewd management she accumulated 
property, which was at one time worth over 
$75,000. Her extensive dealings in real estate 
have compelled her to devote most other time to 
its care, thus depriving her in a great measure 



from enjoying the pleasures of her fortune. 
Miss McLain is a lady of accomplished literary 
attainments. The New Orleans Times-Democrat 
published a long and able article which she 
wrote concerning Southern California, picturing 
in truly graphic style the society, homes, labor 
system and climate of this favored land. That 
article was said to be the best ever published in 
that city on these subjects; its influence was 
marked. Of course she has no idea that she 
could ever be contented to live in Louisiana. 
Miss McLain is also a portrait and landscape 
painter of more than ordinary merit, but she has 
had but little time to devote to this fascinating 
art. Nevertheless she has taken several valu- 
able prizes for her superior oil paintings. She 
is also skilled in pencilings and in work in India 
ink. Her brother, Captain L. D. McLain, is 
the owner of the largest cotton-seed oil mill in 
America, located at Monroe, Louisiana. The 
public finds the St. Nicholas Hotel at Pasadena 
conducted in a very neat and liberal manner; 
everything is first-class. 



ILLIAM. T. MARTIN.— Among the 
well-known residents of the city of 
Pomona is the subject of this sketch. 
A review of his life, although briefly stated, is 
of interest. Mr. Martin is a native of Texas. 
He was born in Red River County, in 1844. 
In 1853 his father, William C. Martin (whose 
history is included in this volume), came with 
his family to California and located near El 
Monte, in Los Angeles County. There the sub- 
ject of this sketch was reared and received his 
education in the public schools. He was brougJit 
up as a farmer, but at the age of nineteen years 
engaged in teaching school. In 1864 he went 
to Healdsburg, Sonoma Coimty, and entered 
upon a course of study in the Sotoyome Insti- 
tute. After a year devoted to study in that in- 
stitution, he resumed his teaching. Mr. Martin 
was a skillful penman, and for several years was 
engaged at various places as teacher of penman- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ship. In 1865 he was united in marriage with 
Nancy M. Thompson, the dangiiter of Samuel 
S. and Margaret (McKamy) Thompson. Her 
father was a native of Virginia and iier mother 
was born in Tennessee. Tliey settled in Harrison 
County, Texas, where Mrs. Martin was born, 
and in 1852 came to California and located in 
EI Monte, Los Angeles County. In 1869 Mr. 
Martin located at San Dimas Canon, and there 
engaged in farming and bee-raising until 1871. 
In that year he came to the San Jose Valley 
and located about four miles northeast of Po- 
mona, where he took up 160 acres of Govern- 
ment land, upon which he conducted agricultural 
pursuits until 1884. At that time he sold out 
and took up his residence upon a fifteen-acre 
tract oil the corner of Fifth street and Town 
avenue, block 174, in Pomona, which he improved 
by planting citrus and deciduous fruits, and 
erecting a comfortable two-story residence, barns, 
etc. Since that time lie has devoted himself to 
liorticultural pursuits. Mr. Martin is an ener- 
getic and progressive citizen and closely identi- 
fied with the building up of the city in which 
he resides. He is a Democrat in politics and 
has always taken a deep interest in the success of 
his party. In November, 1884, he was the Dem- 
ocratic nominee in the Seventy-eighth Assembly 
District of Los Angeles for the Assembly and was 
defeated by seventeen votes only. He has been 
a prominent worker and a delegate in many of 
the county conventions. In 1886 he was elected 
supervisor of the first supervisorial district of 
Los Angeles County, term of office four years. 
He has also sei"ved several years as a justice of 
the peace and school trustee. He is a promi- 
nent member of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, F. & 
A. M., which lodge he organized and was its mas- 
ter in the years 1877, '78, '80, '81, '82 and '83. 
He is also a member of Etna Lodge, No. 107, 
Knights of Pythias, and Knights of Labor of Po- 
mona. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have seven children 
living, viz.: John Samuel, who graduated from 
the grammar departitient of the public schools 
in Pomona in June, 1888, and has since graduated 



fr< 



the Wo.,db 



P.I 



Collese of Los 



Angeles City, in May, 1889; Thomas Claibourn, 
Richard Riley, Floretta Caroline, Hugh Thomp- 
son, Robert Andrew, who attend the public 
schools in Pomona, and Margaret Mary, tiie baby. 
The first child, G-abriel Matthew, died January 
13, 1878, near twelve years of age. 



fS. MILLS, a prominent business man of 
Pasadena, was born near Perth, Ontario, 
^ Canada, August 11, 1853. His father 
was a manufacturer of woolen cloth, and the sub- 
ject of this sketch for several years worked in 
the factory with his father during the summer 
seasons and attended school winters. At the 
age of fifteen years he went to the Marmora gold 
mines and worked as "all round boy," but by 
industrious attention to business he soon learned 
mining in all its branches, when he was given 
positions of trust and responsibility. After 
operating in the gold mines he was engaged in 
the Blairton iron mines, part of the time as. 
engineer. Then, until he was twenty-one years 
of age, he was a clerk in the gineral store of 
Mr. John Pctus, in Hastings, Ontario, at a 
salary of $100 a year and expenses. During 
the latter period he sulfei-ed from congestion of 
the lungs, and in the spring of 1875 his phy- 
sician advised a change of climate, when he con- 
cluded to come to California. He first came to 
Los Angeles, where he was employed by Thomas 
A. Garey, nurseryman, for $30 a month and 
expenses. At the expiration, of a year and a 
half he moved to Pasadena and took charge of 
the orange and lemon grove and vineyards of 
A. O. Porter. During the fourteen months he 
was thus engaged he established the present fine 
orchard on the Swiss Cottage property. By 
hard work and strict economy he saved some 
mone}', with which he has bought seven and a 
half acres of land, paying one-third cash in ad- 
vance. By this movement he obtained a sub- 
stantial start, and was enabled to purchase twenty- 
five acres on Fair Oaks avenue at $150 an acre, 
Twenty acres of this is now knowti as the Mills 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tract. Subdividing this into building lots, lie 
lias sold off about $50,000 worth and still re- 
tains about one-third of the tract. lie has been 
an extensive orchard-planter, having set out 
the Mutual Orchard tract of 210 acres, the inag- 
nilicent place of J. W. Hugos, Esq., containing 
200 acres, and many others, aggregating fully 
one-eighth of all the trees and vines in Pasadena. 
In 1887, with a partner, Mr. Mills engaged in 
the produce commission business in Coiton, but 
his partner's mismanagement prevented success. 
Subsequently Mr. Mills, in partnership with 
W. S. Arnold, entered the real-estate business, 
and still later took in another partner, W. L. 
Woodward, the firm name now being Arnold & 
Mills Co. Mr. Mills is sole owner of the prop- 
erty ot the Pasadena Brick Company, a director 
in the Lordsburg Hotel Company and in the 
Security Title and Abstract Insurance Company 
of Southern California, located in Los Angeles; 
and he is one of the largest stockholders in the 
Pasadena Syndicate at Lordsburg. Mr. Mills 
Jias had many varied experiences with Mexican 
bandits, and many a narrow escape with his life. 
In June, 1880, he was married to Miss Sarah 
Letitia Gladney, a daughter of one of the pio- 
neers of Ontario. Of their two sons only one 
is living. Mrs. Mills has contributed in many 
ways to her husband's welfare, and much of his 
success is due to her efforts; and he appreciates 
it. When he first came to California he had 
only $5; now he enjoys a comfortable fortune. 

^. • ? .&..t..[^. ; ; . » 

fEORGE EDWARD LONG was born at 
Athens, Georgia, January 16, 1819. Mr. 
Long, when a young man, was a volunteer 
in the Seminole war in Florida. In 1842 he 
married Miss L. A. Talbot. They lived two 
years in Mobile, Alabama, and after that in 
Louisiana till 1847, when they moved to Texas. 
Mr. Long came to California in 1849, and re- 
mained some months, when he went back after 
his family, who came with him to this State in 
1852. Except about eleven years in Tulare 



County, where he engaged in stock-raising and 
farming, Mr. Long made his home in Los An- 
geles County, mostly, till his dtath, which 
occurred at his home on Date street in this city, 
February 22, 1888, he being at the time in his 
seventieth year. His widow still survives him, 
together with an only daughter who married 
William East, now living near Downey, this 
county, and also several grandchildren. Mr. 
Long was respected by all who knew him. He 
was a singularly honest and truthful man. He 
could not be swerved one iota from his convic- 
tions of right and duty by any consideration 
whatever. He left a good name to his family 
and to his descendants that they must cherish as 
a precious heritage. 



.LEXANDER McLEAN was born in Ver- 
xennes, Kent County, Micliigan, his 
parents being Hector and Rebecca Mc- 
Lean, well-to- do farmers and of Scotch extraction. 
The mother died when he was an infant, and the 
father when he was nine years of age. Two 
elder brothers being in the Union army where 
they lost their lives, he was thus early in life, 
with three other minor children — two brothers 
and a sister — thrown largely upon his own re- 
sources. Until he was seventeen years old he 
worked for farmers in the summer and attended 
public and private schools in the winter. After 
that he taught a common school for two terras, 
then attended. the Michigan State Normal School 
for two years, pursuing the common school and 
classical courses of study. In 1876 Mr. McLean 
came to California and located in Lonipoc Col- 
ony, Santa Barbara County. Obtaining a first- 
grade State certificate, he taught school for two 
years, after which he was nominated county 
superintendent of schools by the Republican 
party, but was defeated by a very popular can- 
didate, H. G. Thurmand, who has held that office 
for the past fourteen years. In 1884 he was 
nominated assemblyman by the Republican 
party and elected, being the first Republican 






cn^ 




IIISrORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



assemblyinaii elected from that county for many 
years. He served in the Legislature two years 
and was commended by the press of both parties 
in the county, and gained the reputation of 
being an honest and capable legislator. Among 
other services rendered, Mr. McLean has the 
honor of first introducing and paving the way 
for its passage at a subsequent session, the bill 
providing that "all pupils in the public schools 
of the State shall be instructed in physiology 
and hygiene with special reference to the effects 
of narcotics and stimulants on the human sys- 
tem." He also served on the committees on 
Municipal Corporations, County and Township 
Government, and Education. In the way of 
private business, Mr. McLean has dealt in real 
estate, was engaged for some time in the cattle 
and sheep business, and for three years was 
editor and proprietor of the Lompac Record 
Santa Barbara County. He came to Pasadena 
in 1887, invested in city property, and engaged 
in the insurance and real-estate business with 
Knight, McLean & Co., and was made a mem- 
ber of the city council in February, 1889, to 
fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. 
Edison Turner, which position he still retains. 
Mr. McLean was married in June, 1886, to Mae 
A. Broughton, an accomplished young lady of 
Lompoc, Santa Barbara County. They have one 
child, and constitute a happy family. 

. . . .I'Pt;! If .'^11. .. . 



^ON. THOMAS D. MOTT.— In the history 
^ml of Los Angeles, as of most other cities that 
"^m have grown into commercial prominence, 
there have been times when its future seemed 
to hinge upon the determination of various 
public issues in the wise solution of which 
breadth of character, keen foresight and moral 
courage were largely involved. Fortunately the 
City of the Angels has for years past had among 
its citizens several men possessing these invalu- 
able qualities of brain and iieart, to whom it 
chiefly owes its most lirilliant achievements as 
a city, and of those men none have ligured inore 



conspicuously than the subject of this biographi- 
cal sketch, the Hon. Thomas D. Mott. Mr. Mott 
is a native of Saratoga County, New York, and 
was born near Schuylerville on the Hudson, July 
31, 1829. His boyhood was spent at his native 
home where he acquired a good common-school 
education, and at the age of fifteen launched 
out into the world full of the hope and vigor 
which constitutes so important a factor in a 
successful business career. His first practical 
business experience was gained as a salesman in 
a general store of his home town. The discov- 
ery of gold in California, in the year 1849, fired 
his ambition and he at once, turning his face 
westward, determined to seek his fortune on the 
golden slope of the Pacific. After successfully 
mining for a brief time in the Northern part of 
the State, he located at Stockton, where he en- 
tered merchandising. In the spring of 1851 he 
established ferries on the San Joaquin River. 
His attention was directed to Southern Califor- 
nia, her wonderful climate and resources, and 
the year 1852 marked his first visit to Los An- 
geles. Without loss of time, he, with character- 
istic promptitude, seized the first opportunity 
that in the way of occupation promised success, 
and engaged in the livery and stock business. 
His genial nature and excellent social qualities 
drew around him a large circle of friends, and 
to his business an extensive and profitable 
patronage. He evinced a lively interest in local 
public affairs, and all movements tending to the 
development and future prosperity of Los An- 
geles found Thomas D. Mott one of its most 
hearty and liberal supporters. In 1855 he 
identified himself witli the Democratic party, 
and since that time he has been regarded as one 
of the most worthily successful politicians in 
Southern California. In the year 1863 he was 
elected to the office of clerk of Los Angeles 
County, and succeeded himself in the years 1865, 
1867 and 1869, at a period when the responsi- 
bilities of that office were most arduous, the 
county clerk then also being ex-officio auditor 
and recorder. The dnti(!s of his several terms 
of otHee were discharged with ability and integ- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



ritj. Mr. Mott was foremost in a nioveineiit 
to secui'e the establishment of a branch of tlie 
Supreme Court in the city of Los Angeles and 
was appointed its first resident deputy clerk, 
filling the position most acceptably until a change 
of administration brought about a new appoint- 
njent. In 1871 Mr. Mott was chosen to repre- 
sent his legislative district in the State Assembly, 
and while there and following his return to Los 
Angeles rendered tlie public a most eminent 
service in inaugurating and pushing to a suc- 
cessful issue a movement which secured to his 
city and Soulliem California railway communi- 
cation with the outside world. In 1876 he was 
sent as a delegate to the National Democratic 
Convention at St. Louis, which nominated the 
Hon. Samuel J. Tilden for the Presidency. In 
all matters involving the public weal Mr. Mott 
has ever shown himself a large-hearted, open- 
handed and public-spirited citizen, and his life 
has been an unusually active one, filled with 
responsibilities both public and private and 
characterized throughout by the singular energy 
so typical a product of the western country. 
The evidences of Mr. Mott's enterprise and push 
are shown in his large property holdings in 
various sections of Los Angeles City, not the 
least of wdiich is the Mott Public Market, a sub- 
stantial brick structure on South Main street, 
erected in the year 1886. Mr. Mott has been 
most fortunate in his domestic relations. De- 
cember 23, 1861, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Ascension Sepulveda, a typical Span- 
ish lady and a daughter of Don Jose Sepulveda, 
one of the prominent early-time citizens and 
large ranch owners of Soutiiern California, and 
of Doiia Francisca Abila, a member of another 
well-known family of Los Angeles. Don Jose 
Seprilveda was owner of the magnificent San 
Joaquin Ranch, located near the present city of 
Santa Ana, in this county, and now owned by 
tlie heirs of the late James Irvine. He was an 
extensive raiser of stock and especially of horses, 
in which he had great success and a commend- 
able pride. Don Jose Sepulveda died in the 
year 1875 in the seventy-first year of his age. 



leaving a most exemplary record as a citizen and 
a business man. Don Ygnacio Sepulveda, now 
of the city of Mexico and formerly for many 
years district judge of Los Angeles County, is a 
son of the late Don Jose. Mrs. Mott was born 
September 15, 1844, and is of pure Castillian 
extraction, a lady of rare intelligence and refine- 
ment. She is social in her disposition, loving 
in heart, loyal in her affections, and courageous 
in her living. She is firm and devout in the 
Catholic faith, in which she has carefully reared 
and educated her children, who are five in num- 
ber, as follows: Georgie, now Mrs. Henry Van 
der Leek, of Los Angeles; Thomas D. Mott, Jr., 
John ^Griffin, Stephen D. and Ygnacio Leon. 
These constitute the household of one of Los 
Angeles' brightest and most interesting families. 
The family residence is located at No. 543 South 
Main street. 



fCTAVlUS MORGAN.— Among the rep- 
resentative substantial business men of 
Los Angeles perhaps none has done so 
much — literally speaking — to transform it from 
a Mexican adobe village to a modern American 
city of metropolitan appearance as the gentle- 
man whose name heads this sketch. Being the 
leading member of the oldest and most promi- 
nent firm of architects in the city, he has been 
connected with the construction of a majority 
of the principal business blocks and public 
buildings erected in and about Los Angeles 
within the past fifteen years. Out of the large 
number of such structures planned and erected 
by Keysor & Morgan, the following are worthy 
of mention: The Catholic Cathedral, the Pico 
House, the Los Angeles Infirmary, Sisters' Hos 
pital, St. Vincent's College, the Orphans' Home 
the Nadeau Block, Hofl'man House, McDonald 
Block, Grand Opera House, Los Angeles Na- 
tional Bank Building, San Gabriel Winery, 
Naud's Warehouse, Capital Milling Company's 
buildings. Turner's Hall, Trinity Methodist 
Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church, Fort 



UISTOBT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Street Methodist Episcopal Cbureli Los An- 
geles Abstract Building, the elegant dwellings 
of I. W". Helhnin, Jasp3r Harrell, Frank Sa- 
bachi, besides many others designed and built 
by thein. Tnis linn is so well and favorably 
known tliat they seldom enter into sharp com- 
petition where plans are advertised for. Their 
work is chiefly from the oldest, most substan- 
tial and conservative citizens of the city and 
surrounding country, whose long- continued 
patronage of this firm is conclusive evidence of 
their reliability and good standing. An idea 
of the great magnitude of the business done by 
this iirm will be gathered from the fact that it 
amounted, in 1886-'87, to $1,687,000, and the 
aggregate cost of the buildings erected by them 
in the past five years is nearly $6,000,000. 
Their business extends as far north as Visalia 
and over a large area of Southern California. 
Their office was established by E. F. Keysor in 
1872. Two years later Mr. Morgan came to 
Los Angeles and entered his employ as a drafts- 
man, and in 1876 became a partner. This re- 
lation continued until 1887, when Mr. Keysor 
retired, being succeeded by John A. Walls. 
The name of Keysor being retained, the firm 
title became Keysor, Morgan & Walls. Octa- 
vius Morgan was born in Canterbury, Kent 
County, England, in 1850, and was educated 
for his profession in his native country; came 
to the United States in 1871, and was two years 
in Denver, Colorado, before coming to Los An- 
geles. He spent 1879 and 1880 traveling in 
the East. In' 1884 Mr. Morgan was joined in 
marriage with the widow of Judge Offenbacher, 
of Custer County, Colorado. Two children are 
the fruit of their marriage to date. Mrs. Mor- 
gan's maiden name was Weller, and she is a 
native of Ohio. Mr. Morgan is one of the old- 
est members of the American Institute of Ar- 
chitects on the Pacific Coast; is one of the 
charter members of the Southern California 
Architects' Association, and has been president 
from its organization; is Noble Grand of Golden 
Rule i>odge. No. 160, I. (). (). F.; is vice- 
president of the Temple Street Cable Railway 



Company, of which he was one of the organ- 
izers, and was managing director and secretary 
during its construction. This popular line was 
begun in 1884, when the p )|)ulation tributary 
to it was but 1,400 by actual census. The first 
cars ran over the line in July, 1885. It is 
three miles in length, and when the double 
track is completed sometime during 1889, it 
will have cost $400,000. Tne pjpulation now 
tributary to it is about 8,000. This line lias 
carried upward of 5,000,000 passengers to 
date without an accident, thereby showing the 
excellence of this road and the care of its man- 
agement and its employes. 



--^m 



^•.^- 



fOLONEL W. E. MORFORD, Superintend- 
ent of Streets, 240 South Hill street, Los 
Angeles, is a native of Sussex County, 
Now Jersey, born October 23, 1827. At the 
age of fifteen years he left school and entere 1 a 
bank in the city of New York, where he re- 
mained six years. At that time he started on a 
tour around the world, for the benefit of his 
health. Upon reaching California, the genial 
climate of the Golden State induced him to re- 
main for a time. In 1848 he was secretary for 
Captain Sutter and held that position until he 
was obliged to resign, in November, 1848, on ac- 
count of ill health. Ho returned to the States, 
via Cape Horn, leaving San Francisco, March 
14, 1849, and carried with him the first gold 
taken from the diggings and mines discovei-ed 
during the mining excitement of 1848. It was 
sent by Frank Lemon, of Stevenson's Regi- 
ment, to his brother, William Lemon, a partner 
of John Anderson, the famous tobacco mer- 
chant of New York, and was delivered to him 
August 22, 1849, and this gold was exhibited 
in Benedict's jewelry store, No. 7 Wall street. 
New York, attracting great attention. Colonel 
Morford was engaged in business in New York 
until the breaking ont of the Rebellion. He 
enlisted April 19, 1861, and served five years 
and seven months, on statf duty the most of 



HISrOIiT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the time. He served on the staffs of General 
Phil Kearny, General George Stoneman, Gen- 
eral John Newton, General J. Q. A. Gilmore 
and General Phil Sheridan. After the war he 
received an appointment in the New York Cus- 
tom House and remained there during the ad- 
ministration of Grant. In 1875 he came to 
the Pacific Coast and engaged in the real-estate 
business in Los Angeles, and was prominently 
identified with the business until the present 
year, when he was elected to the office he now 
holds by a plurality of 1,789 votes. Colonel 
Morford married Miss Jane M. Cochran, a native 
of Sussex County, New Jersey. This estima- 
ble lady died March 6, 1881), leaving three 
children: Kate, Hattie E., and William E., Jr. 



fG. MAPPA, 32 Franklin street, is a na- 
tive of New York, and was born May 16, 
® 1823. He received his education in his 
native State, and entered the engineering corps 
of the New York and Erie Eailroad and after- 
ward went to Butialo, New York. In 1851 he 
came as far west as Wisconsin, and was era- 
ployed as clerk in the United States Land Office 
at Stevens' Point. In 1856 he located in Eau 
Claire, remaining there about eight years. In 
1864 he came from Eau Claire direct to 
Los Angeles City. For a short time he en- 
gaged in farming and then accepted a position 
in the public offices. In 1867 was nominated 
for county judge of Los Angeles County. In 
1872 he was appointed Deputy Collector of 
Internal lievenue and held that office two years. 
In 1880 he went to San Diego as book-keeper 
for a firm of contractors on the California South- 
ern Railroad, remaining there about nine months. 
With the exception of this sliort time he has 
lived here continuously for a quarter of a cent- 
ury, and during the most of this time has been 
connected in different capacities with the public 
oflices of the city and county. He has had a 
large experience in public affairs, and there are 
few men in the county who have such an inti- 



mate knowledge of the aflairs of the public. In 
October, 1859, Mr. Mappa was imited in mar- 
riage to Miss Margaret Swift, a native of tlie 
city of Albany, New Y^ork. They have tliree 
children: Elizabeth, wife of Frank E.. Day, of 
this city, and two sons, John and William, both 
residing here. 



fMESSER, capitalist, corner of Jackson 
and Vine streets, Los Angeles, is a native 
.^j- ® of Germany, and was born August 25, 
1824. He attended school and was reared in 
his native land. After reaching manhood he 
deter-mined to emigrate to the United States; 
sailed from Hamburg, November 9, 1850, on 
the ship Emma; was shipwrecked on Cape Verd 
the day before Christmas; had to wait there fifty 
days for another ship, the Clara C. Belle; went 
to Eio Janeiro; remained thereover five months; 
and from that place came around Cape Horn to 
California, on the old warship William M(mney, 
reaching San Francisco, November 9, 1851. He 
went with the throng up to the mines where he 
remained about one year, then returned to San 
Francisco and continued there several years. 
He was taken with fever, and in 1854 came to 
Los Angeles and was one of the pioneers of 
this place. He engaged in the brewing busi- 
ness, on a small scale, at the corner of Third 
and Main streets — the New York Brewery. Af- 
ter one year lie sold out to his partner, and 
again entered into the same business, alone, on 
the corner of Los Angeles and First streets. In 
1857 he bought the old Government vineyard 
of twenty acres; bought afterward more land up 
to the scale of forty-five acres, now occupied by 
the depot grounds of the Santa Fe Railroad, and 
carried on the business successfully for twenty- 
two years, when he sold itand bought the property 
on the corner of Rose and First streets, and en- 
gaged in the grocery trade. He carried on this 
business six years,, after which he retired from 
active business, rented his property and removed 
to his present home on the corner of Jackson 



HISTORY OF LO.i ANGELES COUNTY. 



and Vine streets. Mr. Messer has been a resi- 
dent of Los Angeles for thirty-five years, and is 
well known as an honorable and generous citi- 
zen. He was married October 4, 1862, to Miss 
Johanna Louise Schmidt, a native of Germany. 
They have two children: Frank Joseph and 
Otto. 

— ^-m-^ — 



■^m A. MEN TRY, Superintendent of the Oali- 
1 fornia Star Oil Works and the Pacific 

'^'^^ Coast Oil Company, came to this State 
in August, 1875. He put down a well thirty- 
five feet, with a spring pole, and afterward sunk 
it to 135 feet by the same means. The first 
steam drilling was begun in 1876. Since that 
time twenty-three wells have been drilled, the 
deepest of which is 2,330 feet, and the daily out- 
put is about 350 barrels of oil. Mr. Mentry 
has charge of one of the largest industries in 
Southern California, and so thorough is his 
knowledge of the oil district, and of mining 
in all its branches, that it would be difficult, if 
not impossible, to fill his place. His first ex- 
perience in the oil business was in Venango 
County, Pennsylvania, in 1864. From there he 
went to Greene County and drilled two wells. 
Then, in 1865, he went to Pithole, and subse- 
quently drilled a well on the Hiner farm. He 
then took charge of some pumping and drilling 
wells for E. C. Lockwood. In April, 1868, he 
engaged in contracting, and this he followed un- 
til 1873, having an interest in several wells in 
Pennsylvania. In November, 1873, he came 
to California; first located in San Francisco, and 
later went to San Bernardino County, where he 
worked for the Ilolcom Valley Gold Mining 
Company. They soon suspended work, and he 
went to San P"'rancisco and dealt in stocks from 
1874 to 1875. In April of the latter year he 
came to Los Angeles County, and drilled a well 
417 feet deep in Grapevire Canon, for the 
Los Angeles Oil Company. Then, in company 
with J. G. Baker and D. C. Scott, they obtained 
a lease of lieal & Baker, at an eighth royalty, 



for two years, in Pico Cailon, known as the Pico 
Oil claim. The Pacific Coast Oil Company is 
an auxiliary to the California Star Oil Comjjany, 
and managed by the same otiicers. Mr. Mentry 
was born in France, and came to this country 
in 1854 with iiis father, Peter Mentry. In 1878 
he married Miss May Lake, of Pennsylvania. 
They have two children: Irene and Arthur. 
Mr. Mentry is yet a comparatively young man, 
but he has had large business experience. The 
foregoing sketch is but a brief outline of his 
life, but quite sufficient to give an intelligent 
idea of social and business relations. 



tF. MacKAY, contractor, 927, Maple ave- 
nue, one of the oldest, most responsible, 
® and best known contractors on the Pacific 
Coast, is the subject of this sketch, a member of 
the firm of MacKay it Jones. He is a native 
of Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, born Au- 
gust 18, 1830. He was reared and served an 
apprenticeship to his trade in his native prov- 
ince, and before reaching his majority started 
for the Pacific Coast, in 1849, but was diverted 
from his original purpose and went to New Or- 
leans where he remained until 1854. He then 
returned to Nova Scotia and engaged in busi- 
ness there several years. In 1858 he came to 
California, then went up to Nevada and located 
at Nevada City, where he engaged in con- 
tracting; was there four years. In 1862 he re- 
moved to Virginia City, and for twenty years 
was prominently engaged in contracting and 
building, doing a very large and successful 
business. In 1882 he came to Los Angeles, 
and engaged in contracting and building. 
The first two years his work was mostly on 
residences. He afterward erected Childs' Opera 
House, the Griffin Building, Foster's Block 
on Main street, the Los Angeles National 
Bank Building on First and Spring streets, the 
Kuhrts Block on Main street, Poberts Build- 
ing on the corner of Main and Seventh streets, 
the Pasadena Opera House, residence of Loeb, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the French Consul, residence of 1. M. Hellman 
on Tenth street, Walter D. Stevenson's resi- 
dence, and many otliers. He has had a large 
and successful experience and enjoys an envia- 
ble reputation as a contractor and builder. Mr. 
MacKay was married, August 31, 1852, to Miss 
Catharine Cook, of Nova Scotia. They have 
iive children: Jaines Ormond, a graduate of 
West Point and an officer in the army, stationed 
at San Antonio; Katie, now Mrs. John Kelley, 
of San Francisco; Jennie, Margaret Amelia, and 
Ida Agatha. 



fOLONELHENKY HAREISON MAKK- 
HAM was born in Wilmington, Esse.x 
County, New York, November 16, 1840. 
On his father's side his ancestors were English. 
The Markhains in this country trace their origin 
back to Sir William Markham, who was deputy 
Governor under William Penn. On his mother's 
side, the McLeods were of Scotch descent. 
Colonel Markham, the subject of this sketch, 
received an academic education; and soon after 
he reached his niajoi'ity he entered the army as 
a private of the Thirty- second Wisconsin In- 
fantry. He was in many battles in the West, 
and was with Sherman in the march to the sea; 
he received a commission as Colonel, was 
wounded in North Carolina, and was discharged 
in June, 1865. On his recovery, after the close 
of the war, he engaged in the practice of law in 
Milwaukee until his removal to Pasadena, in 
this county, in 1879, where since he has made 
his home. Colonel Markham never was a can- 
didate for or held any public office, outside the 
army, until lie was elected to the Forty-ninth 
Congress, as a Republican, from the Sixth Con- 
gressional District of California (comprising 
the fourteen southern counties of the State), 
receiving 17,397 votes, against 16,990 votes for 
Del Valle, Democrat; 821 for Gould, Prohibi- 
tionist, and 236 for Kinley, Greenbacker. Be- 
fore his election to Congress he devoted his 
attention to mining, tirst, in the Oro Grande dis- 



trict on the Mojave River, and afterward assist- 
ing in opening up the Calico mines. But he 
sold his interests in these shortly before he went 
to Congress. Colonel Markham was one of the 
most influential and efficient members of Con- 
gress Southern California ever had. Being a 
thorough business man, and a man of brains he 
knew how to make himself useful to his constitu- 
ents, not by much talk, or " fuss or feathers," 
but by intelligent, well-directed, persistent la- 
bors. He knew how to -'organize victory," even 
under discouraging circumstances. Notwith- 
standing the great distance (3,000 miles) of his 
district from the capital of tlie nation; not- 
withstanding tlie lack of knowledge, the apathy, 
and sometimes the selfish prejudice of members 
of Congress concerning the vast material interests 
of the people he represented, he secured legisla- 
tion providing for needed improvements on this 
Pacific Coast that would have been voluntarily 
conceded long ago if California and its Sixth 
District had been located on the Atlantic Coast 
and near to the seat of Government, to-wit: 
(1) One hundred and fifty thousand dollars for 
a public building in Los Angeles, then a city 
of 82,000 inhabitants, but which has since in- 
creased to nearly 100,000; (2) Appropriations 
for Wilmington Harbor and also for the Outer 
Harbor; (3) Appropriations for San Luis Obispo 
Harbor; (4) The setting off from the Federal 
Judicial District of California (which was some 
700 miles in length) of the District of South- 
ern California; (5) The establishment of army 
headquarters of Arizona, New Mexico and 
Southern California, at Los Angeles, which in 
the old Spanish and Mexican times, and down 
to the discovery of gold, had been the metrop- 
olis of both Baja and Alta California; (6) Or- 
dering the Secretary of War to prohibit the 
filling up of the rivers of California by hy- 
draulic mining, etc. To carry through all these 
important measures, considering the obstacles in 
the way, required tact, persistency and ability 
of no mean order. After such faithful and ef- 
fective services as these, which received the 
plauditsof his constituents of both political par- 



HISroBT OP LOS ANGELES UOUNTT. 



ties, of course Colonel Markham could have 
been re-elected triumphantly. But on account 
of ill-health he Toluntaril_y declined to stand for 
a second term, and has since devoted his atten- 
tion to his private affairs. He is now president 
of the Los Angeles Furniture Company; and 
he is a director and charter member of the Na- 
tional Bank of Lps Angeles. In March, 1889 
he was elected by Congress as one of the man- 
agers of National Homes for Disabled Soldiers, 
and he is the local manager of the Santa Mon- 
ica Home. Colonel Markham has lately built 
himself a beautiful liome in Pasadena, where 
with pleasant surroundings, and the respect and 
confidence of a wide circle of friends, he now re- 
sides. He married in 1876 and has iive children. 



tENIlY MILNOH MITCHELL was born 
in HichinondjVirginia, December 14, 1846. 
Whilst yet a minor and attending the Vir- 
ginia Military Institute, he served as a member 
of the Cadet Corps in the Confederate army, in 
Ewell's command, and was at Appomattox. 
After the war he engaged in raising wheat and 
tobacco in Virginia; and in 1867 he taught 
school in North Carolina. In 1868 he came 
via Nicaragua to California and to Los Angeles. 
He first engaged here in surveying; then was a 
reporter and a law student for two or three 
years, being admitted to tiie bar in 1872, and 
to practice before the Supreme Court in 1879. 
He was under-sherifi' during tiie incumbency of 
Alexander and Kowland, and assisted in the 
capture of the notorious bandit Tiburcio Vas- 
quez. Mr. Mitchell has also filled tlie positions 
of public administrator and notary public; and 
lie served as Assistant Adjutant-General and 
Chief of Staff when General John M. Baldwin 
was in command of the First Brigade, National 
Guards of California. In 1877 Mr. Mitchell 
was elected sheriff of Los Angeles County. In 
1880, after the expiration of iiis term, he re- 
sumed tlie jiractice of law. He also laid off the 
place on the San Rafael Uanciiu, where he now 



lives. In October, 1879, he married the eldest 
daughter of Andrew Glassell, Esq.; they have 
two children. Mr. Mitchell was grand marshal 
of the celebration in this city of the Centennial 
of our National Independence. He served five 
years in the local volunteer fire department. 
Mr. Mitchell is a man of fine chivalrous in- 
stincts, and he has made an enviable record as 
an officer, as a journalist and as an attorney, 
and is held in deservedly high estimation as a 
cultured geiitlenian in the community in wliicli 
he has lived now more than twenty years. 



H*^ 



fAMUEL MEYER, is a native of Stras- 
burg, Prussia, where he was born Febru- 
ary 25, 1830. He came to New York in 
1849. He went to Macon, Georgia, and after- 
ward to Louisville and Vicksburg, from whence, 
in 1853, he came via Nicaragua to California, 
and to Los Angeles. He has been engaged in 
mercantile pursuits here ever since his arrival 
— nearly thirty-six years. Mr. Meyer was mar- 
ried to Miss Davis in 1861. They have eight 
ciiildren, six girls, two of whom are married, 
and two boys. Whilst Mr. Meyer's life has 
been a comparatively uneventful one, he has 
ever maintained the character of an honorable 
merchant and a good citizen. Mr. Meyer has 
been treasurer of the oldest Masonic lodge 
(No. 42), of Los Angeles, for twenty-three con- 
setiutive years. 



tA. MONTANO was born in Los Angeles 
October 19, 1862. He is a son of Pedro 
* Montano, a native of Spain, and at about 
seventeen years of age emigrated to Mexico, 
and came to California in 1849 where he pur- 
sued mining. He, in the early days of Los An- 
geles, located on the Los Angeles River near 
Boyle Heights, where he owned a tract of land 
and pursued agriculture. lie died November 
22, 1807, leaving seven children, of whom the 



UISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



subject of this sketch is tlie youngest. A sister, 
Mrs. F. Moreno, and two brothers, Pedro and 
Manuel, live in Inyo County. A. A. was edu- 
cated at Santa Clara College, this State, and at 
twenty-two years of age was elected auditor of 
Los Angeles, rendering the public a most satis- 
factory service, and was re-elected the following 
year, 1886. He is now the deputy auditor of 
Los Angeles. He married in 1885 Miss Elizaj 
daughter of Daniel Henry, of San Luis Obispo, 
and they have two children, Edna and Josie. 



fj. MATHES, of Los Angeles, is a native 
of Knoxville, Tennessee, born October 
"* 17, 1848. His father, the Kev. A. A. 
IVIathes, a Presbyterian clergyman, lived in 
Knoxville for several years, where he pursued 
that avocation, and he also owned a plantation 
near tlie city. He endorsed the principles of 
tlie Abolition party, liberated his slaves, dis- 
posed of other property, and with the view of 
making his future home on "free soil" removed 
to Missouri. In this the object of his move 
was not, however, accomplished, and he soon 
took up his residence at Sigourney, Iowa; he 
now lives at Canton, Illinois. At Sigourney 
the subject of this sketch received his schooling, 
and at sixteen years of age left his home, and 
at Burlington, Iowa, learned the printer's trade, 
which he later pursued in Chicago. With a 
partner he afterward established and for two 
years published the Wilton GhTonicle^ at Wilton, 
Iowa. They disposed of this property and es- 
tablished the Colorado J!/oM;tto«?iger, at Colorado 
Springs, Colorado; continued publication of it 
until March, 1875, when he came to Los 
Angeles and entered the job printing business. 
Later he became one of the publishers of the 
Weekly Mirror and made of it a first-class 
weekly newspaper, which received the hearty 
support of the community. They afterward 
became associated with two other gentlemen 
and organized the Tunes- Mirror Company, and 
started in connection with the Weekly Mirror 



the Los Angeles Daily Times. Owing to fail- 
ing health Mr. Mathes retired from tlic pub- 
lisiiiug business and for about three years 
conducted a Pullman excursion business between 
Chicago and Los Angeles. In April, 1887, he en - 
tered the real-estate business, in which he is still 
engaged as an active member of the firm of Day, 
Ilinton & Mathes, No. 8 North Spring street. 
Mr. Mathes is an enterprising, ambitious man of 
afiairs, genial in his manners, aud esteemed for 
his excellent social and business qualities. He 
was married in 1872, at Wilton, Iowa, to Miss 
Annie Strohra. Her father Samuel Strohm, 
was a capitalist of that city. They have two 
children: Grace E. and Susie M. They reside 
at 23 North Hill street. 

^-^3-^¥ • 

fOSEPH MULLALLY was born in Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, December 18, 1826. His father 
was a native of "Virginia, and his mother of 
Pennsylvania In 1850 he left overland for Cal- 
ifornia, arriving at Hangtown (Placervilie), 
August 5 of that year. He worked a while in 
the mines at Spanish Bar, on the middle fork 
of the American River. In March, 1851, he 
came to San Francisco, where he worked at his 
trade of brick-making till March, 1854, when 
he came to Los Angeles. With the exception 
of Captain Jesse D. Hunter, who made a few 
bricks here in early times, Mr. Mullally is the 
pioneer brick-maker of Los Angeles. He made 
the bricks for the first two-story school-houses, 
known as Number One, built in 1854, on the 
lot now occupied by the Bryson-Bonebrake 
Block, where so many of our boys and girls, 
now grown-up men and women, and fathers and 
mothers, were educated in the old pioneer days; 
and school-house Number Two, on Bath street, 
built in 1856, which has also been demolished 
after many years of usefulness. He made the 
bricks for Henry Dal ton's two-story residence, 
built in 1854, on the east side of Main street, 
corner of Second, which has only recently been 
cut through. Tiiis house, which Mr. Glassell 




J. 5^ y LIALLY. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



occupied as a residence for many years, was 
torn down a few months ago. Other edifices 
erected with Mr. Mullally's bride were the old 
court-house (1858), and Arcadia Block, on Los 
Angeles street (1859), into which latter went 
1,100,000 bricks, and cost about $80,000. It 
would not be easy to give the list of the build- 
ings of more recent years for which Mr. Mul- 
lally furnished the brick. He probably made 
four-fifths of all the bricks that were used Jiere 
prior to 1864. The highest number he has 
made in any one year was in 1888, when he 
made over 9,000,000. Mr. Mullally served nine 
or ten years as a city councilman, between 1857 
and 1883. 



t ARRIS NEWMARK, dealer in hides and 
wool at Los Angeles, is a native of Prussia, 
and was born at Leoban in 1834. His 
father, Philip Newraark, was a manufacturer of 
boot blacking. Harris Newmark was reared and 
educated until he was fourteen years of age in 
his native city, when he went with his father to 
Denmark and Sweden, and remained with him 
in manufacturing boot blacking at Copenhagen 
and Gottenburg until he was nineteen. At that 
age he came to America and located at Los An- 
geles, whence his brother, Joseph P., had pre- 
ceded him two years, in 1851, and for whom he 
clerked in the mercantile business eight months, 
lie then engaged in the same business for him- 
self, and afterward became a member of the firm 
of Newmark, Kreiner & Co., at Los Angeles, 
doing a wholesale and retail business until 1861. 
He then retired from the firm and engaged in 
the commission business until 18(55 when he 
founded the wholesale grocery house at Los An- 
geles, known as H. Newmark & Co., which 
existed until 1886. Since that time be has been 
dealing in wool and hides. In 1858 he was 
married at Los Angeles to Miss Sarah New- 
mark, by whom he has six living children: two 
married daughters, a sou who is married, IL, 
of the wholesale grocery firm of M. A. New- 



mark & Co., of Los Angeles, and two young 
children. He and his family are members of 
the 'P>rai 'Braith Congregation of Hebrews of 
Los Angeles. 



fllEGO R McDON ALD, man ufacturer of the 
Universal Door Screen, 444 Grand avenue, 
Los Angeles, is a native of Canada, and 
was born August 20, 1851. He attended school 
and served an apprenticeship as carpenter and 
joiner; followed his trade there until 1881, 
M'hen he came to California and located in Los 
Angeles, continuing at his trade. His first job 
was on the Normal School building. In 1885 
he established his present factory for manu- 
facturing the Universal Screen Door, and is one- 
half owner of the patent. The factory is large 
and commodious, his premises having a front- 
age of 122 feet on Sixth street by 120 feet on 
Grand avenue. He employs six to eight hands, 
and has built up a large trade. He has turned 
out 800 screens per month, being for doors and 
windows, and all kinds of screen work. In 
1880 Mr. McDonald married Miss Mary Mc- 
Naughton, a native of the north of Ireland. 
They have two children, Mollieand Hannah, and 
they have lost one daughter, Katie by name. 

fACOB F. NORMAN.— Among the well- 
known residents of the Duarte is the above- 
named gentleman. Mr. Norman settled at 
the lower Duarte in 1883, and in the spring of 
that year purchased from Edward R. Chappelow 
eleven acres of the old Beardslee tract. This 
land is located on the east side of Mountain 
avenue, about a mile and a quarter southwest 
of the Duarte postofBce, in the Duarte school 
district. Mr. Norman's land is well improved 
and under a high state of cultivation, making 
one of the representative fruit ranches of this 
section. With the exception of 350 seedling 
orange trees of the " AVilson's I>est'' variety, his 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTT. 



land is planted in deciduous fruits, comprising 
some fifteen varieties of apples, peaches, pears, 
apricots, nectarines, quinces, prunes, plums, etc. 
Among his improvements ai-e a neat cottage resi- 
dence and suitable out-buildings. Mr. Norman 
is also the owner of an orange grove of an acre 
and a half, on Dnarte avenue, in Duarte, and 
also of improved real estate in Monrovia. In 
addition to conducting horticultural pursuits 
upon his lands, he has, since 1885, been engaged 
in shipping oranges to the Eastern markets. 
The subject of this sketch was born in Hay- 
wood County, Tennessee, in 1835. His father, 
Alfred Norman, was a native of North Canj- 
lina, who in his youth went to Alabama, and 
was rhere reared and married to Anna Byler, of 
that State. They subsequently settled in Ten- 
nessee. In 1840 Mr. Norman's parents moved 
to Missouri, and located in what was then a 
part of Cole County, but later became Moniteau 
County. There the subject of this sketch was 
reared as a farmer, receiving his education in 
the common schools. In 1857 he married Miss 
Eliza Byler, a native of Missouri, and the daugh- 
ter of Abram and Mary (Bowman) Byler. Mrs. 
Norman's father was of German descent, and a 
native of Pennsjdvania. Her mother was born 
in Missouri. In 1861 Mr. Norman located in 
Henry County, and there engaged in farming 
and stock -growing until 1869. In that year he 
took up his residence in Vernon County, where 
he continued his agricultural pursuits. In 1870 
Mr. Norman was elected a justice of the peace 
in his county, and served as such until 1874, 
when he was elected clerk of the Circuit Court of 
Vernon County. He was re-elected in 1878 and 
served until January, 1883, when he resigned 
on account of ill health, and in the same month 
came to California. After a short stay in Los 
Angeles, he took up his present residence. Mr. 
Norman soon gained the respect of the com- 
munity in which he came to reside, and in 1886 
was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected 
in 1888. He is Democratic in politics, and is 
a popular man, and was one of the only three 
Democratic justices elected in the county in 



1888. Mr. Norman ha*s his office in Monrovia, 
of which city he is recorder. He is a director 
and stockholder of the Beardslee Water Com- 
pany. For many years he has been a member 
of the Masonic fraternity, and affiliated with 
Argyle Lodge, of Nevada, Missouri. He is also 
a member of the Baptist church. From the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Norman there are 
four children living, viz.: "William F., who mar- 
ried Miss Belle Churchill, and is residing in 
Vernon County, Missouri; Belle H., now Mrs. 
R. R. Smith, of Duarte; Emmett B., who- mar- 
ried Miss Viola Shrode, also a resident of Du- 
arte, and Anna May. 



fUELLE & NICOL PLANING MILL, 
Alameda street. The business of this com- 
pany was established in 1883, on a small 
scale, and carried on by Mr. Stovell until March, 
1888, when the present company was organized 
and incorporated and succeeded to the business. 
Their factory is centrally located, the premises 
having a frontage of 210 feet on South Alameda 
street. They manufacture sash, doors, blinds 
and all kinds of moldings and scroll work. The 
company has a large established trade and gives 
employment to seventy-five hands during the 
busy season. Mr. A. A. Nuelle, the president 
of the company, is a native of St. Louis, Mis- 
souri, and was born May 16, 1850. He received 
his education in his native city and State. His 
father, William Nuelle, an old and honored 
citizen of St. Louis, was a prominent mill and 
lumberman in that State for many years and, 
now retired from active business, is living in 
that city. A. A. Nuelle learned the business of 
his father, and for fifteen years was successfully 
engaged in lumber and planing-mill enterprises, 
in his native State. He came to Los Angeles 
and organized the Nuelle & Nicol Planing Mill 
Company, in March, 1888. He has had a large 
practical experience in all the details of the busi- 
ness, and this company has taken a leading 
position in tlie trade. In 1876 Mr. Nuelle was 



HTSTORT OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



united in marriage to Miss Catharine Timmer- 
maiin, of Waterloo, Illinois. They have four 
children: Eugene A., Elizabeth C, Robert A. 
and Julia M. William Nicol, Vice-President of 
tlie Nuelle & Nicol Planing Mill Company, came 
to California in 1875 and was engaged in the 
planing-mill business in San Francisco for eleven 
years, until March, 1886, when he came to Los 
Angeles and was superintendent of the Mechan- 
ics Mill until March, 1888. The present com- 
pany was then organized and since that time he 
has held his present position. He has charge 
of the mechanical and contracting department. 
Mr. Nicol married Miss Jane Eitchie, of San 
Francisco. They have one son, Willie. James 
E. Sloan, Secretary of the above named company, 
is a native of Toronto, Canada. He came to the 
Pacific Coast in 1873, located in Nevada and 
remained there until 1881. In 1883 he came 
to Los Angeles and held the position of sales- 
man and book-keeper for several years, and upon 
the organization of this company was elected 
secretary. In May, 1883, he married Miss Eva 
B. Forman. She is a native of Lancaster, Ohio. 



-Swf. 



F^< 



A. NORMAN, contractor for artificial 
jXh stone and cement, Los Angeles, is a 
^1 ® native of Arkansas, born May 18, 1842. 
lie was reared in Texas from childhood, and 
lived there when Sam Houston was Governor 
and until the war, when he enlisted in the Con- 
federate army. He served in the Third Texas 
Cavalry, in the command of General Eoss, the 
present Governor of Texas. He served four 
years and participated in over 300 battles, fights 
and skirmishes. After the war he returned to 
Texas and remained there until May, 1887, when 
lie came to Los Angeles and engaged in con- 
tracting in artificial-stone work for foundations 
of buildings, sidewalks, etc., and makes all kinds 
of molded artificial-stone and cement work. He 
has the contract for the stone and cement founda- 
tions of the Burdiek Block, corner of Second and 
Spring streets, one of the most solid, substantial 



blocks in the city; also for the sidewalks around 
the same building. He has a large practical 
experience in molded stone and cement work, 
and has built up a good trade. He has been twice 
married. His first wife was Miss Emma Hoyt, 
of Kentucky. They had five children. His 
present wife was Mrs. Rosa Bowie, of London, 
England. 



^ CLAY NEEDHAM, Superintendent of 
^p\ St. John subdivision of the San Francisco 
^s¥* Eancho, took charge of this business in 
1889. The tract embraces 10,000 acres of land, 
on which the town of Newhall now stands. 
This land was bought some years ago by ex- 
Governor Jolni P. St. John, of Olathe, Kansas; 
George B. Katzenstein, of Sacramento, Califor- 
nia, and Jesse Yarnell, of Los Angeles, Califor- 
nia. This land has an altitude of 1,300 feet, in 
the beautiful foot-h'ills skirting the Santa Clara 
Valley, and only two miles north of the w^onder- 
ful San Fernando Tunnel. It embraces every 
variety of desirable soil and climate to be found 
in Southern California. The purity of the w-ater 
and the clear atmosphere inakes Newhall and its 
surroundings one of the healthiest localities in 
the State. Mr. Needhain will be found at his 
post, clever and obliging, ready to attend to 
business in the most expeditious manner. lie 
comes from Hardin County, Kentucky, and was 
born in 1851. He is a son of P. S. Needham, 
a farmer and miller, who died in Kentucky in 
1886. The subject of this sketch was educated 
at Hamilton College, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, 
and subsequently went to Kansas, where he 
taught school for two years. Then he went into 
the coal business and bought and leased lands till 
1884. From 1884 till 1889 he engaged in stock- 
raising and farming. He also engaged in the 
lumberandhardwarebnsinessin Arcadia, Kansas, 
and while there served as mayor of that city. He 
was married in Kansas, i-n 1878, to Miss Lillie 
F. Taylor. She is a native of Warren County, 
Kentucky. The following are the names of their 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



children: Nellie May, Blanche Pearle, Russell 
Everet and Neal. Both Mr. and Mrs. Need- 
ham are active members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and earnest workers in the Sunday- 
school. Mr. Needham is a recent acquisition 
to this State, but by his genial disposition and 
business qualifications he has won a place already 
in the hearts of his fellow-men; and through his 
ability as a salesman and the desirability of the 
lands, very many home-seekers ought soon to 
find places in the St. John's Prohibition Colony. 

A. NEWMARK & CO. -This name is 
conspicuous in the business history of 
Southern California. In 1851 Harris 
Newark, the founder of the great wholesale gro- 
cery house of M. A. Newmark & Co., the oldest 
and largest in this part of the State, left Ger- 
many, his native land, and came to Los Angeles; 
and for over a third of a century he and his 
successors have been actively and prominently 
identified with the business and financial growth 
of Los Angeles. In 1865 he opened the first 
wholesale grocery store in the city and was its 
managing head for twenty-one years. In 1860 
Mr. Newmark associated with himself the two 
brothers, Kasper and Samuel Cohn, under the 
firm name of H. Newmark & Co. This rela- 
tion continued until the death of Samuel Cohn, 
a number of years ago. Kasper retired from 
the business in 1884, and two years later H. 
Newmark also retired. In 1870 M. J. New- 
mark was taken in as a partner, and soon after 
M. A. Newark came into the firm. The former 
retired in 1879, and upon the retirement of the 
founder of the house, M. A. Newmark took his 
jdace as senior member of the present firm, 
which includes, besides him, M. H. Newmark, 
Max Cohn and Carl Seligman. Their place of 
business is the large brick block embracing Nos. 
41 to 51 inclusive, on North Los Angeles street, 
and contains 40,000 square feet of floor room. 
This furnishes space for a very large stock ui 
groceries, tobacco and cigars and li(juors carried 



by this enterprising house, whose trade extends 
over Southern California as far north as Baker-^- 
field and eastward into New Mexico and Texas, 
and has reached $2,000,000 a year. The arm 
employs thirty-five to forty people in their busi- 
ness, nine of whom are outside salesman. 



fO. NEWHALL, the genial and obliging 
proprietor of the Southern Hotel in New- 
** hall, also dealer in general merchandise, is 
a native of Massachusetts. He was born near 
the " Hub " at a town called Saugus. He is a 
son of J. A. Newhall, who was foreman in a 
Boston store for many years. Mr. Newhall is a 
nephew of H. M. Newhall, the celebrated owner 
of the Newhall Ranch. He has been in the 
mercantile business for several years, having 
clerked for Newhall, Sons & Co. in San Fran- 
cisco for a number of years. In 1887 he opened 
the hotel in Newhall, which burned down Octo- 
ber 23 of the same year. Mr. Newhall was 
married in San Francisco in 1884 to Miss Laura 
E. Terry. This lady is a native of the Golden 
State, and was born in Ilealdsburg, Sonoma 
County. She is a novelist of some note, having 
written under the nom de plume of "Ada L. 
Halstead." One of her novels has been pub- 
lished by the Golden Era Publishing Company 
of San Francisco. The title of this novel is 
" Adopted; or. The Serpent Bracelet." Another 
work soon to appear is " Myrine; or. The Death 
Trust." Mrs. Newhall is a regular contributor 
to Waverly's Magazine, in Boston, also to sev- 
eral local papers. Mr. and Mrs. Newhall reside 
at No. li Spruce street, opposite the South- 
ern Hotel, in the beautiful mountain village 
bearino; the same name. 



-iy^ 



:fLLIS NEWTON.— There is not, per- 
laps, in all this county, a farmer more 
.vorthy of mention in this work than is 
Mr. Newton. He began at the very bottom, in 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



this county, and to-day is one of tlie leading 
farmers in liis section. He was born February 
8, 1840, in Hot Springs County, Arkansas, and 
is a son of John and Lydia (Meredith) Newton, 
both natives of Tennessee. His grandfather 
was a native of the Old Dominion, and his 
great-grandfather was a native of Ireland. He 
came across the water in time to serve as a sol- 
dier in the Revolutionary war. Lydia Meredith 
traces lier ancestry back to the Welsh. By Mr. 
Newton she had eight children, live sons and 
three daughters, of which the subject of this 
sketch is the sixth child. He, with the rest, 
had such educational advantages as were afforded 
them by the common schools of tlieir native 
State. There he married, April 9, 1857, Miss 
Charlotte Hudson, a native of Missouri, and the 
daughter of "William and Nancy (Richardson) 
Hudson, Loth from Virginia. Mr. Hudson 
emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky, from 
Kentucky to Missouri, from Missouri to Arkan- 
sas, and from Arkansas to Te.xas, where he died 
in January, 1882, aged eighty-four years. In 
1860 Mr. Newton went to Lampasas County, 
Texas, where he engaged in the stock business 
very successfully till 1865. He then incurred 
heavy losses, and in the same year started west- 
ward across the plains for California. After a 
long and tedious journey of eight munths they 
arrived in Los Angeles County. They pitched 
their tent, in which they lived for ten days. 
Then he rented land and farmed for three years, 
when, in 1868, he bought 100 acres, three and 
a half miles southeast of Downey. On this 
farm he and his faithful wife endured all the 
hardships and inconveniences of pioneer life; 
and, had they been easily discouraged, they 
would never have had the pleasant home they 
now have, with all their children well settled in 
life. "William, the oldest son, married Ada 
Goodwin, and is a farmer near Norwalk. John 
is a trusted engineer on the Southern Pacific 
Railroad. Jesse married Sallie Hunting, and is 
an extensive farmer in San Diego County. 
Alice, their only daughter, is still at homo. 



Ml 



Mrs. Newton have both been membi 



of the Baptist Church for more than thirty 
years, and fjr several years he has been a Dea- 
con in that church. He and Prof. S. Holgate 
were the first members initiated into the Ma 
sonic lodge at Downey, and he is still an 
honored member of that fraternity. Mr. New- 
ton is recognized by all who know him as an 
enterprising farmer, a good citizen and a true 
Christian. 



'%' 



tLLEN W. NEIGHBORS, a general farmer 
and fruit raiser, residing one mile north of 
Downey, came to California in 1865, and 
located in San Bernardino County, where he re- 
mained two years, after which he came to Los 
Angeles County. He bought eighty aci'es of 
land, which he has highly improved, and has 
recently erected a verj comfortable residence, 
having lost his original home by fire two years 
ago. He has some thirty-five acres of English 
walnuts, and a fine variety of oranges and 
lemons. Mr. Neighbors came from Texas to 
this State, but is a native of South Carolina, 
born in York district in 1825, his parents being 
James and Sarah (Allen) Neighbors, both 
natives of South Carolina. Their ancestors 
were pioneers of Virginia, and were of English 
descent. They both died in Mississippi, having 
reared a family of four sons and one daughter, 
Sarah Neighbors; the subject of this sketch 



bei 



"g 



the oldest. He was married in 1855 to 



a Miss Burrough, by whom he had four chil- 
dren: Ishmael ; Celia, now the wife of Stanford 
Cheney; Nancy, wife of Anion Rose, and Sarah, 
wife of John Fuquay, of San Bernardino County. 
His first wife having died, he was married 
again, this time in Kentucky, to Miss Elizabeth 
McCan, a native of Tennessee, and daughter of 
John and Mary (Boshares) McCan. Her father 
was a native of Kentucky, and her mother a 
native of Tennessee. This second union has 
been blessed with seven children: James, who 
married Miss McMiilen; John W., at home; 
William F., who married Moley Sex; iiurrell. 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



at home; Mary, wife of Jolin Borden, of San 
Diego; Maggie, wife of Henry Burk, of Los 
Neitus. and Emma, at liome. Mrs. Neighbors 
and her daughters are members of the Baptist 
Clmrch. Politically Mr. Neighbors affiliates 
with the Democratic party. At tli^e age of 
twenty-one he enlisted in the Mexican war, 
under Colonel Nat Anderson, of Memphis, Ten- 
nessee. S. M. Neighbors, a brother of Allen 
W., resides with him at Downey. 



WILLIAM O'CONNOR. — Among the 
noticeable. fine orange groves of Pomona 
is that owned by Mr. O'Connor, who 
has sixteen acres on White avenue, north of 
Holt avenue. Eight acres of this land are pro- 
ducing oranges of the Tahiti seedling variety. 
Tliese trees were planted by Mr. O'Connor in 
1877, and are in full bearing, yielding large crops 
of some of the finest seedling oranges to be found 
in San Jose Valley. The rest of his land — such 
as is not occupied by his buildings — is devoted 
to decidnous fruits, comprising French prunes, 
peaches, apricots, pears, etc. Mr. O'Connor lias 
upon his land a substantial cottage residence of 
modern arcliitectural design, occupied by his 
family, and also three other cottages which are 
erected for purchasers of suburban homes. The 
subject of this sketch was born in Sligo County, 
Ireland, March 2G, 1842. His parents, Michael 
and Mary (McTigh) O'Connor, were both natives 
of that county. His father was a gardener and 
nurseryman, and in 1847 moved his family to 
Manchester, England. Mr. Connor was deprived 
of almost all educational facilities, and at the age 
of seven years was sent into a factory, where he 
worked as a cotton spinner for one-half of each 
day, and later was employed all his time at that 
occupation. When about seventeen years of age 
his parents emigrated to the United States and 
settled in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where 
he was engaged as a coal miner until 1861 or 
1802. He then went to Omaha, Nebraska, and 
was engaged by the Union Pacific Railroad 



Company in the construction of their railroad 
across the continent. In 1864, before the com- 
pletion of that road, he entered the employ of 
the Central Pacific Railroad Company, and was 
employed in construction work in the Sierra 
Nevada Mountains, and at other points. In 
1875, while still in the railroad employ, he came 
to Los Angeles County, first working in con- 
struction at Anaheim, and in July of the same 
year he came to Spadra, where he was placed in 
charge over a section under construction. He was 
a section master upon the road until 1883, when 
he quit railroading and devoted himself to a 
thorough cultivation of Iris fruit farm which he 
had established in 1877. He has also been 
engaged in street railroad construction in 
Pomona, as a contractor, and was one of the 
builders of the motor line to North Pomona. 
Mr. O'Connor's success in life has been due to 
his energetic and industrious habits, coupled 
with his well poised intellect and native wit, 
rather than to any educational advantages he 
received in his yonth; and his straightforward 
course of life has gained him the respect and 
esteem of his associates. Politically, he is a 
straight Republican. A strong supporter of 
churches and schools, he has contributed liber- 
ally to both, and was one of the first to aid in 
building and establishing the Catholic Church 
in Pomona. In August, 1878, Mr. O'Connor 
married Miss Catherine Riley, the daughter of 
Patrick and Bridget (Riley) Riley, residents of 
Caven County, Ireland. Mrs. O'Connor was 
born in that county March 28, 1847. Mr. and 
Mrs. O'Connor have had six children: William 
J., Edward H., Catherine R., Ada Madeline, 
Grace M., and Francis L. The fourth child, 
John P., died May 21, 1882, aged fourteen 
months and eleven days. 



W. ORR, one of the true pioneers of 
California, and one of the most suc- 
' cessful farmers in Los Angeles County, 
born in Union County, Kentucky, February 



HTSTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



15, 1832, a son of William and Susan (Stone) 
Orr, both natives of Kentucky. His grand- 
father, John Orr, was a native of Ireland and 
catne to this country many years ago, settling in 
Kentucky. For many years he was a surveyor 
in the wilds of Kentucky, and subsequently a 
fanner. The subjec^t of this sketch is the fifth 
in a family of seven children; was but five years 
old when his father died; his niother died in 
the year 1867. Mr. Orr came to California in 
1852, across the plains. He worked at mining 
some, but was not very successful; then he 
farmed in Oakland Valley for several years; 
ne.xt he moved to Contra Costa County, and en- 
gaged in stock-raising for six years. After this 
he took charge of the La Fayette Hotel, where 
in a year and a half lie lost about all lie had. 
lu 1864, in company with Judge Venable, he 
went to Nevada and carried on the lumber busi- 
ness for about three years. In December, 1866, 
lie started back to Kentucky, arriving there the 
8th of January, 1867, and the iie.xt year was 
married to Miss Sallie Ryle. This lady was 
born in Oldham County, Kentucky, and is the 
daughter of William and Annie (Baldock) Ryle. 
Her father died in California, January 26, 1889, 
at the advanced age of eighty-four years, and 
her mother is still living with her at a good old 
age. After their marriage our subject and his 
wife went to Texas, and at Waco their first child 
was born. Just twelve months after leaving 
their home in Kentucky they lauded at San 
Diego, California. Mr. Orr was entirely out of 
money, but with that determination which is 
characteristic of so many of the pioneers of this 
county, he went to work, and many were the 
hardships which he and his young wife endured. 
He received a letter from his faithful friend. 
Judge Yenable, to come to Los Angeles County, 
and at once accepted the invitation. He rented 
land in this county for two years, and then 
bouglit forty acres of land where lie now lives. 
To the original forty he has added 160 acres 
more, all well improved, and a comfortable res- 
idence. He has some of the finest- thorongh- 
bre<l horses and cattle in the State, and his en- 



terprise and thrift as a first-class farmer is 
known far and wide over the county. Mr. Orr 
owns also a fine fruit ranch near the city of Los 
Angeles. Helms an interesting family of chil- 
dren, whose names are: Emma A., Willie S., 
John Joseph, Robert J. and Charles Augustus. 
Politically Mr. Orr is a firm believer in and en- 
thusiastic supporter of the principles of the 
Democratic party. He is a large tax-payer, and 
a live, progressive member of the school board 
in his district. Socially he is a Freemason, and 
one of the charter members of Downey Lodge. 
In concluding this biographical sketch it is no 
more than just to say that a more worthy name 
does not appear in this work. By honest in- 
dustry and faithful toil he and his excellent 
companion have made a iiome for themselves 
and their children, and are surrounded by all 
that is necessary to make them comfortable and 
happy. 



fOHN OSGOODBY was born in Lincoln- 
shire, England, in 1819, the son of Harri- 
son and Ann (Hannah) Osgoodby, natives of 
that county. When the subject of this sketch 
was about eight years of age they emigrated to 
the United States and located in Monroe County, 
New York, about fourteen miles from Rochester. 
Mr. Osgoodby was reared and schooled in that 
county. In his young manhood he worked at 
the cooper's trade, but his calling was that of a 
farmer. In 1852 he married Miss Mary Ann 
Dagworthy, who was born in Devonshire, Eng- 
land, in 1827. Mr. Osgoodby continued his 
farming operations in the county of his adop- 
tion until 1865. In that year he emigrated to 
Missouri, locating in Cass County, and was 
there employed in farming until 1869. He then 
located in Miami County, Kansas, where he fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits and stock-raising 
until he came to California, in 1877, settling at 
San Gabriel. Retnaining there until the next 
spritig, he moved to a point about two miles 
south of Pomona, at which nlaee he Durchased. 



580 



HISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



from Louis Phillips, forty acres of land. This 
land he devoted to general fanning purposes, and 
conducted his operations upon the same until 
1882. He then, in connection with his son, 
George Osgoodby, purchased a forty-acre tract 
just west of Pomona, and for the next live years 
was engaged in fruit and vine culture upon that 
place. In 1887 the increasing demand for resi- 
dence property induced him to sell his acres, 
and the tract was subdivided and sold, becoming 
the Osgoodby tract of Pomona. Mr. Osgoodby 
retained only such land as he needed for resi- 
dence property, upon which he erected a sub- 
stantial cottage home, in which he proposes to 
pass the declining years of liis life. He is well 
known in the community in which he resides 
as a reputable and respected citizen. He is a 
deacon in the Baptist Church, of which he has 
been a consistent member for more than lifty 
years. In politics he has been a Ke]iublican 
since the organization of that party in 1856. 
Previous to that he was a Whig, casting his 
first vote in 1840, for General William H. Har- 
rison. Mr. and Mrs. Osgoodby have two chil- 
di'en: George, whose history is given in this 
volume, and Andrew, botii of whom are resi- 
dents of Pomona. 



fEORGE OSGOODBY.~The subject of 
this sketch dates his birtli in Monroe 
County, New York, July -i, 1853. His 
parents, John and Mary Ann (Dagworthy) Os- 
goodby (whose history appears in this volume), 
were natives of England, who, early in life, set- 
tled in the county of his birth. Mr. Osgoodby 
was reared in that county until about twelve 
years of age, when his parents moved to Mis- 
souri and settled in Cass County, and in 1869 
located in Miami County, Kansas. His father 
was a farmer and stock-grower, and the subject 
of this sketch was reared to that calling. In his 
several places of residence he was given the ad- 
vantages of the best public schools. He was 
also a student in the William Jewell College at 



Liberty, Missouri, and afterward was under pri- 
vate tuition for nearly four years, fitting himself 
for the occupation of a teacher. In 1877 he 
came to California and located at San Gabriel, 
where he followed agricultural pursuits until 
1882, when he moved to Pomona, and, in con- 
nection with his father, entered into horticultural 
operations upon a forty-acre tract, just west of 
what was then the village of Pomona. A part 
owner of this land, he entered heartily into its 
improvement and cultivation, planting orchards 
and vineyards. In 1887 the rapid growth of 
the city of Pomona caused his land to be in de- 
mand for residence purposes. Consequently it 
was subdivided and sold, forming the part of 
the city known as the Osgoodby tract. He de- 
tained only such as he required for his residence 
and grounds. Mr. Osgoodby's connection with 
Pomona has made its name known throughout 
the world, and forms one of the interesting epi- 
sodes in the political history of the Presidential 
campaign of 1888. He is an intelligent, edu- 
cated gentleman, and one who for years has taken 
a deep interest in the policy of the two great 
political parties of the United States. The at- 
titude of the Cleveland administration toward 
England in regard to Canadian fisheries, reci- 
procity treaties, protective tarifi", etc., was deemed 
by Mr. Osgoodby but a blind, and he conceived 
the idea of eliciting the opinion of no less a per- 
son than the British Minister at Washington, 
as to the two great political parties and their 
relations to the Mother Country. The following 
letter — the historic "Mnrchison letter" — was 
accordingly written and forwarded by Mr. Os- 
goodby: 

" Pomona, Cal., September 4, 1888. 

•' To the British Minister, Washington, D. 
C. — Sir: The gravity of the political situation 
here, and the duty of those voters who are of 
English birth but still consider England the 
mother land, constitute the apology I hereby 
offer for intruding for information. 

"Mr. Cleveland's message to Congress on the 
fishery question justly excites our alarm, and 
compells us to seek further knowledge before 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



casting our votes for him, as we bad intended 
to do. Many English citizens have for years 
refrained from being naturalized, as they thought 
no good would accrue from the act, but Mr. 
Cleveland's administration has been so favorable 
and friendly toward England, so kind in not en- 
forcing tlie retaliatory act passed by Congress, 
80 sound on the free-trade question, and so hos- 
tile to the dynamite school of Ireland, that by 
the linndrcds, yes, by the tiiousands, they have 
become naturalized for the express purpose of 
helping to elect him over again, the one above 
all of American politicians they consider their 
own and their country's best friend. I am one 
of these unfortunates. With a right to vote for 
President in November, I am unable to under- 
stand for whom 1 shall cast my ballot, when but 
one month ago I was sure Mr. Cleveland was 
tlie man. If Mr. Cleveland is pursuing a new 
policy toward Canada, temporarily only, aud for 
the sake of obtaining popularity, and a contin- 
uation of his office four years more, but intends 
to cease his policy when his re-election is secured 
in November, and again favor England's inter- 
ests, then I should have no further doubts, but 
go forward and vote for him. I know of no one 
better able to direct me than you, sir, and I 
most respectfully ask your advice in the matter. 
I will further add that the two men, Mr. Cleve- 
land and Mr. Harrison, are very evenly matched, 
and a few votes may elect either one. Mr. 
Harrison is a high-tariff man, and a believer in 
the American side of all questions, and undoubt- 
edly an enemy to British interests generally. 
This State is evenly divided between the two 
parties, and a mere handful of our naturalized 
countrymen can turn it either way. When it 
is remembered that a small State (Colorado) de- 
feated Mr. Tilden in 1876, and elected Hayes, 
the Republican, the importance of California is 
at once apparent to all. As you are at the 
fountain-head of knowledge on the question, and 
know whether Mr. Cleveland's present policy is 
temporary only, and whether he will, as soon as 
lie seciire.s another term of four years in the 
Presidency, suspend it for one of friendship and 



free trade, I apply to you privately and confi- 
dentially for information which shall in turn be 
treated as entirely secret. Such information 
would put me at rest myself, and, if favorable to 
Mr. Cleveland, enable me on my own responsi- 
bility to assure many of our countrymen that 
they would do England a service by voting for 
Mr. Cleveland and against the Republican sys- 
tem of tariff. 

" As I observed, we know not what to do, but 
look for more light on a mysterious subject, 
which the sooner it comes will better serve true 
Englishmen in casting their votes. 

" Yours very respectfully, 

" Charles F. Murchison." 

Lord Sackville- West's reply came promptly 
and was as follows: 

"(Private.) (British Arras.) 

" Beverly, Mass., Sept. 13, 1888. 

"Sir: — I am in receipt of your letter of the 
4th inst., and beg to say that I fully appreciate 
the difficulty in which you find yourself in cast- 
inj^ your vote. 

" You are probably aware that any political 
party which openly favored the Mother Country 
at the present moment would lose popularity, 
and that the party in power is fully aware of 
this fact. That party, however, is, I believe, 
still desirous of maintaining friendly relations 
with Great Britain, and is still as desirous of 
settling all questions with Canada which have 
been unfortunately re-opened since the rejection 
of the treaty by the Republican majority in the 
Senate, and the President's message to which 
you allude. All allowance must therefore be 
made for the political situation as regards the 
Presidential election thus created. It is, how- 
ever plainly impossible to predict the course, 
which President Cleveland may pursue in the 
matter of retaliation should he be elected, but 
there is every reason to believe, that while up- 
holding the position he has taken, he will mani- 
fest a spirit of conciliation in dealing with the 
question involved in his message. 

" I inclose an article from the New Y<irk 



UISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



Times of the 22d of August, and remain yours 
faithfully, 

"L. S. Sackville-West." 
Mr. Osgoodby, from the first, realized the 
i'lill significance of these letters, but he also felt 
the importance of their not being given to the 
public, except under circumstances and at a 
period when they could liave their fullest im- 
portanceand significance recognized. For nearly 
a month after receiving the British Minister's 
reply, he did not niake known to any except one 
or two of his most trusted friends, the powerful 
auxiliaries he held in his hands. He then con- 
sulted with prominent Republicans of Los An- 
geles County, and members of the Republican 
State Central Committee, and it w'as decided that 
the correspondence be made public, and the let- 
ters were published in the Los Angeles Times 
of October 21, 1888, and also telegraphed by 
the associated press thronghout the country and 
to Europe. There has never been throughout 
the political history of the United States such a 
profound sensation created as was caused by the 
well styled " political bomb-shell " of the "Mur- 
chison of Pomona." The consternation among 
the leaders of the Democratic party was only 
equaled by that in administrative and diplo- 
matic circles at Washington. The dismissal of 
Minister West by our Government and the sev- 
ered diplomatic relations between England and 
the United States, never fully resumed by the 
Cleveland administration, are recorded in our 
Nation's history; but the wide-spread results 
aifecting the political history of a nation! who 
can calculate them? It is conceded that one of 
the most important factors that operated in the 
overthrow of the Democratic administration in 
1888 was the famous " Murchison letters." All 
this time and while these events were taking 
place Mr. Osgoodby was unknown, and it was 
not until months after the election of November 
6 that his name was given to the public as the 
author of that famous letter. Never desirous of 
notoriety, he pursues his course in horticulture 
upon his five-acre tract, about a mile west of 
Pomona, and devotes a portion of his time to 



his business interests in the city. lie is a well- 
known and respected member of the community 
in which he resides. He is friendly to the 
cause of religion, and is a supporter of any en- 
terprise tending to benefit the city of his choice. 
In 1877 Mr. Osgoodby married Miss Mary E. 
Rhoades, a native of Illinois, the daughter of 
Silas C. and Anna (Quincey) Rhoades. Her 
father was killed on the battle field in the war 
of the Rebellion, while serving in the United 
States army. From this marriage there are 
two children living, viz.: Charles A. and Ethel. 
The first child, John Logan, died in 1887, at 
the age of seven years. 

'^■&-^ 

jARTIN OLSEN.— The subject of this 
sketch is one of the business men of 
Sierra Mad re, and has a boot and shoe 
store on Central avenue east of Baldwin avenue. 
Mr. Olsen established this store in November, 
1887, and by his straightforward dealing and 
courteous manner has built up a substantial 
trade, and is well patronized by the community 
in which he resides. He is a native of Nor- 
way, and was born in 1858. His parents are 
Andrew and Trira Olsen, also natives of Nor- 
way. His father was a seafaring man. Young 
Olsen was given the benefits of a good school- 
ing until fifteen years of age, and was then ap- 
prenticed to the trade of a boot and shoe maker, 
at which he worked until reaching his majority. 
He then entered upon a seafaring life in a mer- 
chant's vessel, and spent six years as a sailor. 
In 1885 he left his vessel in Nova Scotia, where 
he spent a few months, then coming to the United 
States and locating in Concord, Massachusetts. 
There he obtained employment at his trade, and 
was employed in the boot and shoe stores of 
that eity until 1887, when he came to California 
and established himself in business in Sierra 
Madre. He is a self-made man, a thorough me- 
chanic, and master of his calling. Mr. Olsen 
is a member of the Congregational Chui-ch, and 
is a supporter of any enterprise that tends to 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



583 



advance the interests of the community in which 
he resides. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. 
Olsen was married in Norway, in 1882, to Kat- 
rine Pettersen, by whom he had one son, An- 
drew. She died in 1883, in Norway. In 1886 
Mr. Olsen was married in Concord, to Miss 
Olive Larsem, also a native of Norway, the 
daughter of Johanes and Karen Larsen. They 
have two children: Elida and an intant son. 



fUDGE II. K. S. O'MELVENY was born in 
Todd County, Kentucky, March 5, 1823. 
His father moved with his family a few 
years later to Monroe County, Illinois. Young 
O'Melveny in his boyhood had access to a fair 
library of good books, and he received his edu- 
cation at the log-cabin schools of that period, 
and at several excellent academies. Having 
commenced the study of law in his twentieth 
year with an elder brother, Edward, he was ad- 
mitted to practice by the Supreme Court in 1846. 
In 18i9 he crossed the plains on horseback, 
reaching Sacramento, August 4. Soon after he 
and Murray Morrison (since a district judge of 
Los Angeles County, and now deceased) formed 
a law partnership. Afterward, being seriously 
ill, O'Melveny went to Benicia. Here he prac- 
ticed before Major Cooper, J ndge of the First 
Instance under the Mexican reijime (correspond- 
ing nearly to our justice of the peace). The exact 
jurisdiction of the court in that transition period 
was not defined; nor did either the court or the 
lawyers understand whether Spanish or American 
laws were to be administered; if the former, then 
they were unknown to botii lawyers and judge. 
So the rule adopted was, to administer the laws 
of tiie United States in a Spanish or Mexican 
court. Judge Cooper had been longer in the 
country than theattorueys; therefore the question 
of jurisdiction was always left tu his decision; 
and he reasoned: "Every wrong has a remedy; 
if he had no jurisdiction, no other court liad; 
and of necessity, therefore, he must iiave juris- 
diction to try any cause that migiit come before 



him." As a result, he tried felonies, granted 
divorces, administered on estates, and even in 
one case acted as a court of admiralty, ordering 
tlie condemnation and sale of a libeled ship. 
Such were some of the anomalies incident to 
the change of government in California. In 
1850 Judge O'Melveny returned East, where he 
remained till 1869. He continued to practice 
his profession and was also active in politics, 
and in intimate relations with Douglas, Lincoln 
and many other public men. He was elected 
circuit judge in 1857 and served four years. 
He came to Los Angeles in 1869, and entered 
into partnership with Judge Brunson, and after- 
ward with H.T. Hazard, now mayor of the city. 
In 1871 he became a member and president of 
the city council. In 1872 he was elected county 
judge; and in 1887 he was appointed superior 
judge. He married, in 1850, Miss A. W. Rose. 
They have four children: Edward II. and Henry 
W. O'Melveny, Mrs. Emma II. Safford and 
Miss Adele O'Melveny, all residing in this city. 



f AMU EL A. OVERIIOLTZER.— Among 
the representative farm properties in the 
vicinity of Covina, the most noticeable is 
that of the above-named gentleman. He is the 
owner of eighty acres of rich and productive 
land located three-quarters of a mile west of 
Citrus avenue, and one-fourth of a mile south of 
Covina postoffice. Mr. Overholtzer purchased 
this land in 1885, and in the same year 
commenced its improvement. At the time of 
his purchase it was covered with a rank wild 
growth of sun-flowers. He began at once the 
clearing and placing under cultivation and the 
planting of fruit trees and vines. He also 
erected substantial buildings, among which is a 
fine two-story residence, supplied with tlie con- 
veniences of a well-ordered, modern home, and 
large and commodious barns and out-buildings. 
He has a fine orange grove of twenty-tive acres 
in extent, tlie most of the trees being Wash- 
inirton Navels, and tiie rest Mediterranean 



uisToar OF ws anoeles county. 



Sweets. Seven acres are devoted to deciduous 
fruits, producing the most improved variety of 
peaches, apricots, prunes, apples, pears, etc. A 
vineyard of six acres, producing seven varieties 
of table grapes, is also one of his improvements. 
He has eight acres in alfalfa, which, by irriga- 
tion, is producing seven crops a year, averaging 
in the aggregate from ten to twelve tons per 
acre. The rest of his land is devoted to general 
farming. Mr. Overholtzer is a thorough farmer, 
as is well attested by the Success he lias attained 
upon his present farm. His systematic and 
thorough cultivation has produced wonderful 
results, and placed him among the representa- 
tive and successful horticulturists of the San 
Gabriel Valley. The subject of this sketcli was 
born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March 
3, 1837. His parents were Jacob and Cath- 
eriue (Anglemire) Overholtzer, both natives of 
Pennsylvania. In his youth his parents located 
in Ogle County, Illinois, and there engaged in 
farming. Mr. Overholtzer was reared iii that 
county as a farmer, receiving such an education 
as was to be obtained in the common schools. 
He remained with his father until he reached 
his majority, and then, after a year spent in 
farming operations upon his own account, in 
Ogle County, he located in Carroll County, 
where he engaged in farming and stock-raising 
until 1864. In the spring of that year he came 
overland to California and located in Yolo County, 
on the Sacramento River. After two years in 
that county he moved to San Joaquin County, 
and was there employed in farming and stock- 
raising until 1886, when he took up his present 
residence. Mr. Overholtzer is an intelligent 
and progressive citizen, and in whatever com- 
munity he has resided has always been a strong 
supporter of schools and churches. He was a 
school trustee of his district in San Joaquin 
County for iifteen years. He is a consistent 
member of the Brethren or Dunkard Church, 
and is a trustee of that church at Covina. He 
is a stockholder in the Azusa Water Develop- 
ment and Irrigation Company, and in 1887 and 
1888 was a director in the company. In 1858 



Mr. Overholtzer was nnited in marriage with 
Miss Maria E. narnish,anative of Pennsylvania, 
and the daughter of Michael and Ann E. (Graeff) 
Ilarnish, also natives of that State. Of the thir- 
teen children Irom this marriage, eleven are 
now living, viz.: Emma C, now Mrs. Jacob 
Schultd, of San Joaquin County; "William II., 
who married Miss Mattie JS". Finch; Michael 
N., Anna Louisa, Isaac S., who married Miss 
Jennie Finch; Jacob D., Cecelia G., Samuel 
A., Jesse I., Clarence E. and Carrie E. Mr. 
Overholtzer's father died in 1865, and his mother 
died in 1880. 



fEORGE II. PECK is a pioneer of Cali- 
fornia, and among the well-known repre- 
sentative men and agriculturists of San 
Gabriel Valley. The lead he has taken in agri- 
cultural industries and other interests of tliat 
beautiful valley during his twenty years of resi- 
dence entitles him to more than passing men- 
tion. Mr. Peck is a native of Burlington, 
Vermont, and dates his birth March 4, 1819. 
Ills father, John Peck, was a native of Con- 
necticut, who located at Burlington, in Chitten- 
den County, Vermont, in 1806, and was during 
his life largely interested in various mercantile, 
banking and railroad enterprises, and manu- 
facturing industries in and near Burlington. 
Mr. Peck's mother was also a native of Con- 
necticut. She was Almira Keyes, a descendant 
from the historical Keyes family of that State, 
and a daughter of General John Keyes, a veteran 
of the Revolutionary war, who served in General 
Putnam's command. The subject of this sketch 
spent his youth in the schools. In 1837 he 
graduated at the University of Vermont at 
Burlington, and received the second degree, A. 
M., in 1838. In that year he made a voyage to 
the northeast coast, going north to latitude 56°, 
and the Esquimaux settlements, searching for 
health. The following winter and spring were 
spent in extended travels by sea and land, 
through the West India islands and the Southern 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



States. In 1841, having studied law under the 
late Charles Adams and Judge Bennett, of Bur- 
lington, he was admitted to the bar and began 
the practice of law. Of an energetic disposi- 
tion, he zealously and very successfully pursued 
his chosen calling. After a few years, failing 
health again compelled him to seek relief in 
travel. This time, however, as he expressed it, 
he ceased to play gentleman. He had got to 
recuperate by hard work. This could be done 
only at sea. So striking a shipping master (for 
his delicate looks were against hini), he was 
shipped before the mast; and in the course of 
several voyages, covering a space of two and 
one-half years, he revisited the different West 
India islands, and also South America and 
Europe. Mr. Peck's life has been full of con- 
trasts. Nothing, he says, ever amused him 
more than passing out trunks (of travelers, 
whom as a sailor he had helped to row ashore 
at Christianstadt, in the island of Santa Cruz) 
to a colored boy who in former days had been 
his own servant. In 1846 he entered into mer- 
cantile and manufacturing pursuits in Vermont, 
which he continued until 1849. In the latter 
year he came by way of the Isthmus to Cali- 
fornia, arriving in San Francisco on steamship 
Oregon, December 1, 1849. As everything per- 
taining to the daily history of the Argonaut may 
be interesting, we deem it not out of place to 
note a few of the experiences of Mr. Peck, who, 
except John M. Horner, was the pioneer vege- 
table and hay merchant of the Pacific Coast. 
"I landed," he says, "in height a diminutive 
boy, at the corner of Broadway and Sansome 
streets, with a small boat-load of my own and 
the luggage of several professional men who 
had secured passage from Panama to San Fran- 
cisco by shipping as stewards, i. e., table waiters, 
etc. Of course their objective point was the 
mines, and to hasten the trip they had adopted 
the usual method of those days — running away 
from the ship, leaving their wages. They escaped 
by sliding down the boat tackle-ropes. All of 
the crew had been officers, ranging from second 
mate nil to caiitain. The mines were their ob- 



jective point also, and I understood that they 
left the ship in the same way. Once ashore, I 
purchased lumber for tent poles, paying there, 
for at the rate of $600 per 1,000 feet." Shortly 
after his arrival he went to Santa Clara County, 
locating near Alviso, where he engaged in vege- 
table gardening and raising hay for the San 
Francisco markets. He also entered into busi- 
ness as a hay and vegetable dealer in San 
Francisco. It is noted that at that period the 
following prices ruled: Hay, $200 per ton; 
clumps of cabbage leaves, called heads, $1.50 
each; peas, $1 per pound, in the pod; potatoes, 
25 cents per pound, or .$500 per ton. He was 
also connected with other industries in that city 
until 1851, when he went to mining in the 
upper counties. Leaving the mines, he located 
in Yolo County in 1852, and engaged in farm- 
ing. The lands upon which he confined his 
operations were subject to overflows, destroying 
his crops; besides, that scourge of low, marshy 
lauds, fever and ague, claimed him as a victim, 
and he was compelled to seek other localities 
and occupations. In 1854 he moved to Sacra- 
mento, where he was employed as principal of 
the public schools. He opened the first public 
school in that city, February 14, 1854, being 
the first public school opened in the State out- 
side of San Francisco. In 1856 Mr. Peck 
located at Dutch Flat and entered upon the 
practice of law. He engaged in that profession 
until 1858, when he returned to Vermont. 
After a few weeks' visit at his old home, he re- 
turned to California, and opened a commercial 
school in San Francisco. In May, 1860, he 
opened the San Francisco Industrial School, the 
first of its kind on the coast. In May, 1861, 
he became principal of the Spring Valley Gram- 
mar School of that city, where he continued until 
1863, and then entered into business as a coal 
dealer. He was also principal of the night 
schools of San Francisco for several years while 
engaged in his business enterprise. In 1869 
Mr. Peck came to Los Angeles County ami 
located about two and a half miles northeast of 
El Monte, in El Monte Township, where he 



HISTORY OF LOS AJSGELES COUNTY. 



purchased 500 acres of land and entered upon 
agricultural pursuits, an occupation which he 
has successfully conducted for the past twenty 
years. Mr. Peck took his land in its wild state, 
and has by liis intelligent care and industry 
brought it to its present productive condition. 
He believes in diversified farming. While hay 
and grain are his principal crops, he cultivates 
deciduous fruits and grapes as well, and has 
been eminently successful in both. He also has 
a fine dairy of from forty to fifty milch cows, of 
Jersey and Short-horn Durham stock. His 
horses, in which he takes a suitable pride, are 
of the celebrated old Morgan stock. As a prac- 
tical, thorough-going business man, he has ap- 
plied the same principles to farming that insure 
success in other occupations of life. He is a 
progressive citizen, and one that is ever ready 
to aid any movement that will advance the in- 
terests of his section. He is a Republican in 
politics, taking a great interest in the intelligent 
success of his party, and has served as a dele- 
gate in many of its conventions. He was a 
supervisor in Yolo County in 1853 and 1854, 
and was also superintendent of public schools 
of Los Angeles County in 1874-76. He is a 
man of broad views and liberal education, and 
for years has been a member of the Southern 
California Historical Society. For more than 
thirty years he has been a consistent member of 
the Episcopal church. Mr. Peck has been twice 
married. Ey his first wife he had two sons: 
John H. F., a merchant living in Los Angeles, 
and George H. Peck, Jr., a banker in San Pedro. 
By his second marriage, in 1864, he had two 
daughters: Kate W., now Mrs. Albert Giblis, 
who lives at South Pasadena, and Mary Chator, 
a member of her father's household. 



^^m^^-^ — 



fW. PAUKER is one of the pioneers of 
Eagle Rock Valley. He is a native of 
® London, England, and came to America 
in 1860. He first located in Chicago, where, for a 
periodof ten years, he carried on the grocery busi- 



ness. His father, Charles Parker, died in 1888, 
and his mother, Susan Pai-ker, died in 1885. They 
had eight children, all living and married, the 
subject of this sketch being the only one of the 
family who ever came to America. He was 
married in Chicago in 1868 to Miss Ruth M. 
Orchard, of Steuben County, New York, the 
daughter of Thomas Orchard, an Englishman. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Parker the following children 
have been born: Alice E., wife of Prof. William 
Frackelton; Arthur, Etta May, Ruth Susan and 
Edith. Mr. Parker has a most beautiful tract 
of fifty-five acres in Eagle Rock Valley, which 
he has brought to almost a perfect state of cul- 
tivation. He has a fine orchard and fruits of 
all kinds, and makes a specialty of rose culture. 
He has 1,000 rose trees, representing 100 dif- 
ferent varieties, all in full bloom, presenting a 
sight most beautiful to behold, and has proved 
it to be a very profitable as well as pleasant in- 
dustry. From his residence one has a most 
magnificent view over this beautiful and rapidly 
improving valley, from the Eagle Rock itself on 
the east to the ocean on the west. A few more 
men having the energy and enterprise which 
Mr. Parker has brought from Ciiicago will soon 
make Eagle Rock Valley one of the richest and 
prettiest places in Los Angeles County. 



—<$-*■< 



II. PUTNAM came to California in 1861 
from Iowa. Pie was born in Illinois in 
^' •' September, 1830, a son of Daniel Green 
Putnam, who was a native of Massachusetts and 
a direct descendant of the celebrated General 
Israel Putnam. Daniel Putnam married Eliza- 
beth Washborn, also of Massachusetts, and to 
them were born six children, of which the sub- 
ject of this sketch was the second. All except 
one, the oldest daughter, are still living. The 
father died in 1843, aged forty-two years, after 
which his widow married Morris Martin, and 
this union was blessed with three children. She 
died in 1857. Mr. Putnam grow to manhood 
in Lee County, Iowa, to which place his father 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



587 



had moved in 1842. He tliere married the lady 
of his choice, Miss Hannah Farley, a native of 
Iowa, and daughter of Drury Farley, formerly 
of Virginia. Her mother's maiden name was 
Pally Tade, also from the Old Dominion, and of 
German extraction. Of this marriage three 
children were born: Louisa, George and Mark. 
On account of his wife's ill health Mr. Putnam 
sold his farm of 180 acres in Iowa, and moved 
to California. She died in 1863, in El Dorado 
County, at which place Mr. Putnam was engaged 
in the copper mines. Fifteen years later the 
subject of this sketch was again united in mar- 
riage, choosing for his second wife Mrs. Jemima 
Vandecar, 7iee Jemima Stafi". She had five chil- 
dren by her previous marriage, and six by her 
union, with Mr. Putnam. Their names are as 
follows: Howard, Maud, Lillie, Israel, Cleve- 
land and Mabel. Mr. Putnam has traveled over 
the State considerably; first farmed in Sonoma 
County; in 1863 went to the copper mines of 
El Dorado County; subsequently returned to 
Sonoma County, where he engaged in farming 
three years; iu 1868 went to San Diego County, 
and in 1872 came to Los Angeles County. He 
purchased forty acres near Orange and farmed 
until 1887, when he bought the fifty-five acres 
where lie now lives, oue mile south of Whittier. 
His leading industry in the future will be rais- 
ing the English walnut, of which fruit he has a 
tine young orchard. 



WILLIAM HAYES PERRY was born 
October 17, 1832, near Newark, Ohio, 
where he spent his boyhood. In 1853, 
partly on account of his health, he started for 
California overland with Colonel Ilollister, of 
Santa Barbara, who crossed the i)lains that year 
with stock, sheep, cattle and horses. The party 
crossed the Missouri River at Bennett's Ferry, 
south of Council Bluffs. It consisted of about 
fifty men and five ladies. On their route they 
were much annoyed by the Indians. The party 
came into California via Salt Lake City, 



thence south via San Bernardino to Los Ange- 
les, arriving in Los Angeles in February, 1854. 
Mr. Perry tells an amusing story of his first 
arrival in Los Angeles. Like so many others, 
before and since, at the end of his long overland 
journey he arrived here worn out, dead broke, 
and very nearly naked. The first thing he did 
was to try to get a suit of clothes ou credit, 
which would require considerable cheek. He 
made his way into a store and told his story to 
tlie proprietor, who was an entire stranger, and 
asked to be trusted until he could earn enough 
money to pay for the cheapest suit of clothes he 
had in the store. Notwithstanding his ragged 
appearance, the proprietor of the store seemed 
to be favorably impressed, and not only offered 
to trust him for a plain working suit, but also 
insisted that he take a second and better suit to 
wear to church and other places requiring him 
to dress well, allowing him his own time to pay 
for them both. Mr. Perry says he felt so grate- 
ful for this kindness to him, ever since, that he 
could never fully repay the kindly act of one 
who befriended him when destitute and "when 
naked, clothed him." Mr. Perry before leaving 
the East having finished his apprenticeship in 
cabinet making and turning, engaged in this 
business on his arrival in Los Angeles. Although 
a mere boy he took hold with an ambition and 
will to accomplish all that industry, economy 
and perseverance could bring him in that busi- 
ness, and in less than one year from the time of 
his arrival he opened the first furniture store in 
Los Angeles, and with the articles he manu- 
factured, and with shipments he made from San 
Francisco, he kept a full and complete assort- 
ment, and held the trade solid, and had no com- 
petitor for four years. In 1846 he took in a 
partner (Mr. Brady), whom in 1858 Wallace 
Woodworth bought out. With the latter he 
continued in business for twenty-five years, or 
until Mr. Woodworth's death in 1883, the 
name of the firm being Perry & Woodworth. 
In 1873 they changed from the furniture and 
cabinet business to dealing iu lumber, mold- 
inirs, doors, sasii, blinds, and buildinir hard- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ware, and iinish of all kinds. They bought and 
built on the property now occupied by the busi- 
ness, extending through from Commercial street 
to Requena, and on the south side of Requena 
street, building a branch of the Southern Pacific 
Railroad through the property, so as to avail 
themselves of railroad facilities in handling 
lumber, etc. After Mr. Woodworth's death 
Mr. Perry incorporated his business, and it is 
now known as the W. H. Perry Lumber and Mill 
Company. It does an immense business; has 
been selling from 30,000,000 to 80,000,000 ftet 
of lumber per annum. It has been the ambition 
of Mr. Perry to take the lumber from the tree 
in the Northern forests, manufacture it in his own 
mills in the forest where it grew, ship it on his 
own vessels over his own wharves, and deliver 
it to the consumer here in Southern California, 
thus enabling his company to defy all competi- 
tors. This ambition has been realized, his 
company owning their own timber lands, their 
own sawmills, their own vessels, their own 
wharves, and their own yards throughout the 
country for distribution and sale. And as a re- 
sult, their profits have been very large. Mr. 
Perry and associates organized the Los Angeles 
and Elumboldt Lumber Company, at San Pedro, 
carrying there a stock to supply the Arizona 
and foreign trade. He organized the Pioneer 
Lumber and Mill Company at Colton, to supply 
the territory east of Los Angeles County. He 
also organized the Los Angeles Storage, Com- 
mission and Lumber Company. This company, 
in addition to lumber, carried lime, plaster) 
cement, fire- brick, etc., to supply the market. 
In 18(35 Mr. Perry obtained a franchise from 
Los Angeles City to light the city with gas. 
He organized the Los' Angeles City Gas Com- 
pany, holding the position of president and 
manager for five years, aud sold the works, at a 
handsome advance above cost, to its present 
owners. Mr. Perry bought, set up and run the 
first steam engine brought to Los Angeles. In 
1879 he was elected director, president and 
manager of the Los Angeles City Water Com- 
pany, which \vas heavily involved, and by intro- 



ducing system, economy and efficiency, he put 
it on a dividend-paying basis, and it has ever 
since been retained in that position by its stock- 
holders. Mr. Perry is president of the follow- 
ing corporations: W. II. Perry Lumber and 
Mill Company, Los Angeles City Water Com- 
pany, Crystal Springs Land and Water Com- 
pany, Ventura Valley Water and Improvement 
Company, Cosmopolis Mill and Trading Com- 
pany, of Washington Territory, and director and 
one of the organizers of the Southern Califor- 
nia Insurance Company, and also director of 
several other corporations. Mr. Perry, as will 
be seen from the foregoing, is a very busy man; 
in fact he is one of the astatest and most enter- 
prising, far-seeing and successful business men 
on the Pacific Coast. Llis keen insight enables 
him to forecast with surprising accuracy what 
enterprises will be profitable and wliat not, and 
it is a remarkable fact that he has seldom asso- 
ciated himself with any business that has not 
been a great financial success. In 1858 Mr. Perry 
married Miss Elizabeth M. Dalton, of this city. 
They have three children living, viz.: Mrs. 
Mamie Perry Davis, Charles Frederic, and 
Miss Florence. The two daughters are fine 
musicians. Mrs. Davis, tlie elder, received her 
musical education and graduated from the Con- 
servatory of Milan, Italy, where siie was a 
special pupil of tliat celebrated master, San 
Giovanni, and where she made a most successful 
debut as a prima donna in an engagement of 
seventeen successive nights. Mr. Perry has 
surrounded his family with all the comforts of 
life. His house is ever open to visiting friends, 
who are received with great warmth and welcome 
by himself and family. 



JOLNEY K. PURDY was born in Greene 
County, New York, in 1831. He is the 
son of William and Lucy (Clark) Purdy, 
both of whom were natives of that State. Mr. 
Purdy was reared as a farmer, having tlie ad- 
vantages of such a schooling as was afforded by 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT Y. 



the common schools of that date. When eiglit- 
een years of age he started out in tlie world to 
earn his own living, and was for some time en- 
gaged in farm labor and afterward was employed 
on the Hudson River upon freighting scliooners 
and other vessels, until 1852. He then went as 
a passenger on the ship North American, for a 
voyage around Cape Horn to California. This 
voyage ended in San Francisco on September 1 
of that year. Soon after his arrival in that city 
he proceeded to the mines, and first located at 
Auburn, Placer County, and later in Sierra 
County. He spent the ne.xt four years in min- 
ing occupations in those counties, and then, his 
liealth failing, he was compelled to abandon that 
enterprise, and in 185B returned to New York. 
Having recovered his health, he came the second 
time to California in 1858, and located at Peta- 
luma, Sonoma County. There he engaged in 
fanning and the dairy business, in Marin 
County. At that time many portions of the 
county were almost entirely unsettled, and Mr. 
Purdy states that the Indians were at times 
very troublesome, so much so that the settlers 
often banded together and drove them back to 
the mountains, which was not always accom- 
plished without some severe lighting. Mr. 
Purdy remained in that county until 1868, at 
which time he located in San Francisco. He 
was a resident of that city for the next si.x 
years, and among his various occupations was 
that of omnibus driver for John McGlynn, 
and stage driving. In 1871 and 1872 he was 
sailing master of a yacht in San Francisco Har- 
bor. In 1874 the subject of this sketch came 
to Los Angeles County and took up his resi- 
dence at the Azusa. Locating forty acres of 
land about tliree miles south of the present site 
of Aznsa, he successfully contested the grant- 
holder's claim to this land until he secured a 
Government title. He was also during that 
time engaged in mining enterprises in the San 
Gabriel Canon. In 1887 he sold twenty acres. 
The other twenty acres, which he is now devot- 
ing himself to improving, is located on Azusa 
avenue. Three acres are in citrus fruits of 



the budded varieties; two acres are producing 
peaches, and the rest of his land is devoted to 
general farming. Mr. Purdy is well known in 
the community, where he has resided for the past 
fifteen years. In political matters he is a strong 
Republican; was a stanch Union man during 
the civil war, and a member of the military 
company enrolled at Petaluma. He is a stock- 
holder and one of the incorporators of the Azusa 
Water Development and Irrigation Company. 
Mr. Purdy is unmarried. 

^X-GOVERNOR PIO PICO.— The last 
TB, Governor of Alta or Upper California 
"^^ under the Spanish or Mexican regime, was 
born at the Mission of San Gabriel, May 5, 1801. 
He was the son of Jose M. Pico, Sergeant of the 
artillery company stationed at the Presidio of 
San Diego, and Doiia Maria Eustaquia Gutie- 
rrez. Sergeant Pico died at San Gabriel in 1819, 
and his wife in 1846. Don Pio's recollections of 
persons and events in California, extending over 
the period of nearly a century, are very vivid 
and are of great interest, as he took an active 
part in public affairs during much of the time. 
Only the barest skeleton sketch of them are re- 
corded in these brief notes of his life. He re- 
members the great earthquake of 1812 that 
destroyed the unfinished church of San Juan 
Capistrano, with many lives. He remembers 
that in 1810 his father was piit in prison, be- 
cause of talk in the compauy of which he was 
Sergeant, of Mexican independence, which was 
then much agitated throughout Mexico. His 
brother. General Andres Pico, who was also a 
conspicuous character in California's early his- 
tory, was born in 1810. The latter acted as 
General in the defense of the country when in- 
vaded by the United States, and he signed the 
peace agreement with General Fremont. Gen- 
eral Pico and General Fremont were good friends 
in after years. A sister (Maria) of Don Pio, 
born in 1804, married Ortega, and was still alive 
in this city only a short time ago. Two sisters 



iiiHTonr ()/<' I. OK ANOKLKs nonNvy. 



itifirricd in siiccoHtiioii Aohv, A. (Jiinillo, iiiul Uio 
socoiul lived to a very old iige. Si ill aiiotlior 
BiBtcr, DofiH YHiidoni, iiiari-itMl Don Juan I<\irH- 
tcr. An elder l.rotiier, ,l..se Antoniu I'ien, wim 
11 B..ldiei' III MonI.ere.y; lie died iit Simla, Miir- 
giii'itii Honio y(!iii's iij^o. Don J'io riMneinlici's 
tliat, ill 1818 liis lallior was soiit to San (liabi'iol 
on account of a risiuf^ of tlie Nco])liyte8 of tlio 
iiiiBBion; and tliat tlio eamc year lio was rccallod 
to San Dic^o to iiHsiHt in tlie defense! of tliiit port 
agaiiiHt Kuine piriilew. in IS21 D.m i'io was 
employed l.y Ids hrolh.T in law, .Iom'. Anl.mi.i 
rari'illo, lu lake Iwenty-live barrelH of brandy to 
disiiiiiiile aiiKiiii;- llu^ Missionary Katliers of tlio 



nortli.'i' 



>{■ I be T. 



jireseiil from ('aiiill 



wli 



inlliK 
Calii; 



y, as a particular 
IS OIK! of the most 
(if that epocli in 



In IS'JS Do 



xvliieli 



M'l"' 



wbiel 



I'orlilla was tli.. 

(iov,.r,u>r iMdiandia I,, I ry 

a Mexican citizen, Luis I! 

(pieslioii of tlie precedence of the civ 



dered by 

lie cliiirgos against 

,'as, in which the 

r the 



military antliority came uji iukI whs velienienlly 
contested. In 1831 Pico, wilb olhers, joined in 
resisling the aggressive course of (leneraJ \'ie 
Inria; and on llie lUllb of November ihey issued 
a "I'rommeiaiuenI,,," luid lliey gained 'the lui- 
liesion of all the military companies at San 
Diego. Ceneial flehandia placed iiimself at the 
lieiid ollhe reMilulionary force. lie dispatched 
lilly men under ( 'aplain I'ortilla to Los Angeles, 
with orders lo imprisiin the Alcalde Vicente Siin- 
ehe/. and set al libvrly several citi/.ens whom he 
had ill.-allv imprisoned. Caplain Torlilla, on 



ipi 
d in liOs Anireles 



geies 



■d .mt Ihe or- 
ders of his superior. The same day ihal Caji 
tain Portilla arrived in the pueblo, (ieueral 
Victoria, on his way scnith from Monterey, 
reached the mission id" Siui Keriuuido, where lie 

ineiit to.ik place between ibe Iwo birces, just 
west of the eily, wliicli resulted jiartly in favor of 
Victoria, who, however, was seriously wounded; 
and also in ihe lamentable loss of two good eiti 
/ens, vi/.: .lose M. Abila and ("aplain I'aeliero. 



Victoria retired to San (Jaliriel, and the next 
day 8urrondere(l i,,, I'orliila. Don I'io was (Jov- 
ernor at the time of the cliaiiHe of ( ;,)vernm(Mit, 
and did his best to defend the Territory, but the 
ciml(!st was a hopeless one, especially after the 
cajiture of the National capital by the Aincri- 
can army. Poth ho and Don Andres accepted 
the inevitable, and became good American citi- 
zens. General Pico died some years ago; and 
(Jovernor Pic^o, now almost the last of his family^ 
is still hale and robust al the age of eighty- 
eight; and he may be seen on our streets, a 
striking ligure; although his hair and full beard 
are while, and his appcarauco is venerable, he 



--f--»K^ 



H^ 



niAN(;is PKAiKM-: 

i fill and eneriretic 



menti 



me are 
1 than 



long the success- 
s of this county 
lore deserving of an appropriate 
1 Mr. Pearce. He is a native of 
hinghind, and brought with him to this country 
that energy and storness of character which are 
characteristic of the Kngliish poo])Ie in general, 
lie was b,,rii in Cornwall, December 10, ISfl-. 
His lalber is William I 'earce, a very suecessl'nl 
iarmer in Santa (JIara County, this State. Our 
subject is one of a family of four children — one 



girl 
ISCl 



layi 



md three boys who came to A 
and were wreeked ,m I be (I real Kastern. 
put back 1,1 Liverp.iol and remained live 
after which they continued their westward 
\dyage over the "watery waste,'' and landed 
safe at Quebec. From there Mr. i'earce went 
to Wisconsin, and thence to San Francisco, ar- 
riving there January 27, 18(52. He worked lirst 
in the quicksilver mines, fourteen miles from 
San .lose, for eleven years. Here ho was minor, 
engine.'rand mechanic. From the .luicksilver 
mines he weni lo Kl Dorado C.mnly and was 
engineer in the mines lliere lor abonl one year. 
Then he went lo Arizona and opened np the 
McCraeken mines. Next he went lo Mexico, 



his 



slop 



relatives 



UISrORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



Angeles County, and decided to purchase a farm 
and make a home. He accoraingly bought the 
forty acres wliere he now lives. On tliis tract, 
witii ills own IkukIs, lie lias Imilt a residence 
wlucii woul.i lie a credit to the liest j)rofessional 
mechanic. He is a natural genius, and can 
make almost anything, even to a steam engine. 
After fitting up his home he began to think it 
"not good to he alone," and accordingly asked 
Miss Mary V. Callaway to share his joys and 
sorrows through life. The lady accepted his 
modest invitation and November 29, 1877, they 
were made one. She is the daughter of Daniel 
C. Callaway, of North Carolina, who came to 
California when Mary was ten years old. He 
is one of the successful farmers of Santa Clara 
County, and is now at the advanced age of 
cif^hty years. Mr. and Mrs. I'earce have had 
live children; three only ai-e living: Emma, 
Lulu and Mary. 



-IH.^*^ 



fN. PliKSTON, senior member of the firm 
of J.N. Preston & Son, architects, Los 
** Angeles, was born in Wayne County, New 
York, October 5, 1832. During his early child- 
hood the family removed to Lansing, the capi- 
tal of the State of Michigan, where the son 
grew up and learned his profession. Following 
this in that city until 1875, he moved tlience to 
Austin, Texas, where he established a leading 
business in his line, drawing the designs for, 
and erecting, some of the largest business blocks 
in that and other cities. His plans were accepted 
for the three State asylums in Austin, the Insane 
Asylum at Terrell, and the magnificent Hotel 
Driskill, the finest in the South. He was one 
of the commissioners to select the design for the 
State House, and during its construction he held 
the position of superintending architect. In 
May, 1886, he came with his son to Los Angeles, 
and since then has taken a leading position in 
his profession in this rapidly growing city. He 
and his son have drawn plans for some of the 
finest blocks in the place. They are scientific 



artisans. Mr. Preston married Miss Janet 
Johnson, of Cornwall, Canada. They have one 
son, S. A. J. (see sketch elsewhere), and two 
daughters, Sarah Pt. and Flora C. 



tEWIS C. POLLARD was born in Clarke 
County, Alabama, in 1839. His father, 
Richard Pollard, was a native of Missis- 
sippi, and a farmer by occupation. His mother, 
Susan Bell, was born in Alabama. She died 
when Mr. Pollard was about nine years old. 
His father then moved to Caddo Parish and 
tliere engaged in cotton-planting until 1855, 
when he emigrated to Te.xas and located in 
Lamar County, where he engaged in farming 
and stock-raising. The subject of this sketch 
remained with his father, engaged in agricultural 
pursuits, until 1861. In the spring of that year 
he started overland for California. This jour- 
ney was made by ox teams, and it was not until 
October that his train reached El Monte, in the 
San Gabriel Valley. After a stop of two months 
at that place Mr. Pollard went to Merced County 
and was engaged in mining until the next sum- 
mer. He then returned to Los Angeles County 
and was engaged in farming near EI Monte 
until 1868. In that year he took up his resi- 
dence in Los Nietos Valley, and the next year 
established a livery stable at Gallatin, and also 
engaged in farming operations. Mr. Pollard 
conducted his business at that point until 1873. 
He then purchased an eighty-acre ranch at the 
Azusa, in the East San Gabriel Valley, spend- 
ing two years at farming. In 1875 he moved 
his livery stable from Gallatin to Downey and 
took up his residence in that town, where lie re- 
mained until 1887, when he moved to Azusa, 
which was then rapidly springing into existence. 
There he established a livery stable and became 
identified with the building up of the town, and 
since that time has continued business at that 
point. At this writing (1889) Mr. Pollard has 
a wcll-aj)pointcd and equipped establishment, 
one (jf the best in that section of the couiitv, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



comprising ten horses and a complete outfit of 
carriages, etc. He is also devoting considerable 
attention to horticultural pursuits, and is the 
owner of twenty acres of fine fruit land, located 
a mile and a half south of Azusa, which he is 
devoting to citrus and deciduous fruits. He 
has property interests in Azusa, consisting of 
residence and several town lots, besides his 
stables, residence and lots at Downey. Mr. 
Pollard is an enterprising and progressive citi- 
zen, well known throughout the sections of Los 
Angeles County, where lie has resided for more 
than a quarter of a century; and his success in 
life has been secured by industrious habits and 
straightforward dealings. In political matters 
he is a consistent Democrat, and one who takes 
an interest in the success of his party. He is a 
strong believer in the future success of his sec- 
tion and is a supporter of such enterprises as 
will develop its resources. In 18G9 Mr. Pollard 
was united in marriage with Miss Ellen William- 
son, a native of Texas. Her parents, Nelson and 
Gertrude "Williamson, are now living in Los 
Angeles County. From the marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Pollard there are si.x children living, 
viz.: Olive E., Eichard, Mary A., Gertrude, 
Lewis A. and Robert, all of whom are members 
of their father's household. Mr. Pollard's father 
is now a resident of Los Angeles County. 



■^s=^ 






fA. J. PRESTON, of the firmof J. N. Pres- 
ton & Son, architects, Nos. 76, 77 and 79 
® "Wilson Block, corner of Spring and First 
streets, was born in Eaton County, Michigan, 
on Independence Day, 1858. After completing 
the High-School course, he assisted his father 
as an architect for several years. Then he com- 
pleted a course in the architectural department 
of the Massachusetts School of Technology, since 
which time he has been associated with his father 
in the present relation. They have elaborated 
designs for many fine structures in this city, 
since their arrival here three years ago; indeed, 
they have taken a leading position in their jiro- 



fession. November 1, 1884, is the date of Mr. 
Preston's marriage to Miss Clara May Bloom - 
burg, of Michigan, and they have one daughtci-, 
Janet Maria. 



fAMES C. PRESTON.— Among the welll 
known residents of the Upper San Gabrie- 
Valley is the subject of this sketch. Mr. 
Preston dates his birth in Washington County, 
Virginia, November 22, 1831. His parents 
were Thomas M. and Jane (Orr) Preston, both 
natives of that State, and descendants of promi- 
nent families of the Old Dominion. Mr. 
Preston was reared to farm life, and given the 
advantages of a good education, until about 
nineteen years of age. He then engaged in 
teaching school. In 1855 he engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits, which he conducted until 
1860. In that year he went to Texas, and from 
there to Missouri, where he purchased a band 
of sheep, which he drove to Texas, and located 
in Hunt County. He was there engaged in 
stock-growing until the breaking out of the 
civil war. In 1862 he entered the Confederate 
military service as a Quartermaster and Com- 
missary Sergeant of Major Burnett's well-known 
battalion of sh irp-shooters. He served in the 
armies east of the Mississippi, at Port Hudson, 
Jackson and other points, until after the fall of 
Vicksburg. His command was then ordered 
back to the trans-Mississippi department, in 
which he served until the close of the war in 
1865. At the cessation of hostilities, Mr. 
Preston gladly accepted the situation, and re- 
tired to his home in Hunt County. Resuming 
his farming operations, he was there engaged 
until the spring of 1868, when he started by 
emigrant teams overland for California. It was 
not until September of that year that his long 
journey over the deserts and mountains ended 
by his arrival at San Bernardino. After a short 
stay there, he located at El Monte, in Los An- 
geles County, where he remained until the next 
vear. He then went to San Bernardino, and 



nrsTouT OF los angeles county 



tlie next two years was engaged in farming upon 
rented lands near that city. In 1871 he re- 
turned to Los Angeles Connty, and took np liis 
residence about a tnile and a (juarter west of the 
present site of Glendora. Tiiere lie entered 160 
acres of Government land. Years of litigation 
with the Azusa grant holders over the owner- 
ship of this land, followed, and it was not until 
about 1880 that the court decisions gave him 
his title. This retarded many of his projected 
improvements, and he confined his operations 
principally to grain-raising. Since 1885 he has 
sold his lands, until at this writing (1889) he is 
the owner of twenty acres which he is putting 
under a tine state of improvement and cultiva- 
tion. In 1886 he established a nursery of citrus 
fruits, an enterprise that he has made successful, 
and produced some of the finest trees in his 
section. His land will be devoted to citrns and 
deciduous fruits, the soil being specially adapted 
to that branch of horticultural products. Water 
for irrigation purposes is supplied from the 
ditjhes of the Azusa Water Development and 
Irrigation Company, which pass through his 
land. Mr. Preston's long residence, and the 
prominent stand he took in the various land 
contests affecting the titles in the Upper San 
(iabriel Valley, has made him well known, and 
gained him a large circle of friends. He has 
alwaj'S been a strong supj)orter of such enter- 
]>rises as would develop the resonrces and 
encourage the settling up of his section. He 
is an earnest advocate of the public-school sys- 
tem, and for many years was a school trustee of 
his district. In 1871 he was elected constable 
of the San Jose Township, and in the year 
1872 -'73, after his section was embodied in 
Azusa Township, served in the same capacity in 
that townsiiip. He was one of the incorporators 
and is now (1889) the treasurer of the Azusa 
Water Development Company. In political mat- 
ters he is a Democrat, but is liberal and con- 
servative in his views. In 1864 Mr. Preston 
wedded Miss Mary Ddugherty, a native of 
Virginia. She is the daughter of Charles and ' 
Jlosamond .f. (Hale) Dougherty. Her father was [ 



a native of North Carolina, and her mother of 
Virginia. Mrs. Preston's parents canie to Los 
Angeles County in 1868. Her father died at the 
Azusa in 187it. Her mother is now a resident of 
San Bernardino County. From the marriage of 
Mr. and Mrs. Preston there are living the fol- 
lowing-named children: Charles Thomas, Will- 
iam T., John L., Mary Myrtle, Jamas L., Carrie 
V. and Ralph, all of whom are members of their 
father's household. 



fL. PALMER, a progressive and enter- 
prising business man of Pomona, is a 
® native of Stonington. Connecticut, dating 
his birth in 1852. His parents, Franklin A. 
and Arabella (Stoddard) Palmer, are both de- 
scendants of old colonial families of that State. 
Pie was reared and schooled in New England, 
completing his education in Rhode Island. In 
1869 he came to California and for several 
years was employed as an accountant in the 
United States Surveyor General's oflice in San 
Francisco. In 1874 he vvas appointed secretary 
of the San Joaquin and Kings River Canal and 
Irrigation Company, organized by some of the 
old-time capitalists of Sin Francisco, — J. Mora 
Moss (president), Isaac Friedlander, William C. 
Ralston, Nicholas Luning, Charles Lu.y, John 
Bensley, and Charles Webb Howard, — which re- 
sponsible position he held until 1883. In June 
of that year he came to Pomona, where he was 
elected treasurer and agent of the Pomona Land 
and Water Company. In February, 1887, he 
was elected as the secretary and treasurer of the 
company, a position which he has held contin- 
uously since that date. Mr. Palmer has been 
one of the most active oflicers of that company, 
and much of its success is due to his enterpris- 
ing and energetic management. He is also a 
successful horticulturist, owning twenty acres 
of land located at North Pomona, which he has 
placed under a high state of cultivation and 
improvement, and is ])roducing a large variety 
of citru.s and dwidnous fruits, wliidi aiv not 



niSTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



excelled by any grown in the Pomona Valley. 
He is deeply interested in the future growth 
and pros})erity of the valley, which is destined 
to become one of the richest fruit-growing sec- 
tions of the State, and has devoted time and 
means in showing to the world the wonderful 
productions of the section in which he resides. 
He is the vice-president of the Pomona Bank, 
and is also secretary ot the following incor- 
porated companies doing business in the city of 
Pomona: Pomona City Water Works, Irrigation 
Company of Pomona, Palomares Irrigation 
Company, Del Monte Irrigation Company, and 
Canon Irrigation Company. He is also inter- 
ested in many other enterprises that have been 
coiiducive to the growth and prosperity of the 
city. He is a strong supporter of schools and 
churches, and is a member and trustee of the 
Pilgrim Congregational Church of Pomona. 
In politics he is a stanch Republican, taking a 
great interest in the success of his party. He 
is always found allied with its best elements. 
In 1879 Mr. Palmer was united in marriage 
with Miss Martha Belcher, the daughter of F. 
P. Belcher, of Oakland. The names of the 
children are: Frank C, Frederick B., Donald 
Day and Eoger Sherman. 

^-^m^ ■ 

tENPtY A. PALMER is one of the prom- 
inent business men of Pomona, who has 
for years been associated witii the various 
industries and interests that have been so in- 
strumental in building up and creating one of 
the most prosperous cities of Los Angeles 
County. In 1S82 Mr. Palmer, in connection 
with C. T. Mills, of Oakland, and M. L. Wicks, 
of Los Angeles, incorporated the Pomona Land 
and Water Company. This company succeeded 
the old Los Angeles Irrigation and Land Co- 
operative Association, purchasing their land 
and water rights and also buying an interest in 
the Loop & Meserve tract and San Antonio 
Canon water rights. From its incorporation 
until 1884 Mr. Palmer was vice president of 



the company; he was then elected president 
(vice C. T. Mills, deceased), which position was 
filled by him until 1887. It was while under 
his able management that the company reached 
its greatest success, and the city of Pomona 
sprang, as if by magic, into existence as the 
leading town in the San Jose Valley. He is 
also the owner and incorporator of the Pomona 
Bank, the first incorporated (1883) in that city, 
and the second to open its doors for business. 
He has also taken an active and leading part in 
the street railroads and other enterprises that 
have been so beneiicial to the city. Mr. Palm- 
er's life has been spent in active business pur- 
suits, a brief resume of which is of interest. 
He is a native of Stonington, Connecticut, 
dating his birth in 1842. He was reared in his 
native place and given the advantages of a good 
academical and business education, and early 
entered into mercantile life as a clerk. He was 
engaged as an express agent, and afterward as 
a clerk in the United States Custom House at 
Stonington. In 1862 he came to California 
and was employed in a banking and assay office' 
in Folsom, Sacramento County, nntil 1864, and 
then spent a year in assaying in Michigan 
Bluff. While there he was offered the responsi- 
ble position of cashier in the United States 
Mint at San Francisco, which position he filled 
from 1865 to 1867. He then accepted the po- 
sition of cashier in the well-known banking 
house of Banks & Co., of that city, and was 
employed in their bank until 18G9, when he 



organized and was 



appo 



nted cashier of the 



Union Savings Bank of Oakland. From that 
time until 1886 Mr. Palmer was prominently 
identified with the banking interests of that 
city. He was the first cashier of the Union 
Savings Bank upon its incorporation in 1869, 
and afterward the first cashier of the Union 
National Bank, established in 1877. From 1882 
to 1886 he was the president of the last-named 
institution, and also vice-president and treas- 
urer of the Union Savings Bank. Since 1886 
Mr. Palmer has spent most of his time in con- 
ductiuirhis various business interests in Pomona. 



BISTORT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Mr. Palmer has also held many positions of trust 
ill the institutions of State and county. He 
was the secretary and treasurer of the State 
institution for the deaf, dumb and blind at 
Berkeley, from 1870 to 1882, and is now one of 
the directors of that institution, having been 
appointed as such in 1885; and for tsvo years 
was director of the Home for the Adult Blind. 
He was for eight years a member of the board 
of education as a school director in Berkeley, 
and is now the president of the board of trus- 
tees of the Pomona College. He is also a mem- 
ber of the Pilgrim Congregational Church of 
Pomona, and one of its trustees and strongest 
supporters. In political matters he is a straight 
Kepublican, and is always allied with the best 
elements of that party. He stands high in Ma- 
sonic circles; is a member of Durant Lodge, of 
Berkeley, and of the chapter and commandery 
of Oakland, and is also a member of the Ancient 
Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of 
San Francisco. In 1867 Mr. Palmer married 
Miss Jane O. Day, the daughter of Sherman 
Day, formerly the United States Surveyor-Gen- 
eral of California, and well known throughout 
the State. The names of their children are: 
Theodore S., Elizabeth D. and Harold K. Mr. 
Palmer's father was Benjamin F. Palmer, a well 
known resident of Stonington, Connecticut, and 
a descendant from one of the old colonial fami- 
lies of New England. Both Mr. Palmer and 
his wife are direct descendants of Roger Sher- 
man, one of the signers of the Declaration of 
Independence, from Connecticut. 



fA. PACKARD. — Among the most pro- 
ductive and best improved properties in 
® the San Josd Valley is that of the above- 
named gentleman. His 170-acre tract is located 
just north of and adjoining the town of Lords- 
burg. Mr. Packard is a resident of Chicago, 
Illinois, where he has spent many years in a 
successful business career. Desirous of a winter 
residence in the genial climate of Southern Cal- 



ifornia, in 1884 he purchased the land above 
mentioned and commenced its improvement and 
cultivation. Eighty acres of his land are de- 
voted to vineyard purposes, producing wine 
grapes, in about equal proportions, of the Zin- 
fandel, Berger and Matero varieties, and also 
about thirty-five varieties of table grapes for 
family use. His vineyard, though not in full 
bearing, is remarkably productive. Twenty-five 
acres in 1888 yielded an average of twelve tons 
per acre. The average yield per acre of his 
eighty acres in the same year was eight tons 
per acre. Forty-five acres are j)lanted with 
trees, classed as follows: Ten acres in Washing- 
ton Navel oranges, fifteen acres in apricots, ten 
acres in French prunes, and ten acres in pears. 
At present he is extending his orchard by plant- 
ing twenty-five acres of orange trees. Every- 
thing about his model farm shows the success 
to be gained in horticultural pursuits, when in- 
telligent care and cultivation is combined with 
sound business principles. His improvements 
are of the first order. His beautiful residence 
is a model country home. No expense has been 
spared in securing all the conveniences and com- 
forts that characterize this well-ordered place. 
Shade and ornamental trees, rich floral produc 
tions and well-kept lawns add to the comfort 
and beauty of his surroundings. Commodious 
barns and out-buildings, including a large two- 
story fruit storage and packinghouse, are among 
his substantial improvements. The water for 
irrigation purposes is procured from the foot- 
hills north of the place, from the supply de- 
veloped by Fleming & llohrer, and is piped to 
a 470,000-gallon reservoir, located on the north- 
east corner of his lands, and thence by a com- 
plete system of pipe lines is distributed over 
the place. This reservoir has an elevation of 
fifty-five feet above the location of his residence 
and farm buildings, furnishing a strong water 
pressure which Mr. Packard has made available 
in running a water moter, that is utilized in 
running circular saws, emery wheels, grindstones, 
etc. Except on the south line, Mr. Packard's 
land is surrounded by a line of eucalyptus trees, 



niSrORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



adding greatly to the beauty of his place, while 
fiirnishing protection against undesirable winds. 
Mr. Packard is a successful business man and 
capitalist, having large interests in Chicago and 
other points East. His engagement in horti- 
cultui-al pursuits in the San Jose Valley is not 
a mere pastime; it is a successful business vent- 
ure, made so by the application of the same 
energy and sound business principles that have 
secured him success in the various enterprises 
that have engaged many years of his life. He 
is a progressive and representative citizen, ready 
and willing to aid any enterprise that will build 
up and develop the resources of his section. 



tOx\. JOAQUIN DIAZ PRIETO, Mexican 
Consul at Los Angeles, was born in the 
city of Frontera, Tabasco, Mexico, April 
4, 1847. He attended school and received his 
education in the city of Vera Cruz, studied medi- 
cine, received his license from the Government 
and engaged in the practice of his profession. 
In 1864 he was studying medicine at Vera Cruz 
at tlie time that Maximillian came to invade 
Mexico, and was one of the first to protect and 
to take up arms in defense of his country. He 
was appointed to a place in the medical depart- 
ment of the Government during the troubles 
with England, France and Spain, and served two 
years. In 1872 he was appointed customs offi- 
cer by President Juarez at Frontera, State Ta- 
basco, and was connected with this department 
of the Government for five years, a position of 
great responsibility. He was the second chief 
customs official, with bonds. He then resumed 
the practice of his profession. He was made 
prefect politico and military commander of the 
States of Tobasco and Campeche, and also ap- 
pointed judge of first instance for the same 
States. In 1882 he was appointed by his Gov- 
ernment and sent as consul to Tombstone, Ari- 
zona. It was a position of great responsibility 
at that time, during the trouble between Ari- 
zona and Mexico, and it required very judicious 



treatment. He was the first consul to defend 
Mexican interests on the border line, and his 
course was approved and commended by Minis- 
ter Romero at "Washington. During the Apache 
Indian troubles and the difiereiices between him- 
self and General Crook, the consul was a vigor- 
ous defender of Mexican interests, and the Mex- 
ican minister at "Washington sustained him in 
the position he had taken and extended him his 
entire approval. In July, 1886, he was se- 
lected for promotion to the consulship of his 
government to Los Angeles, and has taken an 
advanced position and an active interest in pro- 
moting the commercial interests between Mex- 
ico and Southern California, using his influence 
and efforts in behalf of the international interests 
of both countries. He still holds his commis- 
sion as Colonel in the Mexican army. Seiiior 
Prieto is working now to establish a steamship 
line to do business between the ports of San 
Pedro and San Diego, California, and the Mex- 
ican ports on the Pacific Coast. He is also in- 
terested in assisting the agricultural and mineral 
development of Mexico at several points, being 
connected with several large companies having 
that object in view. Mr. Prieto was united in 
marriage, February 20, 1884, with Miss Guad- 
eliipe Sanchez Tirado, of Mexico. She is a daugh- 
ter of Manuel R. Sanchez, a lawyer of promi- 
nence, now living with his daughter. Mr. and 
Mrs. Prieto have one daughter, Amanda, four 
and a half years old. 



tOUIS PHILLIPS.— Prominent among the 
pioneers of Los Angeles County and the 
early settlers of the San Jose Valley is 
the above-named gentleman, wh(j has for nearly 
two-score years been identified with the indus- 
tries of the county. Mr. Phillips was born in 
1831, in Germany, where he was reared and ed- 
ucated until 1848, when he emigrated to the 
United States. Locating in Louisiana, he de- 
voted his attention to ?nercantile pursuits until 
1850. In that year he came to California and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANO ISLES COUNTY. 



established himself in business, opening a store 
on Long Wliarf in the City of San Francisco. 
The next year he came to Los Angeles County 
and entered into mercantile pursuits in Los 
Angeles. In 1853 he purchased a ranch east of 
that city, on the San Gabriel River, and for the 
next ten years engaged in fanning and stock- 
raising in addition to his other enterprises. In 
1863 Mr. Piiillips came to Spadra, and in 1866 
purchased the San Jose Ranch, containing 12,- 
000 acres of some of tiie best land iu San Jose 
Valley. He then entered largely into stock- 
growing and general farming, which he has 
since continued. As the settlement of the county 
increased, he sold portions of his estate. At this 
writing (in 1889), he is the owner of a magnifi- 
cent ranch of 6,000 acres, nearly all under a 
high state of cultivation, producing rich harvests 
of hay and grain and affording pasturage for his 
herds of horses, cattle and sheep. He was one 
of the first to engage in the breeding of im- 
proved stock in the county; and for years has 
devoted much time and money toward placing 
the raising of fine stock among the paying in- 
dustries of the county. The homestead portion 
of his ranch is located at Spadra, and there he 
has entered into fruit and vine cultivation, hav- 
ing forty acres of vineyard devoted to wine 
grapes, and fifteen acres to French prunes. His 
family orchard is a model, containing a large 
variety of citrus and deciduous fruits. He has 
forty iuchas of water available for irrigation 
purposes, which he has utilized for fish culture, 
having two large ponds well stocked with carp 
and cat fish. The improvements are first-class. 
His two-story brick residence has been fitted 
and furnished with all the conveniences that 
characterize a well-ordered modern home, while 
comtnodious barns and out-buildings meet the 
requiiements of his farming operations. The 
whole is surrounded with shade and ornamental 
trees and well-ordered grounds. Mr. Phillips 
is a large owner of business and residence prop- 
erty in the city of Los Angeles, owning three 
large business blocks. He has been largely iden- 
tified with the wonderful growth and prosperity 



of that city, as he has also that of the neighbor- 
ing city of Pomona. He is well known through- 
out the county as an energetic and })rogressive 
citizen, and a shrewd business man, and it is to 
those qualities, combined with his wonderful 
foresight, that he owes his success in life. Polit- 
ically be is a Democrat, and, though not an 
ofiice-seeker, his inflaence is felt in the ranks of 
his party. In 1866 he was appointed postmas- 
ter at Spadra, upon the establishment of that 
office. He is a charter member of Pomona 
Lodge, No. 246, L 0.0. F. In 1868 Mr. Phil- 
lips married Miss Esther Blake, a native of Illi- 
nois. They have four children living, viz.: 
Belle, who married Frank George, now residing 
in Northern California; Charles B., Louis and 
George, who are members of their father's house- 
hold. 



fOSEPH EDWARD PLEASANTS was born 
near St. Charles, Missouri, March 30, 1836. 
His father, James Madison Pleasants, who 
still lives at Pleasant Valley, Solano Count}', 
and after whom the valley is named, is a native 
of Kentucky. His mother's name was Mason; 
she died in 1848. Both parents were of English 
ancestry. The father and two sons caine»to Cal- 
ifornia in 1849, by way of Goose Lake, entering 
the Sacramento Valley at Redding, with a com- 
pany of 120 persons, one-fourth of whom died 
on the way from cholera. Edward was the 
youngest of the party. He and his father and 
older brother mined on Feather River eighteen 
months; then came to what is now Solano 
County and, on the advice of John Wolfskill, 
settled at Pleasants Valley in 1851. Bear, deer 
and antelope were very plentj' there then, as 
also were California lions. Eleven bears were 
counted by the Pleasants at one time. Ed- 
ward worked with his father till June, 1856, 
when he came to Los Angeles to attend the pri- 
vate school of William Wolfskill, living mean- 
while in Mr. Wolfskin's family, till the last of 
1858. He tlieii went to the raiiclio •' i>ymas de 



lIISTOSr OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Santiago," then owned by Mr. Wolfskill, tp 
take charge of horses and cattle, on shares. He 
has made his home in. the Santiago Canon ever 
since. Jn 18(31 Pleasants and William C. War- 
ren, then city marshal of Los Angeles, and the 
sherift' of San Bernardino County, started after 
a large band of horses which had been stolen 
and taken through the Cajon Pass out on Mo- 
jave River. Near Pock Creek they found the 
camp of the horse-thieves and captured two of 
them, who were afterward convicted and sent to 
•the penitentiary from San Bernardino County; 
a third one escaped. A year or two after, he 
was apprehended for killing John Sanford, and 
brought to Los Angeles and tried and convicted 
by the court, and hung by the people on a cross- 
beam of a corral gate-way, where Lawyer's Block 
now stands. He gave his name as Charles Wil- 
kins, and according to his own confession he 
had been with the Mormons in the Mountain 
Meadow Massacre, and had first and last killed 
many men, and was a desperado and fiend of the 
blackest dye. Pleasants' party recovered about 
forty animals, twenty-six head of which belonged 
to Workman and Rowland, of La Puente, and 
some to Mr. Temple. These rancheros sub- 
scribed each $100 to fit out the pursuing party. 
In 18G2 Mr. Pleasants was shot by horse-thieves 
in one^jf iiis own corrals in the Santiago Canon, 
where he found three of them stealing horses. 
One of the. gang, Bonillo by name, under pre- 
tense of being friendly, approached Pleasants 
as'he entered the corral on horseback, as if to 
shake hands, and suddenly drew his pistol; 
Pleasants threw np his arm, knocking away the 
pistol. This sliot, however, disabled Mr. Pleas- 
ants' right hand, and he comrpenced shooting 
with his left hand, wounding Bonillo, who, wheu 
all his six shots were fired, ran. Every one of 
these shots hit Mr. Pleasants, his saddle or his 
horse. Three of them hit Mr. Pleasants, who 
only fired five shots (all with his left hand), 
which were all he had, as he had jjreviously 
fired off one; but the robber supposed that Mr. 
Pleasants had one shot still in reserve, and as 
his cuujpanions had made ofi' at the conunence- 



ment of the melee, he fled too. And thus Mr. 
Pleasants, in a left-handed fight of one against 
three, remained master of the field and of his 
own corral. Cattle and hoi-se thieves long ago 
concluded that Santiago Canon was an un- 
healthy locality for their vocation; and now it 
is one of the most peaceful and quiet, as it is 
one of the most picturesque mountain valleys 
in Southern California. Mr. Pleasants has had 
much success in raising Cashmere goats, of 
which he has now about 1,000 head. They are 
easily raised and can live wherever a common 
goat can. He has also engaged in bee culture 
successfully, and cattle- raising. He made a 
veiy creditable exhibit of bees and honey, for 
which he received the gold medal at the New 
Orleans Exposition. July 15, 1868, Mr. Pleas- 
ants married Miss Mary Refugio Carpenter, 
who died in this city, January 26, 1888. A 
sister of Mr. Pleasants, Mrs. W. S. Reavis, is a 
resident of Los Angeles. 



fW. PESCHKE, capitalist, 308 Macy street, 
Los Angeles, is a native of Saxony, born 
® September 18, 1826. He attended school 
during boyhood, grew up in his native country 
and was at Frankfort-on-the-Main during the 
Revolution. Having determined to emigrate to 
America, he sailed from Antwerp, September 25, 
1846, on the ship Lady Arabella, of Boston, and 
arrived in New York about the 31st of Novein- 
lier. Having an old friend in Pennsylvania, the 
only acquaintance he had in this country, he 
wrote to him and received an immediate reply, 
urging Mr. Peschke to visit him. He accepted 
the invitation and spent the winter there, after 
which he went to New Bedford and remained 
until 1851. In the meantime his brothers came 
to this country and located in Cincinnati and 
near there. He visited them, and, after travel- 
ing about for some time, went to Boston, where 
he spent the winter. In April, 1852, he sailed 
for California and reached San Francisco in 
May. The ship carried 1,100 passengers from 



nrsroRY op los anoeles county. 



Panama and came near being shipwrecked on 
the rocks off Monterey. After reaching San 
Francisco he went to the mines for a time, but, 
not meeting with success, returned to San Fran- 
cisco and Sacramento. In the latter place he 
opened Cohimbus Hall, in October, and the fol- 
lowing mouth tlie great fire did not burn him 
out, but in moving he lost all he had. After a 
short time lie went up to Shasta and Weaver- 
viile, in 1854, and opened tlie Union Hotel. He 
remained there until 1857, tiien sold out and 
went to Trinity River, bought water privilege 
and mines and built flumes, doing a good busi- 
ness, but losing everything by the great floods 
in November, 1861. The following year he 
visited Portland and thence to Victoria, West- 
minster, up to Carriboo, British Columbia; pros- 
pected there, but money gave out. Provisions 
were scarce; flour sold for $1.75 per pound; bacon, 
$ 1.50 par pound. In company with an old partner, 
left Williamsfork, traveling on foot through the 
Indian country; came out at old Fort Collville, 
on tlie Columbia River; tlience over Spokane, 
Pelura, up Snake River to Lewistown, thence to 
Walla Walla, and per steamer to Dallas and 
Portland. Oregon. In the spring of 1863 went 
up to Idaho (Boise mines), made a little money, 
and in 1864, in the fall, left there on horse- 
back over Burnt River, John Day River, Dal- 
las, Mount Hood to Portland, and per steamer 
Pacific to San Francisco. Went into business, 
but without luck. Early in the spring of 1865 he 
tooksteamer to Wilmington and passed through 
Los Angeles on his way to Arizona, but, on 
account of the Indians, did not remain, and re- 
turned here and sought employment ; was clerk for 
Mr. Mateo Keller for six years; afterward opened 
a store on Aliso street and carried on mercantile 
business until 1877, when he sold out and re- 
tired from active business, and bought the prop- 
erty where he uow lives. In 1876 he took a 
trip to Europe, spent a year in traveling, and 
since his return has given his attention to look- 
ing after his valuable real-estate interests at 
the corner of Macy street and Aliso road and 
elsewhere. In January, 1879, Mr. Peschke 



married Miss Emelia Burkhardt, a native of 
Baden, Germany. Tliey have two children: 
Frederick William and Julia A. 



tNDREW WILSON POTTS, at present 
one of the bank commissioners of Califor- 
nia, has been a citizen of Los Angeles 
County for nearly thirty years. He is a native 
of Bedford, Pennsylvania, born March 3, 1831. 
In 1846 he went to Dubu(|ue, Iowa, where he 
remained nntil 1849, when he set out on the 
overland journey for California, arriving at 
Hangtown, then, now Placerville. He stayed 
there a few months, and tlien went to Nevada 
and Sierra counties, where he followed mining 
seven years. He was then deputy county clerk 
of Sierra County for live or six years. In 1859 
he went to Washoe, and in 1861 came to Los 
Angeles. He was in the employ of Tomlinsou 
& Co., forwarding and shipping merchants at 
San Pedro, till 1863, when he entered the em- 
ployment of Banning & Co., at Wilmington. 
On the completion of the Los Angeles & San 
Pedro Railroad, by H. B. Tichenor, he became 
the agent of the road at Los Angeles, where he 
remained till 1869, at which time he was elected 
clerk of Los Angeles County, which office he 
filled acceptably to the people for fourteen ypars. 
In 1884 he bought the old Ramirez place at 
Highland Park, between Los Angeles and Pasa- 
dena, and built a beautiful home, where his 
family now reside. Mr. Potts was appointed 
bank commissioner by Governor Stoneman in 
1886, the duties of which office take him all 
over the State. In 1861 Mr. Potts married 
Miss Sherrard, by whom he has four ciiildren: 
One son, Fred VV., and three daughters, Florence, 
Meta and Aileen. "Wilson" Potts is not only 
a thoroughly trained accountant and business 
man, but he is also one of the most genial of 
men. He is one of those rare officials who 
hold tiiat a pulilic officer is a servant and not a 
ruler of tiie people; and w!io believe that the 
people, even the humblest, who may have legiti- 



Ul STORY OF LOa AN OB LEU COUNTY. 



mate business with an officer, are uniformly and 
always entitled to be treated witii courtesy, and 
that their proper business with any public ofKcer 
thereby becomes essentially public business; and 
therefore that it becomes strictly the function 
and duty of the incumbent of such office, in 
every reasonable way, to facilitate the same as 
public business. No matter how complicated 
or vexatious the duties of any office Mr. Potts 
has held may have been, it is believed that no 
reasonable, or even half reasonable, request for 
information oi- assistance, pertaining to the 
duties of his office, ever met with rebuff or was 
ever treated otherwise by him than with the 
most patient courtesy. It is this fact, coupled 
with his thorough efficiency and tidelity in every 
position, that explains why he has been so 
popular, and why he was called upon to fill the 
office of clerk of the growing and important 
county of Los Angeles for fourteen years. He 
makes friends wherever he goes. His term as 
bank commissioner expires in 1890. 



l^ON. GEORGE K. PORTER is a pioneer 
'f^ in the full acceptance and California mean- 
^If ing of the word. He came here in the 
year of the Argonauts, and since that time he 
has in fact been persistent in industry. As 
success came to him with passing years it 
brought out all the best qualities of the man. 
Generous, candid in speech and action had he 
been before, but with greater scope and wider 
knowledge of men, these qualities came more 
into play. He is thus the reverse of not a few, 
and success had a different eftect on him from 
its effect on many who, the more they succeed, 
the more does self become prominent. In 1849 
the subject of this sketch left his home in 
Plymouth County, Massachusetts, to seek a 
fortune in the far West. He was then a youth 
of sixteen, and a son of Dr. John Porter. As 
far back as 1864 Mr. Porter went into tlio 
tanning business in Santa Cruz County. He 
also engaged in the manufacture of boots and 



shoes, which he carried on in connection with 
the tannery for a period of tweiity-five years. 
Not only was he successful in business here, 
but he was honored by the people in being 
chosen on the Republican ticket as Senator from 
Santa Cruz County, and in this capacity he 
served during 1861-'62 and 1862-'63. In 1876 
George K. and B. F. Porter and Charles Maclay 
bought 56,000 acres of land, embracing the old 
Spanish Mission in the beautiful and fertile San 
Fernando Valley. On this vast ranch they have 
raised wheat, barley, horses, cattle and hogs. 
The ranch was subsequently divided, and our 
subject took the central part. Reserving 2,000 
acres for himself, he has since sold his interest 
to the Porter Land and Water Company. On 
this ranch, one mile west of San Fernando, they 
have erected a fine hotel, at a cost of $40,000. 
The structure is three stories high, and is known 
as the Mission Hotel. It has about sixty rooms, 
with all modern improvements, and it would be 
a credit to any city. Mr. Porter is the local 
manager of the Mission Ranch, having entire 
charge of the vast interests connected with it, 
and in which he is the principal stockholder. 
He also has other and important interests in 
other parts of the State, and in San Francisco, 
where he is a member of the firm of Porter & 
Sessinger, manufacturers and wholesale dealers 
and importers of boots and shoes. Mr. Porter's 
record as the leading business man in the north- 
ern part of Los Angeles County is well known 
to all business men through this and other coun- 
ties of the State. He married Miss Kate A. 
Caystile, in Los Angeles, and has two children: 
George K. Porter, Jv., and Estelle C. Porter. 



fH. PERKINS, contractor, Grand avenue 
and Washington street, Los Angeles, is a 
® native of New York State, born February 
19, 1850. He attended school during boyhood 
and served an apprenticeship to the trade of 
carpenter and joiner. After reaching manhood 
he went to St. Louis and was successfully en- 



UI STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



gagod in building in that city tifteen years. He 
came to Los Angeles in 1887, worked at his 
trade, and the following year engaged in con- 
tracting and has taken contracts for a number 
of fine residences. Among them are the resi- 
dences of A. P. Phillips, Angelino Heights; J. 
H. Claudius, Ellis avenue; A. L. AVright, IJon- 
sallo avenue; and residences on Flower street 
and Orange avenue; also the Newell Block, for 
H. T. Newell. He has had a large e.\perience 
as a responsible contractor and builder. Mr. 
Perkins was married June 29, 1873, to Miss 
Sara Zonville, of Rochester, New York. They 
have five children: Nellie V., Benjamin G., Ada 
May, Li Hie and Sara. 

WILLIAM H. PAYNE is the senior 
member of the mercantile firm of W 
PL Payne & Co., of Duarte. The firm 
was established October 1, 1888, comprising the 
subject of this sketch, and Messrs. A. J. Beatty 
and R. L. G. Wright, and at that time entered 
into a general mercantile business upon the 
corner of Highland and Duarte avenues. They 
also have a branch establishment near the 
Duarte railroad depot, called the depot store. 
Their establishments are the only stores in 
Duarte, and are thoroughly equipped, carrying 
a complete and well-assorted stock of dry -goods, 
groceries, hardware, crockery, clothing and agri- 
cultural implements. The postoftice, with A. 
J. Beatty as postmaster, is located in their store. 
Mr. Payne is an energetic young man, well 
schooled in mercantile and other business pur- 
suits. He is a native of England, dating his 
birth at Brighton, in 1857. His father was a 
clergyman of the Episcopal Church, who gave 
to his sou the advantages of a good education 
in the higher schools of that city. In 1884 he 
came to California, and located at Lancaster, 
Los Angeles County, where he entered the em- 
ploy of the Atlantic and Pacific Fiber Company, 
in their paper inanufaetory, as the manager of 
one of the departments of their works. He 



remained in the employ of that company for 
about three years, or until 1887, when he came 
to Duarte and established the depot store, which 
he successfully conducted until he entered into 
his present partner^iip- Mr. Payne has real- 
estate interests in Duarte, and is thoroughly 
identified with its best interests. Progressive 
and public-spirited in action, he is a supporter 
of such enterprises as tend to build up his sec- 
tion. His consistent course of life and honorable 
dealing have gained him the esteem of the com- 
munity. 

fROFESSOR M. M. PARKER, President 
of the Pasadena City Council, and Princi- 
pal of the Pasadena Academy, was born in 
Franklin County, Maine, November 27, 1849; 
educated at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, and 
also at the Wesleyan University at Middletown, 
Connecticut, where he graduated in 1875. Soon 
afterward he became principal of the Glastonbury 
(Connecticut) Academy, where he established a 
reputation in his profession that caused boards 
of education elsewhere to apply for his services 
as teacher. Removing to the eastern part of 
the State of Massachusetts in 1878, he was en 
gaged in his profession as teacher there until near 
the close of 1882, when he removed to Pasadena. 
Though in feeble health at that time, he took a 
lively interest in the welfare of the, colony, and 
made a careful study of the social, educational 
and economic problems that arose in that grow- 
ing and ambitious community. To this study, 
as well as to his native talent, is due the sagacity 
he has exhibited in his public career. He has 
been signally efficient in giving direction to 
municipal policy and local enterprise. This 
management has of course tended toward the 
healthy development of the city. Such devel- 
opment is attended with neither penuriousness 
on the one hand, nor extravagance on the other, 
for either of these retards the wheels of progress. 
He is one of those who have contrilnited most 
in making Pasadena what she is to day — a 



HItiTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



beautiful, thrifty, orderly city. A thorough 
believer in American ideas in regard to the 
right of the majority to rule in civil affairs, he 
has sought to carry out the expressed wish of 
the people that saloons sho^jld be excluded from 
tiie city, as also the wishes of tiie community 
in all that ])ertaius to its welfare. As an evi- 
dence of the confidence which is placed in him, 
it may be stated that, after serving one full 
term, he was re-elected at the last municipal 
election, receiving virtually the entire vote cast. 
But the most valuable service which Mr. Parker 
has rendered, fur which he is likely to be longest 
remembered, is the establishment of the academy. 
Early discerning the need of tlie community 
for an institution of learning to supplement the 
public schools, he resolved to found an academy 
as a preparatory school for college. Accord- 
ingly, he opened sucli a school in 1886, which 
has ever since been in successful operation, 
although many obstacles have been encountered. 
With its departments well defined, with compe- 
tent teaciiers, and with an earnest and diligent 
body of students, the academy is second to none 
in the essentials of a firbt-ciass preparatory 
school. 



— ~-v^++^^-- — 

fRANK A. PATTEE.— Among the leading 
drug firms of which mention is made in 
this work perhaps none are more worthy 
of recognition than the prescription drug store 
of Lockett & Pattee, corner of Second and Fort 
streets, Los Angeles. These gentlemen opened 
business September 15, 1888, with a fresh and 
carefully selected stock of drugs, chemicals, 
toilet articles and optical goods. . The fact that 
they started free from indebtedness, and still 
discount all bills; the location of their store on 
one of the principal corners of the city; their 
geniality and fair dealing with the people, and 
exceptional adaptation to each other for business 
purposes, has won them a good trade from the 
start, and argues well for the future. Mr. S. W. 
Lockett, son of William M. Lockett, of Hen- 



derson, Kentucky, was born in the same place 
August 31, 1853. Li 1871 he conducted a large 
insurance agency at Springfield, Missouri, going 
from this place to Lee's Summit, Missouri, 
where he acted as teller in the banking firm of 
A. IL Powell & Son. Afterward purchasing a 
farm near Springfield, Missouri, he went into the 
stock business, following up tills venture with 
the crockery and queensware business, under 
the firm name of Lockett & Eckelberry. Sub- 
sequently, after dealing considerably in Kansas 
lands, he, in company witii others, founded the 
prosperous town of Minneapolis, Colorado. In 
October, 1888, he purchased a place in Los 
Angeles, having decided to make the latter city 
his permanent home. Mr. Frank A. Pattee is 
the son of Eev. C. R. Pattee, D. D., and Mrs. II. 
E. (McLean) Pattee, of this city, and recently 
from Topeka, Kansas. Mr. Pattee was born in 
the Alleghany Mountains, of Northwestern 
Pennsylvania, July 5, 1859. He was educated 
at Lawrence University, Wisconsin. After his 
collegiate course, he and his younger brother 
traveled by horse through the States, writing up 
and sketching the country. This trip finally 
landed them in Kansas, where Mr. Pattee's edu- 
cation and natural turn of mind settled him in 
the drug business. In this he rapidly rose, 
went into business as a registered pharmacist 
in the capital of that State, and on the 22d of 
November, 1886, came to Los Angeles, highly 
endorsed by all the leading physicians of Topeka, 
his former home. Choosing first to go into the 
employ of several leading druggists of Los 
Angeles, he succeeded in winning their highest 
testimonials for reliability in every department, 
and in finally establishing their present business, 
as compounding chemist of the firm. 



fAMES PEDGKIFT, capitalist, Los Ange- 
les, is a native of England, and was born 
January 6, 1842. lie attended school and 
served an apprenticeship to the trade of plas- 
terer in his native country, lie came to the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



United States in 1873; went to Chicago, where 
he worked at his trade six years, and then, in 
1879, located in Leadville, Colorado. He re- 
mained tliere two years and a half, doing the 
principal part of the work in plastering, and 
employing a large number of men in the build- 
ing up of that mining camp during the gold 
excitement. He next went to Denver. On 
acconnt of the ill health of his wife, she came 
to Los Angeles and Mr. Pedgrift went to Salt 
Lake City to perform a contract made while he 
was in Denver. From there he, too, came to 
Southern California, intending to return to Salt 
Lake City, but was so favorably impressed with 
Los Angeles that he decided to make it his per- 
manent home, although doing so at a great dis- 
advantage at that time. Being a thorough, 
practical workman in all the details of his trade, 
and having a large experience, he secured at 
once a good standing among the most responsi- 
ble contractors and architects, and for the past 
live years has cairied on a large and successful 
business. He has been successful in his invest- 
ments and owns two small tracts close to the 
center of the city, also considerable property in 
the choicest residence part. Mr. Pedgrift was 
married February 10, 1861, to Miss Ann Skin- 
ner, a native of England. They have one 
daughter, Ada, now Mrs. A. E. Fisher, residing 
in this city. 



f^^lLLIAM PRIDHAM, Superintendent 
®l| of the Los Angeles district for Wells, 
l^y^ Fargo & Co.'s Express, has been con- 
nected with the company since back in the '50s, 
and is one of the oldest men in its_ employ in 
this country. His first experience was in carry- 
ing letters on the back of a mustang in the 
Overland Pony Express, between Jacobsville 
(now Austin) and Smith's Creek, in Nevada 
Territory. Then all package express matter was 
transported between the Eastern States and Pa- 
cific Coast by steamers via the Isthmus of 
Panama, hi ISdl he began oliice work in Aus- 



tin, Nevada, and was assistant agent there and 
in Sacramento, California, for several years. 
He came to the Pacific Coast in 1851 and was 
express messenger for the company on board of 
Pacific mail steamers running between San 
Francisco and San Diego, stojjping at Santa 
Barbara. In August, 1868, he was assigned to 
duty in Los Angeles, as agent, and has repre- 
sented the company's interests here continuously 
for twenty-one years. During those early days, 
when the company's heavy freight was carried 
by steamers, there was established and running 
a line of stages from San Francisco down the 
coast to old San Diego, by the way of San Jose, 
San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles, the latter be- 
ing tlie terminus of two divisions and headquar- 
ters where horses, stages and supplies were kept. 
The express and freight to and from Los Angeles 
was conveyed by teams between the Angel City 
and San Pedro Harbor. During his more than 
a third of a century of association with it, Mr. 
Pridliam has seen the business of this now 
gigantic corporation growing from infancy to 
its present vast proportions. When he took 
charge of the office in Los Angeles he, with the 
assistance of one boy, did the entire work of the 
company at this point. Now the business in the 
city gives employment to forty-three men and 
eighteen horses; and on the trains running in 
and out of the city over the various railroads, 
fifty messengers are employed. The company 
owns the two-story brick stable in which its 
horses are kept, with all the equipments, vehi- 
cles, etc. The spacious ofiices of the company 
are situated in the Baker Block, on North Main 
street. Until 1886 Mr. Pridham had charge of 
the local office, as agent. In that year he was 
appointed assistant superintendent, in charge of 
the Los Angeles district, comprising the counties 
of Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San 
Luis Obispo, Kern and San Bernardino, which 
position he still fills with ujarked ability and 
good acceptance to the great corporation he has 
so faithfully served for more than a third of a 
century. The variety as w-ell as the volume of 
the Wells, Fari^o ifc Co.'s luisincss has grown 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTT. 



to be of such a complex and coinpreliensive 
character that it embraces the transportation 
of every kind and description of freight to and 
from any point in the civilized world; the pur- 
chase and delivery of goods; the recording and 
execution of papers for the transfer of real 
estate; the payment of taxes, etc., on same; the 
receiving and forwarding of goods in bond to 
the consignee; the transmission of money by 
telegraph, etc. As an example of the business 
methods of this great public carrier, the follow- 
ing is in point: Rev. C. F. Loop, of Pomona, 
while traveling abroad, employed a distinguished 
artist of Florence, Italy, to sculpture a statue of 
Pomona in fine Italian marble, intending to pi'e- 
sent the image of the mythical goddess of fruits 
to the city which bears her name. Under the 
tarili" laws of the United States an article in- 
tended for a gift to the Government, a State or 
municipality is admitted into this country duty 
free. On receiving notification, after his return 
home, that the beautiful piece of art was ready 
for shipment, Mr. Loop was puzzled to know 
just how to proceed to have his treasure brought 
from Florence to Pomona, California. He con- 
sulted with Mr. Pridham in regard to it, who 
told Mr. Loop to hand him all the papers and 
correspondence concerning the ordering of and 
purpose for which the statue was to be made, 
including communications which had passed be- 
tween Mr. Loop and the American consul at 
Florence, and informed the reverend gentleman 
that he, Pridham, would forward the same to 
the Wells, Fargo & Co.'s agent in New York, 
and that the company would take entire charge 
of the shipment of the two-ton statue and deliver 
it in perfect order in the city of Pomona, all of 
which was faithfully carried out, including the 
necessary negotiations with the Government to 
secure its admission duty free. Mr. Pridham is 
a native of New York, the same State in which 
both Wells and Fargo were born. lie is fifty- 
two years of age, and his whole business life 
has been passed in the employ of the sterling 
company he represents. In 1880 he married 
Miss Wheeler, dautrhter of Colonel John O. 



Wheeler, one of the oldest living pioneers, who 
left his New England home and came to Cali- 
fornia in 1850 or 1851. 

fllOMAS PASCOE, proprietor of the pop- 
ular Hotel Lincoln, is a hotel man by 
both nature and education, for successful 
hotel proprietors, like poets, are born, not made. 
This natural adaptation developed by twenty- 
three years' experience as a caterer and proprie- 
tor of public hostleries, has made him one of 
the most successful hotel men on the Pacific 
Coast. Mr. Pascoe is an Englishman by birth, 
and began active life on board a man- of- war in 
the British navy. He there had years of train- 
ing as a caterer in the position of chief steward. 
After leaving the navy and settling in the 
United States, he selected the hotel business as 
congenial to his taste, and conducted sucess- 
ively and successfully several prominent hotels 
in as many different towns and cities during the 
following decade, among them the Pascoe House 
in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Grand 
Hotel at Ukiah, in Mendocino County, Califor- 
nia. He moved to Los Angeles in 1883, and 
when the completion of the trans-continental 
railroad to the city, a year or two later, had 
given an impetus to its business and growth, 
the Clifton House was built on North Fourth 
street, with the understanding that Mr. Pascoe 
was to lease and carry it on. It was completed 
and ready for occupancy in February, 1886, 
when the new proprietor christened and opened it, 
it being then the largest family hotel in the city. 
His lease expired March 1, 1889, and he de- 
clined to re-!ease it, expecting to retire from the 
hotel business, but being solicited by the owner 
and friends to take the Hotel Lincoln, he con- 
sented to do so, and opened it for guests on 
March 1, 1889, taking all of the patrons of the 
Clifton with him. He is ably assisted by his 
wife, who is thoroughly acquainted with all the 
details of a hotel, and has the peculiar charm 
of making all their guests feel at home, which 



U I STORY OF LOS ANOmLES COUNTY. 



has added greatly to the popularity of the hotels 
they have conducted. The Hotel Lincoln is 
situated on Hill street, just sonth of Second, 
and is a large, sightly, three-story and basement 
structure of handsome architectural appearance, 
finished in modern style and furnished with the 
latest improved appliances and conveniences, the 
entire construction -and arrangement admirably 
adapting it for a first-class family hotel. Its 
seventy cotnmodious, light and airy guest rooms 
are chiefly arranged in suites, with bay windows 
looking out upon flower-embowered homes and 
the bnsy streets of the city below, or upon the 
rock-ribbed, enow-crowned mountains in the 
distance. The view from the balconies at the 
Iront of the hotel is rarely equaled for pictur- 
esque beauty. The dining room and parlors on 
the first floor are spacious, richly furnished and 
inviting; the hails and stairways are broad and 
cozy, and the entire building is the embody- 
ment of home-like comfort. Under Mr. Pas- 
coe's judicious management the Hotel Lincoln 
is one of the most attractive and restful resorts 
for the tourist sojourner to be found in South- 
ern California. 



fACOB PHILIPPI, capitalist, corner of 
Euena Vista and Rock streets, is a native 
of Gennany, and was born at Merzlich Kar- 
taus, on the River Mossel, near the old Roman 
city of Trier, in tlie Rhine Province of Prussia, 
October 20, 1836. He emigrated to America 
when only si.xteen years of age, spent one winter 
in Cincinnati and then went to St. Louis, after 
which lie ran on steamboats between there and 
New Orleans. He was for a time in the employ 
of the Government at Leavenworth, Kansas. 
In 1855 he hired out to Waddell &, Russell, the 
great transportation company, to drive team, 
his first tri-p being made to New Me.xieo. Dur- 
ing the same fall he acted in a like capacity for 
General Harney, during the uprising of the 
Sioux Indians, and was at Ash Hollow, where 
the battle with them occurred, where there was 



such a great slaughter, several hundred Indians 
being killed. In 1857 he went on the Govern- 
ment surveying expedition, under General Joe 
Johnson, running the south line of the State of 
Kansas. In the spring of 1858 he was with the 
train that went to Salt Lake to convey relief to 
the soldiers at Fort Bridger, under command of 
General Sydney Johnson. After reaching there 
the troops were removed to Salt Lake. Over 
800 teams were employed, and the command 
established the military post, Camp Floyd. 
During the fall of the same year, fifteen of them 
started from Salt Lake with mnle teams, for 
Southern California. The mules gave out and 
the party were compelled to walk from Camp 
Floyd to Los Angeles. They were disturbed by 
the Indians, who stole their provisions, and in 
consequence they suffered for want of food. 
They reached Los Angeles in November, 1858. 
Upon his arrival here, Mr. Philippi went up to 
San J'ranoisco. After prospecting for a time in 
the mines, he went to Stockton and Napa City, 
California, and the following year returned to 
Los Angeles, where he was in the employ of the 
Government, while General Hancock was in 
command, until 1861. Then he worked for 
General Banning as teamster. In the fall of 
1862 he started a grocery, and after running it 
for a time, and not being successful, he again 
went to work for General Banning. He after- 
ward rented the New York Brewery and was 
successful, but had to give up that enterprise on 
account of sickness, and again went to work for 
General Banning. In November, 1864, he 
bought a saloon at the corner of Market and 
Main streets, and carried on the business there 
and in that block and at the People's Hall on 
Market street for eighteen years. In 1882 he 
sold out and made an extended visit through 
the Eastern States and old Mexico. After his 
return the following year, he established " Tlie 
Gardens," at Buena Vista, and made extensive 
improvements; but on account of ill health sold 
the place to Mrs. Banning. Since then he has not 
been engaged in active business. Mr. Piiilippi 
was married October 2B, 1860, to Miss Wil- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



helmina Burkhardt, a native of the city of 
Tiibingen, Wlirtemberg, Germany. Tliey have 
had two children. Both are deceased. Mr. and 
Mrs. Philippi have a very attractive home, sit- 
uated on one of tlie finest locations in Los An- 
geles. 

— '^■m-^ — 



fOHN F. POWELL was born in Galway, 
Ireland, December 17, 1839, and is tlie 
oldest son of Mathias and Delia (Burk) 
Powell, both natives of the Emerald Isle. They 
came to America when the subject of this sketch 
was only fifteen months old, and located in 
Chariestown, Massachusetts, where John F. 
Powell was reared under the shadow of Bunker 
Plill Monument. The father followed fishing, 
and died in 1882, at the age of eighty-two years. 
The mother is still living with her daughter, 
Maria C, and wife of Thomas F. Meade. John 
F. Powell went to the Winthrop school at 
Chariestown until he arrived at the age of fifteen, 
and his old school-master, Mr. Griffin, who 
was considerable of a dramatic critic, seeing 
that his young pupil showed an extraordinary 
talent for the stage, obtained for him passes to 
tiie Boston Museum and National Theatre so as 
to enable him to prepare himself for the school 
exhibitions. He became a favorite with the 
leading actors, among whom was Edwin For- 
rest, the great tragedian, and a particular friend 
of young Powell's school-master, .Mr. Grifiin, 
and through whose influence Powell became a 
pupil of Mr. Forrest, and studied for the stage 
for several months and took some of the lead- 
ing characters in the dramatic entertainments 
given by the " Booth Dramatic Association," 
the " Hamilton Institute," and the " Fenelon 
Association." When Mr. Forrest was leaving 
Boston he wanted to take young Powell vvith 
hiin and give him a thorougli education for the 
stage, but the boy's mother objected, and that 
proposition for his future fell through. When 
a little more than sixteen years of age he went 
to serve an apprenticeship to Charles Brooks, to 



learn the plasterer's trade, and worked at it but 
very little after his apprenticeship expired. In 
July, 1859, he enlisted in the navy on lioard of 
the fastest war vessel in the navy, the United 
States sloop of war Constellation, twenty-two 
guns, and ordered to the African squadron as 
flag-ship to aid in suppressing slavery. During 
her cruise on the west coastof Africa, the sub- 
ject of our sketch aided in capturing several 
slavers, among which was the barque Cora, of 
New York, having on board at the time of the 
capture 705 negroes. In October, 1861, six 
months after the war broke out, he returned 
home to Bunker Hill, and afterward enlisted in 
the Fifth Massachusetts Infantry, and served 
mostly in North Carolina, in the First Division 
of the Eighteenth Army Corps, which was com- 
prised mostly of Massachusetts troops, and fight- 
ing South Carolina troops, which comprised the 
Confederate forces in North Carolina. He par- 
ticipated in all the battles fought by his regi- 
ment, among which were the battles of Kinston, 
Whitehall, Goldsboro, Gum-swamp, Deep Gully, 
Rainbow Bluff, Blounts Creek, and the siege of 
Little Washington, and the assault on Newbern 
by A. P. Hill and Longstreet, March 14, 1803, 
and others. He was mustered out in July, 
1864, at Camp Wenham, Massachusetts, and in 
1866 entered the regular army, and was sent to 
California in charge of a company of recruits 
from David's Island, New York Harbor, and 
was assigned to the Second United States Artil- 
lery; arrived in San Francisco in April, 1867, 
and soon after was placed in command of Goat 
Island for a period of five months, and by order 
of General Halleck he was subsequently sent to 
Sacramento to open recruiting service for the 
regular army. Here he received orders to open 
a branch ofiice at Marysville, California, and he 
returned to his battery after one year's recruit- 
ing service, and was discharged from the army 
in December, 1869. Four days later he set out 
for Los Angeles to join his brother, M. A. 
Powell, whom he accompanied to Big Rock 
Creek, where they had a large ranch, and where 
they made a treaty with the Indians, who were 



HISTORY OP LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



hostile at the time, after one year living among 
them, and they (the Indians) were good friends 
to the Powell brothers ever after that; and, by 
so doing, the brothers were the means of making 
that section of the country safe for emigrants 
and people having business between Los An- 
geles, San Bernardino, and the upper country. 
After three years' time he sold out and moved 
witii his brother to the Castec, and there gave 
his attention to sheep-raising. While there he 
was elected recorder of the Polomas mining 
district, and in 1875 he was elected justice of 
the peace of Soledad Township, and in 1877 
was re-elected to the same otfice. In 1879 he 
was united in marriage to Miss Dora A. Lake, 
of Jamestown, New York, a daughter of N. S. 
and Carrie L (Hatch) Lake, both natives of the 
Empire State. Mrs. Powell's grandfather, Do- 
rastus B. Platch, was an Englishman by birth, 
and one of the patriot soldiers under George 
Wiisliington in the Eevolutionary war. Her 
father, Judge Lake, moved to Santa Clara, Cali- 
fornia, November 28, 1867, and died in Pomona, 
California, April 19, 1875. He was a member 
of the L O. O. R, and was liighly respected by 
all who knew liim. Her mother died at New- 
hall, California, September 16, 1885, and was a 
woman vvha was ever ready to assist the sick or 
needy, and was loved by every one where she 
lived. In October, 1879, Mr. Powell was sent 
out to Resting Springs as manager of the Cerro 
Gordo Freighting Company's store, and after a 
period of eighteen months he came back to 
Newhall. Mr. and Mrs. Powell have three 
children, one girl and two boys. The girl, 
Florence M., is nine years old. The boys, Fran- 
cis M. and Alfred C, are aged respectively six 
and four years. Mr. Powell is interested in prop- 
erty in this county, among which are mining 
lands situated at and near the San Francisco 
Canon and other places. Politically he is a 
lleptiblican, and a member of the G. A. R., 
Stanton Post, No. 55, Los Angeles. Mrs. 
Powell is a member of the Stanton Woman's 
Relief Corps, No. 16, which is an auxiliary to 
the G. A. R. As a soldier Mr. Powell has a 



record of which he may be proud ; and as a citi- 
zen, he is loyal, patriotic, and enterprising, 
having some good stanch friends. 



-3WS- 



fM. PECK, a thriving and prosperous 
tiller of the soil on farm lots Nos. 6 and 
® 7, range 4, of the Temple and Gibson 
tract of the San Pedro Ranch, is in the cor- 
porate limits of the city of Compton. He 
came to the county in 1867, and hence is one 
of the very first settlers of this beautiful place. 
He is a native of the Buckeye State, born No- 
vember 23, 1821, and is a son of Horace R. and 
Mary (Johnson) Peck, natives respectively of 
the States of New York and Virginia, and both 
of English origin. The father was a soldier in 
the war of 1812 for two years. He was a farmer 
by occupation all his life, and died there in 
April, 1846. The mother died in December, 
1854. They had a large family, in all fourteen 
children, eleven of whom lived to be grown and 
ten are still living. At the age of twenty-one 
years Mr. Peck bought a farm in Ohio, and for 
several years carried on the dairy business. 
His partner in the business left him with a debt 
of several thousand dollars on his shoulders. 
Going to Pennsylvania and engaging in mining 
for several years Mr. Peck made money enough 
to pay off the indebtedness in Ohio, which he 
did. He had been educated at the common 
schools of his native county and also attended 
the academy at Farmington, Ohio, and at Kint- 
land. In 1852, with very little money but 
plenty of grit, he set out for California, coming 
from New York to San Francisco on steamer 
via South America. Mr. Peck has been very 
successful and is a man of great energy. He is 
an earnest Christian, and has been an exhorter 
and local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and has held all the different offices of 
the church. While in the mining regions he or- 
ganized and superintended three different Sun- 
day-scliools. Socially, he is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity and also of the I. O. O. F. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



After coming to California Mr. Peck was for 
fifteen years engaged in mining, and subse- 
quently he became interested in sheep-raising 
and fai'ming. He owns eighty acres of very 
fine land in and near the village of Compton, 
and twenty-five acres in Aznsa, which yields 
him very handsome returns in the way of fruit 
and vegetables. Mr. Peck is now well along on 
the shady side of life, and has chosen to fight 
its battles alone, having never been married. 
He was in the service of his country during the 
"late unpleasantness." He entered the army 
early in the spring of 1864 and belonged to the 
Eeserve Corps of the Pacific Defense, but they 
were organized in State militia companies ready 
for work before being accepted in the United 
States service. 



"^ 



fG. REYNOLDS.^There is not in Los 
Angeles County, perhaps, a man more 
® worthy the title of true pioneer than is 
he whose name stands at the head of this bio- 
graphical notice. He is one of the very first who 
came to the connty. When a boy twelve years 
of age he landed in this State, and knows full 
well all the hardships and privations of frontier 
life. But by thrift and economy and by co-opera- 
tion of his excellent wife he has made a home, 
and reared a large and intelligent family of 
children. Mr. Reynolds was born in Yalobusha 
County, Mississippi, May 29, 1834. His father, 
Simeon Reynolds, was of Irish extraction and 
was born in Rhode Island. He married Flo- 
rinda Sullivant, of Bedford County, Tennessee, 
and daughter of James Sullivant, whose ances- 
tors were Scotch. Mr. Reynolds is the fifth of 
a family of eight children. He attended the 
common schools of Coffeeville, Mississippi, when 
a boy. When he was eight years old his mother 
died and his father afterward married again. 
While yet a mere boy our subject went to Texas, 
and with Major Erskin joined a train for Cali- 
fornia, spending eight months in crossing the 
plains and driving 1,500 cattle. Twice they 



were attacked by Indians, and some of the work 
cattle were killed. After experiencing hardships 
and adventures incident to the overland trip they 
landed in California in November, 1854. For 
some time young Reynolds worked in the mines, 
and later purchased 160 acres of land in El 
Monte, which he farmed for three years. After 
this he was in the stock business five years. In 
1865 he bought the farm where he has since 
lived. Where he beheld the mustard fifteen 
feet high, and where there was not the smallest 
switch of timber, the passer-by now beholds a 
comfortable farm residence, and productive 
fields, and orchards and vineyards laden with 
luscious fruits. Mr. Reynolds was married in 
this county, in 1865, to Miss Martha Thompson. 
Her parents were Samuel and Margaret (Mc- 
Kamy) Thompson, the father a native of Vir- 
ginia and the mother of Tennessee. They were 
pioneers of California, in 1852, and had a 
family of four children. The father died about 
seven years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have 
eleven children: Flora, Robert, John, William, 
Oliver, Linnie M., Emma, Joseph B., Davis, 
Ralph, and George. Mr. Reynolds has held the 
office of deputy sheriff of Los Angeles County 
for ten years, and has also served in other public 
offices. He is a higiily respected citizen and 
has a cordial welcome for all, and is noted for 
that true hospitality which is characteristic of 
the Southern people generally. 

^-^^ 

fB. QUESNEL, contractor and builder, 
Los Angeles, was born in St. Louis, Mis- 
* souri, January 13, 1854. His parents 
were J. P. and Rachel (Knight) Quesnel. The 
latter is a sister of Mr. Knight, of the firm of 
Fisk, Knight & Co., one of the largest and most 
prominent mercantile houses in St. Louis. Our 
subject spent his boyhood in Illinois, attended 
school there and learned the trade of his father, 
who was a ship-builder. In 1875 Mr. Quesnel 
came to California, located in San Buenaventura 
and remained there seven years. In 1882 he 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



caine to Los Angeles and engaged in building, 
taking contracts, and since then has successfully 
carried on the business here, enjoying a good 
jobbing trade. Mr. Quesnel was married De- 
cember 1, 1880, to Miss E. E. Miller, of Turner, 
Oregon. They iiave two children: Royal Otto 
and Howard "William. 

f|USTlN RUGGLES.— One of the best con- 
I ducted, systematically cultivated and most 
- productive farms in the famed San Gabriel 
Valley is that of the above-named gentleman. 
His comparatively small farm contains but 
eighty acres, located in the El Monte school 
district, within one mile of El Monte, and to 
the north of that town. The most important 
industry conducted by Mr. Ruggles is a dairy, 
comprising forty milch cows of selected Dur- 
ham stock. The products of his dairy, being 
first-class in every respect, command readj' sale 
at the highest market prices. He also pays 
considerable attention to raising hogs, keeping 
from twenty-five to thirty of the famous Essex 
breed upon his place. His acres, besides sup- 
porting the above-named stock, including six or 
eight horses, are producing hay, grain and corn. 
He has thirty acres of alfalfa that under his 
system of fertilizing produce marvelous crops. 
Acres of his land have produced over 100 bush- 
els of corn per acre, and it is not unusual for 
him to take a crop of grain from the land and 
then in the same year plant and harvest a crop of 
corn from the same land, showing its wonderful 
productive power under a proper cultivation and 
fertilizing. He is also the owner of fifty acres 
of land located a few miles south of his home 
place, wliich he devotes to pasturing his young 
stock. Mr. Ruggles has spent a life-time in 
agricultural pursuits. He was born in Hard- 
wick, Massachusetts, in 1819. His parents. 
Ad in and Cynthia (Snow) Ruggles, were natives 
of that State, and descendants from Aid families 
of the Massachusetts colony. From boyhood 
Mr. Ruggles was reared to farm life. In 1831 



his parents moved to Tolland County, Connecti- 
cut, where his father died in 1836. His mother 
then took upon herself the care of the family, 
and after the death of her husband moved to 
Chautau(iua County, New York, and there lo- 
cated in the almost unbroken forests, and com- 
menced the clearing and cultivating of land. In 
this she was ably assisted by the subject of this 
sketch, who remained at home assisting in sup- 
porting his mother and the family nntil 1850, 
when, leaving his mother well provided for, he 
located at Carroll, in the same county, and en- 
gaged in farming upon his own account. In 
1849 he married Miss Martha Fields, the daugh- 
ter of Governor William Fields, of Connecticut, 
one of the most prominent men of his day. 
Her mother was Martha Penney, also from an 
old prominent family of Connecticut. Mr. Rug- 
gles engaged in farming in New York until 
early in 1859, and then deciding to seek richer 
soils and less rigorous climate, started upon an 
overland trip to the Pacific Coast. Arriving at 
Jefferson City, Missouri, he fitted himself out 
with the typical ox teams and wended his way 
across plains and mountains to the Golden State. 
Upon his arrival in California he located in 
Placer County and for the next ten years en- 
gaged in farming, stock-raising and market gar- 
dening. In 1869 he moved to Monterey County 
and there conducted a dairy farm until 1874, 
when he came to Los Angeles County. His 
first enterprise upon his land was in sheep- 
raising and wool-growing; but this resulted 
disastrously^ and at the end of three years he 
found himself nearly $2,000 in debt, and no 
stock upon his place except one horse and one 
cow. Since that time his success has been sure 
and rapid, and he has secured a competency. 
No wild speculations have been indulged in, but 
an intelligent and thorough attention to well- 
conceived farm operations brought about this 
result. In these operations he is ably assisted 
by his only sou, "Willie Ruggles, who has an 
undivided interest in the successes of his father 
while assuming his full share of the cares and 
struggles by which they have been wrought. 



IIISTUUY OF WS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Mrs. Iliiggles died in Monterey County, in June, 
1873. Mr. Riiggles is an esteemed citizen in 
his coninumity, and a credit to his calh'ng as a 
farmer. In political matters he is a stanch 
sujiporter of the llepiililican party. 



fllAUNCEY B. RELYEA, one of the well- 
known citizens of Sierra Madre, was born 
in Orange County. New York, in 1829. 
14 is father, James Relyea, was a native of Ulster 
County, that State. He was of French descent, 
his forefathers being among the French Hugue- 
nots wlio sought refuge in this country. JVlr. 
Reiyea's mother, Martha (Owen) Relyea, was a 
native of Orange County. Mr. Relyea was 
reared in his native place, receiving the educa- 
tion afforded by the common sciiools, until 
twelve years of age. The death of his father oc- 
curred at tliat time, and as he was the eldest of 
the children, he commenced life's battle, not 
only for himself, but also aided in the support 
of the family. At sixteen years of age he com- 
menced work at the blacksmith's trade, which 
he followed until 1849. In that year he went 
to Cincinnati, Ohio, and was there employed by 
his uncle in his soda-water manufactory. lie 
soon mastered that business and was given the 
supervision and general management of the busi- 
ness, which lie conducted for several years. 
After that he carried on the business upon his 
own account, and established and conducted 
works at Fortsmouth, Ohio, Covington, Ken- 
tucky, Fort Jarvis, New York, and other places. 
He was employed in those enterprises until 
about 1870. lie then returned to his old call- 
ing as a blacksmith and machinist, and was em- 
ployed in a large carriage-spring factory at New 
Haven, Connecticut, and later was employed by 
the iirm as their traveling agent and salesman. 
In 1877 Mr. Relyea established himself in busi- 
ness in Lowell, Massachusetts, as an agent for 
the sale of wheel stock, carriage materials, etc. 
He was successtul in his enterprise and con- 
ducted that enterprise until 1885. In that year 



he came to Caliibrnia, and in September took 
up his I'esidence at Sierra Madre. He pur- 
chased ten acres of wild and unimproved land 
on the south side of Grand View avenue, erected 
himself a neat cottage and commenced horticult- 
ural pursuits. In 1887 the demand for resi- 
dence lots ii.duced him to subdivide his tract, 
and he sold off all his land except one acre, 
which he retained as a home. This place he 
has fully improved, planting a large variety of 
choice citrus and deciduous fruits, berries, etc. 
Ever since taking up his residence in Sierra 
Madre, Mr. Relyea has taken an active interest 
in building up his section. He is a stockholder 
and director of the Sierra Madre Water Com- 
pany. He also has real estate interests in 
Fasadena, Monrovia, Lamanda Park and otiier 
places. He is an enterprising and progressive 
citizen. In political matters he is a Republican. 
In 1863, at Fortsraouth, Ohio, Mr. Relyea mar- 
ried Miss Sarah Stearns, a native of Connecti- 
cut. She died in 1866, leaving one child, who 
died in 1870. His second marriage was in 1873, 
when he wedded Miss Ellen Fhelan, a native of 
Burlington, Vermont, and the daughter of Jolin 
and Ellen (Murphy) Fhelan, natives of Ireanld. 
From this marriage there are five children: 
Helena Gracie, Martha, Walter G., Josephine 
and Charles E. 



fOSEFH W. ROBINSON, proprietor of the 
Boston Dry-Goods Store, and one of the 
most enterprising and successful business 
men of Los Angeles, is the son of a prominent 
Massachusetts dry-goods merchant, and was 
born at North Bridgewater, forty-two years 
ago. He entered the employ of a wholesale 
dry-goods firm in Boston, when a lad of thirteen 
years, and has been actively connected with the 
business ever since. His father, H. W. Robin- 
son, started in the dry-goods business in North 
Bridgewater in 1844, and is still carrying it on 
there, and, though seventy years old, is well 
preserved and active. Before coming West the 



JIISTORV OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



subject of tliis sketch was a partner with his 
fatlier for seven years. In October, 1882, Mr. 
Robinson k'l't his New Eni,'lancl home and came 
to Califuriiia, vvitli tlie expectation of engaj^ing 
in orange growing at Riverside, as he had 
friends residing in that citrus paradise. Bnt, 
after loolcing over the ground and duly vveigli- 
ing the matter, he concluded it would be better 
to coiitinxie in a business with which he was 
familiar, rather than engage in one he knew 
nothing about. The sequel proves the wisdom 
of his decision. Accordingly, on the 19th day 
of February, 1883, he opened a dry-goods store 
with a small stock of goods in one- half of the 
room now occupied by Mr. Harris's clothing 
store, at 125 North Spring street, for which he 
paid a rental of $125 per month. He and two 
clerks did the work of the store. In the brief 
period of six years and a half the business has 
grown to such mammoth proportions that ninety 
people are required to liandle it. The rapid ex- 
pansion of the trade necessitated a change to 
more ample quarters, and in June, 1887, Mr. 
Robinson moved into the large and commodious 
room he now occupies on North Spring street, 
and known as the Boston Store. It is 165 x 41 
feet in dimensions, finely fitted and furnished 
with every convenience for expediting the trans- 
action of business, including theLampson basket 
cash system, and is one of the most complete 
and attractive business rooms on this coast. Mr. 
Robinson confines his trade strictly to legitimate 
dry-goods, of which he carries a very large stock 
of the best grades manufactured; and, his busi- 
ness being conducted on a high and honorable 
plan, his patronage itchides the best citizens of 
the city and surrounding country. Each suc- 
ceeding year has witnessed an increase in the 
volume of trade over the year previous, that of 
1888 being the largest in the history of the 
house, and aggregating about $750,000. In the 
summer of 1887 Mr. Robinson established a 
wholesale store at Nos. 17 and 19 Temple 
street, where a purely jobbing business is done. 
The trade of this department extends over South- 
ern California and Arizona, and reached nearly 



$250,000 in 1888. Mr. Robinson is one of the 
liusiness men of Los Angeles who is thoroughly 
loyal in hi> sympathy with and faith in tho 
city and adjoining country, and thinks Los 
Angeles one of the best business points of its 
size in the United States, the only drawback 
being the necessity of carrying a larger stock of 
goods for the same amount of trade, owing to 
the long distance from the source of supplies, 
lie thinks the dry-goods business is conducted 
at as small a cost and on as small a margin of 
profits as in Eastern cities, and avers that most 
lines of goods are as low in price as in the East- 
erji centei-sof trade. When he opened the doors 
of his little store in 1883, there were more dry- 
goods stores in Los Angeles than there are now, 
but they were run on the slow-going old-time 
plan. The infusion of Yankee blood and Yankee 
enterprise into the commercial life of the Angel 
City has wrought a revolution in the business 
methods of the Southern metropolis, and en- 
larged the volume of trade many fold within the 
past decade. Mr. Robinson marrie 1 a daughter 
of New England, who accompanieil him to this 
sunnv land of the Occident. 



fR. RINALDI was the first settler in the 
San Fernando Valley belonging to the 
" Caucasian race. He is a native of Ber- 
lin, Prussia, and was born in 1834. His father 
was Carlos Ambrosus Robert Rinaldi, a native 
of Italy. He was an artist of considerable 
note, and traveled all over Europe. The subject 
of this sketch came to America in 1850. He 
landed in New York, and from there traveled over 
sixteen States and three Territories, till in 1859 
he landed his "weather beaten bark" on the 
golden shores of California. He first located 
in Los Angeles, where he founded the Los 
Angeles Furniture Company. He established 
this business in 1868, and three months after- 
ward it was known as Rinaldi & Co. In 1872 
he sold out to I. W. Lord, and bought 151 acres 
of land, which he has subjected to a very high 



UISTORT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



state of cultivation. He purchased this of a 
Spanish widow by the name of Maria Los 
Angeles de Filaes de Buro. This land had a 
title, and its history is very interesting. Mr. 
Rinaldi built on section 8, township 2, range 
15 west, a mile and a half northwest of the old 
mission and two miles and a half west of San 
Fernando. He raises fine varieties of oranges, 
olives and vines. December 29, 1869, he mar- 
ried Miss Francisca Vallez, a native of Caliibr- 
nia and of Spanish origin. She is a daughter 
of Julian Vallez, whose parents are natives of 
Spain. Her mother's maiden name was Anean- 
acion Keys. The Reyses were a very important 
laniily in the early liistory of this county, and 
held celebrated titles and grants. Mr. and Mrs. 
llinaldi have reared an interesting family. The 
names of their children are: Charlotte, Otto, 
Isaac, Julian, Oscar and Charley. Mr. Rinaldi 
is a warm friend to the public schools, and has 
rendered valuable service to his district as trus- 
tee. He also served as deputy sheriff for two 
years. He is a charter member of the Pental- 
pha Masonic Lodge in Los Angeles; is Secretary 
of the A. O. U. W. Lodge, No. 212, San Fer- 
nando. Mr. Rinaldi has furnished some very 
important dates and statistics, and in the early 
history of the San Fernando Valley none are 
better informed than he, nor none more willing 
to aid a worthy enterprise. 

[^J^ICTOR POKET, a pioneer of Los Angeles, 
is a native of Ulbeck, Belgium, born in 
the year 1836. He received in his native 
land a thorough college education, and after 
completing his studies traveled extensively in 
Europe and America, visiting nearly all places 
of note in both countries. During his travels 
he came to Los Angeles, arriving in 1869. He 
was impressed with the natural beauty of South- 
ern California, the salubrity of its climate, and 
foresaw in Los Angeles a growing and prosper- 
ous city as its future business center. He there- 
fore decided to make the City of the Angels his 



future home and accordingly entered business 
as an importer and manufacturer of mirror and 
picture I'rames. He later engaged successfully 
in the undertaking business, in which he con- 
tinned until the year 1865, when he retired. 
Since that time he has devoted his energies to 
the management of his real estate and other in- 
terests. Mr. Ponet has figured prominently in 
the business affairs of Los Angeles and is one 
of the organizers and still a director of the Ever- 
green Cemetery. He is a man of practical, sound 
judgment, strong traits of character, an econo- 
mist in the truest sense, a gentleman of worthy 
charity and a citizen highly esteemed. Mr. Ponet 
married in 1873 Miss N. J. Manning, a na- 
tive of Ireland, and they have a daughter, Cer- 
trude, and a son, William. 



SAAC N. RIIYNE.— One of the oldest and 
most respected citizens now living in this 
county is the gentleman whose name heads 
this article. He comes from the Old Dominion ; 
was born in Bath County, Virginia, January 8, 
1817, his parents being Martin and Barbara 
(Ilansbarger) Rhyne. Mrs. Rhyne's parents 
came from Germany and settled in Maryland, 
near Harper's Ferry, before the Revolutionary 
war. John Hausbarger made a farm in Alle- 
ghany County, Virginia, where he lived and 
died. Martin Rhyne moved to Virginia at a 
very early day and "took his farm out of the 
woods," as was the custom there in those days. 
There he lived and there they buried him at 
the advanced age of eighty-six years. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was married in 1843 to Miss 
Eliza Nesbit, who was reared in Rockbridge 
County, Virginia. Her parents were John and 
Phojbe (Travers) JMesbit, of Augusta County, 
Virginia. The result of this union was three 
children: Susan, now the wife of T. J. Wood, 
of Riverside; Mary, wife of Asa Todd, of Los 
Angeles; and Maggie, who keeps house for her 
father at the home he has made iu this county, 
near Downey. Mrs. Rhyne died at her old home 





(y}^'U^yY~ 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELBS OOUNTT. 



ill Viri,niiia iti 1850. Witli his daughters, Mr. 
Rhjne crossed the plains to California in 1865, 
having previous to this lived ten years in Mis- 
souri. After residing tliree years in Sah Ber- 
nardino County, in 1868 he bought the forty acres 
on San Gabriel' River, three miles northwest of 
Downey, where, for nearly a quarter of a cent- 
ury, he has been successfully engaged in gen- 
eral fanning. He owns valuable property in the 
city of Los Angeles, and may be classed with 
the successful men of this ccjunty. He is now, 
and has been for half a century, an active, 
earnest and consistent member of the church, 
as was also his beloved wife, who died many 
years ago, and to whose memory he has ever 
been true. He is recognized by all who know 
him as a true Christian and a man upright in 
all his dealings. 



fOHN ROBERTS, manager for the San 
Pedro Lumber Company, is a pioneer of 
this pai't of Los Angeles County. He came 
to Long Beach in 1884 from Lincoln, Nebraska. 
Mr. Roberts is a native of the Buckeye State, 
born in Belmont County in 1831, and is the son 
of Charles and Sarah (Harris) Roberts. The 
father was a native of Canada, and his parents 
were natives of Pennsylvania. Charles Roberts 
was a farmer by occupation, and in 1862 moved 
from Ohio to Missouri, where he farmed till 1872, 
in that year removing to Iowa, where he con- 
tinued the occupation of farming until his death, 
which occurred in 1875, his wife having died in 
1871. They had a family of thirteen children, 
eiglit of whom are still living, the subject of 
this sketch being the oldest one of the family. 
John Roberts received the benefits of a common- 
school education, and in early manhood began 
tilling the soil in his native State. He learned 
the carpenter and cabinet-maker's trade, and at 
this he worked in Ohio till the year 1856, when 
he removed to Montezuma, Iowa. After remain- 
ing there about a year and a half he went to 
.Nebraska, where he took an active part in the 



development of that Territory. Li 1870 he en- 
gaged in the wholesale drug business in Nebraska 
City. In 1872 he was a delegate from Nebraska 
to the National Convention which nominated 
General Grant for President, and in 1873 was 
appointed collector of internal revenue, with 
headquarters at Omaha; this position he re- 
tained for five years. He then went to Lincoln, 
Nebraska, and engiged in manufacturing, but 
becoming somewhat depicted in health, he de- 
cided to seek a milder climate, and came to 
California. Mr. Roberts has been twice mar- 
ried; li'-st, in 1852, August 9, to Miss Mary 
Barrett, of Morrow County, Ohio, and of this 
union one child was born, Mary, now the wife 
of Charles Mortley, of Kno.\ County, Ohio. The 
first wife died December 8, 1853, and June 15, 
1854, Mr. Roberts again entered the marriage 
relation, choosing for his bride Miss Sarah Mc- 
Kee, of Morrow County, Ohio. To them seven 
children have been given, six of whom are liv- 
ing: Charles II.; Sarah E, who married G3)rge 
Coffman; Ida Frances, now the wife of Henry 
Christie; Eda Belle and Eva Delle, twins, the 
former now the wife of Charles W. Fleming, of 
Riverside; John, deceased in 1872; and Dwiglit 
J., now a medical student in Chicago, Illinois. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the 
Methodist Church, and Mr. Roberts is affiliated 
with the Masonic order. In April, 1888, he was 
chosen chairman of the city council for Long 
Beach, which office he now holds. Mr. Roberts 
is recognized by all who know him as a straight- 
forward, energetic man. His residence is pleas- 
antly located on Pine street, in the picturesque 
village of Long Beach. 

fTEPlIEN A. REND ALL was born in 
Somersetshire, England, March 6, 1837. 
He came to the United States in 1846, 
and to California in 1861, and to Los Angeles 
in 1866. Here he engaged in photography, in 
which profession he was a thorough artist. 
.\fterwanl he ac(|iiired intt;rests in Santa Ro^a, 



HISTOnr OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and he oscillated between that place and Los 
Angeles from 1870 to 1884, when he perma- 
nently settled here with his family, building him- 
self a beautiful lionie on Alvarado street. Mr. 
Kendall brought the first Angora goats to Los 
Angeles County in 1867, and thus hel])ed to 
inaugurate an industry, which, from the adapt- 
ability of the climate, especially in our mount- 
ainous regions, to this animal, is likely to 
become very valuable. With others, he engaged 
somewhat extensively in the importation of 
Angora goats from Asia Minor. Li 1870 Mr. 
Kendall married Miss Barnes, of Illinois. They 
have five children. 



fYLVESTEK ROGERS, one of the original 
settlers of Compton, is a pioneer of 1867. 
He was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, 
in January, 1823, being the son of George and 
Elizabeth (Nelson) Rogers, natives of New York, 
and of English origin. They were early pio- 
neers of Ohio, subsequently moved to Washing- 
ton County, Illinois, and still later to Iowa. In 
1851 they again turned their faces westward, 
this time coming to the Pacific Coast and settling 
in the Golden State, where, in 1876, George 
Rogers died, being in his eiglitieth year. They 
reared a family of eleven children, Sylvester be- 
ing the third. The subject of this sketch was a 
soldier in the Mexican war, enlisted in the 
Second Illinois Volunteers, and was mustered 
ont at Alton, Illinois, in September, 1848. He 
then went to Missouri where he was engaged in 
farming until 1852. At that time he married 
Martha A. Rice, a native of Tennessee, and 
diuighter of Thomas Bice. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers 
have reared a family of eleven childi-en, nine of 
whom are still living: Henry, George, Sarah, 
Lottie, William, Minnie, Oliver, Edith and 
lidwin. Both Mr. Rogers and his wife are 
active and consistent members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in which for a period of 
thirty-three years he has been honored with the 
oHicc of .steward. Durinii' his connection with 



the church he has held all the various otfices, 
and is a man loved and respected by all. Polit- 
ically he affiliates with the Republican party. 
He is one of the stanch farmers of this part of 
the county. Much of his attentii n is given to 
the raising of horses and cattle of good grades, 
and he also has some fine specimens of fruit, 
vegetables, etc. 

fHARLES H. ROBERTS. -Among the 
well-known and successful business men 
of Monrovia is the subject of this sketch. 
He is engaged in the drug business on the cor- 
ner of Lemon and Ivy avenues, opposite the 
Grand View Hotel. His store is among the 
representative business houses of Monrovia. It 
was established by Dr. C. H. Stewart and F. E. 
Perham, and was one of the pioneer enterprises 
of the city. Mr. Roberts purchased the inter- 
ests of the above-named gentlemen in May, 
1888, and has .-ince enlarged and conducted the 
business. He is a skilled pharmacist as well as 
a trained business man. These qualities com- 
bined with an energetic prosecution of his busi- 
ness have secured him a well-merited success, 
and rendered his establishment one of the abso- 
lute needs of his section. Mr. Roberts was born 
in Morrow County, Ohio, in 1855, and is the 
son of John and Sarah (McKee) Roberts. In 
1857 his father moved to Nebraska, and located 
near what is now the city of Lincoln, and was 
there engaged in agricultural pursuits, and kept 
a stage station upon the great overland stage 
route. In 1871 he was appointed collector of 
internal revenue at Omaha, which position he 
held for many years. In 1880 he came to Cali- 
fornia and took up his residence at Long Beach, 
Los Angeles County, where he has since resided^ 
taking an active part in building up that city. 
At this writing he is the president of the board 
of trustees of Long Beach, and is well and favor- 
ably known throughout that section. The sub- 
ject of this sketch remained with his father until 
seventeen years of age, and was given the bene- 



HISTOnr OF LOIS ^iNGMLBlS UOUMTY. 



lit of a good education, completing iiis studies 
at the Otoe University at Nebraska City. AVhile 
pursuing iiis studies and during vacations Mr. 
Roberts acquired the practicil knowledge of a 
druggist and cliemist. In 1872 he started in 
life for himself, by establishing a drug store at 
Palmyra, Nebraska. This enterprise he con- 
ducted for about a year. lie then sold out and 
located at Monroe, Jasper County, Iowa. There 
he was engaged as a clerk in a drug store until 
1874. Desirous of a more extended experience 
in his business he went to Omaha and for the next 
two years was connected with one of the largest 
drug houses in that city. In 1876 hecstablisiied 
a drug store on the corner of Douglas and Fif- 
teenth streets. This business he conducted un- 
til 1879, and was then for several months in 
tiie northwestern stock ranges, engaged in ship- 
ping cattle to the Eastern markets. Having 
closed out his interests in that enterprise, he 
went to New York City and entered the employ 
of the well-known drug house of H.W.Atwood, 
at No. 816 Broadway, as his chief clerk. He 
also entered upon a thorough course of studies 
of his profession, and graduated at the New 
York College of Pharmacy in 1883. Mr. Roberts 
continued in his profession until early in 1884, 
and was then the business manager of the Oil, 
Paint and Drug Publishing Company for six 
months, after which he accepted tiie position of 
chief clerk in Caswell, Massey & Co.'s establish- 
ment. Deciding to enter other business pur- 
suits lie, in 1885, accepted the position of pur- 
chasing agent of the New York, Rutland & 
Montreal Railroad. His business qualilications 
soon gained him promotion and he was ap- 
pointed assistant manager and finally superin- 
tendent of the road, which position he held until 
June, 1887, when he came to California. After 
spending several months in traveling through 
Soutliern and Lower California, he took up 
iiis residence in Monrovia, in November of that 
year. Mr. Roberts is a straightforward business 
man, respected and esteemed by his associates, 
a progressive citizen and a willing supporter of 
any enterprise that will tend to i)uild up his 



chosen section. His real-estate interests are 
mostly at Long Beach. In political matters he 
is a strong Republican. He is a member of the 
executive committee of the Rspublican central 
committee of Los Angeles County. In 1886 Mr. 
Roberts was married to Miss Carrie E. Meader, 
the daughter of William H. and Alferreta 
(Randall) Meader, of New York. From this 
marriage there is one child, Roscoc. 

-s-^^«->- — 

fOLOMON RICHARDSON.— Among the 
earlier residents and well-known citizens of 
the San Gabriel Valley is the subject of 
this sketch, whosefine orchard property is located 
in the Alhambra school district, about one and 
one-half miles northwest of the mission of San 
Gabriel. His farm consists of seventy acres of 
rich and productive land, twenty-three acres of 
which Captain C. G. Hutchinson has an interest 
in. A tine orange grove of twenty-five acres is 
one of the improvements on his place. With 
the exception of five acres of Washington Na- 
vels, his trees are seedlings. There are also 
four acres of deciduous fruits, principally pears 
and pomegranates, and besides these.nearly all 
varieties of fruit grown in the valle}'. He has 
also about three acres of wine grapes of Mission 
and Blauelba varieties. The rest of his land is 
devoted to grain and alfalfa. Captain Hutchinson, 
who has an interest in the farm, was born in An- 
trim, Hillsboro County, New Hampshire; came 
to California in 1852 via Cape Horn. Later he 
returned East and brought his wife to this place, 
arriving here in September, 1858. His wife 
died nine months later. Captain Hutchinson 
was one of the first to engage in raising straw- 
berries in Los Angeles. Mr. Richardson was 
born in Pelham, Hillsboro County, New Hamp- 
sliire, in 1831. His parents were Solomon and 
Hannah (Currier) Richardson, both natives of 
that State. He was reared a farmer and lived 
u|)on his father's farm until he reached iiis ma- 
jority. In 1S53 he Ifft liis native State and 
went to Australia, where he eiiiragod in mininjf 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and other occupations. In 1858, while in Aus- 
tralia, he married Miss Agnes Mellor, a native 
of England. Mr. Richardson remained in Aus- 
tralia until 1860, when he cauie to California. 
Upon his arrival he located in Alameda County 
and afterward came to Los Angeles Count)', 
settled near San Gabriel, rented land from B. 
D. Wilson and engaged in farming. He was 
also interested in mining in Colorado for a 
short time. In 1867 he purchased a portion of 
his present farm, which was then in a wild and 
uncultivated state, and commenced its i^mprovc- 
ment and cultivation. Since that time he has 
devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, 
and by purchase has increased his acreage to his 
present holdings. Mr. Richardson's long resi- 
dence in tlie San Gabriel Yalley has made him 
well known and gained him the respect and es 
teem of a large circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances. In political matters he is a strong 
supporter of the Republican party. From the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson there are 
eight children living, viz.: Marj', Allie, Charles, 
Andrew, Roy, Harry, Rachel and Ralph. Mary 
married George Campbell, and is now residing 
in Washington Territory. Allie married Logan 
Seitzeand, .and is living in San Bernardino 
County. The other children are residing under 
the parental roof. 



^ENRY C. ROBERTS.— Among the early 
1^^ settlers and well-known agriculturists and 
^(| business men of the Azusa Township is 
the subject of this sketch. Mr. Roberts is a 
native of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, born 
in 1833. His father, Ebeiiezer S. Roberts, was 
also a native of that county. His mother, nee 
Eliza Heis, was of German parentage, and a 
descendant of an old and wealthy family of 
Philadelphia. In 1842 Mr. Roberts's father 
moved to Illinois and located at Rockford, where 
he was largely engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
and also in mercantile and banking operations 
There the siiliiect of this sisetuh was roared and 



given the advantages of a good schooling, but 
when seventeen years of age his ambitious and 
energetic disposition prompted him to start out 
in life upon his own account, and, in March of 
1850 he joined an emigrant train and came 
across the plains to California. Upon his arrival 
in the Golden State he located in the mining 
counties, and for the next four years followed 
the varying fortunes of a miner. In 1854 he 
went to San Jose, and for some months was a 
clerk in a mercantile house, and in the fall of 
that year came to Los Angeles County. He 
took up his residence in Los Angeles until the 
next spring, and then, tired of quiet pursuits, 
decided to try his fortunes in Arizona. He 
accordingly located in the Weaver district in 
that Territory, and engaged in prospecting and 
mining. The Indians were bitter and hostile 
in those days. They killed his animals and 
made war upon his party, and he was compelled 
to abandon his enterprise and return on foot to 
California. Upon his return to Los Angeles 
he established a livery stable, and engaged in 
stock-raising upon the Santa Anita Ranch, near 
Los Angeles, where he remained until 1859. 
In May of that year he came to the Azusa 
Township, and located upon 160 acres of land 
near the mouth of the San Gabriel Canon. 
There he established the first store ever opened 
in the township. He also engaged in mining 
enterprises in the San Gabriel Cafion, and opened 
a store in the San Gabriel mines. During 
this time he was also engaged in a bitter fight 
with the Azusa grant holders over the ownership 
of the land he had taken up as a Government 
claim. This contest lasted for more than twenty 
years, and Mr. Roberts was among the most 
prominent and energetic settlers in contesting 
the grant claims, until it was finally settled in 
1883 by the United States Government issuing 
patents to the settlers. This contest was one of 
great importance to the Azusa Valley, as it 
opened up for settlement thousands of acres of 
the rich and productive lands of the Upper San 
Gabriel Valley, and made possible the magnifi- 
cent improvements and populati^m of which 



niSTOUY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



that section now boasts. Mr. Roberts, at this 
writing (1889), is the owner of 250 acres of 
land (including his original claim of 160 acres), 
located about one mile from the town of Azusa, 
upon which he is engaged in agricultural and 
horticultural pursuits. He has twenty acres of 
citrus fruits and five acres of deciduous fruits. 
His vineyard is forty acres in extent, and con- 
tains a variety of the most approved wine grapes 
in the San Gabriel Valley, among which are the 
Zinfandel, Burger, Concord, Mission, Hamburg, 
Flaming Tokay and Black Morocco. His lands 
are irrigated by water from the San Gabriel 
River. His location is such that he has ti.e ad- 
vantages of climate, soil, etc., that are especially 
adapted for vine culture, and is fast building 
up one of the representative places of the valley. 
He has other property interests in the Azusa, 
among which is a forty-acre tract at Covina, 
thirty acres of which are devoted to wine grapes 
of the Burger and Zinfandel varieties. Mr. 
Roberts is also interested in business and resi- 
dence property in the city of Azusa, and has 
been largely interested in building up that place, 
as the ethcient agent of the Azusa Land and 
Water Company. He also owns eighty acres of 
mineral land in the San Gabriel Caiion, about 
twelve miles north of Azusa. Mr. Roberts has 
been one of the most active business men in 
his section, and has done much to develop its 
resources. His mining operations in the San 
Gabriel Canon embrace a period of twenty years, 
and he is a strong believer in the mineral wealth 
of that canon and the Sierra Madre Mountains. 
He has been for many years the president of 
the board of water commissioners, of the 
Azusa district, and is also largely interested in 
developing the water supply in the Sal Se Puda 
Canon, which is intended for the irrigation of the 
Viueland district. Asan enterprising and public- 
spirited citizen, he isal ways ready to identify him- 
self with and liberally support any enterprise that 
tends to develop the resources and build up the 
Upper San Gabriel Valley. He is a strong sup- 
porter of schools, and was one of the first school 
trustees of his district. In political matters he 



is a strong Republican, and was a firm Union 
man during the dark days of the Rebellion. In 
1864 the subject of this sketch was united in 
marriage with Miss Susanna Melendrez, a native 
of California, and the daughter of Vicente Me- 
lendrez, a well-known resident of Los Angeles. 
The following are the names of the children 
from this marriage: Frederick, Edward, James 
D., Thomas, Charles, Esculapius, Marietta, Henry 
C, Henrietta, William and Vicente, all of whom 
are members of their father's household. Fred- 
erick married Miss Sorieda Maestran, a native 
of Los Angeles County. Mr. Roberts's father is 
now (1889) a resident of Los Angeles, an active 
and well-preserved gentleman of eighty-four 
years. 



-^^■^ 



i--^— 



fTTO RUF, Los Angeles, is a native of 
Germany, and was born March 21, 1851. 
He attended school and served an appren- 
ticeship, learning his trade there. Upon reach- 
ing manhood he emigrated to America in 1871, 
and came to California the same year; worked 
at his trade in San Francisco several years. In 
1877 he came to Los Angeles and .was in the 
employ of Mr. Heinch, on Main street, for seven 
years, then engaged in business for himself. 
Being a practical workman in all the details of 
his trade, he has built up a good business and 
employs six to eight hands during the busy 
season. Mr. Ruf was married April 3, 1884: 
to Miss Mary Zeruiliow, a native of Germany. 
They have two children: Carl and Otto. 



-i->-f^ 



'<»il.\ B. REICHARD.— Ai 



'g 



I known citizens and representative farmers 
'i^i of the East San Gabriel Valley is the sub- 
ject of 'this sketch. Mr. Reichard, in connection 
with his brother, Daniel Reichard, of Los An- 
geles, is the owner of 150 acres of rich and 
productive land, located in the old Azusa school 
! district, four miles southwest of Azusa and a 



618 



U I STORY OF LOS AJSGELBS COUNTY. 



mile and a half east of Viiieland. This land 
was purchased bj them in 1874, and in 1876 
Mr. Reichard took up his residence upon the 
place and commenced its improvement and cul- 
tivation. He conducted general farming opera- 
tions, and planted fruit trees and vines. He 
lias now (1889) thirty-six acres in vineyard, pro- 
ducing a fine variety of Burger, Black Malvoise, 
Zinfandel, Trousseau wine grapes, and also a 
variety of the most approved table and raisin 
grapes. Elis lands are well adapted to fruit 
culture and he has under cultivation a family 
orchard of citrus and deciduous fruits that is 
not excelled in his section, embracing all the 
clioice varieties that can be successfully grown 
in that location. The rest of his land is de- 
voted to hay, grain and stock purposes. Mr. 
Reichard is a native of Franklin County, Penn- 
sylvania, dating his birth in 1842. He is the 
son of Daniel and Rebecca (Benedict) Reichard, 
both natives of that State. When about three 
years of age his parents moved to Ohio, and lo- 
cated in Mahoning County, where his father 
engaged in farming and stock-growing. Mr. 
Reichard was reared a farmer in that county, re- 
ceiving tlie advantages of a good education in 
the public schools and academy, and also took 
a course in a commercial college. Upon reach- 
ing his majority, he went to Pennsylvania, 
where he was engaged in sinking wells in the 
oil regions till 1865. In the spring of that 
year he came to California, and was employed 
by the oil company at their works in Ventura 
County. In 1866 he returned to Ohio, where 
he remained until the next year. He then lo- 
cated in Johnson County, Texas, and spent a 
year in farming operations upon rented lands. 
In 1868 he came to Los Angeles County, and 
took up his residence at San Gabriel. He was 
there employed by Mr. B. D. Wilson and J. De 
Barth Shorb as the foreman of their orchards, 
wine cellars, etc. Mr. Reichard held that re- 
sponsible position the principal part of eight 
years, or until 1876, when he took up his pres- 
ent residence. He has a thorough knowledge 
of agricultural and horticultural pursuits in 



Southern California, and with his industrious 
habits and energetic temperament, his career 
has been a successful one and he is placing his 
farm in the ranks of the leading horticultural 
industries of his section. His long residence 
in the San Gabriel Valley has made him well 
known and gained him a large circle of friends. 
In political matters he is Democratic, but is 
very liberal and conservative in his views. In 
1876 Mr. Reichard returned to Pennsylvania 
and while there married Miss Mary E. Logan, 
the daughter of Daniel and Anna E. Logan, 
natives of Pennsylvania. Her mother (a sketch 
of whom appears in this volume) is now (1889) 
a resident of Los Angeles County. From the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Reichard there is one 
child, Nellie. Mr. Reichard's brother, Daniel 
Reichard, is a well-known resident of Los An- 
geles. He is one of the two proprietors of the 
California livery stable in that cit}'. 



fHOMAS S. RUDDOCK. — Among the 
prominent capitalists of the East who have 
located in Los Angeles County, seeking 
its genial climate, etc., as a desirable [)lace of 
residence, is the above-named gentleman, who 
is residing at 317 Grand avenue, Los Angeles. 
Mr. Ruddock is largely interested in real estate 
in the county and is projecting and carrying out 
some of the most extensive citrus-fruit planting 
in the San Gabriel Valley. He is the owner of 
1,100 acres of land in the Puunte,' San Dimas^ 
Glendora and Azusa. school districts. Of this 
choice land 378 acres are located two and a half 
miles south and west of Glendora and three and a 
half miles southeast of Azusa. Mr. Ruddock 
is planting the whole of this tract to citrus 
fruits. He is sparing neither time nor money 
in his improvements, and is destined to build 
up one of the most magnificent orange groves 
in the United States. Of the 160 acres planted 
in 1889, he lias the following choice varieties: 
800 Jaffa, 1,500 Malta Blood, 500 Sanford's 
Mediterranean, 1,000 Hart's Tardiff, 400 Medi- 



niSTORT OF LOS ANQELBS COUNTY. 



terranean Blood, a large acreage of Washington 
Navels, ten acres in lemons, and a variety of 
other citrus fruits, such as Ruby, Jeffa, etc. 
lie is an enthusiast in his horticultural pursuits, 
and gives the matter his personal attention. He 
is seeking and obtaining the choicest varieties of 
citrus fruits to be obtained, and is planting many 
varieties heretolbre unknown in that section of 
the San Gabriel Valley. He is the owner of 
730 acres of land two miles west of his fruit 
lands, which is devoted to general farming. 
Mr. Ruddock is a successful business man and the 
founder of his own fortune. He is conducting 
his large horticultural pursuits upon the same 
basis that has secured his success in the various 
business enterprises of his life. He is a strong 
believer in the future wealth and prospevity 
that awaits the San Gabriel Valley, and recog- 
nizes no such word as failure in his enterprise. 
The brief facts obtained as to Mr. Ruddock's 
life and business successes are of interest. He 
is a native of New England, dating his birth in 
Franklin County, Massachusetts, in February, 
1818. In 1831 his father moved to Onondaga 
County, New York, and was there engaged as 
a farmer and miller. Mr. Ruddock was reared 
to farm life, receiving such educational advan- 
tages as were afforded by the common schools. 
In 1842 he determined to strike out in the great 
West, and in that year located near Racine, 
Wisconsin, where he took up Government land 
and commenced life as a pioneer farmer, after 
which he located at Berlin, Green Lake County. 
In 1849 he came to California, and for the next 
four years was engaged in mining in Placer 
County and on the middle fork of the American 
River. Returning to Berlin in 1853 he entered 
into extensive business operations, conducting a 
large mercantile establishment and lumber busi- 
ness. He also built steamboats and established 
a packet and freight line on the Fox River and 
portage to the Wisconsin River, thus establish- 
ing water transportation from the Lakes to the 
Mississippi River. He extended his operations 
and established large lumber yards in Milwau- 
kee and Chicago, and for twenty years was 



largely engaged in the manufacture of lumber 
in Manistee, Michigan, owning a mill and ex- 
tensive pine lands in that vicinity; was also 
largely interested in the pioneer railroads of his 
State and the establishment of banking inter- 
ests in Berlin. He became one of the most 
prominent business men in his section, building 
lake and river steamers, establishing machine 
shops, foundries, etc. In 1870 he took up his 
residence in Milwaukee. He was one of the 
first to raise cranberries in Wisconsin. In 1879 
moved to Chicago, where he resided until 1888. 
In that year he took up his residence in Los 
Angeles. Mr. Ruddock is a man endowed with 
a strong constitution, and in early life was 
reared to industrious and energetic habits. 
With that as his capital he started in life and 
success has followed. In 1847 Mr.' Ruddock 
married Miss Maria N. Newell, the daughter 
of Asa and Nancy M. Newell, of Massachu- 
setts. There are three children living from this 
marriage, and three are deceased. The son, 
Charles H., married Miss Sarah Billings; he is 
now residing in Chicago, and is conducting his 
business enterprises at that point and in Minne- 
apolis, Minnesota. The two daughters are May 
B. and Nellife M. Mr. Ruddock's parents were 
both natives of Massachusetts. They were Justus 
and Rhoda (Damon) Ruddock. 



PURGESS J. REEVE, architect, N o r t h 
Main street, Los Angeles, was born in 
England, February 16, 1845. During boy- 
hood he attended school to the age of fourteen 
years, when he was apprenticed with an archi- 
tect for three years in the city of London, at an 
expense of $1,500. After serving his time he 
was engaged with some of the leading architects 
of London, and carried on his profession there 
twenty-two years; and during this time he had 
the supervision of the construction of some of 
the finest mansions in that city. Also he had 
considerable experience in the erection of large 
manufacttiring l)uiidings in the north jiart of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



England. In 1881 he came to America and 
went to Kansas City, and after remaining there 
over a year he came to Los Angeles, since which 
time lie has snccessfully followed his profession 
here. For the past few years he has been en- 
gaged mostly on business blocks. He has had 
a large pra 'tical experience of over thirty years, 
and has taken a prominent place in the profes- 
sion here. He married Miss Harriet Smith, a 
native of England. They have six children, 
three sons and three daughters. They lost one 
son in Kansas City. 



"V^ 



fETER RICHARDS.— The subject of this 
sketch is a native of Austria, born in Dal- 
matia, in 1842. His parents were Mathew 
and Lucretia Richards, both natives of the place 
of his birth. His father was a seafaring man, 
and Mr. Richards early imbibed a love for that 
calling. When sixteen years of age he left 
home and for many years followed the life and 
occupation of a sailor. In 1863 he came to 
California and entered the employ of the Pacific 
Mail Steamship Company, where he was engaged 
until 1865. He then devoted himself to mining 
and prospecting through Nevada, Idaho, Mon- 
tana and Utah, and finally through the Tejon 
Pass to Southern California. Shortly after his 
arrival he located at Wilmington, working for 
General Banning, and afterward established a 
restaurant at that place, which he conducted 
until 1869. He then moved to Anaheim, where 
he was proprietor of a restaurant until 1876, 
opening the first one ever established in that 
town. Mr. Richards was successful in his busi- 
ness operations in that town and accumulated 
property to the value of about $25,000. In 
1876 a tire destroyed his buildings and stock of 
wines, etc., and left him financially ruined. He 
then went to San Francisco, and for the next 
three years conducted a grocery store on. the 
corner of Vallejo and Montgomery streets, and 
afterward established a store at the corner of 
Larkin and Sutter streets. In 1883 Mr. Rich- 



ards visited Mexico witli the intention of enter- 
ing into mining operations, but not suited with 
the prospects he returned to Los Ai'geles County 
and, through M. L. Wicks, became interested 
in the town of Lancaster, where he opened the 
first hotel ever built in that town. The next 
two years were spen*' by Mr. Ric ards in San 
Francisco, Monterey and Ventura, principally 
in the latter place, where he established a res- 
taurant. In 1886 he came to Los Angeles 
County and located at the mission of San Ga- 
briel and opened a grocerj' store, nearly opposite 
the mission church, which he has since con- 
ducted, lie also has property interests in that 
place, having town lots and acreage land in the 
immediate vicinity, among which are two acres 
and a half of orchard property nearly opposite 
Judge Hamilton's place. In 187-1 Mr. Richards 
married Miss Incarnation Carillo, the daughter 
of Ramon and Vicentia (Sepiilveda) Carillo. She 
is first cousin of ex-Governor Roumaldo Pacheco 
and a descendant of the old mission families of 
Southern California. From their marriage there 
are four children, viz.: Lucretia, Ribert M., 
Alfred J. and Verona. Mr. Richards and his 
family are members of the Catholic Church. In 
political matters he is Democratic, consistent iti 
his views and a worker in the ranks of that party. 

ILLIAM ROMMEL, contractor, South 
Los Angeles street, Los Angeles, is a 
native of Kentucky, and was born in 
Jefterson County, eight miles from Louisville. 
During his boyhood he attended school and then 
served an apprenticeship at the trade of carpen- 
ter and joiner under tiie direction of a promi- 
nent builder in the city of Louisville. After 
working at his trade several years, he engaged 
in contracting and building on his own account, 
and for eight years carried on a large and suc- 
cessful business there. On account of ill health 
he decided to give up his bright prospects and 
come to Southern California, ami arrived here 
in 1884, without friends to introduce him. An 




^,^7^v^ 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



eutire stranger, he iminediatelj engaged in busi- 
ness, contracting and building, and since then 
for the past five years lias taken a leading posi- 
tion, and secured it by honorable competition 
and practical ability. He has built a large 
number of stores, warehouses, residences and 
business blocks. He superintends the erection 
of the splendid building of the Young Men's 
Christian Association, and does it gratuitously, 
because of his active interest in church work 
and everything that tends to improve the mor- 
als of the city and State. Mr. Eominel has as- 
sociated with him one Ijrother, and the firm of 
Rommel Brothers has built up an enviable rep- 
utation as responsible contractors. They manu- 
facture Tittman's Refrigerator, said to be supe- 
rior to any in use. It is growing in favor and 
they are building up a large trade. Mr. Rom- 
mel was united in marriage. May 5, 1877, with 
Miss Mary Freylogel, from the city of Louis- 
ville, Kentucky. They have five children: Net- 
tie, Mamie, Sara, Calvin and Carrie. Mr. Rom- 
mel is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, 
a charter member of Southern California Lodge, 
A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife are consist- 
ent members of the English Lutheran Church. 

^43->¥ ■ 

tON. L. J. ROSE.— The story of the life of 
Leonard John Rose in some respects sounds 
like a romance. Although he is an in- 
tensely practical man, and whatever he does or 
says has always a directness and a strong flavor 
of common sense that are characteristic of the 
man, nevertheless he is more or less an idealist, 
as will appear in the following brief sketch. 
Mr. Rose was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 
1827. His parents immigrated to the United 
States when he was twelve years ot age. Stopping 
for a short time in New Orleans, they proceeded 
to Hlinois and settled in Waterloo, in the south- 
ern part of the State, the father engaging in 
mercantile pursuits. Mr. Rose was educated at 
Shurtlitf College, in Alton. After leaving school 
he located at Quincy, engaging for a number of 



years in the dry-goods business. From there he 
went to Vail Buren County, Iowa, where he 
continued in the same line of business. Mr. 
Rose has always been passionately fond of fruits, 
flowers and animals, and having been quite suc- 
cessful in business, he purchased and carried on 
a fancy farm, where he endeavored to gratify 
his tastes. But the severity of the winters de- 
stroyed all his summer accumulations of plants. 
He became discouraged with trying to carry out 
his ideas, and, selling out, he went to Missouri, 
after losing one child and nearly losing a second 
with pneumonia from the severity of the Iowa 
winters. Having resolved to seek a milder 
climate, he purchased some 200 head of finely 
bred cattle and fifty fine horses, and fitted up a 
train for California. Nineteen young men 
joined him, and they started, in the spring of 
1858, overland, for California, via what was 
known as the Thirty-fifth Farallel route. His 
was the first party of emigrants that ever at- 
tempted to come by that route. Lieutenants 
Whipple and Beale had explored the route with 
a view of ascertaining the feasibility of build- 
ing a railroad that way, but had only made such 
a road as would enable them to get through. 
Mr. Rose's party secured a guide, who had pre- 
viously been over the same route with Whipple, 
to conduct the party from Albuquerque. They 
got along without serious trouble till they 
reached the mountain range bounding the valley 
of the Colorado River. From the summit of 
this range they saw the river, which seemed 
near at hand, but the mountain was so steep 
that tliey had to let their wagons down with 
ropes; and after reaching the valley or plain, 
they began to suffer for want of water. The 
journey to the river consumed a whole day, and 
the sufferings of the party became so intense 
that some of theiii became insane from thirst. 
On finally reaching the river, the men unyoked 
their cattle and let them go loose, and them- 
selves rushed for the water, lying down in the 
river and drinking their fill, then becoming 
stupefied, lay partly in the water and rested and 
slept. The heat was so great that the sufl'criiig 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT y. 



of the party was indescribable. The Mojave 
Indians came in upon them in a threatening 
manner, but Mr. Rose reconciled them for the 
time by giving them tobacco and trinkets. 
They killed his cattle whenever they found 
them, and roasted the meat without molesta- 
tion. The following day the emigrants began 
constructing a raft with which to cross the 
river. The second day the Indians came into 
camp, and not being able to satisfy their de- 
mands, though giving them what articles they 
could, the Indians retired; and tiie third day 
they failed to make their appearance, and the 
emigrants' guide warned the party that the ab- 
sence of the Indians was an evil omen, where- 
upon they formed their wagons in a semicircle. 



with tlie river as their base in the rear, and 



pre- 



pared to defend themselves against the treacher 
ous savages. They saw large numbers of Indians 
crossing the river from the other side, and the 
following day, about 1 o'clock, over 200 of the:n 
attacked the camp. The fight waxed hot until 
night, amid intense excitement and desperation 
of the emigrants. They killed about seventeen 
Indians. Nine of the whites were killed and 
seventeen wounded, Mr. Rose being one of the 
latter. A council was held at nightfall, and the 
emigrants resolved to start back. Gathering 
together what they could carry in one wagon, 
they abandoned the camp soon after dark, and 
started on their perilous and almost hopeless 
journey for Albuquerque. There were two women 
in the party — the wife of Mr. Rose and the wife 
of his foreman, Alfred Brown, who was killed 
in the fight. His widow with her three chil- 
dren were taken back. Later she came to Cali- 
fornia and became the wife of a prominent man, 
a judge in Sacramento. After making one day's 
journey on their return trip, they met a party 
of emigrants, numbering about forty men, of 
whom they had had no previous knowledge, and 
the meeting of whom saved Mr. Rose's party 
from the inevitable fate of perishing en route, 
as everj'body had given out from exliaustion 
and from lack of supplies. Mr. Rose and wife 
had two children, the elder being a little over 



two years of age. The whole party, or those 
who survived after their hloody encounter with 
the savages, togetlier with those whom they 
had met, returned to JVew Mexico, the men 
walking, half bare-footed, their feet being 
lacerated with cactus thorns. At night they 
slept under their wagons on the sand, as 
soundly as on feather beds, in their joy for 
having escaped being massacred. After stopping 
in Albuquerque and endeavoring in vain to find 
other business, Mr. Rose finally purchased { 
hotel, "The Fonda," in the old city of Santa Fe, 
and kept it for two years, during which time lit 
made about $14,000. He and his family having 
sufficiently recruited to continue their journey 
to the land of flowers and of perpetual summer, 
they came by the route known as the "Butter- 
field Stage Route," to California, reaching Los 
Angeles in November, 1860. Leaving his fam- 
ily here, Mr. Rose went up into the northern 
counties of the State, prospecting for a desirable 
location; but finding no place he liked as well 
as Los Angeles County, he returned and settled 
here. He bought the property now known and 
famous as "Sunny Slope," two miles north ot 
the old Mission San Gabriel, with a view ol 
realizing his long-cherished ideal of cultivating 
fruits and flowers and rearing tine stock. He 
expected at first only to buy 160 acres of land, 
but he found after engaging in the work, that 
to carry out his ideas he must enlarge his acre- 
age, and he ultimately bought 2,000 acres. He 
began in a very small way by planting a few 
acres of grape-vines and orange trees. At first 
he had but one small wine tub, being one of the 
pioneer wine and brandy manufacturers of this 
part of California. Under his judicious man- 
agement, and undergoing the severest struggles 
and privations, being heavily in debt for several 
years, his business finally grew to large propor- 
tions and eventually became very profitable, 
enabling him to triumph over all obstacles and 
to become independent. From the annual pro- 
duction of a few hundred gallons of wine, he 
pushed ahead with indomitable perseverance, 
despite all discouragements, till he reached 750,- 



HISTOllY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



000 gallons of wine of different varieties yearly, 
and 125,000 gallons of brandy. His goods at- 
tained a great repntation for tlieir superior qual- 
ity, standing as high as any American brands 
in the great markets of America. In January, 
1887, Mr. Rose sold his '-Sunny Slope" prop- 
erty for over $1,000,000, to an English syndi- 
cate, who now control it, and who are now 
introducing its wines and brandies into English 
markets. About twenty years ago Mr. Hose 
began to breed fine trotting horses on an exten- 
sive scale, and he has raised some of the fastest 
and most valuable animals on the American 
turf, among them "Stamboul," the celebrated 
stallion, which made the fastest record, within 
a second or two, in 1888, trotting in 1:14|. 
lie is now (February, 1889) on Mr. Rose's great 
liorse ranch, "Eose-Meade," in the San Gabriel 
Valley, about ten miles east of Los Angeles, on 
the line of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Mr. 
Rose has on his ranch 120 head of tine horses. 
"Stamboul" has a four-year-old filly with a 
record of 2:30, a two-year-old with a record of 
2:2% and a yearling witli a record of 2:41|. 
His breeding ranch comprifes 920 acres. On 
it are 200 acres from which were cut, in 1888, 
seven crops of two tons each, of alfalfa, to the 
acre, or fourteen tons per acre in a single year. 
Mr. Rose has built himself an elegant home, 
cobting in tiie neighborhood of $100,000, in the 
city of Los Angeles, where he now resides with 
his family. It is built on the commanding 
eminence at the corner of Grand avenue and 
Fourth street, and is one of the most elaborate 
and beautiful in Southern California. Mrs. 
Rose, who has contributed her full share to her 
husband's success, was the daughter of the late 
Ezra M. Jones, who was one of the early pio- 
neers of Iowa, and who afterward, for many 
years, was a resident of Los Angeles County. 
Mrs. Rose was born in Indiana, but was reared 
in Iowa. They were married in the '50's. She 
has been a remarkable woman in iier endurance 
and iier fidelity as a true help-mate. They have 
nine children; the two eldest are daughters: 
Mrs. J. V. Watcliel and Mrs. E. Sanderson; 



the eldest son, Harry, is the joint owner and 
manager of the St. Elmo Hotel in this city; 
Leon J. Rose, Jr., is interested in a hotel and a 
real-estate business in Ventura County, and 
married a Miss Fargo, of San Francisco; Guy 
is in Taris, studying art, having previously re- 
ceived the gold medal of the San Francisco Art 
School; added to his fine inherited natural 
talent, he is a very hard worker and is enthusi- 
astically in love with his art; Daisy, Maud, 
Mabel and Roy are at home with their parents, 
forming a bright and happy household. In 
summing up briefly Mr. Rose's characteristics 
as a naan and as a good and useful citizen of 
Los Angeles County, the imperial resources of 
which are as yet but partially developed, the 
task of the biographer is an agreeable one. If 
every citizen had done as much as he has done 
in several lines, toward demonstrating the possi- 
bilities of one section, this Arcadian Valley of 
the Angels would stand forth to-day, what it 
must become in the future, as one of the richest 
valleys in climatic and natural resources in the 
United States, if not in the world. Formerly 
the tendency of settlers in Southern California, 
as a rule, with few exceptions, was toward the 
moist or low lands, where corn and other crops 
would grow without irrigation. Mr. Rose in- 
augurated a new departure by going to the up- 
lands and mountains, where water, as it came 
from the mountain ranges and before it disap- 
peared beneath the surface, could be utilized as 
wanted only, without liability to excess from 
winter overflow and its attendant evils, to whrch 
the low, wet lands were subject. The result has 
been a splendid vindication pf the soundness of 
his judgment. By intelligent and persistent 
labor he converted a chaparral waste or moor 
into one of the finest and most productive estates 
in America. He had the discernment to see 
then, what is now 'apparent to all, that while 
the moist or bottom lands are better for alfalfa 
and many other crops, the foot-hill lauds are 
vastly superior for vineyards and for citrus 
fruits, as well as (in the opinion of many) for 
the raising of fine blooded stock, in all of which 



nisTonr of los anoeles county. 



lines he has had such eminent success. The 
universal voice of the small vineyard owners of 
Los Angeles County is. that they have been in- 
debted to Mr. Rose, more than to any or all 
other wine-makers, for keeping up the ])rices of 
wine grapes to living rates. Small farmers else- 
where who raise crops that are not immediately 
perishable, and who correspond to our small 
vineyard farmers, are not obliged to sell their 
crops when ripe or see them perish, as grape- 
growers are. Many of tlie latter, who have not 
the necessary capital to own j^ipes and wine cel- 
lars, etc., are absolutely dependent on selling 
their grapes, and that within a very limited time, 
to the wine-makers, with the alternative of their 
year's labor being a dead loss if they do not. 
There has been a tendency among the grape- 
buyers to take advantage oY this state of affairs 
by compelling growei-s to sell for less than the 
cost of production. Mr. Rose has never been 
willingly a party to this short-sighted, selfish 
policy. He is too just and too enlightened a 
man for that. He believes in the motto, which 
is the highest wisdom in the long run: "Live 
and let live." Mr. Rose has been a frequent 
writer on economic questions of current local 
interest, and it is generally conceded tliat he 
has the happy faculty of saying, in the most 
direct and effective phraseology, exactly the 
right thing at the right time. During the cur- 
rent year (1889) Mr. Rose had one of the most 
successful sales of fine horses, by auction and 
otherwise, ever iiad by one party in the United 
States, or in the world. His sales ii.side of two 
months, including an auction in New York of 
$118,000, and $50,000 for "Stamboul" at pri- 
vate sale, amounted to nearly $190,000 for 
fifty-four head, the majority being colts one and 
two years old. Mr. Rose was elected and served 
as State Senator from Los Angeles County, for 
the term commencing 1887, and he has also 
been a useful and active member of the State 
Viticultural Society and State Board of- Agri- 
culture for several years. Personally he has 
done much to benefit Southern California by in- 
troducing many varieties of foreign grapes, as | 



well as fine horses and cattle. His life has been 
an active one, as well as a useful one to himself 
and to his neighbors also. The community in 
which he lives rejoices in his success, which has 
been honestly and fairly earned. Mr. Rose's 
character, as illustrated by his life's work, fur 
nishes to his friends who have known him well 
a good exemplification of the truth that a man 
who is both an idealist and a realist is a higher 
type of manhood than one who is only an ideal- 
ist, or only a realist, or a utilitarian, or a man 
of practical affairs solely. 

— ^€ii:i)»-^^^ — 



fW. ROBBINS, upholsterer and manufact- 
urer of mattresses, lounges and Robbins' 
® Patent Bed Lounge, No. 19 New Depot 
street, Los Angeles, was born in the State of 
Maine, December 29, 1840. When he was 
eighteen years of age iiis parents removed to 
Wisconsin and he learned bis trade there. After 
living in the Western States fifteen years, he 
came to California and located in Los Angeles, 
in 1875. After following his trade some years, 
he established his present business on First 
street in 1882, and the following year moved 
to Spring street. The firm was G. W. Robbins 
& Co. for two years, and then Mr. Robbins 
bought the interest of his partner and removed 
to Upper Main street, and remained there two 
years, when he moved to his present location on 
his own premises, and erected his factory, giving 
employment dnring the busy season to twenty 
or thirty hands. He does all kinds of uphol- 
stering, parlor furniture and mattress work, and 
manufactures all the goods he sells. He buys 
all his stock from first hands, and is enabled to 
compete with Eastern npholsterers, and sells 
goods to the trade only. He is the pioneer 
manufacturing upholsterer in Los Angeles, and 
has built np a large established trade. He is 
the patentee and sole manufacturer of Robbins' 
Patent Bed Lounge, an article of furniture 
which has become very popular in the trade, and 



UISTOUT OF L0-< ANOBLES COUNTY 



l.as guincd a wi.le repntatio... Mr. Rol.hins 
married Mrs. Fletcher, of Michigan, and they 
have three children. 



tENRY J. A. STUIIll, importer and dealer 
in domestic wines and rupiors, 127 West 
First street, Los Angeles, is a native of 
llambnrg, Germany, and was born February 22, 
1849. He emigrated to America when fourteen 
years of age, went to Alaska, and came tiie same 
year to California. He grew up in San Fran- 
cisco, lived there twelve years, after which he 
came to Los Angeles, in 1876. Since then he 
has been identified with the wine business here. 
He was superintendent for Don Mateo Keller 
until 1881, for one year ran the business for the 
estate, and with Weyse Brothers one year. He 
organized the Los Angeles Vintage Company, 
and was for four years a partner in that com- 
pany. In April, 1888, he established his pres- 
ent business, dealing in all kinds of imported 
and domestic liquors, California wines and 
brandies. He lias had a practical experience of 
twenty-five years, and is well and favorably 
known and has an established ti'ade. Mr. Stuhr 
was married August 29, 1873, to Miss Norma 
Machl, a native of Detroit, Michigan. They 
have three children living: Henry, Norma and 
Fred. Olga died May 29, 1889, in Detroit, on 
her way from Europe with her mother. 

flMON J. STOCKWELL, a very successful 
farmer residing near Compton, is the son 
of John H. Stockwell, who was well 
known in this county as one of those worthy 
pioneers who made the overland journey with 
an ox team thirty years ago. It was by his in- 
dustry and perseverance— by hard labor in the 
woods, the mines and on the farm— that he was 
enabled to provide for his large family of seven 
children, four boys and three girls. When first 
coming to Los Angeles Cimuty he rented land, 



and subsequently purchased fifty acres. This 
he farmed until his death, which occurred on 
May 21, 1888, at the age of fifty-seven years, 
his wife, Abby E. Stockwell, having died May 8, 
1871, at the age of thirty -§i.\ years, both na- 
tives of Vermont. Their four sons have worked 
their own w^ay up in the world. Under the 
firm name of Stockwell Ilrothers, Simon, Frank 
and Lucian conducted a cheese factory known 
as Star Dairy (S. J. Stockwell as cheese- maker, 
also butter-uiaker), one mile north of Compton, 
for four years, being very successful in the un-^ 
dertaking. Later they purchased 100 acres of 
excellent alfalfa land, have it highly improved, 
and three good substantial residences have been 
erected thereon. Their fields are dotted with 
herds of well-kept cattle and horses, while the 
general appearance of the place indicates at once 
the good taste and prosperity of the owners. 
Simon J. Stockwell makes a specialty of Hol- 
stein cattle and Clydesdalfe horses and Poland- 
China swine of the best breed. He is also 
running a creamery on his own premisas, the 
Star Dairy Stock Farm, in his own name. Mr. 
Stockwell'is an acceptable member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. He is a man highly re- 
spected by the community in which he resides, 
as also are -his brothers, and their example as 
business men should inspire other young men 
who have their own way to make in the world. 

— ^„..|.„:m^-|+.— — 

tW. STOLE, of the firm of H. W. St(dl & 
Co., proprietors of the Los Angeles Soda- 
® water Works, was born in Germany, 
February 25, 1839. His parents emigrated to 
this country when he was only thirteen years of 
age and located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where 
they remained twelve years, and in 1864 re- 
moved to St. Louis, Missouri. From there he 
went to St. Joseph, the same State, and then to 
Denver, Colorado, from where he drove across 
the plains to (California, reaching Los Angeles 
in 1867. During the following yaer he estab- 
lishc.l the Los Airgeles Soda-water Works. He 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELBS COUNTY. 



is now the senior proprietor, has carried on the 
business since 1868, and is the pioneer soda 
manufacturer in the city. He began on a small 
scale and increased the capacity of his business 
from time to time to meet the demands of their 
trade. Their immense establishment contains 
tlie latest and most complete and expensive ap- 
paratus on the Paciiic Coast. Besides genera- 
tors, bottling machines, reservoirs, syrup tanks, 
flavoring extract distillery, a large force of men 
are constantly employed, with a capacity of turn- 
ing off 3,000 to 5,000 dozen per day of sarsa- 
parilla, soda mineral water, syrups, cordials and 
other temperance beverages. Mr. Stoll is a 
prominent member of the Board of Trade and 
enjoys an enviable reputation. In 1873 Mr. Stoll 
married Miss Louisa Behn, a native of Los An- 
geles. Her father, John J. Behn, was one of 
the earliest pioneers, coming here in the '40s, 
His wife was a daughter of General Castello, of 
Ensinado, Lower California. Mr. and Mrs. Stoll 
liave seven children, four daughters and three 
sons. 



fP. SWITZER is a native of Hardy County, 
Virginia, where he was born September 
* 5, 1826. His paternal ancestors were 
Gorman, and his ancestors on the maternal side 
were English. On reaching his majority in 
1847, the subject of this sketch moved to Lick- 
ing County, Ohio. In 1853 he set out for Cali- 
fornia, overland, with Colonel W. W. Hollister, 
who started with a large flock of sheep of about 
7,000 head, and arrived one year later in Los 
Angeles M'ith 3,000 head. A sister of ("olonel 
Hollister, Mrs. Brown, now a resident of Santa 
Bdrbara, was a member of the party, as was W. 
H. Perry, of this city. Colonel Hollister settled 
in Santa Barbara County, where he engaged for 
many years in the sheep business, improving 
his breeds and making a fortune thereby. Mr. 
Switzer has made Los Angeles County his home 
ever since his arrival. His business has been 
inainlv that of contractor and builder. In 1884 



he moved to iiis mountain resort, thirteen miles 
north of the town of Pasadena, known as 
"Switzer's Camp." This romantic spot is about 
3,300 feet above the sea-level, and is compara- 
tively easy of access by the "Solidad Grade," 
made many years ago. The top of the nearest 
mountain, which is accessible by trail from 
Switzer's, is abont 6,800 feet above the sea 
Switzer's Camp is much resorted to by persons 
who need a rare and dry atmosphere and pure 
mountain water. The view from there of the 
immense Los Angeles Valley, whicli spreads out 
like a great panorama below, is most charming. 
Mr. Switzer is held in the highest esteem by all 
who know him, for his genial sterling qualities. 

iARK SIBLEY SEVERANCE, Los An- 
geles, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, 
October 28, 1846. His lather, T. C. 
Severance, is a native of Shelburne Falls, Massa- . 
chusetts, and his mother, Caroline (Seymour) 
Severance, a native of Canandaigua, New York, 
is well known in literary circles throughout the 
country. He pursued his college-preparatory 
studies at the Roxbury Latin School in Boston; 
after leaving this school one of his tutors was 
Wendell Phillips Garrison, a sou of the cele- 
brated leader of the Abolitionists, William Lloyd 
Garrison. In 1869 he graduated at Harvard 
College. After spending a year in the South, 
he was appointed assistant librarian of Congress, 
under A. R. Spofford, the present librarian, and 
held that position three years. In 1872 he went 
on an exploring expedition conducted by (^eorge 
M. Wheeler, in Utah and Nevada; was a mem- 
ber of the engineer corps. In 1874 he came to 
Santa Bdrbara, where he acted as president of 
the Santa Barbara College for one year. Then 
he came to Los Angeles and invested in land in 
Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. In 
1878 he went to San Francisco and entered the 
employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad Com- 
pany, in which position he remained nine years. 
in 1883 he was appointed general agent for the 



IHSroUY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



company at Salt Lake City, and held that posi- 
tion four years, then resigning to give his at- 



rasl inter 



th 



rt of 



California. Mr. Severance, being a literary man, 
lias contributed articles to various magazines' 
and is the author of "Hammersmith," a book 
on college life. He has one of the most elegant 
homes iu Los Angeles, on Adams street, sur- 
rounded and characterized by every pleasant 
feature that culture and taste can suggest. He 
was married November 1, 1879, to Miss Annie, 
daughter of Hiram Crittenden, of St. Louis, and 
niece of Mrs. Mark Hopkins. Their two chil- 
dren are: Hattie, four and a half years old, and 
Marjorie, one and a half years of age, at this 
writing (March, 1889). 

PASCOM ASBURY STEPHENS was born 
in the town of Lockington, Shelby County, 
Ohio, on March 5, 1855. His father was 
William Humphreys Stephens, and his mother 
was Eleanor, daughter of Judge William Wirt 
Cecil, a lineal descendant of Sir William Cecil, 
the premier of Queen Elizabeth. His paternal 
grandfather, E. David Stephens, was a soldier in 
the war of 1812, serving in an Ohio regiment, 
and was a pioneer of Western Ohio. His great- 
grandfather was Joshua Stephens, who was born 
in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 1733, of 
Welsh parents; was a soldier in the Revolution- 
ary war, after which he followed his kinsman, 
Daniel Boone, to Kentucky. In August, 1855, 
W. H. Stephens and family moved to Grundy 
County, Missouri, where they lived on a farm 
near the town of Trenton. In April, 1857, they 
started for California overland, making the trip 
in six months in ox teams, and while on the 
way suffered loss of considerable property from 
Indians and Mormons. Arriving in California 
in October, 1857, they lived a while in Amador 
and Solano counties, but finally settled in the 
town of Santa Clara, in order to give their chil- 
dren the advantages of the good schools at that 
place. Ili.s niotiicr died in Pt)rthind, Oregon, 



June 12, 1866, while on a visit to that city, and 
his father died in Santa Clara, December 9, 
1879, at an advanced age, and possessed of a 
good estate. His father was married three 
times. By his first wife, 7iee Julia C. Lenox, 
he had two children, who still live. They are: 
Mrs. S. E. Frambes, of Alila, Tulare County, 
who, with her husband, Re\-. O. S. Frambes, 
founded the Los Angeles Academy in 1870, 
that afterward became the University of South- 
ern California; 11. W. Stephens, of San Jose, 
ex-county recorder of Santa Clara County. By 
his second wife, nee Eleanor Cecil, his surviving 
children are: C. C. Stephens, Esq., an attorney 
of Los Angeles; Mrs. V. P. S. Zumwalt, a 
school teacher, residing in Los Angeles; B. 
A. Stephens, of the same place. The last 
named graduated from the Santa Clara public 
schools iu 1870; attended college a short time; 
served nearly three years as assistant postmaster 
of Santa Clara, and then entered journalism in 
1873, to which profession he has ever since been 
attached. Of late he has been devoted to his- 
torical work. September 8, 1878, he married 
Minerva M. Overshiner, by whom he has three 
children: Bascom Albert, born October 11, 
1879; Minerva Eleanor, born January 3, 1882; 
William Asbury Gideon, born September 6, 
1886. 



fR. JOSEPH SHAW was born in Boston, 
Massachusetts. After graduating from 
Yale College he came to California, in 
1849, via the Isthmus. He was engaged in 
orange culture in Los Angeles for many years, 
having been a pioneer in that protitable and 
fascinating industry. He early went to Central 
America (Nicaragua) and brought orange seeds 
to Los Angeles to plant a nursery. From this 
nursery he planted and brought to bearing a large 
orchard, which for many years was very profit- 
able; besides selling to other orchardists a great 
number of young orange trees. He also was a 
successful grower of other fruits. February 1, 



HISTOllY UF LOS AJSfOELEti COUNTY. 



1860, he married, in Philadelphia, Miss Harriet 
Fitzsiminons, daughter of John Fitzsiminons, 
long a resident of that city. Dr. and Mrs. Shaw 
had only one child, Augusta, now the wife of 
John AVeber, who, witli their two children, live 
near their mother. The Doctor died about 1880. 
June 8, 1887, Mrs. Shaw was married to Mr. 
G. P. Cuddeback, of Orange. 



aLLIAM W. SEAMAN was born in the 
village of Castile, in Western New York, 
in July, 1855. His father, Ezekiel Sea- 
man, was a physician, and a native of New York 
City; his mother, whose maiden name was Mary 
Akin, was a native of Delaware County, New 
York. When the subject of this sketch was in 
his sixth year, his parents removed to Scio, 
Allegany County, New York, and there, five 
years later, the father died. A year afterward 
the mother returned with her children to Cas- 
tile, and there William resided, attending the 
village school until he reached the age of six- 
teen. Then, anxious to seek his fortune in the 
West, he spent some time in Minnesota, Iowa 
and Wisconsin. After an absence of over a 
year, he returned to the East, and in 1875 he 
entered the New York State Normal School at 
Albany, from which he was graduated with 
honor in 1877. After two years, spent chiefly 
in teaching, he went to Colorado in search of a 
climate better suited to his health; and he was 
then for some time engaged in business, first at 
Fort Collins, Colorado, and afterward with his 
brother at Belvidere, Illinois. In the summer 
of 1881 Mr. Seaman came to California, and in 
January, 1882, he was appointed principal of 
the public school at Santa Monica. This posi- 
tion he retained until his election as county 
superintendent of schools, in the autumn of 
1886. In the summer of 1884 he visited his 
native State, and on his return he brought a 
bride to his California home. He has one child, 
a di.ughter two years old. Mr. Seaman has 
been a very successful teacher, and an efficient 



superintendent, and all measures adapted to raise 
tlie standard and increase the efficiency of our 
public schools find in him a hearty supporter. 



j^ON. E. F. SPENCE, one of the leading 
IH) '^^"'^^'■^ *^"^ business men of Los Angeles 
"^M County, was born at Enniskillen, Ireland, 
December 22, 1832. His father, Gabriel Spence, 
was an owner of large tracts of farming lands 
and herds of cattle in the north of Ireland, and 
a man of influence and held various local posi- 
tions of trust and honor. Edward F. Spence re- 
ceived his early schooling from a private tutor, 
and when a youth acquired a practical knowl- 
edge of business affairs by assisting his father 
in the management of his extensive business. 
He emigrated to America in 1852, landing at 
New York. He soon went to Philadelphia, and 
near that city found employment on a farm at 
$10 a month. He soon renewed his journey 
westward and shipped for California via Nicara- 
gua, arriving in San Francisco in December, 
1852. He later visited Sacramento, Marysville 
and Nevada City, at which latter place he spent 
seventeen years, where he for a time engaged in 
mining. He became physically impaired, how- 
ever, abandoned mining, studied pharmacy, 
entered the drug business and controlled an ex- 
tensive trade throughout that region of country 
for thirteen years, and took an active part in the 
local public affairs. In 1860 he represented his 
district in the California Legislature, and he also 
held the office of treasurer of Nevada County. 
After an extended trip to Europe he located at 
San Jose in 1869 and re-engaged in the drug 
trade. He became largely interested in the San 
Jose Savings Bank as a stockholder and took an 
active part in its management. In 1872 he be- 
came one of the organizers of the Commercial 
Bank of San Diego and its cashier, which under 
his management it is needless to say was soon 
made a success. This institution was afterward 
merged into the present Consolidated National 
Bank of San Diego. In 1875 Mr. Spence with 



UISTOHY OK LOS ANGELKS COUNTY. 



otliers established the Commercial Bank of Los 
Angeles and he became its cashier. The First 
National Bank of Los Angeles was organized in 
1880, whicli enterprise absorbed the Commer- 
cial Bank of Los Angeles. Mr. Speace in 1881 
resigned his position of cashier to succeed 
Mr. J. E. Ilollenbeck who, owing to failing 
health, resigned the presidency, and since 
that time Mr. Spence has been at the head 
of its affairs. Mr. Spence is also president 
of the Savings Bank of Southern California, 
president of the Southern California Lisurance 
Company, vice-president of the Pasadena Na- 
tional Bank, vice-president of the State Loan' 
and Trust Company of Los Angeles, and 
stockholder and director in several other banks 
of Southern California. In politics Mr. Spence 
is a Republican; has represented the third ward 
of Los Angeles in the city council, and served as 
chairman of the iinance committee during his 
first term, and was president of the council the 
second year. In the fall of 1884 he was elected 
mayor of the city by a handsome majority, and 
made a most efficient and popular executive. 
Mr. Spence is largely interested in Los Angeles 
County real estate outside of the city, and now 
resides at Whittier, 'where he is a heavy property 
liolder, and has a beautiful home. He is a lib- 
eral and public-spirited man. Among his acts 
of public beneficence is the contribution of 
$50,000 for the mounting of the greatest teles- 
cope in the world on the summit of Wilson's 
Peak, over 6,000 feet above-sea level, and the 
nearest peak to Los Angeles. 



fDULJEE SOUABJEE, the Parsee, is a 
native of Bombay, East India, where he 
was born March 16, 1852. His ancestors 
were driven out of Persia by the Saracens over 
1,250 years ago; and a few hundred people of 
the Parsee faith fled to India, where tiiey were 
permitted to settle by the Hindoo king, only on 
condition that they would change their language 
and dress and adopt the customs of tlie Hindoos 



in regard to the marriage ceremony, and prom- 
ise not to kill the cow, and promise also to fight 
the Mahomedans whenever they invaded the 
country. These promises, made by their fore- 
fathers so many hundred years ago, the modern 
Parsees of India claim their race have ever kept 
in good faith. Mr. Sorabjee, the subject of this 
sketch, who has become a permanent settler of 
Los Angeles, and who is besides a naturalized 
citizen of the United States, and, as he believes, 
the only person of the Parsee faith and Per- 
sian origin, was educated in Bombay, where 
there are schools in which the Oriental lan- 
guages are taught. He speaks five languages, 
viz.: Goozrati, Deccan (Murathi), Hindoostani, 
Persian and English. When still a young man 
he was sent to Manchester, England, where he 
lived nine years, to learn mechanical engineer- 
ing and cotton-spinning, by his god-father. Sir 
Dinshaw Manockjee, Petit, C. S. 1., who is one of 
the chief manufacturers of Bombay, and a man 
of great wealth and intelligence, and of high 
social standing. The latter owns several large 
cotton mills, one of which contains 100,000 
spindles and 3,000 looms, and employs over 
2,000 operatives. This enlightened Parsee is 
renowned in India for his princely charities, 
which he dispenses to the needy without regard 
to their race, caste or creed, and for which Queen 
Victoria created him a baronet. Mr. Sorabjee, 
after Hnishing his education in England, went 
back to India three times to superintend the 
shipment of machinery that he Iiad been au- 
thorized to purchase in England for his god- 
father's mills. His shipments included mam- 
moth Inglis & Spencer's Corless Engines, one of 
which was of 4,000 horse-power. Mr. Sorabjee's 
health giving way in the damp climate of Lan- 
cashire, his doctor ordered him to cjuit England 
and return to Bombay, which Mr. S. says is 
healthy, but not at all equal to the all-the-year- 
round liealthful and agreeable climate of Los 
Angeles, which he thinks is the most perfect 
in the world. Since he came here he has en- 
tirely recovered his health without the uee of 
medicine. Having lieard of Los Angeles in 



UISTOBT OP LOS ANGELES GOUNTT. 



England, and having a liking for liberty and 
equality and a republican form of government, 
he came to Los Angeles instead of going back to 
live in India. He came in 1885, and expects 
to make Los Angeles his future home. Mr. 
Sorabjee has been twice married, both times to 
Christian women, although he liimself remains 
true (in essentials) to his hereditary faith. After 
the death of his first wife (who was an English 
woman) and their child, both on account of the 
climate of England, he married in Manchester, 
in 1883, Miss Mary Norris, his present wife, 
by whom he has two children, one born in Eng- 
land aTid one born here in East Los Angeles, 
where he has a beautiful home, surrounded by 
flowers and slirubbery. Over the entrance to 
his grounds is inscribed, " Bombay LL)USc." Mr. 
S'orabjee is a thorough man of the world, and 
there is little in his manner or speech to distin- 
guish him from a cultured Englishman or Amer- 
ican. In regard to the religious creed of the 
Parsces, Mr. Sorabjee says they believe in one, and 
one only, Supreme Being. They have been 
called the Unitarians of India. "Think well 
speak well, do well," are the fundamental )iiax- 
ims of Zoroasterism, for tliey are followers of 
Zoroaster's teachings, who flourished 2,000 years 
before the Christian era. Prof. Max Miiller, the 
oriental scholar, calls Zoroaster " the great health 
ofticer," because his teachings seem to have 
had special reference to the good health of the 
]>eople. According to the creed of the Parsees, 
the four elements, fire, air. earth and water, are 
sacred. Fire, or the sun, which in prayer they 
face, are kept sacred by them, as symbols only 
of God; they are not fire- worshipers any more 
than Christians are worshipers of their sacred 
symbols; in each case the worshiper looks heyond 
the symbol, to the great Intelligence thereby 
faintly typified. The Parsees believe that the 
four elements should not be contaminated, there- 
fore they do not dispose of the bodies of their 
dead by cremation, aquation or inhumation, but 
place them in "Towers of Silence," to perish by 
desiccation, as being the most innocuous mode 
of resolving them into their ori'Mual elements. 



Parsees in India are not eaters of the flesh of 
the cow only in deference to the promise made 
by their ancestors to the Hindoos, who hold that 
animal as sacred, which they are forbidden to 
kill. But the Parsees, even in India, do eat the 
flesh of other animals, the satne as the Hebrews. 
If Mr. Sorabjee were to return to Bombay he 
could enter the service of his god-father at a 
very high salary, but he likes America too well; 
he prefers liberty to caste, and the climate of 
Los Angeles to that of any other part of the 
world. " 



ILLIAM A. SPALDING was born in 
Ann Arbor, the university town of 
Michigan, October 3, 1852. His early 
years were passed in that place, and, at the age 
of thirteen, he removed, with his parents, to 
Kansas City, Missouri. He became a pupil iu 
Spalding's Commercial College, an institution 
founded by his father and elder lirother, and, 
after graduating, with the degree of R. M., as- 
sumed the position of tutor in the college. His 
first essay in the field of newspaperdom was in 
connection with the Kansas City Journal of 
Commerce, taking the position of mailing clerk 
while he was still a mere lad. By steady appli- 
cation to business for several years lie worked 
his way to the position of book-keeper and 
cashier. This was finally given up to enable 
him to resume study, and in the fall of 1871 he 
matriculated in the University of Michigan for 
the Latin-scientific course. His University 
studies were interrupted, however, before grad- 
uation, by sickness and financial reverses, and, 
returning to Kansas City, he applied himself 
for some years to book-keeping for a manufact- 
uring establishment. In February, 1874, follow- 
ing the great financial crash throughout the East, 
he migrated to California, figuratively hang- 
ing tow on the bushes and seeking his fortune 
on the Pacific Coast. Directly upon his arrival 
in Los Angeles, in March, 1874, he found em- 
ployment on the Herald in the capacity of re- 




S s 






UISrORT OF LOS ANGELKti COUNTY. 



porter. He remained with that pap^ several 
years, becoming successively city editor, book- 
keeper and bnsiness manager. Subsequently he 
did service On the Eoening Express as city ed- 
itor and J3W tempore editor and manager. His 
health breaking down under the strain of ex- 
cessive and unremitting work, he resigned his 
position on tlie Express in 1880 and devoted 
liimself to iinprijving a fruit farm on the Sierra 
Madre foot-hills. Here he accomplished the 
double purpose of making a beautiful country 
home and regaining his iiealtli. Some of his 
e.vp^riences are embodied in a treatise entitled, 
"The Orange; its Culture in California." This 
wa-i published serially and in book form; has 
been e.xtensively circulated and is still regarded 
as a standard work on orange culture. In 1884 
Mr. Spalding resumed iiis connection with the 
daily press, becoming a member of the staff of 
the Los Angeles Times. His fortunes are still 
allied with that paper, toward the building up 
of which he has lent his best energies. He is a 
stockholder, director and secretary of the com- 
pany and fills the position of city editor. Dur- 
ing the sunshine of tiie great boom Mr. Spald- 
ing made a fair crop of hay, and he is therefore 
in very comfortable circumstances. He has a 
pleasant home on Temple street, graced and 
made happy by a wife and five children. Mr. 
Spalding is scholarly, very industrious, and has 
done good and exceedingly valuable editorial 
and literary work during his residence in Los 
Angeles. 



?)i^^ 



fH. SCHENCK, corner of Euclid avenue 
and Willie street, Los Angeles, was born 
** in the city of Brooklyn, New York, son 
of Peter and Jane (Meserole) Schenck. His an- 
cestors were of the old Knickerbocker family, 
and for six generations have lived on Long 
Island. The subject of this sketch received his 
education in his native State, came to Califor- 
nia in 1874 and engaged in business here, re- 
maining five years; tiien lie went to San Diego 



and remained one year, and finally came to Los 
Angeles. He returned to New York and for 
several years was engaged in business there and 
next went to Colorado, where he was superin- 
tendent of mines for three years. In 1884 he 
came to Los Angeles, wiiere he has carried on 
mercantile bnsiness until the present year. He 
purchased a tract of land at Boyle Heights, one 
of the most eligible locations in Los Angeles, 
and erected a large, commodious and attractive 
house. Mr. Schenck's first wife was Miss Susan 
Mall, a native of London, England, but reared 
from infancy in Boston. She died, leaving one 
daughter, Ada. His present wife was Miss Celia 
Maijnus, a native of London, England. 



fj. SPENCER, a farmer near Long Beach, 
has been closely identified with the bust 
® interests of Los Angeles County since 
1876. He is a native of the " Keystone State" 
and was born in Warren County, September 3, 
1824. Mr. Spencer traces his origin back to 
the English, and is the youngest and only living 
child in a family of thirteen children, the sou 
of Abuer and Betsey (Lawrence) Spencer, na- 
tives of New York State. His father was a 
worthy citizen and tiller of the soil. He died 
in Oil City, Pennsylvania, aged eighty-six years, 
having been born February 7, 1777. The sub- 
ject of this sketch had the advantages of the 
common schools of his native State. He is one 
of the few natural-born musicians, and has 
taught vocal music. On the 13th day of March, 
1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah 
B. Olliver, a native of England, born March 
24, 1826, and the daughter of John and Mary 
(Chapman) Olliver. The}' came to America 
when Sarah was but a child, and located in Syra- 
cuse, New York, where Mr. Olliver farmed and 
gardened for a number of years, when he moved 
from Syracuse, New York, and subsequently to 
Warren County, Pennsylvania. He died in Ce- 
dar County, Iowa, at the residence of his son, 
George C. Olliver. Mr. and Mrs Spencer have 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Lad an interesting i'ainily of nine children, all liv- 
ing but the oldest. They are: Delwin W. who 
died in the hospital at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 
having enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and 
Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry; Ellen A., now 
the wile of II. W. Tiinmons; Jane IL, wife of 
John T. JMarraniore; Claia S., wife of Richard 
King; Flora B., wife of C. K. Mattesoii; Sum- 
ner L., who married Ncoska M. Garrison; El- 
mer E., Willoughby D. and Myrtle A. Both 
Mr. Spencer and his wife are highly esteemed 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He is one of the true benefactors of the race, 
kind to the sufiering, and helpful to those in 
need. The hospitality of his home has been 
sharid by many, and he has a welcoJiie for all. 
Mr. Spencer has recently erected a very neat 
and commodious residence on his land near 
Long Beach. The location is one of the most 
beautilul on the coast, overlooking, as it does, 
the town and the ocean with its shipping be- 
yond. The writer's attention Mas called to quite 
an interesting fact in connection with the nuis- 
ery business as conducted by Mr. Spencer in 
San Bernardino County. lie relates that he 
grew 8,000 peach trees from the seed, thirteen 
feet high in si.\ months. This fact was attested 
to by hundreds who came to see it. Many lead- 
ing journals in this country and in England 
published accounts of this. The London Times 
and Ifews had thousands of letters seeking in- 
formation of this wonderful country, all express- 
ing astonishment that such a thing was possible. 



tAFAYETTE SAU^DEKS, a farmer, stock 
and fruit raiser on farm lots 93 and 106 of 
the old American Colony tract of the Cer- 
nitus Eanch, came to Los Angeles County in 
1876, and located first at Anaheim, where helived 
four years. He then purchased forty-five acres of 
fine land and moved to where he now lives. This 
place he has put under the highest state of culti- 
vation. Mr. Saunders was born in Perry County, 
Illinois, in 1845, and is the son of Thomas and 



Jemima Saunders, natives of Virginia and Ten- 
nessee respectively, and of French and German 
origin. Lafayette is the youngest of a family 
of three children, and received a common- schoo 
education. In 1870 he chose for his partner 
through life Miss Sarah Montgomery, a native 
of the same county and State as himself. She 
is the daughter of Eobert and Savina Mont- 
gomery, natives of the Buckeye State, and of 
Scotch extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders have 
been blessed with four children: Rosetta, Charles 
Weston, Albert Wort, and Frances Jennetta. 
Mr. Saunders volunteered in the service of his 
country in 1864, in the One Hundred and Thirty- 
sixth Illinois Volunteers, and served four months. 
Politically he is a Republican, and is a man 
whom his neighbors and all who know hiin, 
respect and esteem. 



^^- 



fAPTAIN HEN RY F. SHORTING, of the 
firm of Herbert & Shorting, proprietors of 
Boyle Heights Nursery, was born in Suf- 
folk, England, January 15, 1847. His father 
was a prominent clergyman in the established 
church, and his mother's brother is the rector 
of the ancient and well-known Ross Church, 
Llereford shire, England. The subject of this 
sketch was educated at Tonhridge Castle, Kei;t, 
and went into the army when veiy young. 
Afterward he left the service and engaged in 
business in London. During the Zulu war he 
went to South Africa and served with distinction 
during the campaign of 1878-'79 as Captain 
and Adjutant of Baker's Horse. He returned 
to England in 1882, and the following year 
came to America and settled in Virginia. In 
1887 he came to Los Angeles and became in- 
terested in his present business with Mr. Her- 
bert, giving his attention to the management of 
the nursery, making a specialty of raising shade- 
trees of all descriptions, particularly the euca- 
lyptus, blue gum, cypress, pepper and palm. 
Mr. Shorting takes very practical views of the 
value of shade-trees as an investment, anil 



HlbTOUY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



demonstrated that lots with a cypress fence or 
with shade trees around them will sell at any 
time for from §50 to $100 mure than if unim- 
proved. The Boyle Heights Nursery is one of 
the largest growers of gum trees in Southern 
California. 



fUDGE EliSKlNE MAYO KOSS was born 
at Belpre, Culpepper County, Virginia, 
June 30, 1845, he being the fourth of 
five children — four boys and one girl. Two of 
his brothers and the one sister are still living in 
Virginia. One brother was killed in battle near 
Richmond. Judge Ross's ancestors on his 
father's side were English, and on his mother's 
side Scotch. His father's name w-as William 
Bnckner Ross, and his mother's maiden name 
was Elizabeth Mayo Thorn. J udge Ross's early 
days were spent with his parents at their home, 
which was called Belpro (Beautiful Meadow). 
The first school he attended was one established 
by a few neighbors for the benefit of their chil- 
dren. Subsequently, when about ten years old, 
he went to a military school at Culpepper Court- 
house, where he continued most of the time un- 
til the summer of 1860, when he entered the 
Virginia Military Institute, an institute modeled 
after AVest Point. At the outbreak of the war 
the corps of cadets of that institution was or- 
dered to Camp Lee, at Richmond, which they 
reached the night of the day Virginia seceded. 
The corps was the first to arrive there, and the 
cadets, of which Ross was one, were put to drill- 
ing the raw recruits as they came in. Like 
most of the others, Ross was too young to be 
mustered into the army, but he acted as a Lieu- 
tenant in various commands, and was in several 
battles on the Confederate side. In 1863 his 
father insisted that he should return to the 
institute, which he did. In 1864 the Confed- 
erates were in such straits that the corps of 
cadets was again ordered out, and as a body 
took part in the battle of New Market, sustain- 
ing' a loss of fiftv-five killed and wounded outol' 



a total number of 190. At the close of the war 
young Ross returned to the insti'tute and grad- 
uated in 1865. In 1868 he came to Los An- 
geles County, California, to engage in the study 
of the law in the ofiice of his uncle, Cameron E. 
Thom, having but $66.50 remaining of a few 
hundred dollars he borrowed to come to Califor- 
nia. On May 7, 1874, he was married to Miss 
Ynez Hannah Bettis; and March 30, 1875, there 
was born to them a son, Robert Erskine Ross, 
who is still living. In politics Judge bioss is a 
Democrat, and he is a member of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church. In 1869 he was admitted 
to the bar of the District Court of Los Angeles 
County, and in 1875 to the bar of the Supreme 
Court of the State. In 1879 he was elected 
justice of the Supreme Court of the State of 
California, and having drawn one of the short 
terms, he was,, in 1882, again elected to the 
Snpreme Bench of the State for a tern) of twelve 
years. In 1886 Judge Ross resigned his seat 
on the Supreme Bench, his resignation taking 
efi'ect October 1 of that year, and resumed the 
practice of law at Los Angeles. Two months 
later he was appointed by President Cleveland 
Judge of the United States District Court for 
the Southern District of California, then lately 
created, which position he still holds, but for 
which he was not a candidate when appointed. 
As a horticulturist Judge Robs has done some- 
thing, having invested most of the money he 
made in the practice of his profession and some 
that he borrowed, in clearing land and planting 
an orange orchard on the San Rafael Rancho, in 
Los Angeles County. The place he has estab- 
lished he calls Rossmoyne; and on it he has now, 
in vigorous condition, something over seventy 
acres in orange trees, the oldest of which are 
about seventeen years old. He has also planted 
there about eighteen acres in olives, and some 
lemons, and he contemplates increasing the 
planting of each. Judge Ross has always stood 
high as a man, as a lawyer, and as a judge. He 
has that sensitive regard for natural justice 
which is the crowning glory of the judge, and 
without which no justice is thoroughly equipped. 



UISrORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



however learned he may be in the law, or 
however brilliant he may be intellectually 
Judge Ross's record on the Supreme Bench of 
this State was most admirable; and to the people 
of Southern California his occupancy of a seat 
thereon for some seven years was most useful, be- 
cause of his intimate knowledge of the distinctive 
economic interests of this part of our great com- 
monwealth, including the vital question of water, 
or irrigation. His influence with his brother 
justices in these matters was exceedingly valu- 
able, and it must be gratifying to liim to know 
that his services were appreciated by our people. 
The high qualities exhibited by Jndge Ross on 
the Supreme Bench plainly indicated his fitness 
for the position of United States District Judge, 
when the Southern District of California was 
established by Congress; and his appointment 
by President Cleveland without solicitation 
was but giving expression to the general voice 
that he was the man for that place. Judge Ross 
is still in the prime of life; and he has a pros- 
pect of a useful and glowing future before him. 

tC. SEXTON, one of the substantial farm- 
ers of Compton Township, was born near 
* Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1852. His parents 
were Richard K. and Ann (Shepard) Sexton, the 
former a native of the Buckeye State. They 
came by steamer route to California in 1853, 
first locating in Amadore County, where Mr. 
Sexton engaged in farming for ten years. He 
then continued the same occupation in Sonoma 
County for four years, after which he moved to 
Santa Barbara County, where he died in 1876, 
his wife having died there in 1870. Their 
family consisted of seven children, the subject 
of this sketch being the youngest. Mr. Sexton 
engaged in the sheep business in Ventura 
County, and subsequently in farming. He has 
been twice married; first in Ventura County, in 
1880, to Miss Ellen E. Williams, a native of 
California and a daughter of Franklin "Williams. 
By her he had one child. May Augusta. Mrs. 



Sexton died in 1883, and in 1885 Mr. Sexton 
was united in marriage with Miss Emma Bis- 
bee, also a native of the Golden State, and the 
daughter of Riley Bisl)ee. Of this last union 
two children have been l)orn, Grace Ellen and 
Louis Glenn. The subject of this sketch is the 
owner of a fine farm of 110 acres of land two 
and one-half miles northwest of the city of 
Compton. This land is very productive and well 
improved, the principal crops being barley, 
alfalfa and blue-gum trees; of the latter there 
are extensive groves, some of the trees at four 
years of age being ten inches in diameter and 
from forty to sixty feet high. His residence is 
nicely located among the evergreens, and in this 
calm retreat Mr. and Mrs. Sexton are enjoying 
the comforts of their pleasant home and the 
confidence and esteem of all who know them. 



>. SlIAWG, of San Fernando, was 
born in Mason County, West Vir- 
® ginia, February 6, 1841. He is a son 
of Dr. W. H. and Hannah (Sherwood) Shawg, 
both natives of New York State. The Shawg 
family came originally from Gerniany, and the 
name was formerly written Cliawk. Dr. W. 
H. Shawg reared a family of sixteen children, 
nine daughters and seven sons. The father was 
a soldier in the war of 1812, and one of his sons 
was in the Mexican war. The subject of this 
sketch served in the late war four years and six 
n'lonths. He enlisted in Company D, Fourth 
Cavalry Volunteers, and was mustered out at 
San Francisco. When he came to California in 
1860, it was as a driver of an ox team across the 
plains. He subsequently went back to Van 
Buren, Iowa, his former home, and remained ten 
years. During that time he served as deputy 
sheriff and marshal. In 1872 he was married 
to Miss Abbie Slaughter, of Van Bnren County, 
Iowa, and together they soon set out for the 
Golden State. Miss Abbie Slaughter originated 
from the Slaughters, of whom there were three 
brothers who came across in the Mayflower, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTT. 



November 21, 1620, and landed on Plymouth 
Eock, December 21. He has been in business 
in San Fernando since 1876, and has been very 
successful. He owns several lots in the town 
and some good buildings. Politically Mr. 
Shawg affiliates with the Republican party, and 
has been elected to the office of constable and 
has served as school trustee for live years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Shawg have four sons: Hurbert S., 
Robert E., Frank O. and Raymond. 

^-^--^ 

fHRlSTOPHER C. STEELE.— The subject 
of this sketch is a resident of Savannah, 
where he is the owner of fifty acres of rich 
and productive land which he is devoting to gen- 
eral farming. He purchased his farm in 1883 
and has made all improvements since that date, 
building cottage residence, barns, etc. Twenty 
acres of his land produce from ten to twelve 
tons of alfalfa per acre each year. His grain 
land is yielding sixty bushels of barley per acre, 
which shows a high state of cultivation. His 
improved stock is worthy of notice, comprising 
Jersey cattle and tine specimens of horses of 
Ben Wade and Hamiltonian stock. Mr. Steele 
is a native of Franklin County, Arkansas, dat- 
ing his birth May 28, 1844. His parents were 
John and Elizabeth W. (Ray) Steele, natives of 
Tennessee. His father was a farmer, and to that 
calling the subject of this sketch was reared un- 
til the breaking out of the war in 1861. In 
June of that year, although less than eighteen 
years of age, he enlisted in the service of his 
State and entered the Arkansas Cavalry. Mr. 



Steele served in the Confederate army tlirough- 
ont the war, and participated in some of the 
hardest-fought battles of the Southwest, among 
which were Oak Hill, Wilson's Creek, Corinth, 
Farmington, Shiloh, Hatchie Bridge, Vicks- 
bnrg. Baker's Creek, (irand Gulf and others. 
An earnest supporter of what he believed a 
just cause, he fought bravely, and he will carry 
the marks of his valor to his grave, as he was 
wounded no less than seven times during serv- 



ice. At the close of tlie war he returned to 
agricultural pursuits in his native State, cheer- 
fully accepting the result and earnestly aiding 
in the establishment of peace throughout an 
undivided country. In 1866 he married Miss 
Catherine P. Anderson, a native of Arkansas. 
Her parents were P. N. and Jane (Stanford) 
Anderson, also natives of that State. Mr. 
Steele continued his farming operations in Ar- 
kansas until 1883, when he came to Los An- 
geles County, and took up his present residence. 
He is a desirable acquisition to any community 
and has the respect of his associates. He is a 
consistent member of the Methodist Church- 
Politically he has for years been allied with the 
Democratic party, but is a strong Prohibitionist 
in principle and an earnest vyorker in that cause. 
The eight living children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Steele are: James H., Elizabeth J., Mattie L., 
Robert E., Josephine N., Jessie A., Frederick 
A. and De Barth. Elizabeth married Edward 
T. Briggs and is now a resident of Los Angeles. 

. ^>3-'^ 

J. S II RODE, a worthy citizen of Los 
Angeles County, and a farmer residing 

' on lot No. 75 of the American Colony 
tract, of the Ceritus Ranch, came to California 
in 1871 from Hopkins County, Texas. This 
journey was made overland by the typical mode 
of travel at that time, the ox team, and in com- 
pany with his father and eight other families. 
Mr. Shrode was born in Indiana in 1848, and 
is the sou of D. K. and Malinda Shrode, both 
natives of the Hoosier State. He is the 
oldest of a family of seven children, five of whom 
are still living. His mother departed this life 
in 1863. The subject of this sketch took for 
his helpmate and partner through life Mrs. 
Orpha Rogers, a native of Illinois, and daughter 
of Peter Teal. This union has been blessed 
with five children, viz.: Willis, John, Algie, 
Mark and Bessie. Mrs. Shrode also had three 
children l)y her former marriage. Mr. Shrodft 
is an intelligent and onteri>rising gentleman. 



msrORY OF LOS. ANOELES COUNTY. 



By that keen foresight and good judtrment vvliicli 
characterize so many of the early settlers of Cali- 
fornia, he has made good investments and has 
traded successfully in real estate. His first pur- 
chase here was twenty-five acres in oranges in 
1872. To this he has added until he is the 
owner of eighty acres of tine land. 

'^^^^ 

fllAKLES II. SHOREY.— Among the ear- 
lier and well-known residents of the Azusa 
is the subject of this sketcli. Mr. Shorey 
was born in Penobscot County, Maine, in 1844, 
ills parents being Nathaniel and Elizabeth 
(Ilurd) Shorey, both natives of that State. His 
fatiier was a farmer by occupation, and in 1850 
moved his family to Wisconsin, locating in 
Juneau County, where he engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits. Mr. Shorey was reared upon his 
father's farm and received his education in the 
schools of that county. Upon reaching his ma- 
jority he engaged in the lumber business with 
his brother, Philip Shorey, upon the Wisconsin 
Kiver. Their mills were located at Necedah, 
Wisconsin, where they also liad a general mer- 
chandise store. Mr. Shorey successfully pur- 
sued his business enterprises in that State until 
1875. In that year he came to Los Angeles 
County, California, and located at the Azusa, in 
the East San Gabriel Yalley, near the Citrus 
postoffice, about four miles southwest of the 
present site of Glendora. There Mr. Shorey 
purchased 120 acres of land and entered into 
agricultural pursuits. He also established a 
grocery store at that point, which he conducted 
until 1879. He then closed out his store and 
went to Arizona, and for the next two years he 
was actively engaged in mining enterprises in 
the Tombstone district. In the fall of 1880 he 
returned to his farm and resumed his farming 
operations, which he conducted upon a large 
scale, renting some 1,500 or 2,000 acres each 
year, which he devoted to grain cultivation. 
He also, on his home place, engaged in horti- 
cultural pursuits, planting citrus fruits, etc. In 



188(3 Mr. Shorey sold out his land and took up 
his residence upon the farm of his brother, 
Philip Shorey, located one mile west of Glen- 
dora, and has since resided upon that place. 
His long residence and business operations in 
the East San Gabriel Valley have made him well 
and favorably known throughout that section 
of the county, and gained him a large circle of 
friends. Mr. Shorey is a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity and still retains his membership 
in the Zera Lodge of Necedah, Wisconsin. In 
political matters he is a straight Republican, 
lie has never married. Ilis comfortable home 
is presided over by his mother. 



fHOMAS A. SMITH.— Among the well- 
known residents of Gladstone is the subject 
of this sketch. He is a native of Warren- 
ton, Warren County, Missouri, born April 11, 
1853. He is the son of Conrad A. Smith, a 
native of Germany, who emigrated to the United 
States in 1834, went to St. Louis, and shortly 
after settled in Warren County, Missouri, at the 
place where the thriving city of Warrenton was 
afterward built. Mr. Smith was one of the 
pioneers of that jilace, early establisliing himself 
in the boot and shoe business, which he con- 
ducted for more than forty years. He was a 
prominent man in the city and county, and was 
elected mayor of Warrenton for three terms. In 
politics he was Democratic, but was a strong 
Union man during the war of the Rebellion. 
Mr. Smith married in Missouri, Miss Rhoda 
Davis. She was from a prominent family of 
Missouri, and the cousin of the late Bishop E. 
M. Marvin, a celebrated divine of the Southern 
Methodist Church. She died in 1844, leaving 
two children, of whom one was sixteen, the other 
thirty-three years of age at the time of their 
death respectively. Mr. Smith's second mar- 
riage was with Miss Polly Chiles, a native of 
Alabama. She died in 1877, leaving the follow- 
ing children: Rhoda, who died in infancy; 
Phebe M., who is now Mrs. William Roberts, 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



of Azusa; and Thomas A., the subject of this 
sketch. Thomas A. Stnitli was reared in his 
native cit}', tind given the advantages of a good 
education, closing his studies at the Central 
Wesleyan College in AV^arrenton, after a four 
years' course. After completing his schooling 
he entered his father's store, and learned the 
trade of a boot and shoe maker, and then learned 
the tobacconist's trade and also photography and 
telegraphy. But he confined his occupation 
mostly to the hoot and shoe trade, and became 
a thorough workman. lie remained in Warren- 
ton until June, 1878, and then came to California. 
After a short stay in Los Angeles he located in 
Downey, where he remained until November of 
that year, when he purchased five acres of land 
at the Azusa, and took up his residence about 
one-half mile north of the present town of Glad- 
stone, upon Citrus avenue. There he engaged in 
his callingas a boot and shoe maker, and also occu- 
pied himself in horticultural pursuits and in 
improving his land. In 1881 his father joined 
him and purchased a ten-acre tract. Mr. Smith 
is now living upon a pre-emption tract of an acre 
and a half, located about one-half mile east of 
(xladstone. This irregularly shaped piece of 
land was acquired by him from the United States 
under the pre-emption laws, and is said to be the 
smallest grant ever made by the Government 
uu<ler tiie pre-emption laws. He is also the 
owner of five acres of improved land producing 
oranges, lemons, apricots, and other deciduous 
fruits; and two lots in Gladstone, upon which 
he has a two-story business block, 22.\36 feet. 
In this Mr. Smith conducts his business as a 
boot and shoe maker, being well patronized, 
and even filling orders for superior custom-work 
from some of liis patrons who are residents of 
San Francisco, Los Angeles and Pomona. Mr. 
Smith is a straightforward man in his business 
dealings, and is respected by all who know him. 
He is an elder and recorder of the Holiness 
Church at Azusa. Politically he is a strong 
supporter of the Prohibition movement. He 
•was for many years an active member of the 
Good Templars, ami in 1873 was a member of 



the Grand Lodge of Missouri. In 1875, at 
Columbia, Missouri, Mr. Smith was married to 
Miss Eva L Smith, the daughter of Rev. L. 
Adams and Mary (Dickinson) Smith. The fol- 
lowing are the names of their children: C.Leslie, 
Delta C, Conwell E., Policy and Guy. Mr. 
Smith's father, who is seventy-si.x years of age, 
is a member of his household. 



p|ELS()N SMITH. 



Among the business 
men of Los Angeles who have selected 
*^ the beautiful Sierra Madre as their resi- 
dence is the above-named gentleman. He is 
the owner of a pleasant home on the south siile 
of Central avenue, just west of Markluun 
avenue. Mr. Smith is a native of Marshall 
County, Illinois, dating his birth in 1854. His 
parents were Isaac and Almira J. (Smith) Smith. 
His father was a native of Maine, and his 
mother of New Hampshire. His father came 
to Marshall County at an early date and engaged 
in business as a carpenter and builder, and later 
in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Smith was reared 
and schooled in his native county, and was early 
trained to mercantile life, commencing at ten 
years of age in his father's store; and at the age 
of sixteen, started in life on his own account as 
a clerk in mercantile establishments. In 1876 
he came to California, and located at Garden 
Grove, Orange County, where he purchased a 
twenty-acre tract and engaged in agricultural 
and horticultural pursuits. Not being suited 
with his success in that calling, he returned the 
next year to Rockford, Illinois, and entered the 
employ of a dry -goods firm. Soon after he estab- 
lished a confectionery store and news stand at 
Belvidere, Illinois, which he conducted until 
the spring of 1882. He then sold out his busi- 
ness and came the second time to Los Angeles 
County, and after spending about six months at 
Garden Grove, located in Los Angeles, and 
entered the employ of George T. Hanly, ;is a 
commercial agent. In 1884 he established his 
I present business, as the manufacturers' agant of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the Los Ano^eles Soap Company, Los Angeles 
Cracker Company, and the California Vinegar 
and Pickle Works. Mr. Smith, by his energy 
and sound business management, has secured a 
success in his business, and obtained the sole 
agency of these representative companies in 
Southern California. He is well and favorably 
known throughout Los Angeles and adjoining 
counties, and his integrity and square dealing 
have gained him hosts of friends. In political 
matters, in which he takes a lively interest, he 
is Republican. He is a member of Rockford 
Lodge, No. 102, F. & A. M.; of Big Thunder 
Lodge, L O. O. F., of Belvidere, Illinois, and 
of Gauntlet Lodge, No. 129, K. of P., of Los 
Angeles. In January, 1877, Mr. Smith wedded 
Miss Mary M. Brown, the daughter of Henry 
O. and Miranda (Whipple) Brown. Her father 
was a pioneer and well-known resident of Rock- 
ford, Illinois. Mrs. Smith was born at Rockton^ 
Illinois, the early home of her parents. Three 
bright children have blessed the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Smith. Their names are: Henry N., 
Florence M. and Ethel G. 

— -^^^W^^ — 

WILLIAM D. SMITH.— Among the well- 
known business men of Pomona is the 
above-named gentleman, a member of 
the firm of E. B. Smith & Co., dealers in agri- 
cnltural implements, carriages, wagons, etc., it 
being one of the largest establishments in the 
city of Pomona. Mr. Smith was born in Rich- 
burg, Allegany County, New York, September 
7, 1835. His parents were William B. and 
Cynthia (Tinkham) Smith, both natives of New 
York. His father was a blacksmith, and the 
subject of this sketch learned that trade and 
worked in his father's shops until the breaking 
out of the war in 1861. In that year he went 
to the army near Washington, as a sutler, and 
afterward was aj^pointed the sutler of the One 
Hundred and Twenty-second New York Volun- 



teers. He remained with the Ar 



of th: 



Potomac until the close of the war, and then 



turned home and resumed his calling as a black- 
smith, until 1866. In that year he tnoved to 
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and there engaged in 
agricultural pursuits, until 1871, when he 
located in Lyon County, Kansas. He established 
a blacksmith shop at Llartford, in that county, 
and also engaged in farming. In 1875 he re- 
sumed his westward march and came to Cali- 
fornia. His first location in that State was at 
Compton, Los Angeles County, where he estab- 
lished himself at his trade. In 1879 Mr. Smith 
went to Arizona and for the ne.xt three years 
was successfully engaged in his calling, having 
shops at Benson and also at Charleston, in the 
Tombstone district. He was also engaged in 
mining enterprises. In 1882 he returned to 
his family at Compton, and in July of that j-ear 
took up his residence in Pomona. Upon his 
arrival there he purchased the shop of I. N. 
McKay, and soon built up a lucrative trade. He 
aUo engaged in other enterprises. In 1883, in 
partnership with W. J. Ashby, he established a 
brickyard and manufactured the first brick ever 
made in Pomona. He also made tools and took 
contracts in boring artesian wells, a business 
which he built up and increased until he oper- 
ated some six sets of tools or implements, run 
by steam-power. In April, 1887, Mr. Smith, 
in partnership with his brother, established the 
firm of E. B. Smith & Co., and has since been 
actively engaged in the business of that firm. 
He is also devoting considerable attention to 
horticulture upon a ten-acre tract on Hamilton 
avenue, which he has planted in French prunes. 
This tract he is operating under a ten-years' 
lease from H. Crampton. He is also part owner 
(with his brother, E. B. Smith) of 160 acres in 
Cucamonga, which they are devoting to orchard 
culture. He and his brother are also engaged 
in an orange nursery, having 80,000 trees in 
the nursery. This season they planted 750,000 
orange seeds. Mr. Smith has been largely in- 
terested in the water supply of the San Jose 
Valley, and is part owner of a ten-acre tract 
located on San Antonio avenue, about one mile" 
north of the city, upon which extensive prepa- 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



rations are being made for increasing the water 
supply of tlie cit}', by means of artesian wells. 
The subject of this sketch has been closely 
identified with the remarkable growth and pros- 
perity of the city of Pomona, and by his enter- 
prise and business undertakings has contributed 
in no small degree toward developing the re- 
sources of the San Jose Valley. He is a pro- 
gressive and enterprising citizen, ready at all 
times to aid in advancing the interests of his 
chosen city. In political matters he is a Kepub- 
lican. Jle is a member of the following frater- 
nal societies of Pomona: Lodge No. 246, F. & 
A. M.; Lodge No. 246, L O. O. F.; Etna Lodge, 
No. 107, K. of P.; Uniform Bank Lodge, No. 
4, K. of P.; and a charter member of Lodge 
No. 225, A. O. U. W. September 24, 1856, 
Mr. Smith married Miss Ann E. Ilowley, the 
daughter of Seth G. S. and Abigail (Le Seur) 
Eowley, both natives of New York. From this 
marriage there are six children living: Charles 
W., Edwin E., William E., George B., Grace A. 
and Rowley S. Charles W. married Miss Susie 
Noonan, and Edwin E. married Miss Delia 
Fahey. With the exception of William E., who 
is residing in San Francisco, all of his children 
are living in Pomona. Mr. Smith's father died 
in Pomona, March 31, 1884, and his mother is 
still a resident of that city. 

fAMES A. SMITH, farmer, etc., postoffice 
Norwalk, was born in Cuyahoga County, 
Ohio, February 12, 1830, a son of John G. 
and Nancy (Burnside) Smith. His father, born 
in Seneca County, New York, was married in 
Sandusky, Ohio, and' after living there one year 
moved to Cuyahoga County and followed farm- 
ing until 1865. He then moved to Livingston 
County, Illinois, and bought a farm there, on 
which he lived three years, when he bought a 
farm in Lenawee County, Michigan, on which 
he followed farming until his death, July 22, 
1887. The mother of James A. was a native 
of Pennsylvania, and iirst cousin of the cele- 



brated General Burnside. Her father, James 
Burnside, served as fifer in the Revolutionary 
war. The subject of this sketch, the eldest of 
their eight children, had the honor of being a 
schoolmate of President James A. (irarfield, in 
a district school on Mrs. Garfield's farm, in 
Orange Township. He learned the inolder's 
trade at Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga County, and 
afterward followed it at Mishawaka and South 
Bend, Indiana, until 1853, when he made a trip 
by horse team across the plains to this State. 
He purchased land and followed farming ten 
years in the Sacramento Valley. In 1864 he 
returned East and bought 400 acres of land 
near Pontiac, Illinois, whei'e he engaged in 
farming and stock-raising for eleven years. In 
1874 he came again to California and bought 
640 acres of the most beautifully situated and 
productive land in LoS Angeles County, three 
miles south of Norwalk. He moved on to this 
land in 1876 and has put out over 2,000 fruit 
trees of various kinds, and is extensively en- 
gaged in raising horses of a superior grade. Of 
course he is recognized as a leading farmer in 
this part of the county, energetic, entliusiastic 
and enterprising. Politically he is an intelli- 
gent Republican. March 27, 1853, is the date 
of his first marriage, when he M'edded Miss 
Maria, daughter of Edward Hanson, of South 
Bend, Indiana. By that marriage there were 
six children, three sons and three daughters; 
William Henry and James F. only are living. 
Mrs. Smith died September 22, 1871; and Jan- 
uary 3, 1875. Mr. Smith married her sister, 
Mrs. Margaret L. Ferguson, a widow. By this 
marriage there are two childj-en: Bessie and 
Jay Guy. 



fU. SANDERS, 1350 Maple avenue, is a 
native of Sweden, born March 10, 1826. 
® After reaching manhood he emigrated to 
America, in 1850; went to Texas, where he 
spent ten years engaged in mercantile business. 
He then returned to the old country and spent 



niSTORY OF LOa ANOBLES COUNTY. 



one year in traveling, tlien returned to America 
and caine to the Pacific Coast in 1861. lie 
went to Salmon River in Oregon and Washing- 
ton Territory, and engaged in mining; then went 
to Virginia City, Nevada, and engaged in con- 
tracting and bnilding, remaining there fifteen 
years. While there he took a trip to South 
America, after which he engaged in mercantile 
business. lie then spent a year in Oregon and 
Washington Territory before coming to Califor- 
nia. After visiting several sections of tiie State 
he came to Los Angeles, engaged in contracting 
and building, and continued in the business 
successfully until the past year, when he retired. 
He has led an active business life, and has been 
an extensive traveler. By industry and good man- 
agement he has secured enough of this world's 
goods for all of his wants. He owns several 
houses on Maple avenue,'and also other property. 



fOHN SCOTT.^Among the successful horti- 
culturists and representative men of Duarte 
is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Scott is 
a native of England, dating his birth in Lan- 
cashire County, in 1845. His parents, Archi- 
bald and Mary (Nelson) Scott, were both natives 
of Scotland. His father was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and to this calling Mr. Scott was reared, 
and at the same time given the advantages of a 
good schooling in the grammar and academical 
schools of his native county. Upon reaching 
his majority, Mr. Scott engaged in agricultural 
pursuits until 1877, when he emigrated to Can- 
ada and located at Ontario, where he remained 
until 1882. In that year he came to California, 
and after visiting various sections, took up his 
residence at Duarte. There he purchased ninety 
acres of land, located just east of the town. 
This land, comprising twenty-five acres of hill 
land extending to the San Gabriel River, was at 
that time nearly all in a wild and uncultivated 
state. Mr. Scott entered actively into the clear- 
ing and cultivating of his lands, and also erected 
substantial buildings. Among the latter is liis 



commodious and well-ordered cottage residence, 
situated upon higii ground among the foot-hills, 
giving him a magnificent view of the San Gabriel 
Valley stretching away for miles to the hills at 
Puente. Mr. Scott has about thirty acres of 
his land devoted to fruit cultivation, ten acres of 
which is in Washington Navel and Mediter- 
ranean Sweets, and two acres of older growth in 
seedlings. He has a fine orchard of deciduous 
fruits, comprising apricots, figs, peaches, prunes, 
etc. He is also testing the successful culture of 
the olive upon his land without irrigation, with 
encouraging results. He is a thorough horti- 
culturist, combining sound business principles 
with his careful and intelligent cultivation. He 
is progressive and public-spirited, and a strong 
supporter of any enterprise that will develop the 
resources and build up the section in which he 
resides. He has been the water commissioner 
in his district for the past five years, and at this 
writing (1889) is the president of the Duarte 
Mutual Irrigation and Canal Company, an office 
he has held for the past three years. He is well 
known and much respected in the community 
in which he resides. In political matters he is 
Democratic, but is liberal and conservative in 
his views. He is a member of the Episcopal 
church. In 1876 Mr. Scott married Miss Sarah 
Fisher, a native of England. Her parents were 
Henry and Elizabeth (Somner) Fisher, also na- 
tives of England. From this marriage there are 
foin- children living, viz.: Elizabeth Mary, Mar- 
garet Crawford, Archibald, and Alice Marion. 



->*-'-V^*«^-^+-'— 

tW. SWANFELDT, manufacturer of tents, 
awnings, wagon-covers, flags, etc., Los 
* Angeles, was born in Sweden, vVugust 5, 
1847, attended school in his native country, 
served an apprenticeship as a sail-maker four 
years in Norway, followed the sea for a time, 
came to America and settled in Galveston, 
Texas, where he followed his trade several years. 
He was in that city for about twenty years, 
altogether. Mr. Swanfeldt was engaged at sail- 



JTISTORV OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



iiiakitui until 1887, wIumi lie caine to California 
and estal)!is]ied his business in Los Angeles. 
Bj his long, practical experience and close at- 
tention to business he has built up a good trade. 
In 1873 Mr. Swanfeldt married Miss Caroline 
Anderson, a native of Sweden, and they have 
live children: Alice, Axoline, Andrew, .John and 
Willie. 

~^'€©:©1^-^ — 

tNDllEW SNVDEU, proprietor of the 
Vernon Nurseries, Wilmington avenue, 
Los Angeles, was born in Ohio, April 8, 
1848. The ne.xt jear the fahiilj moved to Win- 
nebago County, Illinois, upon a farm. In Feb- 
ruary, 1879, he came to Los Angeles and at 
once engaged in his present bnsiness. His nurs- 
eries are located in Vernou, four miles from 
Los iingeles, where he raises all his own stock, 
consisting of all kinds of fruit trees, shade and 
ornameutal trees, flowers, roses, etc. He has 
orders from all parts of the State, and even 
from Arizona and .\ew Mexico. His devotion 
to this fascinating business has earned for hi 
a high reputation. 



C. STONE, teacher of music, Los An- 
geles, is a native of Scranton, Penn- 
[® sylvania. He early in life developed 
a taste for music, and after attending the com- 
mon schools of his town, he entered the State 
Normal School at Mansfield, Pennsylvania, 
taking music in addition to the literary course, 
going from there to the Osceola Music School at 
Osceola, Tioga County, Pennsylvania. There 
lie pursued his musical studies for a time, after 
which he was engaged in teaching for several 
years in his native State and Wisconsin. He 
subsequently pursued a course of study at the 
College of Music in Cincinnati. In 1883 Mr. 
Stone came to California and located in Los 
Angeles, where he engaged in teaching music, 
and since tlien lias been actively identified with 



the musical interests of this city and county. 
He is one of the ■ original members of the 
Seventh Regiment Band, and is also a member 
of the Seventh Regiment Orchestra. 

fA. SAIJM, contractor, builder and jobber, 
Los Angeles, was born in Van Wert 
'* County, Ohio, April 9, 1856. His father, 
also a native of Ohio, removed to Iowa in 1860, 
and after the war broke out enlisted and served 
nearly two years; was severely injured in unload- 
ing a car of powder when the train was on fire. 
After leaving the service he returned to his 
native State. The subject of this sketch attended 
school in Lima, Ohio, six years, and learned the 
cooper's trade with liis father. Not liking tliat 
business, he learned the trade of carpenter and 
joiner, and followed it for a time, and then en- 
gaged in building. In April, 1885, he went to 
Kansas, where he lived until September, 1886, 
when he came to Los Angeles. Since then he 
has been engaged in contracting and building. 
He has a large jobbing trade, amounting the 
past year to between $15,000 and §20,000, and 
his success is owing to his energy and close 
attention to business. In 1886 Mr. Saum mar- 
ried Miss Nellie Fender, of the State of Michi- 
gan. They have one daughter, whose name is 
Dollie. 

fORDAN STONE, dealer in lime, plaster 
and cement, 239 East Second street, Los 
Angeles. This business was established in 
1887, and the same year Mr. Stone became pro- 
prietor. The lime sold by him is manufactured 
on the Santa Cruz Mountains. There are four 
different companies on the Santa Cruz Range, 
but this is the only agency of the Cienega Com- 
pany in Southern California, and is controlled 
by Mr. Stone. The lime is of a superior qual- 
ity and commands the iiighest price in tiie 
market, and Mr. Stone has established a large 



niSTOHY OF LOS AN0BLE8 COUNTY. 



trade with an increasing demand. Mr. Stone 
was born in Virginia, March 10, 1838, and re- 
ceived his education in his native State. Upon 
the breaking out of the Kebellion he entered 
tlie Confederate strvice, and was wounded in 
the battle of the Wilderness and also in the en- 
gagements around Petersburg. He served with 
distinction until the close of the war, then 
removed to North Carolina and engaged in his 
chosen profession, journalism. In this he has 
had an experience of twenty-five years, and 
most of the time he has been in charge of a 
daily paper. He established the Raleigh News, 
and it was conducted by him for many years; 
aiid he was for twelve years editor of the Ash- 
ville Cithen. For two years he held the office 
of State Printer. On account of ill health from 
overwork, he came to California and settled in 
Los Angeles, taking the agency he now holds, 
and has regained his health in this genial cli- 
mate. In 1873 he married Miss Martha Welch, 
of Alabama, and they have four children: Fan- 
nie J., Mattie J., Jordan, Jr., and Willie. 

all ILLIAM M. SNODUY.— Among the 
representative farm properties in the 
beautiful San Gabriel Valley is that of 
the subject of this sketch. This highly culti- 
vated and productive iarm comprises 155 acres 
of bottom land located in the Savanna school 
district, about one and a half miles north and 
west of the old town of El Monte. Among the 
noticeable improvements is a fine vineyard of 
thirty acres, devoted to wine grapes of the 
Bla\ielba variety, from which a high grade of 
white wine is manufactured. The rich sandy 
loam upon which his grapes are grown seems 
especially adapted to producing the finest of 
wine grapes. Little or no irrigation has ever 
been used on his vineyard, but a thorough and 
careful cultivation has been adopted, which has 
given the best of results. His family orchard) 
of both citrus and deciduous fruits, shows that 
great profit could be secured should he turn his 



attention to that branch of horticulture. Eight 
acres of alfalfa, even without irrigation, yield 
six or seven crops each year, aggregating from 
ten to twelve tons per acre. The most of Mr. 
Snoddy's lands are devoted to general farming 
and stock-raising, yielding bountiful crops of 
hay and cereals and supporting his stock. 
Among the latter are Jersey cattle, and draft 
and road horses of the Norman and Echo breeds. 
Mr. Snoddy is a native of Boone County, Mis- 
souri, born in 1843. Llis parents, John W. and 
Sarah (Beattie) Snoddy, were both natives of 
that State. His youth was spent on his father's 
farm, and when only thirteen years of age — at 
which time the death of his mother occurred, in 
1856 — he commenced life upon his own account 
by engaging as a clerk in a store at St. Joseph, 
Missouri. He followed that occupation until 
1864, and then came overland to California. 
The first year in the State was spent in Sacra- 
mento, and in 1865 he located in San Jose and 
there engaged in peddling and trading at Alma- 
den, and on the road irom San Jose to that place. 
He also engaged in agricultural pursuits, rent- 
ing the farm of A. Weller, at Milpitas. Mr. 
Snoddy was successful in his enterprises in that 
county, and in 1869 he closed his business and 
came to Los Angeles County, and in 1870 pur- 
chased from the owners of the San Francis. 
Quito Ranch his present lands and residence, 
since which he has devoted his attention to agri- 
cultural pursuits. This land was then in a com- 
paratively wild and uncultivated state, with no 
improvements except a small house. His years 
of labor, directed by sound practical sense and 
business principles, secured him a well-deserved 
success, placing him among the leading agri- 
culturists of his section and gaining him the 
respect and esteem of his associates. He is a 
member of El Monte Lodge, No. 188, A. O. U. 
W. In politics he is a liberal and conservative 
Democrat, allied with the best elements of that 
party. In 1873 Mr. Snoddy was united in 
marriage with Miss Samantha J. Tibbet, the 
daughter of Jonathan and Phebe Tibbet, for- 
merly of Ohio, but pioneers and residents of 



IIISTORy OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Los Angeles County. They have three children : 
John B., Mary E. and Nina I. Mr. Snoddy's 
father is a pioneer of California, coining to the 
State in 1849. He is now a re.-ident of Los 
Angeles County. 



-€^- 



this 



flllLIP SIIOKEY.— The subject 
sketch is a native of Maine, dating his 
hiitb in Penobscot County, in 1838. His 
father, Nathaniel Sliorey, was also a native of 
that State and a farmer by occupation. His 
mother, nee Elizabeth Hurd, was a descendant 
from a well-known family of Maine. Mr. Shorey 
was early in life inured to the labors attending 
farm operations in New England. Li 1850 his 
father emigrated to Wisconsin, and located in 
Juneau County, where he took up Government 
land and engaged in farming ana stock-raising. 
Mr. Shorey remained with his father until he 
reached his majority, and then engaged in busi- 
ness on his own account. He began in the 
pineries on the Wisconsin River and gradually 
increased his operations, building steam mills 
at Necedah, and also establishing a store at that 
point. B'or a portion of the time his brother, 
Charles H. Shorey, was associated with him in 
his enterprise. Mr. Shorey successfully con- 
ducted his various enterprises in Wisconsin until 
1877. In that year he came to California and 
located in the Azusa Township, Los Angeles 
County, where he purchased eighty acres of land 
about one mile west of the present town of 
Glendora, and there he engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. Since that date he has increased his 
acreage until at the present writing (1889) he 
is the owner of 212 acres. At the time of his 
purchase there was only five acres of his land 
that was cleared; and his land, now producing 
rich harvests of grain, was then a rank growth 
of cactus and brush. Mr. Shorey as yet has not 
devoted much attention to horticulture, but his 
orange grove of about one acre and a family 
orchard of deciduous fruits are producing some 
of the finest fruits grown in the Upper San 



Gabriel Valley, and attest the fact that he has 
one of the finest locations for horticultural pur- 
suits to be found in his section. He has de- 
veloped a water supply of some four inches in 
the canons to the north of his lands, which can 
be increased to twenty inches when required. 
The most of his land that is cleared is de- 
voted to hay and grain, and is yielding rich 
harvests. Mr. Shorey is an intelligent and en- 
ergetic man, schooled to business habits. These 
characteristics applied to his present calling are 
insuring his success and he is destined to build 
up one of the representative farms of his sec- 
tion. He is well known and respected in the 
community in which he resides, and is a strong 
supporter of any enterprise that will advance 
the interests of his chosen section. He is a 
trustee of the Glendora school district, and lib- 
eral in his support of both schools and churches. 
In political matters he is a consistent Eepubli- 
can. In 1866 Mr. Shorey married Miss Melvina 
A. Schoff, a native of New York. Her parents 
were Jesse and Mary (Beinan) Schoff, both na- 
tives of that State. From thi.~ marriage there 
are three children living, viz.: Edith M., now 
Mrs. Charles Lee, of Florence, Los Angeles 
County; Harry G. and Arthur E., who are mem- 
bers of their father's household. The second 
child, Alta E., died in 1881, at the age of eleven 
years. 



tD. SALE AND J. W. A. OFF are the pro- 
prietors of theflourishing retail drug busi- 
* ness at No. 268 South Spring street, near 
Fourth, and are successors to Howard M. Sale, 
who opened the store in January, 1887, and 
sold out to the present owners in August of 
that year. This enterprising young firm keeps 
in stock a complete line of the purest pharma- 
ceutical goods, perfumeries, toilet articles and 
proprietary medicines. In their extensive pre- 
scription trade — one of the largest in the city — 
they use such standard prejiarations as Ktlwiu 
Squibb's .drugs and Merck's chemical-, both 



HISrORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



manufacturers of world-wide reputation. Un- 
til recently Sale & Off was the only firm in 
Southern California that handled surgical in- 
struments, in which they have done and are still 
doing a tine business. Botl) gentlemen are ex- 
pert pharmacists who have had a nuinber of 
years experience in compounding prescriptions 
and are recognized by leading physicians as 
among the best, although they are probably the 
youngest drug firm in the United States. Mr. 
Sale learned the business with his father, now 
retired, in Pueblo, Colorado, beginning seven 
years ago. He was born near Quincy, Illinois, 
in 1868. Mr. Off is a native of Iowa, born in 
1868. Ho took one course at the California 
College of Pharmacy in San Francisco, and was 
connected for a number of years with a drug 
iiousc in that city. Coining to Los Angeles in 
1886, he was employed one year and a half in the 
drug store of Theodore WoUweber, one of the 
oklest druggists in California, now retired. Mr. 
Oft" lias had nearly ten years' experience in the 
drug business. 



tARRY F. STAFFORD, County Surveyor 
of Los Angeles County, was born in So- 
noma County, California, in 1864, and 
had just passed his twenty-fourth birthday 
wlien he was elected to tiie office he now tills, 
in November, 1888. He was educated at Napa 
College and the State University, taking a 
special scientific course in civil engineering in 
the latter institution, finishing in 1885. After 
leavitig college he spent a year in the Santa 
Ana postoffice as deputy postmaster, and in 
1886 opened a surveyor's oftice in that city, and 
carried on the business of topographical engi- 
neer there until he was elected to his present 
position. He ran on the Republican ticket and 
had 3,000 majority over his opponent, being 
much the youngest candidate on the ticket. Mr. 
Stafford is master of his business, both in theory 
good officer, 
is an active 



nd practice, and makes a very 



Ic has a taste 



worker in the Republican party. N.O.Stafford, 
the father of the subject of this sketch, is a na- 
tive of Vermont. He came to California in 
1849, and after spending sometime mining and 
merchandising he settled in Petaluma, Sonoma 
County, and there learned the trade of carriage- 
maker, subsequently becoming joint owner of 
the Petaluma Buggy Company. He moved to 
Santa Ana, Los Angeles County, in 1873, where 
he died five years later. In 1851 he returned 
East to Missouri, and married Mary N. Pearl, 
a native of that State. She died when Harry 
was four years of age, the ninther of six chil- 
dren, four sons and two daughters. One son and 
one daughter are now deceased. Mr. Stafford 
married again and had one son by his second 
wife. All the surviving members of the family 
reside in Santa Ana. 



mm'm 



fRLANDOSTRESHLY.— Among the well- 
known citizens of Azusa and pioneers of 
California is the subject of this sketch, 
a brief review of whose life is of interest. Mr. 
Sti'eshly is a native of Virginia, and a descend- 
ant of the old Colonial families. He was born in 
Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania County, in 1831. 
His grandfather, John Streshly, served as a 
soldier during the Revolutionary war, and sacri- 
ficed his life in that cause, dying from the effects 
of the wounds received in battle. His father, 
James M. Streshly, was also a patriot and served 
his country in the war of 1812. Mr. Streshly's 
father was a farmer and planter by occupation, 
and he was reared to that calling, receiving his 
education in the schools of his native pla,ce. 
Upon the discovery of gold in California and 
the consequent excitement throughout the East- 
ern States, Mr. Streshly was seized with a de- 
sire to try his fortunes in the new El Dorado, 
and in 1849 he came via the old English steamer 
Unicorn, on a voyage round Cape Horn to 
California. The many discomforts attending 
that voyage were terminated October 4, 1849, 
by the arrival of the steamer in San Francisco. 



HISTOIiY OF LOS ANGELES GOUNTT. 



After a short stay in that city he proceeded to 
Sacramento, where he spent the winter. Early 
in the spring of 1850 he located at Foster's 
Bar, on the Nortli Yuba River, and there en- 
gaged in mining operations. He conducted his 
operations with varying successes and failures! 
and finally fanned one of a company that, with 
the expenditure of niucli labor and money, 
turned that river from its chaimcl, in search of 
the supposed hidden wealtii beneath. This en- 
terprise resulted disastrously. No gold was 
found, and the members of the company were 
left deeply in debt. Mr. Streshly then decided 
to abandon the precarious fortunes of a miner, 
and he accordingly established a freightino- and 
packing line to the mining settlements, and in 
1853 established a general merchandise store at 
Rush Creek, in Plumas County. He conducted 
that enterprise until 1856, and then located at 
Quincey and engaged in hotel-keeping. He 
later engaged in farming and teaming in Lassen 
County. Mr. Streshly was well known through- 
out the mining sections and took a leading part 
in the establishment of law and order in the 
early days. In 1871 he was elected sheriff of 
Lassen County, and took up his residence in 
Susanville. He made an active and efficient 
officer and was re-elected, holding the office un- 
til the close of 1875. He was then elected 
assessor of the county and served as such until 
1879. Upon retiring from office, he returned 
to agricultural pursuits, and remained in Lassen 
County until the fall of 1882: He then came 
to Los Angeles County, and after spending the 
winter in Los Angeles, located at Aznsa. He 
purchased thirty-two and a half acres of wild 
and uncultivated land a mile and a half south 
of the city of Azusa, and engaged in horticult- 
ural pursuits, clearing his land and planting 
grape-vines of the Mission variety and also 
citrus and deciduous fruits. He took an active 
and leading part in developing the resources of 
his section. He was one of the original incor- 
porators of the Azusa Irrigating Company, and 
was its first president, holding that office until 
1888. In 1885 he was one of the ori<rinators 



and incorporators of the Azusa Wine and Fruit 
Company, and was the firstpresident of that com- 
pany, andthegeneral inanagerin constructing the 
winery. He is still a stock-holder, and now (1889) 
has general charge of the winery. Although 
comparatively a late-comer to tiie Azusi, Mr. 
Streshly has so identified himself with the le;id 
ing enterprises tending to build up his section 
that he is well known and has secured a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances. He is an 
energetic and progressive citizen. In palitic.il 
matters he is Democratic, taking an earnest in- 
terest in the local affairs of the pirty. He is a 
member of the Lassen Lodga, F. & A. M., of 
Susanville. In 1856 Mr. Streshly married Miss 
Margaret Todd, the daughter of James anc' 
Mary Ann (Gray) Todd, both of who:n were 
natives of Ireland, but of Scotch descent. He: 
parents came to the United States and located 
in Philadelphia. Mrs. Streshly came to Cali- 
fornia in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Streshly have 
living the following named children: Mary, 
Helena, Eliza, Atawa, James M., William ()., 
Tucker, Chan n ing, Frank D., George and Harry 
H. Mary, now Mrs. George B. Long; Helena, 
now Mrs. D. C. Hyer; Atawa, now Mrs. Noble 
F. McKenzie, and James M. are residents of 
Lassen County. Eliza, who married William 
II. McArthur, is a resident of Los Angeles 
County. William O. lives in Santa Barbara. 
The remaining children are members of their 
father's household. 



fOHN SCHNEIDER, 429 East First street, 
Los Angeles, was born in France, August 
1, 1818. He attended school during boy- 
hood and was book-keeper in a large establish- 
ment in his native country. On account of the 
Revolution he emigrated to the United States, 
in 1852, and is the only member of his family 
who ever came to this country. After reaching 
America he settled in Rochester, New York, 
and remained there six years. In 1858 he en- 
listed as a musician in the iMfth United States 



n I STORY OF LOS AI^GELES COUNTY. 



Cavalry of the Regular Army, for five years. 
At the expiration of that term he re-enlisted 
for five years, and again re-enlisted for five 
years, a part of the time serving as Sergeant. 
After being in the military service fifteen years 
he was mnstered out and honorably discharged 
at Fort McDowell, Arizona, in 1873. Mr. 
Schneider came to Los Angeles and since tlien 
has resided here. He held the position of ac- 
countant for six years, but was compelled to 
give np the business on account of his failing 
eye-sight. He went to San Francisco where lie 
had an operation performed M'hich was success- 
ful and the sight was restored. He resides on 
his valuable property on East First street. Mr. 
Sclineider belongs to the G. A. R., and is also a 
member of Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M. He 
was married July 31, 1844, to Miss Theresa 
Meyer, a native of the Grand Dukedom of 
Baden. They have five children: Charles, Mary, 
now Mrs. Sittel, residing in Los Angeles; Adol- 
phus, a resident of Anaheim; Jnlia, now Mrs. 
Wetzel, of Los Angeles; and Rosa, now Mrs. 
Fred Meyer, of San Francisco. The last named 
was born in Washington, D. C, and the others 
were born in Baden. 



fANIEL SCHIECK, capitalist. No. 26 
Franklin street, Los Angeles, was born in 
Germany, October 1, 1820. He attended 
school and served an apprenticeship to the 
weaver's trade in his native country. After 
reaching manhood he emigrated to America and 
landed in New York in 1845. He went to 
Newark, New Jersey, where his brother resided, 
and remained there two years, after which he 
went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and fivej'ears laterhe 
determined to come to the Pacific ('oast. In 
April, 1852, he went to Independence, Missouri, 
to fit himself out for the journey, leaving that 
place May 1, with ox teams, the train being a 
large one. At Sweetwater, about half way across 
the plains, Mr. Schieck was taken seriously ill, 
and as he could not ride, was left under a tree 



though he had paid $100 for his passage. He 
oifered a man his horse to take care of him. A 
part of the proposition was accepted. The man 
refused to take care of him, but did take his 
horse and rode ofi" with it, leaving him alone. 
After resting for a time he got stronger, and, as 
he had some money with him, as soon as he was 
able to travel, he purchased another horse, at a 
Mormon trading post, and continued his journey 
across the plains. Continuing to get stronger 
as he proceeded and having a good horse, he 
overtook his comrades at Hangtown, greatly to 
their surprise, as they never expected to see him 
again. He exacted an immediate settlement and 
they gave him a yoke of oxen. He took them 
and his horse with him to Sacramento where he 
engaged in market gardening. He was in Sac- 
ramento during the flood, having gone tliere for 
provisions. He had to get his supplies from the 
second story window of a store. The following 
spring he went up to the mines and was at 
Marysville at the time of the flood there. After 
spending a few months in the mines, he returned 
to Sacramento; soon after went to Sai\ Francisco, 
and from there to San Jose. In the latter place 
he worked on a farm and contii.ued to reside 
there two years. In 1855 he came to Los An- 
geles and after working for a time he, in com- 
pany with Paul Kern, purchased a water-cart 
and dray. He soon after bought the interest of 
Mr. Kern and continued the business alone un- 
til 1861. At that time he sold the water busi- 
ness and continued draying and hauling until 
1875, when he sold out and retired from active 
business. He bought his property on Spring 
street, 70x264 feet in dimensions, in 1859 and 
1861, and it has become very valuable, being 
one of the best locations in the city. In 1861 
Mr. Schieck married Miss Catharine Froehling, 
a native ol' Germany. She died in 1874, leav- 
ing one son, John D., who is now married and 
residing in Los Angeles. In 1882 Mr. Schieck 
married Mrs. Louise Ernzen, a native of Ger- 
many. She was first married in New York, in 
1857 to John Ernzen, a native of Germany. 
They came to California in 1867. He died in 



niSTORY OF LOS ANQBLE8 COUNTY. 



1872, leaving three cliiklren: Louise, now Mrs. 
C. E. Pittman, of Los Angeles; and EinniH and 
Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Schieck are active and 
consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 



'HOMAS A. SAXON.— The subject of 
this sketch was born near Brandon, Mis- 
sissippi, in 1840. His father. Dr. James 
H. Saxon, of Huguenot stock, was a native of 
South Carolina, wiio early in life settled in Mis- 
sissippi and engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession, and later located in New Orleans, where 
he was engaged in his profession until his death, 
in 1850. He was a man of prominence in the 
medical circles in both Mississippi and Louisi- 
ana. Mr. Sa.Kon's mother was Elizabeth (Yan- 
cey) Saxon, a native of Georgia, and a descendant 
of one of the prominent families of that State. 
Mr. Saxon was reared in the citj' of New Or- 
leans, receiving a good education. He was also 
engaged in his youth as a clerk and druggist. 
His academical education was completed at 
Bardstown, Kentucky. In 1861, at the break- 
ing out of the civil war, he entered the cavalry 
service of the Confederate army, and actively 
engaged under General Morgan and General 
Buckner, and afterward served with General 
Albert Sydney Johnson at Sliiloh. He was also 
engaged as a scout under General Hardie, was 
made a Captain, and while scouting in 1862 
was captured by the Federal troops, and held as 
a prisoner of war until exchanged in 1863. He 
then entered into the service of the Western 
army, under General Bragg, as signal ofKcer, 
where he remained until again captured in 1864. 
Soon after his capture he was paroled, through 
the influence of Captain Ciiristopher O'Brien' 
brother of the late William O'Brien, of Bonanza 
fame, but before he could return South, while 
in Cincinnati, he was prostrated by sickness, 
which lasted for months. In the winter of 1864 
he had partially recovered, and upon the admoni- 
tion of his physician and friends that only a com- 



plete change of climate could possibly insure his 
retu;n to health, he came to California and 
located in San Francisco. In 1865, when able 
to work, he entered into the employ of Voizin 
His & Co., who were engaged in the wholesale 
auction and commission business in timt city. 
In 1867 he was appointed steward and assistant 
superintendent of the San Francisco County 
Hospital. He held that position for two years, 
when he resigned and shortly after engaged in 
teaching, continuing in that employment until 
1871. In that year he came to Los Angeles 
County and located at Ballona, between Los An- 
geles and Santa Monica, where he taught in the 
public schools. In 1873 he was appointed 
principal of the Bath Street School in Los 
Angeles, which office he held for two years, re- 
signing to till the office of county school super- 
intendent of Los Angeles. Mr. Saxon located 
in San Gabriel Yalley in 1879, tirst teaching in 
El Monte and later in San Gabriel. In 1881 
Mr. Saxon purchased forty-five acres of land in 
the Savannah school district, about two miles 
west of Savannah, upon which he commenced 
the planting of vines and trees, also erecting a 
cottage home. In addition to his occupation as 
a teacher he devoted considerable attention to 
horticultural and viticukural pursuits, planting 
twelve acres in wine grapes and two acres in 
citrus and deciduous fruits. In 1887 Mr. Saxon 
sold forty acres of his land, retaining his five- 
acre home, on the corner of Saxon avenue and 
San Gabriel boulevard. Mr. Saxon is well known 
in Los Angeles Count}^ and has for many years 
been prominently connected with the educational 
interests of the county, having been elected by 
a most flattering majority to the office of county 
school superintendent in 1875, declining a re- 
nomination in 1877. lie has for nearly four- 
teen years been almost continuously a member 
of the county board of education, and is now 
(1889) the president of the board. He is a pro- 
gressive and enterprising citizen, and lends a 
hearty support to any enterprise that in his 
opinion will advance the welfare and interests 
of the community in which he resides. In 1877 



HISTORY OF LOS AlfOELES COUNTY. 



Miss Josepliine Antoinette Fuller, of Oregon, a 
very beautiful and accomplished young lady and 
recent graduate of the Academy- of the Sacred 
Heart, of Salem, Oregon, visited her parents, who 
were then living in Tustin City, Los Angeles 
County. During one of her many pleasant 
M"alks with favored friends. Miss Josephine 
crossed the luck}' path of the subject of onr 
sketch, was introduced, and, after the usual pre- 
liminaries and necessary delays, was wooed and 
won by him, and is now, after twelve years 
of matrimonial bliss, the loving mother of four 
splendid children: Josephine A., Alfred E.. 
James Henry and Mary Y. May her happiness 
be as great as her children are beautiful and 
promising. 

^^e-®!-^ 

fOLUMEUS CECIL STEPHENS was 
born December 29, 1840, in Hardin, 
Slielby County, Ohio, and with his parents 
removed to Trenton, Grundy County, Missouri, 
in 1855. In 1857 he came to California from 
Missouri overland with ox teams, being six 
months on the trip, with his father's family, from 
St. Joseph, Missouri. Li 1859 he returned 
East and entered college, and remained till the 
spring of 1861; then started to drive an ox team 
from Nebraska City to Pike's Peak, but grew 
tired of the job, and started afoot for California, 
and walked the entire distance — over 1,200 
miles — in a few days over three months. He 
then taught school, and soon entered the Uni- 
versity of the Paciiic at Santa Clara, California, 
from which he graduated in 1865. Then he 
read law, and was admitted to practice in 1867. 
He married Miss Flora B. Williams in Pine 
Grove, Esmeralda County, Nevada, in Decem- 
ber, 1867. He practiced law in San Jose, Cali- 
fornia, till the spring of 1881, when he removed 
to Tucson, Arizona, his wife dying shortly 
afterward, leaving him four children. In Feb- 
ruary, 1883, he married at Tucson Miss Mary E. 
Pearson. In the fall of 1884 he was elected 
ioint councilman from the Southern district of 



Arizona to tlie Upper House of the Territorial 
Legislature. In that Legislature he introduced 
and carried through an act abolishing the couj- 
nion law doctrine of riparian rights, a bill found- 
ing and establishing the University of Arizona, 
a complete judicial system for the Territory, an 
insolvent act, a mechanics' lien act, an act for 
the rejjrcssion of the Mormon element, and 
much other important legislation. From 1882- 
'87 he was the attorney of the Soutliern Paciiic 
Ilailroad Company in Arizona. In 1887 here- 
moved to Los Angeles, where he has since re- 
sided, engaged in the practice of his profession. 



f(JHN SCHUMACHER, the pioneer, was 
a native of Wiirtemberg, Germany, where 
he was born January 23, 1816. "When 
thirteen years of age, his parents both being 
dead, he went to Switzerland and from thence 
to Paris. From there he came to New York, 
where he lived several years. In 1846 he en- 
listed in Coiripany G of Stevenson's Regiment 
of United States Volunteers; and on the 26tli 
day of September of that year, he set sail with 
his comrades in the ship Thomas H. Perkins 
for San Francisco, where he arrived in the month 
of March, 1847. On the 3d of April his com- 
pany sailed on the United States storeship 
Lexington for Monterey. On the 5th of May 
they re-embarked on the same ship for San 
Pedro, arriving in Los Angeles on the 9th, 
which post was made the headquarters of the 
I'egiment. The company remained here until 
discharged from the service on the 18th of 
September, 1848. In 1882 Francis D. Clark, 
who had been a private of Company D, published 
in New York a very interesting history of 
Stevenson's Regiment, which was known in the 
Mexican war as the Fii'st Regiment of New 
York Volunteers. After his discharge Mr. 
Schumacher went, as every body did, to the 
newly discovered gold mines. Whilst working 
in the diggings on Sutter's Creek, ho found a 
nucrout which he afterward sold for |;S00 in 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



money, although he had been offered for it 
hirge tracts of h\nd in San Francisco, which to- 
day are worth millions of dollars. After work- 
ing at mining awhile, he returned to Loa An- 
geles and settled permanently. In 1855 he 
married Mary Uhrie, also a native of German}', 
by whom he had six children, two daughters 
and four sons. The eldest daughter, Mary A., 
is the wife of Edward A. Preuss, the present 
postmaster of Los Angeles. Mr. Preuss was 
l)orn in New Orleans in 1850, and came to Los 
Angeles in 1868, having lived in early life at 
Louisville, Kentucky, where he learned his pro- 
fession of druggist, which he also followed here 
till 1886. Mr. Schumacher's second dangliter, 
Carrie, married Prof. Paul Schumacher, of the 
Smithsonian Institute, who died in Mexico in 
1883. She is still a resident of this city. TJie 
four sons are: John H., Frank G., Percy F. and 
Arthur W. All reside in Los Angeles and all 
are unmarried. Frank and Percy are traveling 
during the present summer of 1889 in Europe, 
and expect to make the tour of the world. Soon 
after Mr. Schumacher settled in Los Angeles, 
he opened a store on Spring street, near First, 
which he kept till about 1870; and almost from 
the first he commenced to own land. He bought 
nearly the whole block bounded by Spring, 
First, Fort and Franklin for $700. He was the 
owner of hill lands where the Ellis College now 
stands. He used them as a sheep-range; his 
})artner in this business was Jacob Pell, who 
was afterward killed by Lachenais, for whicli 
the latter was liuiig by the people. Mr. Schu- 
macher owned at one time a vineyard opposite 
the present City Gardens; and also a farm on 
the Brea Rancho, where shortly before his death 
he started a small vineyard as an experiment, to 
see if vines would grow without irrigation. Mr. 
Schumacher bought one of the first pianos that 
were brouglit to Los Angeles; and when "car- 
retas " were about the only vehicles here, he 
had a covered spring-wagon made by John 
Goller. He was twice a city councilman. He 
spoke fluently German, English, French and 
Sjianish, and (d'tun he assisted Sjianisli people 



who did not understand English or American 
laws and customs in tlie management of their 
business affairs; and as he was as honest as the 
day, they had unlimited confidence in him. He 
built his block on the site of his old store in 1880 
-'81. Mr. Schumacher was a very kind-hearted, 
genial man, whom everybody here in the olden 
times knew and respected; he probably did not 
have an enemy in the world. His friendly, 
cordial manner toward all made him univer- 
sally popular. Mr. Schumacher died of apo- 
plexy, March 2, 1885, in the seventieth year of 
his age. 

1^ MONROE THURMAN, of Pomona, is 
f^^ a representative of one of the early 
-Cl® American families who settled in the San 
Gabriel Valley. He was born in Bledsoe County, 
Tennessee, July 22, 1840, son of John and 
Lettie Jane Thurman, who emigrated from there 
to Johnson County, Arkansas, in 1848, where 
he tilled the soil until February, 1852. Then 
they formed a portion of a party of about sixty- 
five families who crossed the plains, deserts and 
mountains to this sunny, golden land. The fam- 
ily was destined not to reach the promised land 
without the greatest of bereavements, for, at 
the copper mines in Arizona, the mother, wlio 
had hoped so much from the journey and toiled 
so hard in preparation for it, and so well cared 
for the children througli so many trials, died. 
Sadly and tenderly was she buried, and tearfully 
the family turned westward and pursued their 
way, now so lonely, which ended in the San 
Gabriel Valley, near where El Monte now is, in 
September, 1852. The father went to Tuolumne 
County and there for a time engaged in mining. 
Returning to this county in 1853 he located 
one and a half miles south of El Monte, in the 
neighborhood of the Temple Ranch. There he 
engaged in farming until 1855, when he bought 
land between Savannah and El Monte, Just west of 
the New San Gabriel River, remaining there until 
18()7. He then moved to the "Willow Grove,'' 



650 



HISTOBT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



or Thompson Hotel, where he owned sixty acres 
of valuable land, and followed agriculture the 
rest of his activelife. His death occurred July 61 
1876, at the age of sixty-eight years. The names 
of the eight children of the ten born to him, 
who lived to come to California with hiin, are: 
Nellie, now wife of John Hicks, an early comer 
to this county, but now a resident of Fresno; 
Frank, still a resident of San Gabriel Valley; 
Ephraiin, who died in the mining districts of 
Tuolumne County; Margaret, the deceased wife 
of Thomas C. Swagard, of this county; R. 
Monroe, whose name heads this sketch; Stephen 
D., who resides near El Monte, and whose his- 
tory is in this work; Alexander, who resides 
upon a portion of the Willow Grove property; 
his sketch also appears in this connection; and 
John S., a resident of Los Angeles. John 
Thurman was a strong man physically and 
mentally, well known and favorably remembered 
by early men. He was an active promoter of 
religion and of all good work. His life was so 
well spent that he won the respect of all who 
knew him. R. Monroe Thurman remained at 
his fathers home until 1868, when he wedded 
Miss Dora Belle Fuqua, daughter of Isham and 
Joanna (Hathway) Fuqua. Her father was 
born in the State of Virginia, came to Califor- 
nia, and after a time spent in San Diego County, 
located in that county, near El Monte, in 1854. 
Mr. Thurman, after his marriage, engaged in 
farming just west of Savannah, where he lived 
until 1887, and where he owned originally a 
property consisting of 120 acres, seventy-eight 
of which he sold to L. J. Rose, of Los Angeles. 
In 1887 Mr. Thurinan located in the beautiful, 
thriving city of Pomona, where he now lives, 
having his home on Crow avenue, between 
Garey and Gibbs streets, in a neat cottage. He 
is interested in horticulture, having an orchard 
of five acres in apricots, apples, peaches and 
prunes. Mr. Thurman also owns a lot and two 
cottages on Thomas and Fourth streets. He 
makes a business of grading and general street 
improving by contract. A thorough practical 
maTi, he is winning liis way to independence by 



steps sure not to be retraced. Mrs. Thurinan's 
parents are now residents of Pomona. She is 
the mother of eight children: Nellie, wife of 
William Willis, of Pomona; R. Monroe, Jr., 
Joanna, Alice, William B., Allen La Verne, 
Robert De Long and Bert. Mr. Thurman is a 
member of Pomona Lodge, No. 225, A. O. U. 
W. In political action he is a strong, conserv- 
ative Denidcrat. 

'^m 

fTEPHEN D. THURMAN, a representa- 
tive of one of the early American families 
who settled near El Monte, dates his birth 
in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, Christmas day, 
1843, son of John and Lettie Jane Thurman. 
When in his first year the family removed to 
Johnson County, Arkansas, where his father was 
a farmer tlie following eight years. In 1852 
the family started with ox teams, in a long train 
made up by some sixty-five families, on the over- 
land trip to Los Angeles County, reaching the 
vicinity of El Monte in September of that year. 
The history of the journey, the death of the 
mother and her burial in the wilds of Arizona, 
the father's occupation and changes of residence, 
his death and burial, the names of his eight 
children who accompanied him to California, the 
whereabouts of the living, etc., have been given 
in the biography of one of the older sons, R. 
Monroe Thurman, of Pomona. Stephen D. Thur- 
man, whose name heads this sketch, from his 
ninth year has been identified with and a resi- 
dent of the immediate neighborhood of his 
present home. A thoroughly practical man, 
strictly attentive to his business, honorable and 
just to all men, his standing is high in the com- 
munity. His home, one mile south of El Monte, 
though containing but forty acres, is sufficient 
for an ample support for himself and family. It 
js devoted to the raising of alfalfa, from which 
he raises annually from $75 to $100 worth per 
acre. He remained with his father until his 
marriage to Miss Nancy N. Beck, which occurred 



Jan 



7, 1866. Her father, J, 



Bee 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



owns the "Willow Grove" property. Mrs. 
Tliurinan was born in Texas, but was reared in 
California froTn 1854, the year her family catne 
to the State. She is the mother of nine chil- 
dren, all of whom are yet iinder the home roof. 
Their names are: John, Allie, Ephraim, Jefler- 
son, Annie, Lettie, Neal F., Stephen D. and 
Willie. Mr. Thnrman is a liberal Democrat, 
and was classed during the civil war as a war 
Democrat. lie has served several years, and is 
now serving, us a school director. He is a lead- 
ing member of the order of United Workmen, 
and has passed the chairs of El Monte Lodge, 
No. 188. 

tLEXANDER L. THURMAN, another 
member of the Thurinan family who be- 
came identified with San Gabriel Valley 
in the year of 1852, has ever since resided near 
where his father established his first home, and 
now resides upon a portion of the estate occupied 
by his father at his death — the old "Willow 
Grove" property, just east of El Monte. For a 
full history of the family, of the overland jour- 
ney, the death of the mother on the plains of 
Arizona, the location in San Gabriel Valley in 
September, 1852, the occupation and changes of 
residence of the father, his death, the where- 
abouts of the living members, etc., the reader is 
referred to the biographical sketch of K. Mon- 
roe Thurman, of Pomona, just given. Alex- 
ander L. Thurman, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, April 
9, 1846, son of John and Lettie Jane Thurman- 
He was but two years of age when the family 
emigrated to Johnson County, Arkansas, and 
only in his sixth year when the overland jour- 
ney commenced, bound for Los Angeles County. 
Many of the incidents connected with the long, 
weary journey, particularly the deatli of his 
mother, are indelibly impressed upon his 
memory. His boyhood days were all spent 
near his present home, and his education was 
obtainiMl in the schools of his neigiiborhood. 



His manhood life, with the exception of a few 
months in Montana in 1879, has all been spent 
in the San Gabriel Valley, and all devoted to 
agricultural pursuits. He has seen the country 
pass from an almost chaotic condition to its 
present commanding position, and in much of 
the work of transformation has had a part, 
although he has not become rich. He has 
always lived up to his obligations, and acted the 
part of the manly, worthy citizen; and if but 
little besides the record of an honorable life be 
left as a legacy to his children, they still will 
not be poor. February 11, 1880, Mr. Thurman 
wedded Miss Anna Prouty, daughter of Joseph 
and Margaret Prouty. Mrs. Thurman was born 
in Amador County, California, February 19, 
18G2. She is the mother of three children: 
Joseph C, Hugh C. and Enos E. The home of 
Mrs. Thurman's parents is now near El Monte 
Station. In politics Mr. Thurman acts with the 
Democratic party. He is connected with the 
Ancient Order of United AYorkmen, and is the 
financier of El Monte Lodge, No. 188. The old 
"Willow Grove" property, where his father 
spent his last years, and, as stated, where he 
owns a portion of the same, is near El Monte, a 
little east. 

fONATHAN SAYRE SLAUSON is a na- 
tive of Orange County, New York, where 
he was born December 11, 1829. His 
ancestry was of English extraction. He worked 
on a farm in his youth in Orange County, where, 
and at Poughkeepsie, he obtained his education. 
He graduated at the State Law School at Pough- 
keepsie in 1854, and the next year he went to 
New York City and practiced law until 1864, 
when he came to California. He went to Aus- 
tin, Nevada, and engaged in mining four years. 
He served as mayor of Austin two terms, from 
1864 to 1868. He practiced his profession with 



Hon. C. E. de Long until the latter was 



ap- 



pointed Minister to Japan by President Grant. 
Ill the fall of 1S68 Mr. Slauson came to San 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



Francisco, and in 1874 he caine to Los Angeles 
and took charge as president and manager of the 
Los Angeles County Bank. lie continued in 
that position about nine years, or until 1883. 
Mr. Slauson has always been an ardent Hepub- 
lican, and he is an elder and trustee of the First 
Presbyterian Church, and has been active in 
church and charitable work. He is married and 
has three children, two daughters, both married, 
and one son. 



tBRAM G. TABER, Justice of the Peace 
at Norwalk, was born in New Bedford, 
Massachusetts, in 1826, one of a family 
of seven children of Jonathan and Abbie (Man- 
chester) Taber, of Scotch ancestry. His grand- 
father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 
At an early age the subject of this sketch went 
to sea, and was absent three years, as a cooper 
on a whaling vessel, making a voyage to the 
Indian Ocean.' In June, 1848, he sailed in. the 
ship Plowboy, which stranded on a leef in 
Guyaquil. He reached San Francisco on the brig 
Valarta, in December, 1849, but contitiued a 
seafaring life a year longer. Subsequently he 
entered the cofi'ee trade in San Francisco, and 
afterward the manufacture of vinegar, syrup, 
etc., in Sacramento. In the latter he was very 
successful. While in that city he married Miss 
Mary J. Mora, a native of Missouri and a 
daughter of William Mora, who had crossed the 
plains with an ox team. By this marriage there 
was one daughter, Helen Henrietta, now married 
and living in Arizona. Mrs. Taber died, and Mr. 
Taber, in 1863, went to Carson, Nevada, where 
he was a manufacturer until 1868, and where he 
married Miss Tarason D. Ricker, a native of 
Lebanon, Maine, and daughter of Jesse Ricker. 
Ill 1868 Mr. Taber came to Los Angeles, and 
for several years worked at the carpenter's trade, 
and also did some business in real estate; but, 
owing to depression in business matters, he lost 
heavily, and then bought eighty acres where he 
now lives, near Norwalk, and where he has since 



given considerable attention to dairying and the 
raising of horses. March 4, 1889, lie took the 
oath of office as justice of the peace in Norwalk. 
Judge Taber has been a man of large experience 
in the world, and of good judgment. Politi- 
cally, he is a Republican. 

^t^->'# ■ 

fHARLES II. TREAT.— The gentleman 
whose name stands at the head of this 
sketch is a young and enterprising man, 
and a recent acquisition of Los Angeles Ct)unty. 
He is a native of Wisconsin, born in Manitowoc 
County, August 23, 1869, and is the son of E. 
B. and Charlotte H. (Farnsworth) Treat, the 
former being a native of New York and the 
latter of Wisconsin. E. B. Treat was a well- 
known and successful lawyer in Manitowoc, 
Wisconsin, for nineteen j^ears, dying there No- 
vember 20, 1880. He iiad two sons, Charles H. 
and William P. The subject of this sketch 
received a liberal High School education, and in 
1887 graduated at the Spencerian College, in 
Milwaukee. His home in the future will be 
near Long Beach, on the beautiful property 
recently purchased by him. 

fAMUEL G. THOMPSON, proprietor of 
the Railroad House, Wilmington, Los 
Angeles County, is a pioneer of 1866. He 
is a native of Canada, but was reared in Detroit, 
Michigan ; is of Scotch descent. He learne 1 the 
brass-molding trade at Kendrick & De Graff's 
establishment in Detroit. With them he worked 
until they closed down, about 1859, when he 
came to California on the steamer Sonora, laud- 
ing in San Francisco. Here he was variously em- 
ployed, in the pickle works, teaming, and in the 
glass works. He subsequently worked for Spratt 
& Debree, San Francisco, and later went to Fort 
Dalles, Oregon, where he carried on a restaurant 
till he was flooded out in 1862 and 1863. Then, 
in company with his brother-in-law, Joel G. 



niSTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



6o3 



Dorinan, lie engaged in the lumber business in 
the same place, and some time later he was cap- 
tain of a tiat-boat, which ran from Fort Dalles 
to the Cascades. After this he ran for the 
Oregon Steam Navigation, and had a contract 
for wood and lumber freighting, being captain 
of the craft. In 1867 Mr. Thompson came to 
Wilmington, where he has been successful in 
working up a lucrative business, lie has been 
a constable for two jears, having been elected 
on the Republican ticket Previous to this he 
was the deputy sheriif of Los Angeles County, 
under George E. Gard. Socially, Mr. Thomp- 
son is a member of the 1. O. O. F. at Compton, 
and of tlie K. of P. at San Pedro. 

fREDEPJCK THOMPSON was born in 
Williston, Chittenden County, Yermont, 
in 1835. His parents were Josiah and 
Cynthia (Cuttler) Thompson, both natives of 
the Green Mountain State, and of Scotch origin. 
Tlie former died in 1886 on the old home place, 
and the latter, when the subject of this sketch 
was a small boy. Mr. Thompson left home in 
1857, and crossed the plains to California, land- 
ing at Shasta. He worked two years on a sheep 
ranch in Tehama County, after which he went 
to San Francisco and was in the dairy business 
for six years. He was next engaged in the dairy 
business in San Mateo County two years, and 
later went to Santa Barbara County, where he 
continued the same business several years longer. 
He next moved to Ventura County, and for a 
number of years was engaged in agricultural 
pursuits, subsequently locating in Los Angeles 
County, where he purchased fifty acres of as 
fine land as there is on the coast. This farm is 
situated two and a half miles northeast of the 
city of Compton. November 4, 1882, Mr. 
Thompson was united in marriage with Miss 
Fannie C. Thompson, who was born in Essex, 
Yermont, and is the daughter of Ebenezer and 
Mercy (Cole) Thompson, who moved from New 
Hampshire, Mr. Thompson coming with his 



parents when he was a small boy. The subject 
of this sketch is what might be termed a self- 
made man, and he is one who is respected and 
esteemed by his neighbors and friends. Politi- 
cally he is a Republican, and socially he is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity. 



-l-^-f^ 



fAMES T. TAYLOR.— Among the well- 
known business men and civil engineers of 
Pomona is the above-named gentleman, of 
the firm of James T. Taylor & Co., civil engi- 
neers and surveyors, also insurance agents and 
real-estate dealers. Mr. C. H. Kluegel, of On- 
tario, is associated with Mr. Taylor in business, 
the firm having their oflices in Pomona and 
Ontario. Mr. Taylor has been in charge of the 
home ofiice since the establishment of the part- 
nership in 1886, aad has conducted most of the 
extensive land surveys and systems of irriga- 
tion, etc., that have been made in the San Jose 
Yalley, also surveying and mapping most of the 
additions of the city of Pomona. In 1888 Mr. 
Taylor was appointed city engineer of Pomona, 
by the board of trustees, and he surveyed and 
laid out a sewerage system for the city, which 
was accepted and considered the most complete 
that could be desired. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, 
March 19, 1858. His father, the Rev. Townsend 
E. Taylor, was a native of La Giange, New 
York, a graduate of Middlebury College in Yer- 
mont, and of the Theological Seminary in New 
York City, after which he was ordained as a 
minister of the Presbyterian Church, and in 
1847 went to the Hawaiian Islands, and was 
there prominently engaged in missionary work. 
His mother, nee Persis Goodale Thurston, was 
the daughter of the Rev. Asa Thurston, of New 
York. In 1860 Mr. Taylor's father was com- 
pelled, on account of ill health, to leave the 
islands, and he came to California, engaging in 
his ministerial labors in various parts of the 
State, until his death at Nordhoff, Yentura 
(Jounty, in February, 1S88. Mr. Taylor was 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



reared in this State and given the advantages of 
a good education. IJe entered into classical 
studies at tlie State University, but ill health 
compelled his abandoning a thorough course. 
He then studied civil engineering and survey- 
ing, and in 1877 was employed by the city en- 
gineer of Oakland, after which he entered the 
employ of the South Pacific Coast Railroad, 
where he was engaged until 1880. He was then 
employed under the State engineer as resident 
engineer on levee work on the Yuba River, and 
then on construction work by the Northern Pa- 
cific Railroad, and later on the Southern Pacific 
Coast Railroad. In 1883 Mr. Taylor came to 
Los Angeles County and took up his residence 
in the Pomona Valley. There he was employed 
as engineer of the Pomona Land and Water 
Company, and until the establishment of his 
present business was actively engaged in per- 
fecting the admirable water system of that com- 
pany, supervising and directing their flume lines 
thi-oughout the valley. Mr. Taylor has been 
actively engaged in developing the resources of 
the San Jose and Pomona valleys and building 
up the city of Pomona, and is prominently con- 
nected with some of the largest corporations of 
the city. He is vice-president of the Pomona 
Gas and Electric Light Company, and is a stock- 
holder and one of the original incorporators of 
the Pomona Street Railroad Company, and a 
director and large stockholder in the Palomares 
Hotel Company; also a director and stockholder 
of the Peoples' Bank of Pomona, and a member 
and director of the Pomona Board of Trade. He 
has also large landed interests in San Jose Val- 
ley, and has conducted extensive horticultural 
improvements upon his own lauds, for which he 
has the agency. Mr. Taylor is an active busi- . 
ness man and one of the leading citizens of 
Pomona, and it is to such men that Pomona is 
indebted for the lead she has taken in the rapid 
growth of Southern California. In political mat- 
ters he is a stanch Republican, lie is a mem- 
ber of Pomona Lodge, No. 2J-6, I. O. O. F., and 
Etna Lodge, No. 107, K. of P., of Pomona. Mr. 
Taylor is unmarried. His mother is residing 



with him, and also his brother, Henry T. Tay- 
lor, who is an eiiaineer and surveyor by pro- 
fession. 

— ^€®::ii»i^— 

tMOS D. TRUSSELL is a pioneer of Sierra 
Madre, being the first to purchase land 
and take up his residence upon the Sierra 
Madre tract. This was in July, 1881. At that 
time he bought twenty-two acres of wild and 
uncultivated land and immediately commenced 
its improvement, planting grapes and citrus and 
deciduous fruits. Mr. Trussell early saw the 
advantages of the beautiful Sierra Madre tract, 
in location, climate, soil, etc., and from the first 
has been one of the most active in promoting 
the success of the colony and inducing a desir- 
able class of people to build homes in that sec- 
tion. He has been an earnest and active sup- 
porter in every enterprise that has tended to 
build up and benefit his chosen locality. Mr. 
Trussell sold off a portion of his land in 1887, 
but still retains his beautiful home, "Piedmont," 
which is located north of the business center of 
the town. Mr. Trussell is a native of New 
England, dating iiis birth at Merrimac, New 
Hampshire, in 1830. His parents, Amos and 
Laura (Jewett) Trussell, were both natives of 
that State. When about eight years of age his 
parents moved to Ohio, and settled in Meigs 
County, where his father engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits. The subject of this sketch was 
reared and schooled in that and the adjoining 
county of Jackson, becoming inured to the prac- 
tical life of a farmer, and later learning the 
trade of a carjienter and millwright. He re- 
mained in that county until 1869, and from 
1853 was engaged in his calling and in con- 
ducting milling operations. In 1869 Mr. Trus- 
sell located in Brown County, Kansas, where he 
entered into farming operations and was also 
engaged in mercantile pursuits in Cloud and 
Osborne counties, and was the owner of a mill 
in Brown County. In 1876 he moved to Rich- 
ardson County, Nebraska, where he conducted 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



655 



larining and other operations until lit; came to 
California, in the spring of 1881. In addition 
to his horticultural pursuits in Sierra Madre, he 
has been engaged as a contractor and builder. 
Mr. Trussell is a straightforward business man 
and a public-spirited citizen. He was one of 
the promoters and original incorporators of the 
Sierra Madre Water Company. In political 
matters he is a Republican, and has represented 
his district as a delegate in several of the county 
conventions. In 1853 Mr. Trussell was united 
in marriage with Miss Sarah H. Eeasoner, a 
native of Ohio. From this marriage there are 
living the following named children: Calvin K., 
who married Miss Nellie Town, and is now re- 
siding in San Diego County; Dayton, also a 
resident of that county; Raymond, who married 
Miss May Ehodes, now living in San Diego 
County; Winona, now Mrs. Edward B. Jones, 
of El Monte; Jacob R., of Antelope A''alley; 
and Constance and Harry D., who are members 
of their father's household. The marriage of 
Winona Trussell and Edward B. Jones took 
place March 7, 1883, it being the tirst wedding 
in the Sierra Madre colony. The Rev. A. G. 
L. Tren, Dean of Southern California, performed 
the ceremony. 



fOHN TEMPLE and his brother, F. P. F. 
Temple, were natives of Reading, Massa- 
chusetts. The former was one of the very 
earliest American settlers of Los Angeles. Pie 
was engaged in trade here for many years, and 
afterward he became a large ranch owner and 
stock-raiser. He erected various buildings in 
the city, including the Dow ney Block (called 
in his time Temple Block), the old court- 
house, etc. Mr. Temple at the time of his death 
was the lessee of the Government Mint of Mex- 
ico. Twice he and Mrs. Temple visited Europe, 
lie died in 1866. Francisco Temple, his brother, 
came to Los Angeles some years later than John. 
He married a daughter of William Workman, 



and eventually he became independently rich in 
lands and cattle. But in an evil hour he per- 
mitted himself to think that he was fitted to 
become a bank manager, with the result, ulti- 
mately, of iinancially wrecking both his father- 
in-law, Mr. Workman, and himself, because he 
could not say No; though a kind, good-hearted 
man, and very successful as a ranchero, he was 
wholly unfitted to manage a bank. The bank- 
ing house of Temple & Workman collapsed in 
1875. Mr. Workman committed suicide when 
his pi)rtion of the magnificent Puente Rancho 
disappeared in the maelstrom, and Mr. Temple 
himself afterward died of a broken heart. There 
are still many mementoes in this city and county 
of these two Temple brothers, who, in old times, 
were widely known and universally respected. 



fRANCIS PHINY FISK TEMPLE, de- 
ceased. No history of Los Angeles County 
could be well written without more than 
a passing mention of him whose nanje heads 
this sketch. He was a pioneer of the pioneers, 
one of the men who led the advance guard of 
the mighty hosts who brought American civil- 
ization to this bright, sunny land. A brief 
review of the life of Mr. Temple gives the fol- 
lowing facts: He was born in Reading, Middle- 
sex County, Massachusetts, February 13, 1822, 
of one of the old New England families, of 
English origin. Reared and educated in his 
native county, he was possessed of that sturdy 
independence, of that thorough self-reliant 
spirit, that led his ancestors to leave the well- 
trodden paths of the old world and devote their 
lives to building up a new civilization in bleak, 
sterile New England. F. P. F. Temple was the 
youngest of a family of ten children. After 
receiving his early education, he started for 
California (then Mexican territory), by the way 
of Cape Horn, arriving at Los Angeles in the 
summer of 1841, a boy of nineteen years of 
age. Thei'ehis brother, Jonathan Temple, who, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



with the energy characteristic of the famifj, 
had established himself as a pioneer uierchant 
ill 1827, was then the leading merchant of the 
town. With him the subject of tins sketch 
engaged in business. After some jears of mer- 
cantile life he separated from his brother and 
bonght largely of real estate, both in Los An- 
geles City and county and elsewhere, being 
largely interested in the Rancho Potrero Grande, 
Potrero de Filipe Lugo Ranch, Merced Ranch, 
San Joaquin Rancho and San Emedio Ranch, 
also being one half owner of the Rancho Tajon, 
which contained twenty-two leagues. Septem- 
ber 30, 1845, Mr. Temple wedded Senorita An- 
tonia Margarita Workman, the only daughter 
of AViiliam Workman, Esq. (deceased), whose 
history will be found elsewhere in this volume. 
Iler mother, Nicolasa IT. De Workman, was 
ijorn of an old Sjianish family, at Santa Fe, 
New Mexico, in 1802. Mrs. Temple was born 
at Taos, New Mexico, in 1831. From the time 
of his marriage Mr. Temple made his home at 
the La Merced Ranch, in the San Gabriel Val- 
ley, twelve miles east of Los Angeles. There 
he built for himself a large, roomy and sub- 
stantial adobe building, after the old Spanish 
style, 110x70 feet, forming a half square. lie 
there engaged largely in the breeding of stock, 
also buying largely and sending immense droves 
of cattle north, whereby he realized immense 
profits. About the year 1851 he commenced 
the work of farther improving and beautifying 
his home-property on the Merced Ranch, plant- 
ing a vineyard of 50,000 vines, and planting 
some twenty acres to miscellaneous fruits, also 
laying out a beautiful garden, one of the finest 
in the county in that day. Mr. Temple was a 
great lover of fine horses and much interested 
in their breeding. In 1860 he purchased the 
" Black Warrior," paying $7,000, an immense 
price in those days for a single animal. A 
short time afterward he bought " Billy Blos- 
som." Both horses were of high lineage and 
from families noted for trotting. He also in- 
vested heavily in blooded brood-mares. About 
this time he commenced to fence in his lai'ge 



domains, spending about $40,000 for that pur- 
pose, besides building commodious barns for 
his stock. All the lumber had to be brought 
by wagons from San Pedro Harbor, a distance 
of thirty miles. In 1868, Mr. Temple engaged 
in the banking business at Los Angeles, with 
L W. Hell man, and his father-in-law, William 
Workman, Esq. This partnership dissolved in 
1871, and was succeded by the banking house 
of Temple & Workman. The new firm did 
tlieir business in the fine, massive structure 
known then and now as the Temple Block, 
which had just been built by Mr. Temple, in 
one of the best business localities in the city. 
This institution was well known in business 
circles all over the Pacific Coast, throughout 
the Territories and in many of the principal 
financial centers of the East. The firm failed in 
1875-'76. The magnificent fortunes, so ener- 
getically acquired by the proprietors, melted 
away. Mr. Workman died in 1876. Mr. Tem- 
ple never recovered from the financial disaster, 
by which he lost all but his honor. His after 
life was saddened and perhaps shortened by it. 
He died of apoplexy at La Merced Ranch, his 
home residence, April 27, 1880, and was buried 
in the family burying ground at La Puente. 
Mrs. Temple survives, and occupies the old 
home, which, shorn of its broad acres, is still a 
very fine rural property, though the estate com- 
prises only fifty acres of land. Her mother, 
now ninety years old, but in good health, lives 
with her. Mrs. Temple is the mother of 
eleven children, eight of whom lived to become 
men and women. Of these, seven are at this 
writing (1889) living. Thomas W. Temple is 
the sole proprietor of the Li Crouica, the onl}' 
Spanish paper published in Los Angeles. Will- 
iam Temple, an attorney at law, is a resident of 
the city of Mexico. John H. Temple lives at 
the old home of William Workman, Esq., at 
La Puente. The other children living are: Lu- 
cinda, Maggie, Walter and Charles P., who 
reside with their mother at the old home at 
Merced. Francis Workman Temple, the second 
son who reached manhood, becmae the owner 



HTSTORT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



of the home of his Grandfather Workman, at 
La Piiente. Tliore he made valiialilo improve- 
ments and lived a useful life, which was cnt 
short in its prime, his death occurring August 
3, 1888, at the age of forty years. He liad ac- 
cumulated something like $100,000 worth of 
property, and died unmarried. 



fOHN HARRISON TEMPLE.— Tlie sub- 
ject of this sketch is a worthy son of one of 
Los Angeles County's eminent pioneers, the 
late F. P.' F. Temple. John H. Temple was 
horn at the home of his parents, at Merced 
Ranch, February 27, 1856. He was given in his 
youtli such educational and other advantages as 
the wealth of an indulgent father, anxious for 
the welfare of his children, could bestow. After 
a course of study at Santa Clara College, and at 
Reading, Massachusetts, the birthplace of his 
father, he graduated at Bryant and Stratton's 
Commercial College at Boston. When about 
entering upon manhood, the failure of his father's 
banking house practically threw Mr. Temple 
upon his own resources. Then it was that the 
inherent energy of the Temple family became 
largely his working capital. His present inter- 
e.-ts are quite large. He is the owner of a very 
fine property of seventy-five acres, on the Rancho 
Potrero de Felipe Lugo, near his parental home. 
This place is under a high state of cultivation, 
being principally planted to English walnuts, 
which are now (1889) just in their prime, being 
fifteen years old. At present they are yielding 
an income of $2,500 per year. As the annual 
product of trees increases rapidly each year from 
the age of fifteeti years, an income of probably 
$5,000 per year can soon be safely relied upon. 
Mr. Temple is the occupant and joint owner with 
his brother William of the well-known Puente 
homestead, the former home of his maternal 
grandfather, William Workman, one of the pio- 
neers of Los Angeles County. Few rural homes 
in the county excel this in beauty of location or 
excellence of improvements. During the life 



and occupancy of Mr. Workman, he expended 
thousands of dollars in building improvements. 
The estate now comprises seventy-five acres of 
choice valley- land, under a high state of culti- 
vation, devoted to culture of vines, miscellaneous 
fruits, etc., as well as general purposes. The 
beautiful cottage residence, commodious and 
noticeable for its convenience and orderly arrange- 
ments, attracts attention from all passing through 
the beautiful Puente Valley. In connection with 
the little chapel near by, built by Mr. Work- 
man, the winery and cellars, the large barns and 
tauks and the various out-buildings, the stranger 
at a little distance is easily led to think himself 
viewing a hamlet of no mean importance. The 
property in former years was largely devoted to 
wine-grape culture, and is fitted with press and 
storage facilities for the manufacture of 50,000 
to 60,000 gallons of wine per annum, also \v*ith 
a still for the manufacture of brandy. At pres- 
ent the annual out-put does not exceed 10,000 
gallons of wine. The residence stands upon an 
eminence raised slightly above the plain, giving 
an excellent view in all directions of the valley. 
After the death of Mr. Workman, the property 
was owned and occupied by Francis Workman 
Temple, an older brother of him whose name 
heads this sketch. He made valuable improve- 
ments, expending in enlarging and rebuilding- 
$10,000 or more. He was a man of great energy 
and became quite wealthy. He died a bachelor, 
at the age of forty years, August 3, 1888. He 
is buried at the little chapel near by, the family 
burying-grouud of the Workmans and Temples. 
With his brother William, John H. Temple 
became an equal owner of the estate, after their 
brother's death. There he has his home and dis- 
penses to stranger, as well as to friend, that 
liberal hospitality which has always been a marked 
characteristic of the Temple family. Mr. Tem- 
ple has recently purchased his brother William's 
interest in the Workman homestead. Mr. Tem- 
ple married, September 80, 1886, Senorita Anita 
Davoust,an estimable lady of French and Spanish 
parentage. She is the mother of two children, 
both of whom were born in Los Angeles, the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



elder, Aiiijnst 24, 1887, and the younger, No- 
ve.nl.er 17, 1888. 

ILLIAM WORKMAN, Esq., deceased. 
Few men had more to do with the early 
development of the resources of Los 
Angeles County than the subject of this sketch. 
At this writing (1889) nearly half a century has 
elajtsed since he, in company with John Row- 
land, came to this country, in 1841. and obtained 
from the Mexican Government a title to the La 
Pui'nte Ranch, a principality of itself, contain- 
ing as it did 48,000 acres. After some years 
they divided their lands and Mr. Workman built 
the Pueute homestead, in the beautiful Puente 
Valley. Li those days few rural homes in 
Calftbrnia excelled his, either in elegance of 
structure, sightliness of location or beauty of 
surroundings. There, snrrouijded by the com- 
forts that wealth command, Mr. Workman en- 
gaged in stock-growing, the cultivation of his 
extensive vineyards, wine manufacture and other 
congenial occupations. In 1868, with his son- 
in-law, F. P. F. Temple, and L W. Hellman, he 
engaged in banking at Los Angeles. In 1871 
the business passed into the hands of Temple 
and Workman, who rapidly, by the magnitude 
of their operations, became known among the 
leading banking Urms on the Paciiic Coast. In 
1875-'76 the bank failed, and both partners lost 
their magnificent fortunes. Mr. Workman was 
so overwhelmed that iiis death soon followed, 
occurring May 17, 1876. Sadly and tenderly his 
renuiins were buried at the Workman and Tem- 
ple family burying ground, at the little chapel 
on the Puente Ranch, erected by him. Of the 
early life of Mr. Workman we are able to give 
a few facts. He was born in England in 1800. 
He early commenced life's battles in his own 
behalf. Coining to tiie United States before 
reaching manhood, he became a business man 
at St. Louis, Missouri, then a frontier village. 
From St. Louis Mr. Workman crossed the 
mountains to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Several 



years afterward he followed trapping and deal- 
ing in peltries. Making and saving money, he 
became for those days comparatively wealthy. 
In New Mexico he wedded, in 1830, Senorita 
Nicolasa Uriarte, who was born of one of the old 
Spanish families in New Mexico. Heronlydaugli- 
ter is now Mrs. A.M. W.de Temple, the widow of 
the late F. P. F. Temple. With her Mrs. 
Workman now lives, aged ninety years, physically 
and mentally strong consideringheradvanced age. 
Her only son, Joseph Workman, is a resident of 
Los Angeles. Mr. Workman will ever be well 
and favorably remembered by the pioneers ibr 
his many manly qualities. 

fW. TUNGATE is one of the representa 
tive farmers of San Gabriel Valley. He 
* is the owner of a fine property in the 
heart of the valley, two miles and a half nortli 
of El Monte, where he established his residence 
in 1875. Mr. Tungate dates iiis birth in Osage 
County, Missouri, January 27, 1832. There he 
was reared to a farm life and educated in the 
country schools. Reachiiig the age of twenty- 
one years, he became anxious to eiicounter life 
in his own behalf He left the old home, vis- 
ited an elder bi-other, H. B. Tungate (now de- 
ceased), who lived in Texas, and together they 
came to California, via tlie Southern route. 
(This was in the pioneer days of California's 
history, and Mi'. Tungate has ever since been 
identified with the State.) Placer mining being 
the principal business in the State at that time, 
Mr. Tungate devoted nearly ten years to that 
occupation, principally in Mariposa County and 
also in Kern County. Though working in no 
mine for many years, he has been more or less 
interested in mining until within a few years of 
the present time. In 1858 he visited the old 
home, returning in 1859. His first visit to 
Los Angeles was for the purpose of purchasing 
supplies, in 1862, while he was operating in 
Kern County. From August, 1868, to Novem- 
ber, 1870, Mr. Tungate owned fifty acres adjoin- 



HfsrURV OF LOS ANGELES GOUNir. 



ill"; his present home, whicli is now owned by 
William Shoddy. Later, while livinu; at Bakers- 
lield, he served two years as under sheriff. In 
1875 Mr. Ttingate established his present resi- 
dence. His farm contains 100 acres of tlie choicest 
of alluvial lands; his cottage home is a con- 
venient, well-ordered country residence, and all 
the surroundings indicate the property to be the 
home of a prosperous, contented agriculturist. 
In 18()3 Mr. Tuiigate wedded Miss Rachel M. 
Malone, who settled in El Monte in 1859. Mrs. 
Tungate has resided in this State since she was 
ten years of age. She is the mother of ten 
children, all of whom reside with their parents, 
except the two eldest, Mrs. Eliza Ann Gage, of 
Santa Ana, and her elder sister, Martha M., who 
is dead. The names of the other children are: 
John M., Mary M., George W., Laura Belle, 
David W., Mark Twain, Charles Grover and 
Mabel. The lirst-born, Mrs. Martha M. Gage, 
died not long after her marriage, her husband 
being a brother to the husband of Eliza Ann. 
Mr. Tungate is never uninterested in public 
good, and is fully up to all the requirements of 
a good citizen. From his first vote he has been 
identiiied with the Democratic party. 



f S.G.TODD. — Atatinie when our country 
was engaged in the great struggle for 
'' the preservation of the Union, the sub- 
ject of this sketch was born, and named for the 
man destined to be first in wars. Ulysses S. 
Grant Todd was born near Pleasant Mount, 
Maine, January 27, 1863. In 18(38 his father, 
James II. Todd, was elected to the State Senate, 
and the family moved to Tuscumbia, Missouri, 
where they resided for twenty years. In 1881 
and 1882 Mr. Todd attended the Missouri State 
University. On returning home he engaged in 
teaching school for awhile, but soon after en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits, in which branch 
of occupation he has since continued. In 1885 
Mr. Todd left Missouri and came to New Mexico, 
and in ISSli he emigrated to Calitornia, settling 



in Los Angeles, where he engaged in business. 
Although young, Mr. Todd has always taken an 
active part in politics, being at different times 
delegate to both State and congressional conven- 
tions. He cast his lirst vote for James G. Blaine, 
in 1884, and had the pleasure of casting a ballot 
for our successful candidates in 1888. In politics 
Mr. Todd is an uncompromising protectionist. 
He is a lioyal Arch Mason and a member of 
the Christian Church. 

tMOS G. THROOP, Pasadena, was born in 
De Ruyter, Madison County, New York, 
•^r- July 22, 1811. The most of his boyhood 
days were spent in Cortland and Chenango 
counties, that State, in May, 1832, he left 
Chenango County, going to Michigan, the then 
far "West, where he arrived without a dollar. He 
settled in St. Clair County and made that his 
liome for eleven years. In 1838 he returned to 
his native State, and at Preston was united in 
marriage with Eliza V. Wait. Soon after that 
event he returned to Michigan, where he con- 
tinued to reside until 1843, in which year he 
removed to Chicago, where he lived until 1880. 
During the years of his residence in that now 
busy and wealthy city, Mr. Throop witnessed 
many changes and held many important trusts 
and positions. He saw the first locomotive that 
ever entered Chicago. He was one of the origi- 
nal organizers of the Chicago Board of Trade, 
and a member of it for a number of years. He 
was also a member of the committee of arbitra- 
tion for the Board of Trade for several years. 
In 1852 Mr. Throop built the Garden City 
House, which was at that time the best house in 
Chicago. In 1849 he was elected alderman 
and served four years, and was elected again in 
1876 and served four years more. He has been 
intimately acquainted with every mayor Chicago 
has had up to the present time. In 1854 and 
1855 Mr. Throop was appointed assessor for 
West (Jhicago. He served five years as a mem- 
i)er of the board of supervisors of Cook County, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Ill 1855 he was elected city treasurer for a term 
of two years, and while holding that position he 
handled over $5,000,000 of the city funds, and 
for two years was a member of the State Legis- 
lature of Illinois. In 1880 he came to Califor- 
nia and located in Los Angeles, where he 
purchased a ranch on the corner of Main and 
Jeiferson streets, on which was a fine residence 
and other buildings. In 1886 he removed to 
Pasadena where lie expects to spend the remain- 
der of his days. lie had been in Pasadena only 
a short time when he was strongly urged to be- 
come a member of the city council, his services 
in that capacity in Chicago having become 
known in his new Western home. Through 
strong solicitation he reluctantly consented and 
now holds a position in the city council of that 
place. Mr. Throop has contributed largely to 
the cause of education, and all through life he 
has been an earncirt advocate of temperance. 

^-^^--^ ' 

tOSAVELL II. WILSON, the proprietor of 
the well-known pioneer nursery, of the 
Dnarte, w-as the pioneer of the nursery 
industry in his section. He commenced the 
business upon his father's place in 1876, and in 
1879 established a nursery, on his own account, 
on the San Gabriel avenue, between BuenaYista 
and Mountain View avenues. That tract of 
land was ten acres in extent, and in addition to 
his nursery business, he fully improved it by 
planting the choicest variety of citrus and de- 
ciduous fruits. He sold that place in 1886, 
and purchased his present residence, consisting 
of thirteen acres of land on the corner of San 
Gabriel and Buena Vista avenues. Taking this 
land in its comparatively wild state, he is, by 
his intelligent care and industrious labor, com- 
bined with a thorough practical knowledge of 
his business, building up one of the leading 
nurseries of the county. With the exception 
of a family orchard, his whole tract will be de- 
voted to nursery purposes. Ilis greatest atten- 
tion at this writing (1889) is being devoted to 



producing a large and choice variety of decidu- 
ous fruits, such as liis years of experience have 
shown him are the best adapted to his section 
and the San Gabriel Valley. Ornamental trees 
and floral productions also receive his attention, 
and in the near future his stock in that line 
cannot be exceeded by any in his section. He is 
a stockholder in the Duarte Ditch Company, and 
his irrigation system is one of the most perfect 
to be found in the district. He is aUo a mechanic 
of no mean order, and his noticeably neat and 
attractive cottage residence is the result of his 
own skill and labor. Mr. Wilson was born in 
Chatham, New Jersey, in 1857. He is the son 
of Joseph Wilson, a native of England, who, 
early in life, emigrated to the United States 
and located in New Jersey, following the occupa- 
tion of a carpenter and joiner. He there mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Sayre, a native of that State. 
Mr. Wilson was reared in his native place until 
twelve years of age. His parents then moved 
to Newark, where they resided lintil 1874. In 
that year they came to Los Angeles County, 
and, after spending a year in Los Angeles, came 
to the Duarte and purchased thirty acres of land 
on San Gabriel avenue. Previous to this date 
the subject ot this sketch had spent the most of 
his time in school. He was always a lover of 
liorticnltural pursuits, and upon his lather's 
occupying this tract of land, lie entered heartily 
into the profession oi his choice ; and through 
study and researcli became one of the successtul 
horticulturists of the Duarte district. He is a 
respected citizen and a strcng suppoiter of such 
enterprises as will advance the welfare of the 
community in which he resides. A supporter 
of schools and churches, he has lor years been 
a consistent member of the Congregational 
Chuicli. In political matters he isa Republican, 
and is also a strong supporter of the Prohibition 
movement. In 1882 Mr. Wilson married Miss 
Alice Philbrook, a native of Illinois. She died 
in 1884. In 1887 he was united in marriage 
with Miss Florence Campbell, "the daughter of 
Galen and Roxaniia (Dunshee) Campbell. Mrs. 
Wilson was born in Illinois. Her father was a 



UISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



661 



native of Vermont, and lier mother, of New 
York. Mr. anl Mrs. Wilson liave one child, 
Alice. Mr. Wilson's parents are now residing 
at their home just west of his place. With them 
are residing his brother, Leonard W., and his 
sister, Gertrude, now Mrs. Parker, llis brother, 
J. Chester Wilson, is a resident of Ventura 
County, this State; and his sister, Nellie E., 
now Mr.«. Frank Ellis, is living at San Pedro. 



fLI TAYLOR was born in Alexandria, Vir- 
ginia, and is the son of Thomas and Sarah 
(Talbott) Taylor, both natives of Mary- 
land, and both died when Eli was an infant. He 
was reared by Eli Talbott, a gentleman from 
Maryland. Mr. Taylor learned the trade of car- 
penter and architect; served an a])prenticeship 
of five years, first in Washington under John 
Thomas, and then in Baltimore under J. L. 
Hayghe. For several years he was in the em- 
ployment of the Government as an architect. 
He started from Alexandria, Virginia, in 1850, 
for California, and came as far as La Grange, 
Missouri, where he tarried until 1851, when he 
again took up the line of march for the Golden 
State, reaching Sacramento Valley after a jour- 
ney across the plains with ox and mule teams, 
which took about six months. He worked at 
llis trade in that part of the State for two years, 
then continued his travels to Portland, Oregon, 
Washington T.erritory and British Possessions, 
after which he moved to Los Angeles and con- 
tinued work at his trade. In 1862 Mr. Taylor 
was married to Miss Martha Hunter, of Los 
Angeles. Slie is a daughter of Jesse D. and 
Keziah Hunter, who were of the first people in 
Los Angeles. Mr. Hunter was a military man, 
and well known by nearly all the old settlers. 
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have seven sons: John H., 
Eli, Jr., Albert, George W., William H., Edgar 
C. and Jesse P. Both Mr. Taylor and his wife 
are members of the Christian church. Socially 
he is an \. O. {). F., and politically a Democrat. 
Mr. Taylor is a man well beloved by his neigh- 



iboU, 



bors, and respected by all who know him. Five 
years ago he had the misfortune to lose his eye- 
sight; but he is still the same sociable and 
agreeable companion that he was before, and his 
conversation is instructive and entertainin<r. 

ILLIAM F. TURNER, member of the 
lirm of Lainbourn & Turner, wholesale 
iiid retail grocers, was born in Ohio in 

lid spent the first eighteen years of his 
life in the Buckeye State. In 1858 he came by 
way of the Isthmus of Panama to California, 
and settled in Los Augcles County, of which he 
has been a resident for thirty-one years. All 
of his active business life has been employed 
in mercantile pursuits, fifteen years of it as a 
partner in the firm before named in this article, 
and which is now one of the oldest as well as 
one of the most successful business firms in the 
"Angel City." Starting in one small rooic, 
with no assistants, the business has grown till 
three store-rooms, in the block they have since 
erected on Aliso street, are now required for 
their wholesale and retail grocery trade, in which 
several men besides the proprietors are employed 
In 1870 Mr. Turner and Miss Humphreys, a 
native of Arkansas, were joined in wedlock ii. 
Los Angeles County. Their family consists ol 
a daughter and two sons, namely: Maud, fifteen; 
William Francis, thirteen, and Claud Sherclifi 
Turner, eleven years of age. 



tLFRED TODHUNTER was born on the 
Isle of Wight, in 1851. His father's 
name was also Alfred, and he was a naval 
engineer in the service of the British Govern- 
ment. Mr. Todhunter received a university 
education in England, and came to America 
when he was twenty-one years of age. At 
present he has charge of St Barnabas Episco- 
pal Church, and of missionary fields in the 
vicinity. For six years he was rector of St 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



John's Cliurch in San Francisco; was also for a 
time in St. Mary's Cathedral in Memphis, Ten- 
nessee. As a public speaker he is eloquent, in- 
telligent and scholarly. For two years past 
Mr. Todhunter has been located on the Priory 
Ostrich Farm near Norwalk. This industry 
began about eight years ago, when Dr. Sketch- 
ley brought the tirst birds from Africa. The 
birds were inoved to Los Felis, and there have 
been three importations since — one at Anaheim, 
owned iiy a stock company; one in San Diego 
County, owned by Boston capitalists; and the 
Priory, near Norwalk. These birds were brought 
from Africa, via Galveston, Texas, by Mr. E. 
Cawston, two years ago. These men have dem- 
onstrated that the raising of the ostrich in this 
country may be made a very proiitable industry. 
They have made a large shipment of birds and 
chicks to Arizona. Since the last importation 
by Mr. Cawston, the Government at Cape Town 
has imposed an import duty of £100 on each 
bird: but our African neighbors did not begin 
soon enougli to protect their industry. There 
are now in the United States about 800 birds. 
Those on Mr. Todhunter's farm number about 
thirty. They are about eight feet high, and 
weigh irom 250 to 300 pounds each. The eggs 
sell readily for $15 per dozen, and young chicks 
sell for |50 apiece. They live to be from eighty 
to 100 years old. A good, full-grown bird sells 
for from $250 to $300. In connection with the 
ostrich business Mr. Todhunter is giving con- 
siderable attention to the raising of fine horses. 
He has a fine farm of 140 acres, and a very neat 
residence near Norwalk, and his grounds and 
yards are very beautifully laid out. 



tUGUSTUS ULYAKD was born in Phila- 
delphia, February 22, 1816. In 1841 he 
engaged in the bakery business in St. Louis, 
continuing there until 1848. In 1837 he was 
a member of the Texas Volunteers who were 
lighting the Mexicans. In 1846 he married 
Mary Field, who was born in England. They 



have no children of their own, though they have 
adopted seven, three of whom are now living. 
He and his wife came across the plains in 1852, 
and arrived in Los Angeles the last day of that 
year. They have been residents here ever since, 
and have seen the small Mexican ])ueblo of a 
few thousand inhabitants become a modern 
American city of 75,000 people. They have 
outlived the most of the people who bore sway 
in Los Angeles at that period, and they have 
seen a new generation and strangers take the 
place of the old "pohlanos." Mr. Ulyard helped 
to form the first Republican League in 1856, in 
a two-story frame house on Main street belong- 
ing to Captain Alexander Bell, the pioneer, who 
was a presidential elector in the Fremont cam- 



paic 



Uly.n 



pa 



rents came from France. 



tAMON VALENZITELA, capitalist, 510 
East Seventh street, Los Angeles, is prob- 
ably the oldest native-born citizen residing 
in Los Angeles at this time. His parents. Gas- 
par and Mariaynacia (Lopez) Valenzuela, were 
both natives of California. The suliject of this 
sketch was reared on a farm, and November 
28, 1840, was united in marriage with Miss 
Ascension Serano, a native of San Gabriel, the 
msirriage ceremony being performed in the old 
Mission church. Her parents, Thomas and 
Nicholaza (Navarra) Serano, were both natives 
of California and were never outside the limits 
of Los Angeles County. After liis marriage, 
the subject of this sketch followed the occupa- 
tion of his father, and had a little farm on San 
Pedro street. He sold that place, and in 1846 
purchased the land upon which he now resides, 
which was at that time some distance from the 
city. For forty years he cultivated the soil, 
raising grain and fruits. The land becoming 
very valuable, he subdivided it and sold the 
greater portion two years ago. The land he 
still retains he has improved and erected houses 
thereon. Excepting the three months spent in 
San Diego, during the war troubles iii 1846, he 



HISTOHY oy LUS AN0ELE6 COUNTY. 



has never been outside the limits of the couuty. 
Mr. and Mrs. Valeiizuela have ten children: 
Maniiela,uo\v Mrs. Marchado, living at Eayonne; 
Jiibencio, residing on Eighth street, Los An- 
geles; Felipa, now Mrs. Hayes, a resident of 
Los Angeles; Salbadora, the widow of Mr. Euiz^ 
who is now living with her father; Gaspar, 
whose home is on the Santonia Ranch; Jose, 
living on Hewitt street; Crotild, now Mrs. 
Ybarra, of East Los Angeles; liamond and As- 
cension, in Los Angeles City; and Arnmulfo, 
living at home. They have lost four children:' 
Esteban, Liobejildo, Consolation and Eduarda. 
They have thirty-three grandchildren living 
and twelve deceased; also one great-grandchild 
living and one deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Valen- 
zuela have lived a quiet and peaceful life, en- 
joying the respect of all who know them. Mr. 
Valenzuela has never had a lawsuit in his life. 

^ENRY VAN VALKENBURU, hamess- 
Ira^ maker and saddler in Wihnington, has 
^Ij been a resident of this county since 1861. 
He is a native of Kinderhook, Columbia County, 
New York, a Hollander by descent, and a son of 
Jacob and Hannah (Rose) Yan Valkenburg, 
both of whom were natives of New York. His 
father moved to McHenry County, Illinois, in 
1849, where he engaged in farming and where 
he lived a useful and e.'jemplary life, dying in 
1865 at the ripe old age of ninety-five years- 
His companion had preceded him to the grave 
several years, having died in August, 1844, at 
the age of fifty-one years. Mr. Van Valken- 
burg was born in 1831, being one of a family 
of eight children. He left home at the age of 
fourteen to learn his trade, and afterward went 
to Dundatf, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, 
wLfere he was in business for a number of years. 
He next went to Niles, Michigan, and from 
that place to Pike's Peak, where he engaged in 
mining for a time, after which he came overland 
to California, landing in Los Angeles in 1861, 
and in AV'^ihnington in 1864. He has been very 



successful here, and by his energy and perse- 
verance has pushed his way to the front ranks 
among the business men of Wilmington. In 
1871 he was united ia marriage to Mrs. Amelia 
McBr ide, nee Amelia Brown, a nati ve of Chicago. 



fELSON VAN TASSEL, the popular post- 
master at El Monte, is one of the Cali- 
fornia pioneers of 1849. He is a native 
of Onondaga County, New York, dating his 
birth March 7, 1821. He is a descendant of an 
old Colonial family, his grandfather having been 
a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and held as 
a prisoner in Canada for three years. His father, 
Cornelius Van Tassel, was a carpenter by trade, 
and one of the pioneers of Western New York. 
He built the first house ever erected in Syra- 
cuse. His mother was formerly Elizabeth Sager, 
also a native of New York. Mr. Van Tassel 
was reared in the county of his birth until thir- 
teen years of age. His parents then moved to 
Indiana and located at La Porte, where his 
father engaged in farming, to which calling the 
subject of this sketch was reared until he reached 
his majority. He then entered into manufact- 
uring agricultural implements, the old '-grape- 
vine cradle" being one of the most important 
implements produced in his establishment. He 
continued his business until the gold fever of 
1849 swept over the country. He was a victim 
of that fever, and decided to seek his fortunes 
in the El Dorado of tiie West. In the spring of 
that year, in company with thirty-two others, 
he started across the plains for California. The 
party was well equipped with mule teams for 
transportation and made a quick and successful 
journey. Upon arriving in California he sought 
the mining regions and located in El Dorado 
County, at what was afterward called Cold 
Springs. His party were the first to pitch tents 
and erect buildings at that place. Mr. Van Tas- 
sel, in company with Dr. John Cutler— now a 
wealthy resident of Visalia— opened the first 
store at Cold Springs. They also engaged in 



Til STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



mining operations and freighting. They were 
successful despite several severe losses, one of 
which was a $10,000 loan to Richard Heath, of 
Sacramento, and secured by mortgage on a lot 
occupied by the bank of i). O. Wills, on J 
street, in that city. Through the failure of 
Heath to meet the paynjent and a defective title 
they lost the whole amount. In 1853 Dr. Cut- 
ler retired from the firm and Mr. Van Tassel 
conducted the business alone until 1857. He 
was then appointed United States Indian Agent 
at Tehama, which position he held until 1861. 
The next year he came to Southern California 
and spent a year in San Diego County, and then 
went to Arizona and located at Weavers, near 
Weavers' Hill. There he engaged in mercantile 
pursuits and also in freighting and packing. 
He was also extensively engaged in mining- op- 
erations in the well-known Wickenherg district. 
The Indian troubles in that territory finally 
compelled an abandonment of his enterprises. 
Three of his men were killed and seventy-three 
of his mules stolen by the Indians. He then 
took up his residence at Wickenherg, after 
which he engaged in furnishing supplies to the 
military post at Fort McDowell and other places. 
In 1866 Mr. Yan Tassel disposed of his inter- 
ests in Arizona and returned to California and 
located at San Bernardino, where he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits. In 1870 he went to Mexico 
and was engaged in silver mining until 1874, 
when he came to Los Angeles County, and after 
spending a year at Corapton, located near 
Duarte, where he took up and purchased 500 
acres of land and established a bee ranch. He 
found that life too tame for him, and in 1878 
he was oti' for the mines, locating in the Tomb- 
stone district in Arizona. There he engaged in 
contracting and supplying timber and wood to 
the mills until about 1882. He then returned 
home and in 1884 established a store at El 
Monte, which he has since conducted. In 1885 
he was appointed postmaster, a position wiiich 
at this writing (1889) he still holds. Mr. Van 
Tassel retains the 500-acre tract before men- 
tioned, at Duarte. It is mostly hill land, but 



there are sixty acres that are well adapted for 
fruit culture, there being an abundant supply 
of water on the place. Mr. Van Tassel is now 
developing a tin mine that has recently been 
discovered upon his place, which has thus far 
proved very promising. The subject of this 
sketch has spent forty years of his life in active 
business pursuits on the Pacific Coast. He is 
well and favorably known, and has a large cir- 
cle of friends. Politically he is a Democrat, and 
has always been an active worker in his party. 
He was the first public administrator ever 
elected in El Dorado County, and held that re- 
sponsible office for six years. He was also ap- 
pointed postmaster at Green Valley, El Dorado 
County, in 1856, but resigned to take the Indian 
agency. During the war he was a strong Union 
man, and a supporter of the war policy. In 
1851 Mr. Van Tassel married Miss Martha For- 
see, a native of Indiana. Her father, James 
Forsee, a native of Virginia, came to California 
in 1850. Having no children of their own, Mr. 
and Mrs. Van Tassel have reared and educated 
three children who were related to them by mar- 
riage, viz.: Leonidas Forsee, who married a Miss 
Shivers, and is now a merchant at Temple, Ari- 
zona; California Forsee, who died in 1875, aged 
twenty years; and Katie Forsee, now wife of 
Felix G. Berry, and now a resident of ana post- 
mistress at Savannah, this State. 



fLAIBORNE VAUGHN.— The subject of 
this sketch is one of the well-known and 
representative horticulturists of his section. 
He came to the Azusa in 1872 and took up a 
Government claim of eighty acres in the Out- 
side school district of Azusa, about two miles 
and a half southeast of the present site of Azusa 
City, and one mile northwest of Covina. He 
successfully contested the claim of the Azusa 
grant holders to this land, and was then com- 
pelled to contest the claims of tlie Southern 
Pacific Railroad. This he finally settled by pur- 
chase from them at $11 per acre. He had ma d 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



many improvements commencing from his first 
occiijiation in liortieultural pursuits and seeking 
a water supply for irrigation purposss. In 1885 
and 1886 he sold forty acres of his land and is 
now the owner of forty acres of his original 
tract. This he has nnder a fine state of cultiva- 
tion, having twenty-three acres of citrus fruits, 
thirteen acres of "Washington Navel oranges, and 
ten acres in lemons. Of deciduous fruits he has 
ten acres, mostly in apricots, but also containing 
a fine variety of peaches, apples, prunes, etc. 
Six acres are producing large yields of alfalfa. 
He has also some three and a half acres (among 
his young fruit trees) which are producing 
strawberries. This land when first occupied by 
Mr. Vaughn was entirely wild and uncultivated, 
and he has devoted years in bringing it to its 
present productive state. It is well watered 
from the Azusa Water Development and Irri- 
gation Company's ditches. Mr. Vaughn was born 
in Shelby County, Indiana, in 1832. His father, 
James Vaughn, was a native of Virginia, who, in 
childhood, accompanied his parents to Kentucky, 
where he was reared until he reached manhood, 
and then became a pioneer of Shelby County, 
Indiana. There he married Miss Mary Will- 
iams, a native of that State. The subject of this 
sketch was reared to farm life upon his father's 
farm, receiving but a limited education. With 
the exception of four years spent in Southern 
Illinois, Mr. Vaughn lived in the county of bis 
birth until 1859. He married, in that county, 
in 1854, Miss Lewis, a native of Indiana. In 
the spring of 1859 Mr. Vaughn took up his 
westward march, intending to locate at Pike's 
Peak. This journey was performed with ox 
teams. Not being pleased with the reports he 
received of the Pike's Peak country, he continued 
his emigration to California, and in the fall of 
that year he took up his residence in Sonoma 
County, about one mile from Petaluma, where 
he engaged in farming. He spent thirteen 
years in that section, and during that time was 
largely engaged in contract work in the city of 
Petaluma, grading and paving streets, etc. In 
1872 he came to Los Angeles County, and 



readily obtained employment with Bateman & 
Buell, having charge of their ditches in the San 
Gabriel Cailon. In the fall of that year he took 
up his present residence, since which time he has 
devoted himself to agricultural and horticultural 
pursuits. Mr. Vaughn is one of those public- 
spirited men whose efforts have been so instru- 
mental in opening up and developing the re- 
sources of one of the finest .■sections of the San 
Gabriel Valley. He served as the water com- 
missioner of bis district from 1875 to 1880 and 
was one of the original stockholders and incor- 
porators of the Azusa Water Development and 
Irrigation Companf, and has been for many 
years a director in the same. His long residence 
has made him well known, and his consistent 
course of life and dealing with his fellow-men 
have gained him the well-merited respect of his 
associates. In political matters he is a stanch 
Ilepublican, dating his adhesion to that party 
and its principles from its formation in 1856. 
During the war of the Rebellion he was a strong 
Union man and a supporter of the administra- 
tion. He was a member of the military company 
enrolled at Petaluma. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn 
have no children. They adopted a son, Frank 
White, who is now (1889) a resident of Wash- 
ington Territory. They have also reared from 
early childhood Gertie M. Williams, the daugh- 
ter of George and Alice (Williams) Williams. 
Her mother died in Sonoma County, and her 
father is a resident of Indiana. 



-^%.^ 



f^ J. VAWTER, Santa Monica, was born in 
^ Vernon, Indiana, and, with his father 
'I* and brother, came to the Pacific Coast 
in 1875, first locating in Pasadena. They were 
members of the old Indiana Colony, the found- 
ers of that now beautiful and wealthy town. 
From Pasadena they removed to Santa Monica, 
then only a sheep ranch. There tliey opened a 
general merchandise store, and also organized 
the Santa Monica Lumber Company. In 1875 
and 1876 the place grew very rapidly. The 



UISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



first railroad was completed and a wharf was 
built in the former year. From 1878 to 1880, 
using Mr. E. J. Vawter's own words, " a finan- 
cial cyclone struck the town and nearly every 
body who could left for the mines in Arizona. 
Only a few remained, and among those were my 
father, brother and myself. "We had great faith 
in the future of our beautiful Santa Monica, and 



it were, with our eyebrows. Soon 



we hun£^ 

light dawned upon us, and things took a de- 
cided change for the better." Few men have 
labored more assiduously for the upbuilding of 
a town or the general welfare of a community 
than have the Messrs. Yawter for the develop- 
ment of Santa Monica. The town now has two 
railroads with prospects for a third, also the es- 
tablishment of a wharf. The new Soldiers' 
Home is located near. In 1888 Mr. Vawter, 
with others, organized the First National Bank 
with a capital of $50,000, and with E. J. Vaw- 
ter as cashier. The Messrs. Vawter have built 
and have in operation some five miles of street 
railway. Perhaps to no other persons is Santa 
Monica more largely indebted for the beautiful 
sea-side resort that it is than to these gentlemen. 
When others deserted it to go in pursuit of that 
fickle goddess, gold, they stood firm, and, after 
a few years of unabated toil, are now seeing 
their efforts crowned with success. 



D. VAWTER is a native of Indiana, 
and was born in Jefferson County in 
" 1815, son of William and Frances 
Vawter. His mother's maiden name was also 
Vawter; she was a native of Virginia. His 
father claimed to ba a native of Virginia, Ten- 
nessee and North Carolina, because he was born 
where these States corner. He moved first to 
Jelferson County, Indiana, and later to Jennings 
County, where he was a successful farmer until 
his death. The subject of this sketch was mar- 
ried in 1834 to Miss Mary Crowder, of Mary- 
land, by whom he had six children, whose names 
are as follows: Mary E., wife of Ward Leavitt, 



of Santa Monica; May, who married Dr. Har- 
wood, with whom she went to Australia and 
there died in the city of Sidney; Jennie C; 
Mattie, wife of S. Vawter, editor and proprietor 
of the Daily Call, La Fayette, Indiana; W. S. 
Vawter, manager of the Santa Monica Lumber 
and Mill Company; E. J. Vawter, cashier of 
the First National Bank, Santa Monica. In 
1852 Mr. Vawter married Charlotte A. Knowl- 
ton, a native of Massachusetts. From this union 
two children have been born: Miss Emma, and 
C. K. Vawter, who died in Santa Monica. The 
subjectof this sketch came to Los Angeles County 
in 1875, and was one of the original members 
of the Indiana Colony. This colony bought 
land where Pasadena now stands. His original 
purchase was sixty acres in Pasadena. This 
was divided into lots and sold. . He subseL[uently 
purchased sixty acres. Mr. Vawter and his 
sons bought 100 acres of the Lucas Ranch, south 
of Santa Monica, and they have recently sold 
fifty acres of it at $1,000 per acre. He owns 
valuable lots and property in the " city by the 
sea," where he resides. On first coming here 
he engaged in the mercantile business, owning 
all of the original stock. In 1887 a company 
was organized for carrying on the lumber and 
milling business, of which his son, W. S. Vaw- 
ter, is manager. Mr. Vawter has been a very 
successful man. His life has been one of great 
activity. He is now in his seventy-fourth year, 
and ho is always actively and profitably en- 
gaged. As a citizen he is highly respected. 
Politically he is a Republican, having voted for 
William H. Harrison in 1836. For a number 
of years he served as postmaster at Vernon, 
Jennings County, Indiana. 



SAAC NEWTON VAN NUYS was born in 
Livingston County, New York, November 
20, 1835. His ancestors, as his name indi- 
cates, came from Holland. Mr. Van Nuys was 
educated in his native county. In the fall of 
1865 he came to California via the Isthmus 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



route. He went to Napa County, where, at the 
town of Montieello, he engaged in merchandis- 
ing until 1870, when he came to visit Los An- 
geles; but he did not come to reside permanently 
till 1874. Since the latter year he engaged in 
wheat- raising and milling on an extensive scale. 
He and some associates bought 60,000 acres of 
the San Fernando Ranch, in the valley of the 
same name, in 1869. Mr. Van Nuys was one 
of the very first men in Los Angeles County to 
demonstrate by actual results that wheat, by 
using the right kind of seed and by proper treat- 
ment of the same, can be raised there success- 
fully. The raising of wheat had often been 
attempted in Los Angeles County before, but 
it had been about given up as impracticable. 
The Spanish farmers said it would almost surely 
"chalmiste," or i»ust. Judge J. R. Scott had 
sowed several successive years, from 1,000 to 
1,500 acres, up the river between the city and 
San Fernando, only to encounter failure, nearly 
every season. Others had experimented with 
similar discouraging results, in various parts of 
the county. In 1876 Mr. Van Nuys rented 
lands of the company of which he was a member, 
and against the advice of old settlers and neigh- 
bors, selected and prepared his seed properly, 
and, raised enough wheat that season to ship 
nearly three full cargoes to Liverpool. This was 
tlie beginning of successful and extensive wheat- 
raising in Los Angeles County. Various renters 
of the San Fernando Company, following Mr. 
Van Nuys's methods, have become rich at this 
business. Gradually the company has increased 
its own sowings until last year (1888) it directly, 
i. e. without the aid of renters, raised the enor- 
mous amount of 510,000 bushels. Most of this 
grain was of the best quality, much of the wheat 
averaging sixty-four pounds per bushel. All of 
this wheat instead of being sent abroad, is con 
snined here at home. Wheat-raising is now one 
of the recognized important industries of Los 
Angeles County. In February, 1880, Mr. Van 
Nuys married Miss SusanaLankershim, daughter 
of Isaac Lankershim, by whom he has three 
children. Mr. Van Nuys, like Mr. Lankershim 



and William Wolfskill and George Dalton and 
others of the modest but sterling pioneers of 
Los Angeles County, believes that the true w-ay 
to advertise this section is to demonstrate what 
its possibilities are by producing tangible, prac- 
tical results. 

— ^^^m^-^ — 

fULIUS L. VIE RECK, proprietor of the 
stove and house-furnishing store at Nos. 209 
and 211 North Los Angeles street, has been 
in business in the city since his arrival in 1883. 
For the first three years he was a partner with 
Mr. William Lacy in the stove and hardware 
firm of Lacy & Viereck Hardware Company. 
At the end of this time the partnership was dis- 
solved and the business wound up; and in the 
early part of 1887 Mr. Viereck purchased the 
stock and business from M. W. and O. W. Childs, 
who had established it nearly thirty years ago, 
and thus he became the proprietor of the oldest 
stove and house-furnishing store in Los Angeles. 
His stock comprises stoves, ranges, tin ware and 
general house-furnishing goods in great variety, 
which is sold at both wholesale and retail. He 
occupies two floors and the basement of the 
building, which is 36x120 feet in area. The 
store and basement are filled "to their utmost 
capacity with goods demanded by his large trade, 
extending as it does throughout Southern Cali- 
fornia, and as far east as Yuma and Arizona. 
The second floor is used as a shop for the manu- 
facture of tin and copper ware for his trade. 
Mr. Viereck carries the largest and finest stock 
of stoves and ranges of any house in this part 
of the State, making a specialty of Resor & 
Company's Monitor stoves and ranges, Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, the oldest stove manufactory in the 
world, having been founded in 1809; and in 
this age is indicative of excellence, for their 
goods stand at the head. Before coming to 
California, Mr. Viereck carried on the same line 
of business for twenty years in Cherokee County, 
Kansas, and hence has been actively engaged in 
mercantile life more than a quarter of a century. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQBLES COUNTY. 



He built up a fine, lucrative business in Chero- 
kee County, one of the largest in the State; 
owned the building in which his store was situ- 
ated, and also several other pieces of improved 
town property. Mr. Viereck is a German by 
birth, and is forty-eight years of age. He 
learned the trade of tin and copper smith before 
leaving his native land for America in 1863. 
"While in Kansas he was united in marriage with 
Miss Hellen Loewen, also a native of Clermany. 
Six children, three of each sex, compose their 
family, namely: Edwin, Carl, Jessie, Frank, 
Laura and Selma, the last being a native daughter 
of the Golden West. Owing to the serious ill- 
ness of Mrs. Yiereck with throat and lung 
trouble, which physicians predicted would prove 
fatal, and hoping a milder climate would arrest 
the disease, Mr. Viereck sold out his business 
and property in Kansas, at a heavy sacrifice, and 
moved to Los Angeles. Their hopes have been 
realized in the complete recovery of Mrs. Vie- 
reck's health, and an increase of her weight from 
108 to 135 pounds. In the latter part of 1887 
Mr. Viereck purchased an elegant home in which 
he and his family reside. It embraces several 
acres of highly improved land in the Altadena, 
three miles north of Pasadena, and twelve miles 
from Los Angeles, and is beautifully situated at 
an altitude of 600 feet above, and overlooking 
the pretty foot-hill city. His place is valued at 
over $25,000. Mr. Viereck is one of Los An- 
geles' most reliable and esteemed business men; 
conscientious and upright in his dealings, he 
enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know 
hiin. Edwin, the seventeen-year-old son, a youth 
of sterling qualities and bright promise, has 
charge of the store and business during his 
father's absence. 



tH. V0I6T is a native of the city of 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, born Novem- 
® ber 30, 1857, and is a son of Henry 
Voigt, a pioneer merchant of that city, a native 
of Germany, and now retired from business. 



The subject of this sketch was educated in the 
public schools of Milwaukee, and later took a 
complete scientific course of study at the Michi- 
gan State Agricultural College, graduating in 
the class of 1881. He then came West, surveyed 
mining claims for a few months in Montana, 
visited San Francisco, then came to Los Angeles 
and took up a situation as salesman in the fur- 
niture house of Sharp & Bloeser. He afterward 
held a similar situation with Dolter & Bradley 
in the same line of trade. Upon the organiza- 
tion of the Los Angeles Furniture Company 
in 1866, he entered its employ. He afterward 
purchased stock in the institution, and since that 
time has occupied the position of assistant 
manager. He married, December 10, 1885, 
Mrs. Nevada Gould, daughter of David Ander- 
son, deceased, who was among the first American 
settlers of Los Angeles, and a manufacturer of 
wagons. They have two children, a son, Albert, 
and daughter Mamie. 

fOHN" P. WEST.— The subject of this sketch 
was born in Ireland, in 1825. His parents 
were William and Ellen (Patterson) West. 
His father was a native of Ireland, and his 
mother of Scotland. In 1828 Mr. West's par- 
ents emigrated to the United States and settled 
in Pennsylvania, and afterward moved to Ohio, 
locating in Trumble County. There Mr. West 
received his education in the common schools, 
and was reared as a farmer. While in that 
county he married Miss Elizabeth Harshman. 
In 1856 he moved to Henry County, Iowa, and 
there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He 
took a prominent position in the community in 
which he resided, and for many years was a 
member of the Legislature and Senate of Iowa. 
In 1862 he entered the Fourteenth Regiment 
of Iowa Volunteers, and served as a soldier 
throughout the war of the Rebellion. At the 
close of that struggle he returned to Henry 
County, where he resided until 1875. In that 
year he came to California and located at Conip- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ton, Los Angeles County, where he engaged in 
fanning. Mr. "West was a strong Republican, 
and took an active and leading part in the poli- 
tics of the county. In 1878-'79 he was a mem- 
ber of the Constitutional Convention that framed 
the present constitution of the State, and in 1880 
w-as elected to the State Senate, serving his term 
with credit to.himself and his constituents. In 
1884 Mr. West moved to Washington Territory, 
but is now (1880) a retident of Novato, Marin 
Countv, California. 



fAMES J. WEST.— Among the well-known 
agriculturists and business men of Glen- 
dora, is the subject of this sketch. Mr. 
West located at what is now Glendora in 1879, 
taking up his residence upon 160 acres of wild 
and uncultivated land, just east of and forming 
a part of what is now the town site of Glendora. 
As the settlement of his section increased he 
sold portions of his land, sixty acres of which 
went into the town site of Glendora. He is 
now the owner of sixty acres of his original 
purchase, upon which he is engaged in general 
farming and fruit growing. Seven acres are 
devoted to citrus and deciduous fruits. The 
latter comprise a large variety of apples, pears, 
peaches, tigs, apricots, etc., which are grown 
without the aid of irrigation. His citrus fruits 
are irrigated by water from the Dalton Canon, 
which he, in connection with others, has de- 
veloped and piped to his farm. The rest of his 
lands, although good for fruit and susceptible 
of irrigation, are devoted to hay and grain and 
also stock purposes. Mr. West has also a one- 
third interest in 240 acres of land at the mouth 
of the Dalton Canon, upon which his irrigating 
water is developed. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Trumble County, (Jhio, December 
28, 1851. His parents were John P. and Eliza- 
beth (Harshinan) West. In 1856 Mr. West's 
parents moved to Henry Countj', Iowa, and 
there he was reared and schooled. He was early 
in life inured to the practical life of a farmer, 



and at the same time given the benefits of a 
good education, completing his course of studies 
at the Iowa Wesleyan University, at Mount 
Pleasant, Iowa. lu 1875 he accompanied his 
father to California, and took up his residence 
at Compton, Los Angeles County. There he 
purchased eighty acres of land and engaged in 
farming upon his own account, which he con- 
ducted until 1879. In that year he carae to 
the lands then known as the Azusa, in Azusa 
Township, and took up his present residence. 
Mr. West is one of the enterprising and pro- 
gressive citizens of his section, and has been 
largely identified with the building up of Glen- 
dora, and developing the resources of his chosen 
section. He is a director of the Glendora Water 
Company, and was one of the original incor- 
porators and stockholders of the same. He is 
a firm believer in the future wealth and pros- 
perity of Glendora and the surrounding coun- 
try, and is a hearty supporter of any enterprise 
that will advance the interests of the community 
in which he resides. In political matters he is 
a Republican, and is always to be found allied 
with the best elements of his party. In 1878 
Mr. West married Miss Frances Lemon, the 
daughter of William Lemon, a well-known resi- 
dent of Compton. She died in 1882, leaving 
one child, Lloyd A. In 1885 he married his 
present wife. She was Miss Lonellen Dough- 
erty, the daughter of John L. and Mary O. 
(Laudon) Dougherty, a sketch of whom appears 
in this volume. From this marriage there 
are two children, Oscar Roy and an infant 
daughter. 

'■^■^■'^ 



fDWARD L. WATKINS.— Among the 
prominent business men of the San Ga- 
briel Valley is the above-named gentleman, 
who is vice-president of the San Gabriel Wine 
Company and superintendent of the immense 
winery, vineyards, etc., of that corporation (the 
history and description of which is given in this 
volumeV Mr. Watkins is a native of Cohun- 



UISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



bus, Georgia, dating bis birtb in 1849. His 
parents, William and Mai"y F. (Brent) Watkins, 
are natives of Maryland. Wliiie in bis infancy 
bis parents moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, 
in wbicb city tbe subject of tbis sketcb was 
reared, receiving tbe benefits of an academical 
and business education, and later engaging in 
mercantile pursuits. In 1874 be came to Cali- 
fornia and located at San Gabriel. Tbere be 
was employed by 1>. D. Wilson and J. De Eartb 
Sliorb, firm of E. D. Wilson & Co., as superin- 
tendent of tbeir winery, vineyards, orange 
groves, etc., and in 1876 was sent by tbem to 
Wilmington, wbere be bad cbarge of tbeir furni- 
ture factory, farms, grain raising, and otber in- 
dustries. In 1878 tbe deatb of B. D. Wilson 
occurred, and Mr. Watkins returned to San 
Gabriel, and, under tbe direction of Mr. Shorb, 
tbe executor, took cbarge of tbe various indus- 
tries and enterprises of Mr. Wilson's estate. 
In 1882, upon tbe building of tbe San Gabriel 
Winery, be was appointed its superintendent, a 
position tbat be lias since beld. He is one of 
tbe stockbolders and original incorporators of 
tbe San Gabriel Wine Company, and in 1888 
was elected vice-president of tbe company. 
Mr. W^atkins is an energetic and progressive 
man, well scbooled in business and endowed 
witb fine executive abilities, as is well illus- 
trated by bis management of tbe various enter- 
prises in wbicb he bas been engaged. He is 
also engaged in liorticultural pursuits, being tbe 
owner of a fine orange grove of twenty acres in 
extent, located at old Albambra. Upon tbis 
tract be bas erected a neat cottage, surrounded 
by well-ordered grounds, affoi-ding bim a pleas- 
ant borne. He bas other landed interests in the 
county, among wbicb is a twenty-acre tract at 
Wilmington, well improved and planted in 
vines and fruit trees. lie is also one-half 
owner of twelve acres in Albambra, known as 
the Strausser place, which is producing wine 
grapes and a large variety of citrus and decidu- 
ous fruits. In political matters Mr. Watkins 
is a consistent Democrat, is an earnest worker 
for the best interests of bis party, and has 



served as a delegate in many of its conventions. 
In 1882 he was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary Stone, a native of Maryland. From tbis 
marriage there are three children: Fi'ank, Brenta 
and Willie. 



fOHN B. WILSON is the owner of a gen- 
eral merchandise store at Lamanda Park. 
Tins is the pioneer store at that place, and 
was first established by Mr. F. M. Vanderlip. 
Mr. Wilson purchased an interest in the busi- 
ness in June, 1887. The firm of Vanderlip & 
Wilson carried on the enterprise until Decem- 
ber of that year, when, by the purchase of his 
partner's interest, Mr. Wilson became the sole 
proprietor. The Lamanda Park store, under 
his able management, bas become one of the 
representative business establishments of that 
section and has a patronage that Mr. Wilson's 
straightforward dealing and courteous manners 
entitle him to receive. He has been a resident 
of Los Angeles County for the past eighteen 
years, and is well known by tbe residents of 
Lamanda Park and vicinity. He was born in 
La Fayette County, Mississippi, July 10, 1850, 
and is the son of John W. -and Virginia G. 
(Butler) Wilson. His father is a native of Ten- 



nessee, and bis mother was born in Mississi 



ppi. 



The former was a teacher by occupation, but 
after the civil war be entered into agricultural 
pursuits, to wbicb the subject of this sketcb 
was reared. Mr. Wilson received the education 
afforded by the public schools of his native 
place, and was occupied with bis father in con- 
ducting the farm until 1871. In tbat year he 
accompanied his parents to California and lo- 
cated in Los Angeles County, near Pasadena, 
where be engaged in grain-raising, etc., upon 
rented land. He continued that occupation un- 
til 1882, and then entered the employ of Mr. J. 
F. Crank, as the foreman of the Fair Oaks 
Vineyard and bis orchards. He remained with 
Mr. Crank until he entered into bis present 
business. He is an energetic and public-spir- 



IIISrORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



ited citizen, and a supporter of enterprises that 
tend to build up and develop tlie resources of 
jiis section. His long residence in the valley 
has secured him a large circle of friends. Po- 
litically, he is a Democrat. lie is a member 
of Pasadena Lodge, No. 151, A. O. U. W., and 
a member of the Select Knights of the same 
order. He is the owner of residence property 
on Daisy Street, in Lainanda Park, and also of 
a ten-acre tract of land on the Santa Anita road. 
In 1873 Mr. Wilson married Miss Sarah E. Ivy, 
the daughter of S. M. and Sarah (Clark) Ivy, of 
Mississippi, but now (1889) residents of Phoe- 
nix, Arizona. The following are the names of 
the five children from this marriage:, Georgia 
C, Luther B., James A., Irvin I. and John 
William. Mr. Wilson's parents are residents 
of Pasadena. 



ilLTON S. WILSON, one of the Cali- 
fornia pioneers of 1849, now resident 
in Los Angeles County, was born in 
Licking County, Ohio, March 2, 1823. His 
father, George Wilson, was a native of Virginia, 
who came to Ohio when only nine years of age, 
and upon arriving at man's estate married Miss 
Jane B. Moore, a native of Pennsylvania. He 
was a farmer by occupation, and to this calling 
Mr. Wilson was reared. In 1842 he accompa- 
nied his parents to Cass County, Illinois, where 
lie remained until 1849. In tiie spring of that 
year he started overland for California. The 
party to which he belonged decided to take the 
route leading through Santa Fe, New Mexico, 
and Arizona, entering California by the southern 
route. A delay of several weeks occurred in 
New Mexico, while they were prospecting for 
gold, and it was not until December 1 that 
the party arrived at San Diego. While waiting 
at that point for transportation to San Francisco 
Mr. Wilson obtained work from the Quarter- 
master at the United States Barracks, and was 
employed on the first building ever erected at the 
new town of San Diego. Some weeks after his 



arrival he secured a passage on the old brig Bel- 
fast, bound for San Francisco, at which port he 
arrived after a stormy voyage of fourteen days. 
There he was fortunate enough to secure work 
as a laborer. In March, 1850, he went to the 
mines in Tuolumne County, and after a short 
trial at mining engaged in teaming and freight- 
ing supplies from Stockton to the mines; and in 
the fall of that year, in company with others, 
established a store and boarding-house at Sol- 
diers' Gulch. Among his associates in crossing 
the plains Mr. Wilson recalls the names of Cy 
rus Epler, now a district judge in Cass and Mor- 
gan counties, Illinois; Frank Pixley, the editor 
of the San Francisco Argonaut; Joseph Heslop, 
the first ti'casurer of Tuolumne County, and 
Judge Heslo]), of San Francisco. The dry 
winter of 1850-'51 was ruinous to their mer- 
cantile and mining ventures, and in the spring 
of the latter year Mr. Wilson went to Santa 
Clara County and engaged in grain-raising. In 
1852 he and his partners sent East and brought 
out threshing-machines and mowers for har- 
vesting tlieir grain crops. In the years 1853-'54 
Mr. Wilson engaged in dealing in live-stock, 
driving it from San Bernardino County to the 
mines of the North. In the latter year he lo- 
cated in the San Joaquin Valley, about fifteen 
miles from Stockton, and engaged in stock-rais- 
ing and dealing in stock. In 1860 Mr. Wilson 
married Miss Mary L. Chandler, a native of 
Jacksonville, Illinois. Her pai'ents, Isaac and 
Evelyn Chandler, were residents of Santa Clara 
County; her father was a pioneer of 1849. After 
his marriage, although conducting his stock 
business in the San Joaquin Valley, he made 
his residence in Santa Clara. In 1864 the 
drouth caused the death of most of his stock, 
sickness confined him to his bed for months, 
and his land atid improvements were swept 
from him claimed by grant holders. He thus 
found himself financially ruined, and com- 
menced life anew by entering 160 acres of land 
in the Santa Cruz Mountains. For several years^ 
Mr. Wilson was successsfully dealing in timber 
lands in that county, and in 1870 returned to 



HISTORY OV LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Sauta Clara. For the next six years lie was a 
justice of the peace, the duties of which oiBce 
occupied nearly his whole attention. In 1876 
he again turned his attention to the lumber 
business, and incorporated the San Lorenzo 
Flume and Lumber Company and other enter- 
prises, a failure of which involved the loss of 
his means. After some three years spent in 
farming rented land in Santa Clara, he came in 
1880 to Los Angeles and entered into the dairy 
business, and in 1883 located upon 160 acres of 
Uovernment land between Azusa and Vineland. 
In 1883 he moved upon a sixty-five-acre tract 
of land one-half mile west of El Monte, where he 
has since resided, engaging in agricultural pur- 
suits. His 160-acre tract is as yet comparatively 
unimproved, but it is admirably adapted to both 
fruit and vine culture. Fifty acres of his home 
farm are producing alfalfa, yielding from eight 
to ten tons per acre. He is also the owner of ten 
acres of land within the town limits of Long 
Beach. Mr. Wilson is a well-known and re- 
spected citizen of the community in which he 
resides. He is a strong Republican in politics, 
and in 1885 was elected justice of the peace in 
El Monte Township, a position he still holds. 
He is a strong supporter of schools and churches, 
and is a consistent member of the Presbyterian 
Church. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have four sons 
and one daughter: George L., Harry M., Fred- 
die Eugene, Austin M., and Mary Let etia, all 
of whom are residing under the parental roof. 



I^ON. JONATHAN TRUMBULL WAR- 
fM\ NER is perhaps better known by the 
^li initials J. J., because of a certain free and 
easy metamorphosis by the natives of his un- 
ci)Uth New England name into the smoother 
Castilian Juan Jose (J. J.) with the advantage 
of a two-fold saintly patronage. He was born 
November 20, 1807, in Hadlyme, New London 
County, Connecticut, his parents being Selden 
and Dorathy (Selden) Warner, who were cousins. 
His maternal grandfather, Samuel Selden, was a 



Colonel in the Revolutionary army, and, being 
sick, fell into the hands of the British in New 
York upon its evacuation by General Washing- 
ton, and died there. It is thought probably — the 
evidence is almost conclusive — that he was the 
Major Selden who participated in the battle of 
Bunker Ilill at the head of some Connecticut 
inilitia. This Colonel Selden was maternal 
great-grandfather to the late Chief Justice Waite. 
Three brothers Warner were among the early 
Puritan arrivals in New England. The Selden 
and Warner families purchased vast tracts of 
land from the Indians, about twelve or fifteen 
miles above the month of the Connecticut 
River. The families were originally related or 
soon became so in their new home. The father 
of Colonel Warner, though a graduate of Yale 
College, did not enter on a professional career, 
but settled on the farm that had been his father's 
and cultivated it. By the advice of an older 
brother, a physician, the subject of our sketch 
left home in the fall of 1830 to seek a more 
genial climate, having been very ill the previous 
summer. He had no set purpose at the outset 
of coming to California, but on leaching Mis- 
souri he joined a trading caravan hound for New 
Mexico. There were in the company sixty-two 
men with twenty-two wagons and teams, with 
goods, wares and merchandise of various descrip- 
tions. Arrived in New Mexico, a smaller com- 
pany was organized for Los Angeles with a view 
mainly of buying mules for the Louisiana mar- 
ket. This company Mr. Warner also joined. 
They reached the Colorado River early in No- 
vember, and Los Angeles, December 5, 1831. 
Mr. Warner knows of no American or Euro- 
pean now living in California whose arrival 
antedates his. He had no idea of permanent 
settlement here. Two years afterward illness 
compelled him to stay, and the rest followed. 
Some ten years later, in 1843, he moved to San 
Diego County, where he owned and conducted a 
cattle ranch for thirteen years, raising not only 
cattle but also horses and sheep. In 1857, having 
been disabled many months by a broken limb, 
he again settled in Los Angeles, of which he 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTT. 



073 



lias been a permanent resident since that date. 
In 1858 lie commenced the publication of the 
Southern Vineyard, at lirst a weekly- and in the 
second year a semi-weekly. In those days Mr. 
Warner was a Douglas Democrat. He was a 
member of the State Democratic Convention in 
1852, and advocated the nomination of Douglas, 
or the instruction of the California delegates in 
favor of his nomination. He voted for Douglas 
in 1860, but liki- hiui. loyally acquiesced in the 
election of Lincoln, and had no use for South- 
ern Confederacy. He has been a Republican 
since 1861. While residing in San Diego he 
was a State Senator iu the Legislature in its 
sessions of 1851 and of 1852; and in 1860 was 
a member of the Assembly from Los Angeles. 
He was a notary public for about fifteen years, 
until his resignation on account of failing eye- 
sight in 1885. He moved to his present home 
on University street, outside the city limits, in 
September, 1887. Early iu 1837 Mr. Warner 
was married to Anita Gale, who had been 
brought to California at the age of three years 
baptized a Roman Catholic, and brought up to 
womanhood in the family of Governor Pio Pico. 
They had five children that grew to maturity, 
two sons and three daughters. The oldest, a 
daughter, never married ; the oldest son, Andrew, 
is dead, leaving a daughter who lives with her 
mother in this city. John, the second son, lives 
in the Sandwich Islands at present, the resi- 
dence of his family (the mother, two sons and a 
daughter) being in San Francisco. Tiie second 
daughter married a Mr. J. Cruz, and died leav- 
ing one daughter grown to womanhood. The 
youngest daughter, also married, is the mother 
of five children, two sons and three daughters, 
all living with her under the roof-tree of the 
venerable patriarch. Mrs. Warner died in 1859. 
Mr. Warner attributes his longevity to hered- 
ity re-enforced by constant contact with nature 
in outdoor life in a healthy climate. In early 
manhood his health was precarious, and it is pos- 
sible the hereditary principle would have failed, 
him ha<l his lot not been cast in this remarka- 
bly healthv climate. The Warners have mostly 

43 



been a long-lived people and the Seldens too 
have had many long-lived members; and one 
cannot well determine under such circumstances 
how much to ascribe to climate and how much 
to heredity. It is pretty generally known, but 
none the less worthy of record, that Mr. War- 
ner is joint author with Dr. J. P. Widney and 
the late Benjamin Hayes of the centennial " His- 
torical Sketch of Los Angeles County," his 
contribution covering the period from September 
8, 1777, to January, 1847. He also wrote some 
pamphlets on scientific subjects. He is of the 
opinion that Southern California will eventually 
become largely agricultural and horticultural or 
fruit growing, and that Los Angeles City is des- 
tined to be a great commercial center. The title 
of Colonel, by which Mr. Warner is familiarly 
called, is not an official one, but was popularly 
bestowed on him in appreciation of his prowess 
on a memorable occasion when his ranch was 
raided by a band of hostile Indians numbering 
nearly three hundred. He had received warn- 
ing and removed his family, and when attacked 
demoralized his immediate assailants by killing 
four of the most conspicuous and eff"ecting his 
escape on horseback during the temporary panic 
that ensued. It is not often that an honorary 
title has been so nobly won. When this oc- 
curred, now more than a generation ago, the 
Colonel, who is six feet three inches high, in the 
vigor of young manhood, must have been in the 
eyes of the startled Indians something almost 
superhuman. 



fj. WELDON, Cashier of the California 
Bank, and president and treasurer of the 
,f ** California Warehouse Company, is one 
of Los Angeles' business men who has risen to 
prominence and achieved success solely through 
intrinsic merit and well-directed energy. He 
was born in New Brunswick forty-four years 
ago last December. When seventeen years of 
age he went to sea on board of a merchant ves- 
sel, of which his uncle was Captain, and followed 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES GOUNTT. 



a seafaring life over four years. Soon aiter 
ceasing his wanderings on the deep he came to 
California, and, locating in Nevada County, en- 
gaged in the lumber business. .While there he 
married Miss Cutten. a native of Nova Scotia. 
In the early part of 1874 Mr. Weldon moved to 
Los Angeles, continuing in the lumber trade 
until 1880, when he went into the Farmers and 
Merchants' Bank as a book-keeper. Starting in 
at the lowest position in that capacity, he rose 
by successive steps during his nearly seven 
years of connection with the bank till he reached 
that of paying teller. Upon the organization 
of the California Bank in 1887, Mr. Weldon 
was elected cashier of the new banking house, 
and resigned his position as teller in the Farm- 
ers and Merchants' Bank to accept it, and has 
filled that office ever since that prosperous finan- 
cial institution was opened. Mr. Weldon was 
one of the incorporators of the California Ware- 
house Company, of Los Angeles, and is presi- 
dent and treasurer of it. 

fG. WOOSTER, of Pasadena, the subject 
of this sketch, was born in Hancock, llan- 
"* cock County, Maine, Novetnber 3, 1847, 
a son of John B. and Matilda B. Wooster, and 
the fifth of nine children. In limited cir- 
cumstances, caused by the loss of shipping in 
which the father was interested, the family were 
inured to toilsome work, and young Wooster 
was set to driving an ox team at the early age 
of nine years. They occupied a rocky farm, 
which young Wooster assisted in clearing. Dur- 
ing his youth Mr. Wooster spent three seasons 
fi^hing in the Bay of Fundy. At the age of 
twenty-one years he was intending to take charge 
of a fishing vessel to be built for him, but sick- 
ness compelled him to abandon the enterprise. 
Receiving a thorough common-school education, 
he taught school. during the winter and traveled 
during the summer seasons selling patent medi- 
cines. This was to him a valuable school for the 
study of human nature. To complete his edu- 



cation more fully, he attended the Farmington 
Normal School of Maine one term, and subse- 
quently graduated at the Eastman National 
Business College at Ponghkeepsie, New York, 
with the highest honors. In 1873 he went to 
Boston, where he was engaged by Locke & 
Bubier, stationers, on Cornhill; but he had to 
leave this situation soon afterward, to take care 
of a sick brother, George, who was a traveling 
salesman for Whitten, Burdett & Young, and 
who ■ afterward died. The sad event took Mr. 
Wooster to his old home, where he buried his 
brother. Again Mr. Wooster went to Boston, 
and secured a position in the employ of Young, 
Reed & Atwood as local traveling salesman. 
While in their service he became afflicted with 
a throat disease and catarrh, and he fled to this, 
the greatest sanitarium of the world, the Pacific 
Coast. Coming by the way of tiie Isthmus, he 
had a long and tedious voyage, and suffered 
much from sickness. He landed in San Fran- 
cisco more nearly dead than alive; but he re- 
covered his liealth and accepted a position in 
the service of Payot & Upham, stationers, in 
that city. Feeling, however, that the climate 
of Soutiiern California would be still more con- 
genial to him, he came and spent a month in 
Los Angeles, and, being greatly pleased with 
the country, bought ten acres of land, lot 4, 
block H, on the San Pascual tract, from the 
Lake Vineyard Land and Water Association, 
paying therefor about $480 cash. This absorbed 
about all of Mr. Wooster's means, but he man- 
aged to build a shanty, in which he kept " bach " 
for Ave years. Many a day he subsisted upon 
unbuttered gems, and many a day he was thank- 
ful to get even them. It was "nip and tuck" 
to " keep body and soul together." During 
those five years he set out most of ten acres in 
orange trees and grape vines. On January 19, 
1881, Mr. Wooster married Miss Mary Abbie 
Kidder, daughter of Charles and Mary Kidder, 
of Cottage City, Massachusetts, which is located 
on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Almost 
immediately after marriage he began to prosper, 
and in all the years since liis wife Jias materially 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



aided him by her diligent haads and sound ad- 
vice. He considers her to have been the key to 
liis success in life. After working for almost 
starvation wagHS for a time, he entered tlie em- 
ploy of Brown & Mathews, hardware mercliants 
in Los Angeles, as local salesman. A year after- 
ward he engaged as local and traveling salesman 
for the Gordon Hardware Company of Los 
Angeles, in which position he remained two 
3'ears. Returning to Pasadena, he began specu- 
lating in real estate, in conjunction with the in- 
surance business. Being careful in all his op- 
erations — not going beyond his accumulated 
means — he has been successful. His motto is, 
and always has been, pay as you go. Many of 
his business principles came from his father, 
who often suggested to him the secret of so 
many business failures. He has recently finished 
tiie finest business building, known as the 
Wooster Block, in Pasadena, on Fair Oaks ave- 
nue, corner of Kansas street, at a cost of $60,- 
000. Besides this, he has built a number of 
dwellings costing from $1,000 to $5,000. He 
is secretary and one of the members of the Pas- 
adena Street Railroad Company; also a member 
of the Irvington Land & Water Company, of 
San Bernardino County, which owns over 2,000 
acres of land, beautifully located among the 
foot-hills. He is also a subscriber to the Pasa- 
dena Library, and the Y. M. C. A., and a regu- 
lar correspondent of the Ellsworth Ame7'ioa7i, 
Ellsworth, Maine. In 1888 he built a residence 
known as Island Home, at Avalon, on Catalina 
Island, California, where he spends his sum- 
mers, enjoying the pleasures of that famous re- 
sort. 

fHE LOS ANGELES WINDMILL COM- 
PANY, 153 South Los Angeles street, 
Los Angeles, was established April 1, 
1889, by PI. Wahleumaier, for the sale of the 
Cyclone and Star windmills, the former being 
manufactured at Santa Clara, California, and 
the latter at Ken Jail ville, Indiana. These two 



compaii 



decided to unite and consolidate 
their e.xtensive trade interests, and, having per- 
fected their organization as one company, estab- 
lished an agency here, and are extending tiieir 
trade through this and adjoining counties in 
Southern California. They manufacture and 
supply the Cyclone and Star mills, pumps, 
tanks, etc. They occupy a large and commodi- 
ous building, carry a large stock and are pre- 
pared to supply dealers. The superiority of 
the Cyclone and Star mills is well-established on 
this coast and the demand for them is constantly 
increasing. Mr. Wahlenmaier, the manager of 
the business here, is a native of Germany, and 
was born October 18, 1849. He came to this 
country in 1864, has lived in Kansas and St. 
Louis, and first came to California in 1874. He 
subsequently returned East and engaged in 
business until 1885, when he came again to the 
Pacific Coast. He was married January 1, 
1877, to Miss Eliza Arn, of Kansas City. They 
have two children, George and Walter. 



fRANK A. WEINSHANK, plumber, 128 
East Second street, Los Angeles, is a native 
of Mobile, Alabama, and was born May 
14, 1853. His parents, Andrew and Regina 
Weinshank, came to California in 1856, during 
his early childhood, spent one year in San Fran- 
cisco and the following year came to Los An- 
geles and were among the pioneers of this place. 
Frank attended school during boyhood and after- 
ward served an apprenticeship to the tinning, 
metal and plumbing trade, with Mr. Harper, the 
leading hardware dealer and manufacturer of tin- 
ware and plumbing in Southern California. He 
remained with him four years, and was with 
Mr. Childs two years, after which he went to 
Sin Francisco and was with Hutfrnan & Green 
one year. From there he went to Virginia 
City, Nevada, and spent one year, then returned 
to Los Angeles and was in the employ ot the 
railroad company, at the Mission, one year. 
Ajjain he went to San Francisco, remained four 



iiisroiir OF LOS anqeles countt. 



years, and again returned to Los Angeles. In 
June, 1882, he engaged in business for himself 
and bnilt up a very nice trade. Through the 
failure of a large contractor, Mr. Weinshank lost 
$5,000, and this swept away both his capital and 
savings; but, governed by his inherent sense of 
honor, he began business again in a small way, 
through the kind assistance of Bishop Mora, 
and since then, by his industry and economy, 
has paid everj' dollar of his indebtedness. He 
has a good shop and is building up a nice busi- 
ness, is a very skillful mechanic, and enjoys an 
enviable reputation for integrity. His word is 
his bond. Mr. Weinshank was married, June 
1, 1888, to Miss Hannah E. Ncedham. She was 
born in England and reared in Rhode Island. 



ilLLIAM WILEY is one of the true 
pioneers of this county. He is a native 
of the Keystone State, was born in 1836, 
and is one of the four children of Robert and 
Margaret (Foreshow) Wiley, both also natives 
of Pennsylvania. The mother died when Will- 
iam was a small boy, and the father was subse- 
quently married to a Miss Walters, by whom 
he had four children. Robert Wiley moved 
from Pennsylvania to Fulton County, Ohio, 
where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits 
until his death, which occurred in January, 1887. 
William Wiley left home in 1855 and went to 
Minnesota, returning home in 1856. In the 
latter year he came back through Minnesota, on 
his way across the plains to California, driving 
an ox team to Salt Lake City, for Major and 
Russells. There, with twenty-six others, he 
hired a Mormon preacher to haul their provis- 
ions, blankets, etc., across the plains, paid him 
$50 apiece, and they walked the whole distance 
to California. The Mormon brought them to 
San Bernardino County, and they arrived in El 
Monte, January 3, 1858. From that time until 
1864 Mr. Wiley was engaged in driving a team ; 
then he rented land and farmed until 1866, at 
which time he purchased twenty-five acres wliere 



he now lives, to which he has added about sev- 
enty acres more in one tract and sixty-five acres 
in two other pieces. He was married in 1872 
to Elizabeth Simmons, who was reared in Louis- 
iana, and who is a daughter of James and Rachel 
Simmons. To them have been born the follow- 
ing children : Robert, James, Lula, Walter, 
William K., Fred and Lena. Mr. Wiley has a 
pleasant home, and has been very successful 
since coming to this sunny land. 

— ^€@niD»-^^~ 

WILLIAM A. WILSON is an extensive 
farmer and stock-raiser residing one 
mile southwest of the city of Compton, 
where he owns and manages 140 acres of land. 
He was born in Jackson County, Missouri, in 
1834, and is the son of John and Signa (Brad- 
ley) Wilson, both of whom were natives of 
Kentucky, and of German origin. The father 
was a farmer and moved to Jackson County, 
Missouri, where he and his wife both died when 
the subject of this sketch was but a small boy. 
He was thus early thrown upon his own re- 
sources, and worked by the day and farmed some 
in Missouri previous to his marriage. This 
event occurred in 1855, and the lady he selected 
for a partner through life was Margaret Burress, 
a native of Missouri, and the daughter of John 



and Jeannette Burress, both of whom are livii 



In two years after their marriage, with their 
first child, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson started for Cali- 
fornia. Their train consisted of eighteen fami- 
lies and twenty-six wagons, and their journey 
was completed after being on the way six 
months, lacking six days. One incident con- 
nected with their trip across the plains will be 
found of interest to many of the readers of this 
work. At the time they arrived in Salt Lake, 
Utah, it being late in the season, the Captain 
concluded to go the Southern route to California, 
as it was much warmer. Just before they left 
Salt Lake, another train started from there, 
called the Arkansas train. They also took the 
Southern route, but did not go far before they 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



were all killed in the i'atnoiis Mountain Meadow 
Massacre. Shortly after leaving Salt Lake some 
difficulty arose causing a division of the train, 
a part of it going in advance and the other fol- 
lowing a short distance behind. One evening, 
after the advance party had encamped, some 
Mormons came to the camp and said if they 
wanted to save the other party tiiey had better 
send some men and bring them up as soon as 
they could, as the Indians were going to attack 
them that evening. Ten of the Mormons ac- 
companied ten of the men after the party in the 
rear. As they were going up a long canon they 
were fired upon by the Indians, or, as some sup- 
posed, disguised Mormons, some of the bullets 
going through the wagou covers, and some pass- 
ing through the hats of some of the party. None 
were injured, however. Several nights after- 
ward, as they lay encamped near the small 
Mormon town of Beaver, the Mormons came to 
the train and told them they had better make 
treaties with the Indians. Accordingly, the next 
morning they sent three of the party up to the 
town to make treaties. As soon as they got in 
the town the Indians (or disguised Mormons) 
commenced firing on them, wounding two, the 
other Mormons going in their houses and shut- 
ting the doors. The next morning the Mormons 
would not allow the emigrants to leave camp 
until they had paid something to the Indians. 
So they paid a large sum in cattle and clothes, 
and were allowed to go on their way. The Mor- 
mons would not allow them to pass the scene of 
the massacre, so they had to make a large detour 
out of their road. In some places they had to 
let their wagons down mountains or precipices 
with ropes. They were compelled to make 
other treaties with the Indians (or Mormons), 
paying out altogethei-, in cattle and clothing, 
about $2,000, everything being appraised at low 
Missouri prices. After making the last treaty 
at a place called the Muddy, they had about 
1,000 cattle left. They then went only a short 
distance before tlie Indians stamjjeded all of 
their cattle, leaving only the wagons and teams 
to pull them, after which they saw nothing more 



of Mormons or Indians. Mr. Wilson lived one 
year in San Bernardino County, and then moved 
to Los Angeles County, where he rented a farm 
near El Monte, which he farmed for twelve 
years. He subsequently pui-chased the place on 
which he now lives, then all a vast wilderness, 
covered witli mustard fifteen feet high. A com- 
fortable residence now stands where once all 
was rugged and wild, and his well-kept herds of 
cattle and horses, grazing on the fertile fields, 
show that the owner of this farm has enjoyed 
his share of prosperity. Mr. Wilson is one of 
the men who "made it for himself." When he 
arrived in California he had not a dollar in the 
world, was in debt $35, and his only possession 
was two or three cows. He has certainly shown 
what a man by energy and perseverance can do. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have reared a large family, 
in all eleven children, ten of whom are living: 
Sarah Frances, now the wife of Lycurgus Mc- 
Swain; Williaiti Albert, who married Nancy 
Carter; James Henry, who married Ollie Mc- 
Gray; Mary Signa, wife of James B. Proctor; 
John- Thomas, who married Mary E. Lee; Jen- 
nettie; Maggie, who died July 25, 1875; Annie 
Mabel, Minnie Alice, George Andrew and 
Bertha Edna. They have also reared an adopted 
nephew, Elijah Lee Farriel, whb is still with 
them. Socially Mr. Wilson is a member of the 
I. O. O F. at Compton, Centennial Lodge, No. 
247. Politically he is a firm believer in, and a 
strong supporter of, the principles as taught by 
the Democratic party. 



E. WOOD, City Treasurer, Pasadena, 
is a native of Bangor, Maine; was 
reared and received his education in 
that State; remained there until 1876, when he 
came to California and located at Los Angeles, 
engaging in tree-planting at what is now Pasa- 
dena, and then only a ranch. He planted two 
orange orchards, one of them where the opera 
house now stands, and the other just above the 
Universalist Church. He was among the first 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



to engage in orange- raising. He engaged in 
tlie furniture business for several years, and was 
foi- a number of years engaged in tlie fruit aiid 
))roduce business in Arizona. lie bas been 
actively identified witli the interests of Pasadena 
and one of its most enterprising citizens, in the 
progress and development of this beautiful sub- 
urban city of lios Angeles. He was instru- 
niuntal in getting up excursion parties from 
IJoston for several years. In the spring of 1889 
he was elected city treasurer and now holds that 
oflice, and is also treasurer of the Pasadena 
Hoard of Trade. 

fEORGE I). WllITCOMB.— The subject 
of this sketch is tiie most prominent busi- 
ness man of Glendora, and may well be 
styled the father of that beautiful and prosper- 
ous town, for there has not been an enterprise 
instituted, tending to build up that town and 
develop the resources of that section of tlie East 
San Gabriel Valley, in which he resides, tliat 
does not claim him as its head and front, and 
lie is always found devoting himself, with his 
trained business and capital, toward a successful 
result. Mr. Whitconib, after years' of active and 
successful business pursuits in the East, found 
himself in 1884 so broken and shattered in 
health that a complete change of climate and 
rett liecame an absolute necessity, in that year 
he came to Jais Angeles Gounty and located at 
West Los Angeles, where he remained until 
1885. Much improved in healtli, he could no 
longer remain inactive, and, deciding to enter 
into horticultural pursuits, he came to what is 
now Glendora and purchased 400 acres of land, 
covering the present site of Glendora and ex- 
tending back to the foot-hills to the north. 
This land was only partially improved, and with- 
out water except such as was required for 
domestic purposes. Mr. Whitcomb, with his 
characteristic energy, entered into the prosecii- 
tii>n of his new calling, clearing liis land, plant- 
ing I'liiit trees, and developing water in the 



Dalton Gallon and other ])laccs. He early saw 
tiie possibilities of a rich and prosperous future 
for the section that he had selected as his home, 
and upon the advent of the raih-oad (the Santa 
Fe route) in the valley, in March, 1887, he in- 
corporated the Glendora Land Company, and 
also the Glendora Water Company, hi the 
first-named company there were associated with 
him Merrick Eeynolds as vice-president, and 
John W. Conk as secretary and . treasurer. 
These gentlemen also held the same position in 
the last-named company, witii the exception 
that E. F. Spence, of Los Angeles, was the 
treasurer. Li addition to the lands of Messrs. 
Cook and lleynolds. a large share of Mr. Whit- 
comb's lands were- devoted to the town site 
of Glendora, which the company platted and 
opened its fine avenues. The work was well 
done, and thousands of trees were planted under 
Mr. Whitcomb's direction, lining both sides of 
miles of avenues. The water system for domes- 
tic and irrigation purposes of the town was also 
one of the most complete and substantial that 
could be devised. It was not a wild and vision- 
ary scheme for " boom" purposes. Substantial 
and permanent improvements were made, and 
the operations of the companies were conducted 
upon sound business jM-inciples, which resulted 
in attracting a desirable class of permanent in- 
vestors and settlers. The company built a 
comfortable and well-ordered hotel, erected a 
building for their office, and contributed some 
$5,000 for a fine school-house, and then came 
the solid investors. They came seeking desira- 
ble and pleasant homes. They built stores and 
work-shops, substantial dwellings, churches and 
school-bouses. It is to Mr. AVhitcomb's fore- 
sight, libei-ality and sound business enterprise 
that this result has been secured, and Glendora 
can boast to-day of baxing as prosperous and as 
intelligent arid cultivated a community as any 
town of its size in the State of California. It 
is a life's work accomplished in less than three 
years, and he may well be proud of the results. 
Ill addition to his large interests in the town of 
(Glendora, ho is the owner of seventy acres 



HIsrORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



located at the head of Vista Bouito avenue, 
upon wliich he lias erected a beautiful villa 
residence, in which he has combined the 
conveniences and luxuries of modern life, sur- 
rounded by well-ordered grounds abounding 
with ornamental trees and rich Horal produc- 
tions. This home is situated upon ;ui eminence 
overlooking the town site of Gleudora, and 
affording a beautiful view of the valley to the 
south and west, producing one of the most 
varied and pleasing landscape views imaginable. 
He is a successful horticulturist, having a fine 
citrus fruit orchard of twenty acres, producing 
some of the finest-flavored oranges to be found 
in the county. He also has twenty acres de- 
voted to deciduous fruits, comprising a large 
variety of such fruits as are adapted to his sec- 
tion. There are also nine acres of raisin and 
table grapes upon his place. In conducting his 
horticultural operations he is guided by the 
same thorough-going qualities and intelligent 
attention that have secured him success in other 
pursuits. Mr. Whitcomb is a native of Ver- 
mont, and datei his birth in Brandon, Rutland 
County, in 1834. His parents. Dexter and 
Emily E. (Tilton) Whitcomb, were natives of 
New Hampshire. In 1844 his parents loft 
Vermont and located in New York. From 
thence, in 1843, they moved to Michigan, and 
in 1846 finally located in Portage County, Ohio. 
Mr. AVhitcoinb was early in life trained to busi- 
ness habits, and when less than twenty years of 
age commenced life as a clerk in the railroad 
employ, and later was employed as an account- 
ant by the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad 
Company. In 1856 he went to St. Paul, Min- 
nesota, and for many years was accountant and 
general agent for parties conducting a large 
hide and leather business. While there, in 1859, 
he married Miss Leodora Bennett, a native of 
Wheeling, Virginia. She was the daughter of 
Captain Abraham Bennett, a well-known pioneer 
8teami)oat commander and owner on the Upper 
Mississippi River. In 1864 Mr. Whitcomb was 
employed by the Panhandle Railroail Company 
as its purch-ising agent, and took up his resi- 



dence in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1870 he 
left the railroad employ and located in Chicago, 
and entered into e.^tenjive coal-mining opera- 
tions, which he successfully onducted until 
18S0, when he became the pra[)rietor of the 
well-known Harrison Mining Machine, and 
established himself in the manufacture and sale 
of that machine. This business he still con- 
ducts in Chicago. In 1884, as before stated, 
he took up his residence in California. Mr. 
Whitcomb takes a deep interest in the welfare 
and prosperity of the community in which he 
resides. He is a liberal supporter of schools 
and churches, and is a consistent member of the 
Methodist church, and a trustee of the same. 
He is a school trustee in the Glendora district, 
and was one of the most prominent in establish- 
ing the first school opened in the district. In 
political matters he is a stanch Republican, 
taking an intelligent interest in the political 
questions of the day. Tne names of the chil- 
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb are as 
follows: George B., Carroll S., William C, Leo- 
dora, Elizabeth and Virginia. George B. mar- 
ried Miss Ella Sheppard. Carroll S. married 
Miss Ada Bradley. William C. and Carroll S. 
are stockholders in the Glendora Land Com- 
pany, and are associated with their father in 
conducting the enterprise. 

fROFESSORS. A. WALDR()>f, Priucipd 
of La Ballona School, was born in Wash- 
tenaw County, Michigan, in 1836, gradu- 
ated at Ypsilanti in 1857, began teaching when 
quite a boy, and has been an active and honored 
member of the teachers' profession for over 
thirty years. In 1859 he came to California, 
since which time he has tauglit in different parts 
of this count}', and for the past ten years has 
served as principal of the La Ballona School 
near the Palms. In addition to his achieve- 
ments in the school-room the professor has ac- 
cumulated considerable property. Ho owns a 
iMncli of 2,500 acres in Antelop; Valley, which 



UISrORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



is devoted to wLeat and barley. He owns also 
valuable property in tlie city of Los Angeles. 
In 1874 he married Miss Belle Swift, a native 
of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Slie was educated at 
the seminary in Eau Claire, and has been a 
teacher in the schools of Los Angeles County 
iuid city for a number of years. Professor 
Waldron is a Democrat in politics, and has been 
prominenily before the people as a candidate for 
some very important offices. In 1888 he was a 
candidate for the Assembly, and in 1887 for 
county recorder. He is a gentleman of scholarly 
attainments, and his ability as a public in- 
structor is attested by the fact of his having- 
served so long in his present position. 



fC. WOLDEMANN, stock-raiser, was born 
in the city of Keil, Germany, iu 1829- 
® His father died six months before lie was 
born, and his mother died at his birth. They had 
one other child, Louisa, two and a-half years older 
than the subject of this sketch, but she also 
died at the age of thirteen years. He was thus 
early left alone in the world. After receiving 
an education at the common schools in Germany, 
he was drafted by the King of Denmark into 
the army, at the age of twenty-one years. He 
refused, however, to go to war, and started for 
America, arriving at New Orleans in 1857. He 
worked at different places and at different occu- 
pations till, in 18G0, he crossed the plains to 
California. With two others besides himself he 
spent a whole year on the road, with two yoke 
of oxen and a two-wheeled cart. He bought 
148 acres of land where he has since lived. By 
strict attention to business he has accumulated 
quite a fortune. He has been engaged in raising 
stock for several years. In future, he will give 
considerable attention to raising poultry. When 
a school-boy in Germany he had this purpose in 
mind which now he means to carry out; and 
judging from the success he has had in other 
lines of business, lie will carry this on with 
profit. Mr. Woldemann is all that is left of the 



family, and he has never been married. He has 
always been a straightforward Republican, be- 
lieving fully in the principles and doctrines of 
the party, and has defended them upon all 
proper occasions and before all men. The 
"Golden Eule" is his religion, and all who 
know him will bear testimony to his strict ob- 
servance of it. 

fA. THOMAS, Postmaster at Garvanza, 
and dealer in staple and fancy goods, gro- 
® ceries, etc., has been a citizen of Los 
Angeles County since the year 1886. He was 
born iu Erie, Huston County, Tennessee, in 
1855, and is a son of John and Nancy (Allen) 
Thomas, of Tennessee. They had eight children. 
The oldest, W. T. Thomas, was a soldier in the 
late war. The subject of this biographical sketch 
was left an orphan at the age of seven years, and 
was thrown thus early upon his own resources. 
He followed clerking in a store till he was nine- 
teen years old, and at that time came to Cali- 
fornia. Here he remained but a short time, but 
during that time became acquainted with and 
married Miss Cora Allen, a native of the Golden 
State. They were married in 1878, and Mr, 
Thomas took his bride back to Tennessee, where 
they resided seven years. In 1886 he again 
sought the Pacific Coast, and upon his arrival 
in California, engaged in the livery business in 
Garvanza, and later, in the grocery business. 
By him the postoflice was established July 19, 
1887, and he was made the first postmaster, 
which office he still holds. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Thomas are active workers in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

^^^^ 

•^iPALLACE WOOD WORTH, one of the 
oneers of Los Angeles, was the son 
John D. Wood worth, also a pioneer; 
and he was born at Johnstown, Licking County, 
Ohio, July 28, 1832. He came to California in 



ri I STORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



1850, at t]ie age of eigliteeii, with liis fatlier. 
After staying a year they returned East; but 
Wallace soon came back and went to Oregon, 
wJiere he stayed three years, when he came to 
Los Angeles County, and became the superin- 
tendent or " El Chino Rancho," for his uncle, 
Colonel .Isaac Williams, the owner of that 
princely domain, Colonel Williams having gone 
East. Afterward Mr. Woodworth engaged in 
. the purchase of cattle on a large scale, disposing 
of them in Northern markets and in the mines 
at good profits. Later he entered into a part- 
nership with W. H. Perry, which endured nearly 
thirty years, or till Mr. Woodworth's death. 
Tlie firm of Perry & Woodworth was long a 
familiar one to all our older citizens. At first 
it engaged in the cabinet and furniture business 
on Main street, near the Pico House; but ulti- 
mately it changed to the lumber and millii o- 
business and moved to Commercial street, where 
the firm and its successor, tlie Perry Lumber 
Company, did an immense business. Mr. J. D. 
Woodworth, the father, returned with his family 
to Los Angeles in 1857, and resided here till 
his death, with the exception of a few years' 
residence at his ranch near San Gabriel, which 
he sold to Mr. Titus. Mr. Woodworth, Sr., 
was a man of sterling character and of consider- 
able prominence, being for a number of years 
justice of the peace, and also postmaster of this 
city under President Buchanan. Wallace Wood- 
worth married Dona Maria Antonia, only daugh- 
ter of Don Jos(^ Perez and Dona Merced Lugo 
de Perez, and granddaughter of the patriarch, 
Don Antonio Maria Lugo, of whom a brief 
sketch appears in another part of this work. 
There were born to this union four sons and 
two daughters, all now living in this city. Wal- 
lace Woodworth was a man of positive character. 
As chairman of the board of supervisors, he 
probably was more influential than any other 
man in rescuing the affairs of our county from 
the disorganized state into which they had 
fallen, and in bringing our discredited county 
warrants from a heavy discount, up to par. lie 
was also a iiieml)cr and jiresidunt of tiic city 



council. He took a prominent part in introduc- 
ing gas and water into the city of Los Angeles. 
lie was an active mover in the erection of a 
wharf at San Pedro which, however, he did not 
live to see completed. Affiliating with the 
Democratic party, he was prominent in its local 
councils, and was for many years chairman of 
its coimty committee as well as a member of the 
State executive committee for this county. He 
went as a delegate from California to the Na- 
tional convention which nominated General W. 
S. Hancock— of whom he was a warm personal 
friend— for the Presidency. During the later 
years of his life Mr. Woodworth engaged quite 
largely and successfully in the culture of the 
vine, orange and olive. While very close and 
shrewd in business matters, he was a good friend 
to the orplians and to the church, contributing 
liberally in aid of both. Wallace Woodworth, 
as all wlio knew hi-m will concede, was a useful 
citizen, a stanch friend, and a good husband and 
father. He died in the prime of life, after a 
short illness, on September 13, 1882, aged fifty 
yea.*-s. 

flMON W. WHITE was born near the city 
of Cork, Ireland, August 7, 1837, and is 
a son of William and Ellen (O'Conner) 
White, the fifth of a family of nine children. 
He came to America in 1869, and landed in New 
York, July 12. Before coming to America, 
however, in 1864, he married Miss Annie Hem- 
brow, a daughter of James and Sarah Hembrow, 
both natives of England. From New York Mr! 
White went to Boston and worked for two years 
in the machine shops. Later he went to Kansas 
City, and engaged in the grocery business, and 
in 1875 he became a citizen of California. In 
the fall of 1877 he bought 134 acres of land 
near Burbank, on what is known as the Provi- 
dentia Ranch. This he has improved, and is 
now extensively engaged in raising grapes and 
fruit of all kinds. Mr. and iMrs. White have 
five children: Simon K. R., William J., Ed- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ward J., Francis A. and Annie M. Politically 
Mr. White affiliates with the Democratic party, 
but in local political matters lie is very liberal. 
Siace taking charge of the farm on which he 
lives, he has been very much interested in the 
educational affairs of his district. He it was 
who formed Providentia district in 1879, and 
he has been one of its main officers ever since, 
and at present is clerk of the district. 



-<-*-c$B,- 



tENRY CLAY WYATT was born in Rich- 
mond, Virginia, June 29, 1849. His an- 
cestors for several generations were natives 
of Virginia, but on the paternal side came origi- 
nally from England, and on the maternal side 
from Ireland. He was educated in Virginia, 
and entered the service of the Confederate 
States, as a drummer-boy in the First Virginia 
Regiment, Kemper's Brigade, Pickett's Division. 
He first went into the theatrical business in 
1867, as treasurer of the Richmond Tiieatre. 
At the end of three years he gave up tiiis posi- 
tion to open a large music store, known as the 
"Richmond Music Emporium," which he man- 
aged for four years, when Colonel John McCaull 
(of Opera fame), John F. Allen and others 
converted Mozart Hall, in Richmond, into a 
theatre, and selected Major Wyatt as the man- 
ager. Meeting with success in this responsible 
position, Wyatt took charge of the Peters- 
burg Academy of Music, the Norfolk Theatre, 
and several smaller houses, which he managed 
for some time, when John T. Ford, of Ford's 
Baltimore and Washington theatres, offered 
him a large salary to take the "Emma Thursby 
Concert Company" over a Southern tour. The 
company consisted of Miss Thursby; W. T. 
Carleton, baritone; Alfred Pease, pianist; Emit 
Toedt, violinist, and George W. Colby, accom- 
panist. After completing this tour, which was 
very successful, the management of the original 
"Mendelssohn Quintette Club" was offered to 
Major Wyatt for one year, and accepted by him. 
Later on he took charge of a concert tour by 



the great Wilhelmj and Gustav Satter — the lat- 
ter being a very eminent pianist. Afterward 
Major Wyatt returned to New York and took 
the management of the Steinway Hall Concerts. 
Desiring a change, he with others organized 
what was known as the "California Quartette," 
which was one of the first in the country. W^- 
att, who has a tine voice and is a thorough mu- 
sician, was the tenor of this quartette, which 
commenced to sing in concerts, when the "San- 
Francisco Minstrels" engaged it for four con- 
secutive seasons; Billy Emerson hearing the 
quartette engaged it for eigiity weeks for San 
Francisco for his company. After the com- 
pletion of this long engagement, Wyatt organ- 
ized a company of his own, known as "H. C. 
Wyatt, Courtright and Hawkins' Minstrels," 
and traveled for upward of a j'ear over this 
coast, including eleven weeks at the Bush street 
Tiieatre, San Francisco. After this he made 
some changes and renamed the company "Wy- 
att, Arlington and Girard Minstrels," and came 
south and played at Los Angeles. Wyatt, like 
so many others, liked the place and concluded 
to settle here. Later, he secured the manage- 
ment of the Grand Opera House in May, 1886, 
in which he has had great success. Major Wy- 
att is now lessee and manager of the principal 
theatres of Southern California, to-wit: Grand 
Opera House and Los Angeles Theatre, of Los 
Angeles; the opera houses of San Bernardino, 
Riverside, Pasadena, Santa Barbara and San 
Diego. He is also sole proprietor of the "H. 
C. Wyatt's English Opera Company," of forty- 
eiglit people, now playing an indefinite engage- 
ment in Los Angeles. 



(s ' ■• e) 

SAAC WICKERStlAM, proprietor of the 
livery, feed and sale stables, on Aliso and Ala- 
meda streets, Los Angeles, was born in Ches- 
ter County, Pennsylvania, in 1836. His father's 
name was also Isaac. They came from a cele- 
brated family. The noted J. P. Wickershain, so 
well known in tliiJ East as a public educator and 




^.^.%. 



C/--/^ 



HIBTOllT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



State superintendent of schools in Pennsylvania, 
is a first cousin to the subject of this biographi- 
cal sketch. Mr. Wickershain engaged very suc- 
cessfully in the stock business in his native State 
for several years. He was married in 1864 to 
Miss Sallie J. Baker, daughter of William 
Baker, of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Of 
this union ten children have been born: J. 
Swayne, the oldest, is proprietor of the East Side 
stables; Mary A., Bessie W., J. Worth, William 
B., Jessie B., Edgar A., Ruth S., Isaac and Ada 
E. Socially Mr. Wickershain is a Mason and 
also a K. of P. Politically he affiliates with 
the Republican party. During the late war he 
was in the service of his country a few months, 
and paid for two substitutes besides. Since com- 
ing to Los Angeles he has built up a lucrative 
trade in the livery business, and is a cifizen 
whom every one honors and respects. He has 
a pleasant home in East Los Angeles, at num- 
ber 49 North Hell man street. 



fOSEPH M. WORKMAN, son of William 
Workman, deceased, one of the early pio- 
neers in Southern California, and one of the 
founders of the first bank opened in Los Ange- 
les, was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1833. 
William Workman was then, and for some years 
after, a merchant trader in that old town. He 
came to California in the forties, and prior to 
1846 obtained by grant from the Mexican Gov- 
ernment, the Alcatras, or Bird Island, on which 
the State penitentiary is situated, in San Fran- 
cisco Bay, which was subsequently taken pos- 
session of by the United States Government; 
but the title was never transferred by him, and 
the original deed to that now valuable property 
is in possession of his heirs, who have not, up 
to the present time, contested their rights in 
the courts. After coming to this coast AVilliam 
Workman was extensively engaged in the live- 
stock business, in the San Joaquin country and in 
Los Angeles Countj'. Being a farmer and stock- 
grower by occupation, he purchased, and owned 



for many years, 20,000 acres of the La Puente 
Rancho, now owned by E. J. (Lucky) Baldwin, 
having accumulated a fine fortune for those 
days. He, in company with I. W. IIellman,and 
F. P. Temple, his son-in-law, started the first 
liank in Los Angeles, which was known as the 
TempleAVorkman Bank, which prospered finely 
for years. Mr. Workman finally withdrew from 
any active participation in its affairs, entrusting 
the management entirely to IVfr. Temple, in 
whom he had unbounded confidence. But the 
sequel proved that the trusted son-in-law lacked 
some of the elements of a successful banker; for 
the bank became involved in financial difficul- 
ties and failed, sweeping away not only $80,000 
in cash of Mr. Workman's money, but his entire 
estate, bringing upon him financial ruin in his 
old age — he being then about seventy-six years 
old. Tlie stroke was too much for his proud 
English spirit, and so unsettled his mind that 
he committed suicide, thus ending an active and 
useful life, in 1873. His widow, a Spanish lady 
whom he married in Santa Fe, still survives, 
and resides in this county. Joseph Workman 
was taken back East in his infancy, and lived in 
the family of David Workman, his father's 
brother, a number of years. In 1854 he left 
Missouri and crossed the plains to California; 
and after spending several months in Los Ange- 
les County, went up into the San Joaquin Val- 
ley and superintended a large cattle ranch 
owned by his father and Air. Temple, from 1856 
till 1870. In the fall of the latter year he mar- 
ried Miss Belt, daughter of Judge George G. 
Belt, of Stockton, and soon after settled in 
Los Angeles County, which has been his liome 
ever since. Two or three years later he pur- 
chased over 800 acres of the La Puente Ranch, 
fifteen miles from Los Angeles, moved on to it, 
and engaged in the stock business, first keep- 
ing sheep, but upon the decline in the price of 
wool, changing to cattle. In 1881, desiring bet- 
ter advantages than the country offered for edu- 
cating their children, Mr. and Mrs. Workman 
decided to lease their ranch and remove to the 
city, i'uying a large lot, 162x800 feet, on 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Boyle a-eiiue (Boyle Heiglits), they erected their 
present fine residence, and have since highly im- 
proved the grounds about it, making it one of 
the most picturesque and beautiful homes in 
this part of the State. Mr. Workman's ranch 
property is situated on the line of the Southern 
Pacific Railroad, two miles from Puente station; 
is fine farming land, and under a high state of 
cultivation, as is evidenced from the fact that 
his tenant made $6,000 off the crop of 1888. 
Mr. Workman has not engaged in any active 
business since residing in the city, but is en- 
joying a happy, retired life with his wife and 
family of four daughters and two sons, ranging 
in age from six to eighteen years. 

fOHN CHARLES WEST.— Among the 
earlier settlers and well-known residents of 
Glendora is the above-named gentleman. 
Mr. "West is a native of the State of Iowa, dat- 
ing his birth in Heury County, in 1856. His 
parents were John P. West (whose history ap- 
pears in this volume) and nee Elizabeth Har- 
sham. His father was a prominent farmer of 
Henry Connty, and the subject ot this sketch 
was reared to that calling, receiving the benefits 
of a good education in the public schools and 
academies of Henry County. In 1875 he ac- 
companied his father to California and located 
at Compton, Los Angeles County, where he was 
engaged in farming operations until 1878. In 
tiiat year he came to Azusa Township and lo- 
cated at what is now the thriving village of 
Glendora. There he bought a squatter's claim 
to 160 acres of land, located just east of Glen- 
dora, and commenced clearing the wild land 
and building up a home. After the long years 
of litigation between tlie settlers and the Azusa 
grant holders had been brought to an end and 
the rights of the homestead settlers secured by 
Government titles, these desirable lands were 
sought by the Eastern emigrants, who came 
seeking homes. Mr. West then sold portions 
of his land, retaining a fifty-acre tract lying just 



east of the town site of Glendora. LTpjn this 
he has erected a neat cottage home, suitable out- 
buildings, etc., and is placing his lands under a 
high state of cultivation and improvement that 
is destined to place his farm among the repre- 
sentative properties of his section. He is also 
a one-third owner of 240 acres, located in the 
Dalton Canon, upon which land has been de- 
veloped a fine water supply, which is piped to 
his tract for irrigation, purposes. Mr. West is 
a substantial and progressive citizen, and iias 
been one of the leaders in opening up and en- 
couraging the settlement of the beautiful valley 
in which he lives, and has been a supporter of all 
enterprises that build up a community. His 
straightforward and consistent course of life 
justly gains him the esteem and respect of his 
friends and associates. In political matters he 
is a stanch Republican. In 1879 Mr. West was 
united in marriage with Miss Emma Hinman, 
the daughter of Augustus and Mary (Mallory) 
Hinman. Her parents were natives of Con- 
necticut, in which State she was born. Her 
father died in her childhood. Her mother then 
married Mr. Martin Comstock, now of River- 
side, San Bernardino County, California. From 
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. West there are 
two children living: Alta E. and Frank H. 



-4"^ 



M. WOODY.— The phenomenal suc- 
cess of the varied enterprises estab- 
lished in the San Jose Valley and the 
remarkable growth and prosperity that has been 
attained in building up the thriving city of 
Pomona, is largely due to the energetic and in- 
telligent business men that since 1880 have 
made that beautiful valley their home. Among 
those specially worthy of mention is the gentle- 
man whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Woody 
is a native of Roane County, Tennessee, dating 
his birth in 1850. His parents were Samuel 
and Mary E. (Braziel) Woody, both natives of 
that State. When the subject was less than a 
year old his father emigrated to Te.xas and set- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tied near Fort Wortli, where he was largely en- 
gaged as a stock- grower. Mr. Woody was reared 
to the active life of a frontier town, and when 
but sixteen years of age commenced his career 
as a trader, and afterward established himself 
in merchandise business at Fort Worth and 
other places. He conducted his mercantile pur- 
suits in Texas until 1881, when he located at 
Ogden, Utah Territory, where he opened a gen- 
eral merchandise store. The next year he went 
to the Northern part of Idaho, and for several 
years thereafter was actively engaged in mining 
enterprises and farming operations. He was the 
discoverer of a valuable mica mine while there^ 
which was afterward sold to Chicago capitalists 
for §150,000. In February, 1886, Mr. Woody 
came to Los Angeles County and located at 
Pomona, and has been actively engaged in busi- 
ness since that date. He first established a 
grocery store, and atterward went into partner- 
ship with R. N. Loucks, on the corner of Sec- 
ond and Gordou streets. In January, 1889, he 
opened his present store in the White Block on 
Second street, where he has one of the best ap- 
pointed and most complete grocery stores to be 
found in the city. In connection with his mer- 
cantile pursuits, Mr. Woody has been an exten- 
sive dealer in real estate, entering into that 
business in 1887. He was also president of the 
Real Estate Exchange. He is the owner of a 
part of block No. 181, of Bnrdick's Addition to 
I'umona, a fine tract devoted to orange culture, 
located between White avenue and Ellen street. 
He is one of the active business men of the city, 
and promptly engages in snch public enterprises 
as tend to attract immigration and build up 
Pomona. He was the promoter and principal 
builder of the Orange Grove Street Railroad, 
and is now its principal stockholder, being sec- 
retary and treasurer of the corporation and gen- 
eral manager and superintendent of the road; 
he is also a member and vice-president of the 
Pomona Board of Trade. He is prominent in 
Masonic circles, being the Senior Warden of 
Pomona Lodge, No. 246. He takes an interest 
in the churches and schools of the city, and is a 



member of the Presbyterian Church, and also 
of tlie Young Men's Christian Association. In 
]iolitical matters be is Democratic. In 1871 
Mr. Woody married Miss Julia E. Tinsley, a 
native of Kentucky and the daughter of Alan- 
son and Catherine (Fox) Tinsley, descendants of 
old families of that State. The children born 
from this marriage are: Tedie F., Walter E. 
and Nettie May. 

fHARLES M. WRIGHT, of the firm of 
Lynch & Wright, proprietors of the No- 
gales Ranch, was born in Chittenden 
County, Vermont, April 20, 1836, son of Nelson 
and Mary (Mayo) Wright, both of whom were 
of old New England families. Mr. Wright was 
reared to a farm life, and educated in the county 
of his birth; but he was not one to be satisfied 
with the slow plodding life of a New England 
farmer. In the spring of 1859 he left the old 
home and came via Panama to San Francisco, 
reaching there in May. In July following, he 
came to Los Angeles, and as a driver entered 
the employ of Tomlinson & Co., stage proprie- 
tors. Not long afterward he engaged in mining 
iu San Bernardino County, which occupation he 
followed until 1862, when he again entered the 
employ of the same stage company, with whom 
he remained seven years, then engaging on his 
own account in the same business. In 1876 Mr. 
Wright bought a one-third interest in the No- 
gales Ranch, one of the finest properties in the 
beautiful San Jose Valley. The property is 
situated south of Spadra, the residence, one of 
the oldest in the valley, being about one mile 
from that place. The highway', leading from 
Pomona to Los Angeles, passes in its course one 
and a half miles through the proi>erty. The 
ranch contains 9,000 acres, partly fine valley 
lands and partly hill and valley interspersed, 
but all of fine quality. The property is devoted 
mainly to sheep and wool growing, about 5,000 
sheep being kept. A few hundred each of cattle 
and hogs and about seventy-five head of horses 



UISTORT OF LOS AJSGBLB8 COUNTY. 



help to make up the stock usually to be found 
on the rancii. About 600 acres of land are kept 
for seeding to barley. Alfalfa is grown, and a 
variety of fruit and grapes. Since Mr. Wright 
became interested in the ownership of the ranch, 
he lias been the resident manager, his partner 
being a resident of Santa Cruz, California. 
Nogales Ranch is known to be not only one of 
the largest, but one of the finest grazing prop- 
erties of Southern California. 



fAMES C. WALLACE.— The subject of this 
sketch was born in Perry County, Ohio, 
September 29, 1833. His parents, James 
and Sarah (Plummer) Wallace, were natives of 
Pennsylvania. The death of his father occurred 
in 1837, and when he was but thirteen years old 
he was apprenticed to the watch-maker's trade, 
at which he was employed until the age of nine- 
teen years. In 1853 Mr. Wallace left Ohio and 
located at Jacksonville, Floiida, and for the next 
six years he was employed at his trade, working 
in various Southern States. In 1859 he finally 
located in Oxford, Mississippi, and there engaged 
in business as a jeweler and also in the drug 
business. The outbreak of the civil war in 1801 
caused a disruption of his business as well as 
other enterprises in his State, and Mr. Wallace 
became a mail contractor under the Government 
of the Confederate States, and with his charac- 
teristic energy embarked in such other business 
pursuits as the disordered state of afl'airs per- 
mitted. He escaped the military service, which 
was distasteful to him, by reason of his emploj'- 
nient as a contractor under the Government. 
At the close of the war he was appointed proctor 
of the State University at Oxford, a position 
which he held until 1868. In 1871 Mr. Wallace 
came to California and located at San Gabriel. 
At that time he was almost entirely without 
means and with a family looking to him for 
support. Nothing daunted, he sought and ob- 
tained work in horticultural pursuits upon the 
ranch of 1!. D. Wilson, and afterward was en- 



gaged in the jewelry business for some months 
in Los Angeles. In 1873 Mr. Wallace and wife 
purchased from General Stoneman eleven acres 
of land ill the Alliaiiihra scliool district, about a 
mile and a quarter northwest of the San Gabriel 
Mission, where they took up their residence. 
He started his nursery, planting seeds and grow- 
ing his own trees. His industry, combined with 
intelligent care and well-directed efforts, secured 
him a success in his horticultural pursuits and 
he soon established one of the representative 
orchards and nurseries of the San Gabriel Val- 
ley. His orange grove contains nine acres, five 
acres of which are producing Sandwich Island 
seedlings and four acres of budded trees. Wash- 
ing Navels and Mediterranean Sweets. Lie has 
also a choice variety of deciduous fruits. Since 
first planting nursery stock for his orchard he 
has devoted a large share of his attention to that 
business, and has produced some of the finest 
trees in the valley. Upon their home place, 
at this writing, there is only a small stock, 
some 6,000 budded trees; but he has, in con- 
nection with his sons, established a nursery of 
55,000 trees in Ramona, and one at San Fer- 
nando of 70,000 trees. Their stock is composed 
principally of citrus and deciduous fruit trees of 
the most approved varieties. The improve- 
ments on their home place are first-class in every 
res})ect. A neat and substantial cottage, com- 
modious barn and suitable out-buildings, all sur- 
rounded by shade and ornamental trees, denote 
the comfortable and well-ordered home, while 
rich floral productions add much to its beauty. 
In addition to their home orchard they have 
property interests in Ramona, owning their 
nursery of ten and a half acres, with a fine resi- 
dence and six town lots. They also own ten 
acres in San Fernando, which is well improved, 
and, in connection with leased land, is used for 
nursery purposes. In 1861 Mr. Wallace was 
married to Miss Martha E. Wilson, the daugh- 
ter of Wiley R. Wilson, a brother of the late 
B. D. Wilson, one of the early pioneers of Los 
Angeles County. Her father died at Downey 
in 1878. Her mother, nee Miss Elizal>eth Curi-y, 




y^ . 



^::^ 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



a native of Tennessee, is now a resident of 
Downey. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Wallace there are seven children living, viz.: 
(irleii C, J. Wiley, George A., Benjamin W., 
Mattic E., Estella R. and John Walter. In the 
spring of 1884 Glen C. married Pallie L., the 
daiiofhter of Dr. Hampton, of Los Angeles, and 
is residing at San Fernando, conducting the 
nursery of Wallace & Sons. Mr. Wallace is 
well known in the San Gabriel Valley as one of 
its progressive and enterprising citizens, ready 
to aid in such enterprises as tend to develop tlie 
resources and build up the county. In political 
matters he is affiliated with the Democratic 
party. His family are members of the Chris- 
tian (/hurcli, of which he is p. strong supporter. 



: ( )SES LANGLEY WICKS.— In sketch- 
ing the lives of some men it is difficult 
'-rt«.3v-" to do so even briefly without appearing 
to use flattery, however conscientiously the writer 
may seek to adhere to facts and to give a faithful 
likeness. M. L. Wicks belongs to this class of 
men. However, let the facts speak for them- 
selves, the reader can then draw his own deduc- 
tions and interpret for himself the character, the 
principles, the motives of action, the quality, the 
timber, of the man whose story is thus in few 
words recounted. Mr. Wicks was born in 
Aberdeen, Monroe County, Mississippi, April 
22, 1852. Major M. J. Wicks, his father, was 
a native of Savannah, and was of Welsh-English 
extraction, and his mother descended from the 
English Jennings family, intermixed in Amer- 
ica with Huguenots. While the subject of this 
sketcli was yet a child, his family moved to 
Memphis, Tennessee. Here he received his 
early education at a private academy. He also 
attended the Leddin Commercial College, where 
he graduated as an accountant, after which he 
entered the University of Virginia, where he 
spent two years in the study of ancient lan- 
guages, tiatural and moral philosophy, political 
economy, the math('niatics, mineralogy, history 



and literature. Later, he voluntarily took up 
international and constitutional law, for whicli 
he took his degree, thus enabling him to finish in 
one year the two years' law course of the Univer- 
sity. In a class of 124, twentj'-one, including 
Mr. Wicks, received the degree of B. LL. At 
this time hehad intentions of entering the arena 
of politics, but he was dissuaded therefrom by 
Professor John B. Minor, who is still a member 
of the law faculty of the University; and his 
resolution was further strengthened by attending 
a jiulitical ward-meeting in Memphis. But, al- 
though he was diverted from engaging in politics 
as a profession, he holds that no citizen should 
neglect his political duties. In -national politics 
Mr. Wicks is a Democrat; but in local nfiairs he 
believes in voting for the man whom he con- 
siders the best qualified for the office, without 
regard to political party lines. After graduat- 
ing, Mr. Wicks afsociated himself with his 
father in business at Memphis. In 1875 he mar- 
ried Miss E]izal)etli Littlejon, and came to Los 
Angeles, where liis fatluT had settled the pre- 
ceding year, having lust his fortune by Jay 
Cooke & Co.'s failure in 1873. He opened 
a law office at Anaheim and soon acquired a 
lucrative practice. True to the tradition of the 
Huguenot blood that was in him, he believed 
that conscience should enter into the profession 
of the lawyer as in every other calling. He 
made it a rule to thoroughly familiarize himself 
with the merits of every case intrusted to him; 
if not approved by iiis judgment, he sought to 
have the case settled on its merits, or if a civil 
suit, he declined to defend it; and thus knowing 
and believing in a meritorious case, he could 
advocate it with a force that sincere conviction 
always carried. In examining witnesses it was 
his invariable rule to treat them as gentlemen. 



and to never forget that he himself was a 



gen- 



tleman. In the conducti'ig of his cases he saw 
at a glance and recognized what was essential, 
and rejected all that was irrelevant, so that it 
was said of him that no man troubled himself 
less with the citation of authorities and prece- 
dents. In other words, he seemed to have a 



HISTORF OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



clear insight of fundamental principles and a 
love for natural justice, which are, indeed, prime 
characteristics of both the humblest attorney and 
of the most exalted judge. During his residence 
in Anaheim his first son was born to him, M. 
L. Wicks, Jr.; and some months after Mrs. 
Wicks passed away. In 1877 Mr. Wicks moved 
to the city of Los Angeles, which has ever since 
been his home. Here he continued to practice 
his profession until his extensive transactions in 
real estate and the numerous enterprises with 
which he became connected demanded his entire 
attention. He was a bold operator, and he met 
with remarkable success. He believed, as did 
many others, only he had the courage of his 
conviction, tliat the great valley of Los Angeles, 
with its boundless resources and its all-the-year- 
round nearly perfect climate, must become 
some day densely populated; and that land must 
always be in demand here for homes, as well as 
for what it will produce. A brief resume of 
Mr. Wicks's various land and other transactions 
will not be without interest here, in connection 
with and as a part of the story of his life. In 
1882, in conjunction with Rev. C. T. Mills, 
founder of Mills's College for young ladies, one 
of the tirst institutions of its kind in Califor- 
nia or in the United States, Mi. Wicks pur- 
chased several large tracts of land, amounting iu 
all to about 14,000 acres, including the site of the 
town of Pomona. To secure for this property 
a;i ample supply of water, he sank more than a 
score of artesian wells; and, after purchasing 
a number of conflicting titles, he piped and 
conveyed to the property the waters of the San 
Antonio Canon. By means of these and other 
improvements, such as the construction of roads 
and the laying off of the lands, thereby making 
them attractive for homes, a wild and unculti- 
vated stock range has been converted into pros- 
perous settlements, occupied at the present time 
by more than 5,000 inhabitants. The Dreyfus 
tract, formerly a sheep pasture, constituting a 
part of the San Rafael Rancho, was also bought 
by Mr. Wicks and his associate for the sum of 
$50,000; and the wisdom of this investment, 



about which some people iiad misgivings at the 
time, was soon made manifest; for, in less than 
ninety days, portions of the laud were sold tor 
over $100,000; and yet many of the purchasers 
themselves have made on their outlay a profit of 
from 200 to 300 per cent. Mr. Wicks bought 
a body of land in San Bernardino County, near 
the eastern boundary of Los Angeles County, 
to which adjoining lands were added by other 
parties; and the Cucamonga Fruit- Land Com- 
pany was organized. Onto these tracts water was 
also brought in pipes or procured by means of 
artesian wells or tunnels, and thus waste places 
were made attractive to actual settlers who came 
and converted them into prosperous settlements. 
The Dalton portion of the San Jose Rancho 
was purchased by M. L. Wicks from J. S. 
Slanson and others for $255,000. Within four 
months, with the expenditure of $80,000 in 
furnishing a supply of water, a sufficient amount 
of land was sold to equal more than twice the 
amount of the original investment. The far- 
seeing sagacity of Mr. Wicks, and the magni- 
tude of his transactions, are further illustrated 
by the following: Believing that the present 
site of the Santa Fe Railroad depot would be, 
for manifold reasons, the most desirable loca- 
tion that could be selected in this city for the 
terminus of that continental thoroughfare, Mr. 
Wicks obtained a bond for the land, and made 
a trip to Topeka, while on a visit to the East, 
to impress on Vice-President C. W. Smith and 
otliers the desirability of this location. Subse- 
quently, when President Strong and Vice-Presi- 
dent Smith visited the city, though the bond 
had expired, Mr. Wicks was selected to secure the 
property for the company, which he did success- 
fully and satisfactorily to the company, charging 
and receiving no commission therefor. Mr. 
Wicks opened Second street, from Main street to 
within a few hundred feet of the river, without ex- 
pense to the city or Los Angeles. Tliis portion of 
Second street is now one of the most important 
cross thoroughfares of the city and is certainly 
a very important improvement (in a thickly set- 
tled section) to be made by a single individual. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



He has dedicated more than ten miles of streets 
to the city of Los Angeles. Of course the en- 
terprise was a protitable one to Mr. Wicks, but 
it has also proved enormonsly profitable to a 
large number of other property owners along its 
line, as well as a great convenience to the gen- 
eral public. Mr. Wicks ha? been instrumental 
in the construction of more than a score of large 
reservoirs, and lie lias just completed one of a 
capacity of 45,000,000 gallons; and he strongly 
believes that the future material prosperity of 
Southern California depends largely upon the 
storage of water in reservoirs; and that these 
must be built either high up in the mountains 
or else outside the mountains in the plains or 
at points into which large water-sheds do not 
drain, claiming that a perfectly level surface is 
the best possible location for a reservoir. Mr. 
Wicks purchased the Lick tract of 2,300 acres, 
north of the city, for $85,000, and subdivided 
it, sank some wells on it, and sold it all ofi" 
generally to actual settlers; and probably, the 
tract could not now be bought for less than 
an advance of 500 per cent, over the original 
cjst. Mr. Wicks put the first $50,000 into 
the Los Angeles County Railroad, thus secur- 
ing its construction. He put $120,000 into the 
Ballona Harbor; and he holds that, though this 
latter enterprise is at present at a stand-still 
seed liai been sown that will bear fruit here- 
after; and that a competitive port may be 
created at that point at a comparatively small 
cost, by the Government, that will be of im- 
mense value to this valley and to the vast inte- 
rior, which, from the topography of the country, 
finds here its natural outlet and connection with 
the ocean. Mr. Wicks has been engaged in large 
enterprises in other counties. He is president 
of the Citizens' Water Company, and he has been 
an organizer and director of numberless other 
incorporated companies in Los Angeles County. 
He is a liberal contributor in aid of charitable 
and religious and educational objects. In 1881 
Mr. Wicks was married to his second wife, by 
whom he has one son, Percey Langlcy. Mr. 
Wicks is still a young man, though he has 



already made himself a reputation as an edu- 
cated Christian gentleman. 

'^■^--^ 

fALEB E. WHITE.— Among the Califor- 
nia pioneers of 1849 and old residents of 
Los Angeles County is the gentleman 
whose name heads this sketch, a brief review of 
whose life is as follows : He was born in 
Ilolbrook, near Boston, Massachusetts, February 
5, 1830. His father, Jonathan White, a luitive 
of Massachusetts, was a prominent manufacturer 
and well-known business man. He died in 
1875, aged eighty-seven years. His mother, 
Abigail (Holbrook) White, is still living, aged 
(in 1889) niuity-three yeirs. Mr. White was 
reared in his native place until nineteen years 
of age. It was then, 1849, when the gold fever 
was at its height. Being of an ambitious tem- 
perament and desirous of travel, he determined 
to seek his fortune in the new El Dorado, and in 
February, 1849, embarked in the brig Arcadian, 
bound upon a voyage around Cape Horn for 
Calitornia. A long and tedious voyage ensued, 
and the vessel with its impatient passengers did 
not reach San Francisco until October 29 of that 
year. Soon after his arrival in San Francisco 
Mr. White and other members of the company 
— originally started in Boston — opened a store 
in Sacramento. This partnership continued un- 
til the next year, and then he conducted a store 
upon his own account until 1852. Then he 
entered into fruit-growing on the American 
Itiver. He was a pioneer in this enterprise. 
Being compelled to ship his trees from the East 
the greater portion of them died while in transit, 
but, foreseeing the profits to be secured in the 
fruit industry in California, he decided to start 
a nursery, and in 1854 went East and secured a 
large variety of plants, with which he established 
a nursery about twelve miles east of Sacramento. 
Mr. White was largely engaged in fruit cultiva- 
tion and the nursery business upon the Ameri- 
can and Sacramento rivers until 1868. In that 
year he went to San Luis Obispo County and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES UOUNTT. 



was extensively engaged in slieep-raising and 
wool-growing. In 1869 he took up his resi- 
dence in Los Angeles County, and estahlished a 
sheep ranch at Florence, six miles south of Los 
Angeles. In 1878 he sold out that bubiness and 
changed his residence to Los Angeles City. 
He tlien became interested in real-estate mat- 
ters in the county, and in 1875-'76 entered into 
the Los Angeles Emigration and Land Co-opera- 
tive Association, and was a director in that com- 
pany. In 1880 Mr. White moved to Pomona, 
and since the sale of the lands of his company 
to the Pomona Land and Water Company he 
lias devoted himself principally to horticultural 
pursuits. In this he has been very successful. 
His yeai'S ui experience in the nursery business 
and fruit'culture have enabled him to secure the 
best results possible, and one of the finest orange 
groves in the San Jose Valley is his eighteen- 
acre tract, located on Holt avenue, at the corner 
ot San Antonio avenue. Although citrus fruit 
is his specialty upon this tract, he also produces 
a large variety of deciduous fruits, such as 
apples, pears, peaches, apricots, olives, prunes, 
etc. Everything about his model place attests 
the successful orchardist. He is now (1889) 
employed in planting and cultivating what is 
destined to become the largest orange grove in 
the State. This 300-acre tract, located north of 
North Pomona, is owned by a wealthy capitalist 
of Oakland. Mr. White is an enthusiast in the 
possibilities of the citrus-fruit industry of the 
San Jose Valley, and also a firm believer in the 
future prosperity of the city of Pomona. Be- 
sides his orchard property he is the owner of 
some of the finest business property in Pomona, 
among which is the White Block, at the corner 
of Thomas and Second streets. He is a public- 
spirited and progressive citizen, taking an inter- 
est and lead in any enterprise that tends to 
develop the resources and add to the prosperity 
of his chosen valley. He is a member of Po 
mima city council; a suong Republican in poli- 
tics, but liberal and conservative in local mat- 
ters. He is a member of Pentalpha Lodge, No. 
202, F. & A. M., of Los Angeles. In 1855 Mr. 



White married Mrs. Rebecca A. Holship, a native 
of Missouri. They have three cliildren living, 
viz.: Helen M., who married Thomas Caystile, 
formerly editor of the Los Angeles Tunes (now 
deceased); she is living at Los Angeles; Nannie 
C, who married Charles L. Northcraft, also liv- 
ing at Los Angeles; and Harry R., who is a 
member of his father's household. 



-fe 



fE. WOOD, contractor, 70 Chavez street, 
Los Angeles, is a native of Nova Scotia, 
® born August 16, 1826. He attended 
school during his boyhood and began learning 
his trade. When seventeen years of age the 
family removed to Ontario, Canada, where he 
completed his apprenticeship and worked at his 
trade there, in Michigan, and in Buffalo, New 
York. Then he went East and followed his 
trade in New York City and in Washington in 
the navy yard, after which he returned to On- 
tario and remained there a number of years, un- 
til 1875, when he came to the Pacific Coast. He 
first located at Oakland, engaged in contracting, 
and. carried on the business there until 1882, 
when he came to Los Angeles, and since then 
has been successfully engaged in contracting and 
building. Among the buildings he has erected 
in Los Angeles is Six Brothers' Block, Jacobo's 
Block, Brown & Foster's hardware building, on 
Spring street; the handsome residence of Mr. 
Dodsworth, corner of Sixth and Main streets; the 
block on the corner of Smith, and Spring streets; 
the residence of Mr. Forrester, Seventh street, 
near Pearl street, and a great number of others. 
Ho has had a large experience in contracting and 
building and enjoys a high reputation for his 
ability and responsibility. While living in 
Bothwell, Canada, he was a member of the city 
council for six years and a member of the 
school board for a number of years; was also 
justice of the peace. In 1859 Mr. Wood was 
married to Miss Matilda McNeil, a native of 
Prince Edward Island. They have three chil- 
dren: Minnie and Annie, both married and 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



liviuir in Oakland, California; and one son 
John Howard. He married his present wife, 
Miss Marion Smith, at Cliatham, Ontario, ou 
the 12th of April, 1869. 



fE. WHITE, cari'iage and wagon manu- 
facturer, Ko. 12 South Los Angeles 
" street, Los Angeles, is a native of Canada, 
born December 7, 1845. He attended the com- 
mon schools and learned his trade in London, 
Canada; then went to Michigan and remained 
there three years, and from there came to Kan- 
sas, where he resided four years. He came to 
California in 1875, located in Los Angeles and 
worked for Page & Gravel two and a half years. 
Next he entered into partnership with Mr. II. 
McGarvin, on Spring street, and they carried on 
the business together eight years, after which 
they dissolved, and Mr. White established his 
present trade at his present location. His shop 
is 30 X 120 feet in size and two stories in height. 
He manufactures all kinds of wagon and carriage, 
work to order, but mostly light work. He has 
machinery for doing his wood-work, and during 
the busy seasons employs from fifteen to twenty 
hands. By good management and close atten- 
tion to business he has built up a good trade. 
He had nothing when he began, and his success 
in life is owing to his own efforts. In 1874 
Mr. White married Miss Jennie Hyberger, of 
the State of Iowa. They have three children: 
Agues, Alma and Hazel, and have lost one son, 
Clay Leslie. 

^•^ 

fAUL WACK, proprietor of the Hill-Side 
Winery, Los Angeles, is a native of Ger- 
many and was born April 4, 1851. His 
father is in the wine business and an extensive 
vineyardist on the Rhine, and he was reared in 
the business from ciiildhood. He was a travel- 
itig salesman for his father in this country and 
superintendent of the business. He visited 



America during his early childhood, but came 
again to reside permanently in 1878, being on 
the road in the interest of his business. He 
lived in St. Louis four years, and caine to Los 
Angeles in 1885 and established his present 
winery. He also started a winery at Azusa, and 
buys a large amount of grapes. He has a good 
home trade and also ships the product of his 
winery' to Eastern markets. His premises have 
390 feet front by 180 feet deep, and he has built 
up a successful business. Mr. Wack married 
Miss Constanze Steinecke, of Sc. Louis, Mis- 
souri. They have two children: Richard Peter 
and Arnold Paul. 

fOSEPH WEAVER, of the firm of Weaver 
Bros., proprietors of the Highland View 
iSfursery, Los Angeles, was born in the 
State of Ohio, December 23, 1843, and during 
his early childhood his parents moved with him 
to Illinois, where he grew up, attending school 
and learning his business. In 1875 he emi- 
grated to the coast, locating in the northern 
part of the State. NcKt, he was engaged in 
business in Tulare County several years, then 
three years in Arizona, and finally, in 1883, 
came to Los Angeles, and afterward became en- 
gaged in his present business in partnership 
with his brother. They are building up a fine 
trade, shipping their stock north, east and south. 



RS. BRIDGET WlLSON,corner of San 
Pedro street and Brooklyn avenue, Los 
Angeles, whose maiden name was John- 
son, is a native of Ireland, being born in County 
Lowth, near Dublin, and emigrated to this 
country in 1849. She came to California in 
1853, landing at San Diego, and in a few days 
came to Los Angeles. During the same year^ 
in August, she married John La Rue, a native 
of France, who emigrated to the United States 
in 1849, and came to San Francisco, and joined 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



the throng going to the mountains to engage in 
mining. In the latter he did well. He then 
went to Mazatlan, Mexico, and while there was 
robbed twice by the Mexicans and barely es- 
caped with his life. In 1853 he came to Los 
Angeles and opened a restaurant and was mar- 
ried the same year. He afterward bought 
thirty-iive acres of land, wheie Mrs. Wilson now 
lives, and set out a vineyard and an orchard of 
oranges and other fruit, and made other improve- 
ments. He carried on the restaurant business 
until his death, which occurred in February, 
1858. He went to a lire on Main street and 
took a severe cold, which caused his death. He 
was an estimable citizen. He left an estate, 
which has become very valuable, his widow be- 
ing the only iieir. In 1862 Mrs. La Rue mar- 
ried John Wilson, of this city, wlio is a native 
of Ireland and came to Los Angeles in 1858, 
engaging in blac.ksmithing. He has carried on 
the business here for twenty-two years, and by 
good management and shrewd judgment in in- 
vesting, he has accumulated a large amount of 
property. 



tj. WOOLLACOTT, wholesale dealer in 
pure California wines and brandies, 20 
" and 28 North Spring street, Los Angeles. 
There is probably not a business house in South- 
ern California that has reached a higher standard 
in I he character and magnitude of its trade than 
the one which constitutes the subject of this 
sketch. Mr. Woollacott is a native of Salt Lake 
City, born August 21, 1858. He attended 
school during his boyhood and entered the great 
mercantile house of Walker Brothers of that 
city, where he remained si.x years, and in 1870 
came to Southern California and located at Los 
Angeles. After clerking in a store for several 
years, he established liis present business at the 
above-named place. Since that time it has 
steadily grown and prospered until it extends 
to all parts of the United States. Mr. Woolla- 
cott makes a specialty of pure California wines 



and brandies, consisting of the follow-ing varie- 
ties: Port, Angelica, Sherry, Muscatel, Zin- 
fandel. Burger, Blauelba, Dry Muscat, Riesling, 
Madeira, etc. These are put up with great care 
for shipment to all parts of this country and 
Europe. Mr. Woollacott has had an experience 
of eighteen years and enjoys an enviable reputa- 
tion in dealing in pure California wines and 
brandies of the highest standard, and carries a 
large stock to supply the demands of his con- 
stantly increasing trade. He is prominently 
identiiied with all the progressive interests of 
the city; is a director in the State Loan and 
Trust Company, of Los Angeles. Mr. Woolla- 
cott was married December 25, 1880, to Miss 
Mary D. Yates, a native of Los Angeles. They 
have two children: Albert Henry and Margaret 
Elizabeth. 



--^-^wf*!^.^- 

fEORGE D. WEBSTER, contractor, Ma- 
rengo avenue, Pasadena, was born in Jersey 
County, Illinois, September 25, 1844; at- 
tended school during his boyhood, and, serving 
an apprenticeship, learned the trade of carpenter 
and joiner. After working at his trade until 
1882, he came to California and located at Los 
Angeles, and engaged in building here four 
years. In 1886 he moved to Pasadena and en- 
gaged in contracting, and carried on a large 
business. Among the prominent buildings 
erected by him are the First National Bank, 
Carleton Hotel, the San Gabriel Valley Bank, 
Ward Block, Mills Block, Wood & Painter 
Block, Eldridge Block, Fish Block, Wood & 
Branbury Block, Brockway Block, Worcester 
Block, Morgan Block, AVebster Hotel, the Monk 
Hill School, the residence of Colonel Markham, 
E. C. Webster's All Saints' Rectory, residence 
of De Bath Shorbs, and Mr. Langford's, and 
many others, making a grand total in value of 
$1,115,000. Mr. Webster has been actively 
identified with all the best interests of Pasadena, 
and is an active supporter of every progressive 
movement to build up and beautify that city. 



HISTORY OP LOS ^UfGELBS COUNTY. 



603 



lie lias the greatest confidence in its future. 
Mr. Webster has been twice married. His first 
wife was Miss Jennie Crabtree, of Illinois, who 
died in 1871, leaving one daughter, Anna E. 
In 1876 he married Mrs. Aura Cockrell, for- 
merly Miss Aura Brown, of Missouri. She has 
ore diiugliter, Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Webster have 
a beautiful home on Marengo avenue. 

fEORGE S. WEINSHANK, nurseryman 
and florist, corner of Winton and Wall 
streets, Los Angeles, was born in this city, 
September 23, 1866. His parents, Andrew and 



Reffina Weiushank, settled here ten 



years pr 



viousl}'. His father is deceased, but his mother 
is still living in this city. One of the school- 
houses in whicli young Weinshank used to at- 
tend school was located where the court-house 
now stands, and another was on the corner now 
occupied by the Bryson & Bonebrake Block. 
After quitting scliool Mr. Weinshank was em- 



ployed in a dru^ 

account of the state of his healtl 

upon a ranch for a year; next for 



store two years; then on 
le went out 
year or two 



he was collector for a book publishing house, 
and since 1886 he has been successfully engaged 
in his present occupation. At first he was in 
partnership, the firm name being Ward & Wein- 
shank; in June, 1888, Mr. Weinshank bought 
his partner's interest. He makes a specialty of 
roses, ornamental frees, shrubbery, flowers, etc., 
etc. By close application to the interests of his 
trade he is building up a very good business. 



— ^€i 



fM. STRATTON, carpenter and contractor, 
319 North Pearl street, Los Angeles, is a 
* native of the State of Kentucky, and was 
born July 2, 1864. His parents went to the 
State of Iowa the same year, remained there 
until 1870, and then removed to Kansas. The 
subject of this sketch served an apprenticeship 
to his ti-ade in the latter State, remaining there 



until 1884, when he Ci me to Los Angeles. He 
was employed as a journeyman for several years, 
after which he engaged in contracting and build- 
ing. An)ong other contracts he has erected two 
four-story frame buildings on Buena Vista street, 
and a large business block on Los Angeles street. 
He is a thorough, practical workman, and justly 
deserves his reputation as a competent builder. 
He was married May 1, 1887, to Miss Lucy Conn, 
of Kansas. They have one son, Henry Irving. 



tOBERT WACKENHUTH, proprietor of 
the Fulton Market, 124 East Fifth street, 
is a native of Newark, New Jersey, and 
was born March 12, 1864. He was reared and 
attended school in his native State, after which 
he went to New York, where he remained until 
1883. He then went to Arizona and engaged 
in business in Prescott for several years. Mr. 
Wackenhuth came to Los Angeles in 1886, and 
engaged in the meat business; had a market oii 
the corner of San Pedro and First streets, and 
removed to his present location in 1889. He 
does a general trade in fresh and salted meats, 
and by careful attention to business is building 
up a fine trade. 



fHE LOS ANGELES CRACKER COM- 
PANY, corner of Aliso street and Aliso 
road, was organized in April, 1883, by L. 
Winter, K. T. Hanke and H. Weber. From 
the beginning the business has been a success, 
and is constantly increasing. During the past 
year their factory was entirely destroyed by tire, 
but with characteristic enterprise was immedi- 
ately rebuilt on a larger and more substantial 
scale Their premises comprise a large three 
and two story brick building, covering an area 
of 30 .\ 130 feet. It is well supplied with the 
latest and most approved machinery, and their 
manufactory is one of the best equipped on the 
Pacific Coast, to meet the demands of their ex- 



niSTORT OF LOS ANQEL, 



tensive trade. Thi^ linn now consists of 
Winter and Welier, botli experienced in all the 
details of the business. Mr. Winter is a native 
of Baden, Germany, born November 12, 1841. 
After attending scliool and serving tliree years 
in the army, he emigrated to America in 1865, 
and came to California the same year. Having 
an uncle in the northern part of the State, at 
Oroville, running- a bakery, he went there, 
entered his employ and soon succeeded to the 
business, and in 1866 he began making crackers, 
carrying on the business five years. In 1869 
he went to San Diego and engaged in merchan- 
dising. In 1875, in company with his brother 
Joseph, he started a cracker bakery there, and 
carried on the business until 188B, when he 
came to Los Angeles, and since then has de- 
voted his entire time to the interests of their 
large trade. Mr. Winter is a prominent mem- 
ber of the I. O. (). F., the Turner Society, and 
the A. O. U. W. In 1869 he married Miss 
Annie Hoffman, a native of Baden, Germany. 
They have three children: Annie, Willie and 
Flora May. 



fOLONEL JOHN OZIAS WHEELER.— 
This gentleman has been a resident of and 
identified with the best interests of Los 
Angeles for the last forty years. His Puritan 
ancestors were among the early settlers of New 
England — the names of two are engraven upon 
the granite shaft erected in memory of those 
who fell in defense of Fort Griswold. Born 
and reared in New London, Connecticut, at the 
age of twenty he married and removed to Flor- 
ida. In February, 1849, Colonel Wheeler started 
for California, involving a land journey to Vick-e- 
burg, thence by steamer up the Mississippi and 
Arkansas rivers to Fort Smith; thence to New 
Mexico, down the Gila River, reaching the 
Chino Rancho on the 12th of August of that 
year. In conjunction with Colonel Isaac Will- 
iams, the then proprietor of the Chino, Colonel 
Wheeler went back to the confines of the Col- 



orado Desert with a train of merchandise and 
supplies, with headquarters at Agua Caliente, 
followed a few months afterward by a trading 
expedition across the Colorado Desert to the 
present site of Fort Yuma. In the summer of 
1850 Colonel Wheeler, in company with his 
brother who had come to the coast via the Isth- 
mus, started a general merchandise business in 
Los Angeles, in connection with a forwarding 
and commission house at San Pedro. Passen- 
gers and merchandise were crudely handled in 
those days. On the arrival of vessels, the 
former were mounted on half-broken horses and 
headed for town. Some rode through, others 
came in later and on foot. Hauling was done 
■with oxen and Mexican carts, or "caretas." The 
firm did a very extensive business, largely in 
Mexican goods, which came up the coast from 
the Pacific ports of Mexico. What was known 
as the First and Second Utah Expeditions were 
entirely armed and equipped, mounted and sup- 
plied while in the field by the firm, relying 
upon the credit of the State. In 1854 Colonel 
Wheeler and William Butts started a weekly 
newspaper, the Southern Californian, which 
was published in English and Spanish. While 
this pioneer journal, a file of which Colonel 
Wheeler has lately presented to the Historical 
Society of Southern California, was not osten- 
sibly a funny paper, it nevertheless contained a 
great deal of fun. Indeed, it was both lively 
and enterprising. On one occasion, and an ex- 
citing one at that, namely, the hanging of Dave 
Brown, the gambler murderer, by the people, 
the paper published a very full, and, the old 
settlers say, a very correct and graphic account 
of the affair before the hanging actually took 
place, in order, as the steamer left for the 
North that day, that the account might go up 
on that steamer and not have to wait for the 
next, two weeks later. The people who lived 
here in those days had determination and "back- 
bone," and knew what they wanted, and pro- 
ceeded to go for it without circumlocution; and 
when they had fairly made up their minds, as 
they had that day, editors ami reporters could 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



forecast what their actions would be with much 
more certainty than they can in these degenerate, 
indeterminate days, when tlie Goddess of Justice 
so often lets herself be hoodwinked and balked. 
Those who know Colonel Wheeler will not be 
surprised to be told that he made a capital 
editor. In 1858 and 1859 he was in the county 
clerk's office, and in December, 1860, he was 
appointed clerk of the United States Court 
for the Southern District of California, the 
sessions of which were held alternately in Los 
Angeles and Monterey. He moved to Mont- 
erey soon after and filled this office till the death 
of Judge Fletcher M. Haight in 1866, when the 
Southern and Northern judicial districts were 
consolidated. Mr. Wheeler then moved to San 
Francisco, where, as chief deputy of George C. 
Gorham, he conducted the office of clerk of the 
consolidated district until the close of the canvass 
made by that gentleman for Governor in 1867. 
During the years 1870-'71-'72 and part of 1873 
he was chief clerk of the Indian Department of 
California. In 1874 he returned to Los An- 
geles as deputy collector of internal revenues 
for the district comprising Los Angeles, San 
Bernardino and San Diego counties. From 
1880 to 1883 inclusive he was deputy clerk of 
the Supreme Court of California, in charge of 
the office at Los Angeles. In 1853 Colonel 
Wheeler organized the first military company 
in Los Angeles under the State laws. He was 
on the staff of Brigadier General Andres Pico 
along in the last of the "50's." He later raised 
and commanded a cavalry company in Monterey. 
He became secretary and manager of the Main 
Street Railroad in 1877. In 1883 he was en- 
trusted with a like position in the Olive Street 
riailvvay. His connection with both roads con- 
tinued till 1886; when, for the first time, ac- 
companied by Mrs. Wheeler, he revisited his 
old home, being absent in the East a little over 
a year. In early life Colonel Wheeler was a 
large land owner and fortunately held on to a 
remnant, which in these later years lias become 
valuable. He has retired virtually from active 
business, though he is president of the Por- 



phyry Paving Company. Colonel Wheeler has 
passed the meridian, but an iron constitution 
supplemented by uniform good health has pre- 
served his health, and his erect figure and elastic 
step give but little token of the years that have 
fled. Much of the social and business success 
of the Colonel is due to his amiable wife. Ar- 
riving in Los Angeles in 1851, she adapted 
herself to the novel conditions, secured and 
maintained the esteem and confidence of those 
with whom she cared to entertain social re- 
lations, and has ever been an efficient worker in 
all charitable movements. Colonel Wheeler has 
three daughters: Mrs. William Pridham, of Los 
Angeles; Mrs. Clay M. Green, of New York; 
and Mrs .F. H. McCormick, of Alameda. His 
only brother, H. Z. Wheeler, has been for some 
years past and at present Appraiser General in 
the Imperial Custom House at Yokohama. 



fD. WESTERYELT is a native of Michi- 
gan City, Indiana, and was born August 
* 21, 1844. His father, James Westervelt, 
then a prosperous dry-goods merchant, was a 
native of New York, and one of the pioneers of 
Indiana. He died in 1847 at Niles, Michigan. 
J. D. Westervelt is the youngest of his family 
of six children, and prior to the time of coming 
to Los Angeles had lived at Niles, Elkhart and 
Muskegon. Thirty-two years he has assidu- 
ously devoted to the art of photography, in 
which he excels. He married Miss Emma C. 
Conklin at Niles, Michigan, on December 6, 
1865. 

^ :.=^ ■>^ ■!■ c|c. .=: ^ 

tNDREW YOUNG, Superintendent of the 
motive power of the machine shops and 
docks at Wilmington and San Pedro, 
is a native of Laprairie near Montreal, Canada, 
where he was born October 24, 1849. He 
served an apprenticeship at the machinist's 
trade at S!ii^rl)rook, Province of Quebec, and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tliei) went to Bay City, Michigan, where he re- 
mained several years. He came to California 
in 1875, went up the coast, and was with the 
Seattle Coal and Transportation Company throe 
years on the sound; then he returned to San 
Francisco and was in the employ of the Fulton 
Iron Works until 1880, when he came to Wil- 
mington as engineer on one of the steamers, 
and entered the employ of General Banning, 
having the supervision of the motive power on 
the boats of the company and on the docks and 
in the shops, and since then, for the past nine 
years, has held that position. Mr. Young was 
mai-ried December 30, 1874, to Miss Carrie 
Kent, a native of Sherbrook, Province of Quebec, 
and they have four children: Mabel, George A., 
Phineas B. and Fenton K. 



U^CIIILLES C. YEAEY was born in Rich- 
)Ms mond, Virginia, in 1839. His parents, 
■sj^ Hiram and Elizabeth (McLaughlin) Yeary, 
were natives of that State. In 1840 they emi- 
grated to Missouri and were among the eai-ly 
settlers of Jackson County. Mr. Yeary was 
reared upon his father's farm until twelve years 
of age, and then in 1851 accompanied Mr. Henry 
Hawkins on an overland trip to California. 
Upon his aiTival in the State he lived with Mr. 
Hawkins in Mokelumne until the next year, and 
then, although but a lad of thirteen years of 
age, started in life by going to the mining dis- 
tricts, where he spent a year or so, and then, in 
1854, came to Los Angeles County and pur- 
chased stock which he drove to tiie mining 
counties, after which he went to Santa Crnz 
County and there engaged in stock-dealing and 
stock-raising, gradually increasing his business 
nntil 1857, when he stocked the Paso Robles 
Ranch, owned by Blackburn Brothers. He en- 
gaged in that business until 1861, when the 
mining excitement arose over tlie reputed dis- 
coveries of rich gold mines on the Colorado 
River. He closed his business and went to La 
Paz, and tiience to the mining districts, and for 



the next two years was engaged in prospecting 
and mining with varying success. He was the 
owner of the Lulu mine, and interested in others 
of less note. In 1863 he contracted the sale of 
his interests, and started for San Francisco to 
complete the bargain and receive his purchase 
money. He came overland to Wilmington, 
where he embarked on board the steamer Ada 
Hancock, April 23 of that year. This ill-fated 
steamer was destined never to complete her 
voyage, for shortly after leaving the wharf at 
San Pedro, the explosion of her boilers rendered 
lier a total wreck, which soon sank, carrying 
down a sickening load of dead and wounded 
passengers and crew. Between sixty and seventy 
lives were lost by this accident. Among the 
killed and wounded were many well known and 
remembered by old residents of the county. 
Thomas Workman, Dr. Miles, and a son of 
General Albert Sydney Johnson were among 
those remembered by Mr. Yeary. Mrs. J. De 
Barth Shi rb, also William and Joseph Banning, 
sons of General Banning, of Los Angeles County, 
were among those saved. Mr. Yearly's life was 
saved, but he was severely injured, having liis 
left leg broken and terribly bruised by the 
force of the explositm, which hurled him through 
the air and landed him among the wreckage in 
the water more than 100 feet from the vessel. 
He made a vigorous tight for life, and managed 
by swimming and clinging to portions of the 
wreck to sustain himself until rescued and placed 
in the Military' Hospital at Wilmington for 
treatment. It was not until nearly a year had 
expired that he was able to leave the hospital 
and proceed to San Francisco, where he was for 
months under medical treatment and unable to 
work. These misfortunes financially ruined 
him, and he returned to Los Angeles County 
and engaged in work for General Banning at 
Los Angeles and Wilmington. As he accumu- 
lated means he invested in property in Los An- 
geles, and, in 1874, opened a livery and sale 
stable on Aliso street, which he conducted until 
1881. He then moved to Savannah, where he 
purchased the Savannah Hotel, which lie had 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGBLES COUNTY. 



since conducted. He is also tlie owner of some 
fine business and residence property in the city 
of Los Angeles. Mr. Yearj, though deprived 
of many opportunities in securing an education 
in early life, has, by his well-poised intellect, 
industry and strong will, overcome obstacles in 
lile that would thoroughly dishearten many a 
more favored man, and has secured a fair share 
of tliis world's goods. lie is well and favorably 
known, and has a large circle of friends in the 
community where nearly twenty-five years of 
his life have been spent. In political matters 
he is a Democrat. He is a consistent temper- 
ance man, both in precept and practice. In 
theological matters he is liberal, preferring that 
he be judged by his actions rather than by any 
creed. May 9, 1887, Mr. Yeary was united in 
marriage with Miss Fidelia Rayland, daughter 
of Abraham and Percilla (Elam) Rayland, resi- 
dents of Los Angeles County. Malcolm L. is 
their only child. 

fHE ATLAS MILLING COMPANY, 
corner of San Pedro and Filth streets, 
Los Angeles, was establislied in 1879 by 
Moore & Alexander, and they carried on the 
business until 1884, when they were succeeded 
by Meschendorf, Sutcliffe & Ashman. The 
mill runs largely on merchant work, grinding 
their own grain for feed, making a specialty of 
rolled barley. When they succeeded to the 
business they manufactured only 100 sacks per 
(lay, but they have increased this trade until 
they now have demand for 1,000 sacks per day. 
They have large local trade, as well as good 
shipping demand through Southern California 
and Arizona. The company are adopting the 
most ajjproved machinery and methods, and 
that their efJbrts are appreciated is shown by 
their constantly increasing trade. The company 
have their office and warehouse at 205, 207 and 
209 South Los Angeles street. II. H. Mesch- 
endorf, who lias charge of the office and ware- 
house, is a native of (lermany, and was born 



July 21, 1861. His parents emigrated to this 
country when he was fourteen years of age, and 
went to Louisville, Kentucky. The subject of 
this sketch entered a store as clerk, and after- 
ward engaged in the grocery trade, and re- 
mained in that city until 1884, when he came 
to Los Angeles, and since then has been engaged 
in the milling business. John Sutcliffe was born 
in England, October 28, 1841, learned his trade 
there, and came to the United States in 1871, 
reaching Boston in November. Ue held the 
position of foreman of the machine shops of the 
Pacific corporation at Lawrence, Massachusetts, 
for eleven years. In 1882 he came to the Pacific 
Coast and settled in Los Angeles, and went into 
the 7nachine shops of the Baker Iron Works, and 
afterward became a partner in the business until 
1884, when he disposed of his interests there, 
and since then has been successfully identified 
with the milling business. James Ashman was 
born in England, March 25, 1848; came to 
America in 1870; entered the employ of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad as a locomotive engineer, 
and remained with that company eleven yearss 
holding a good position. He came to Los An- 
geles in 1884, on account of ill health, and en- 
gaged with his present partners in the milling 
business. He gives his whole attention to the 
mill, and every detail of the manufacturing is 
under his practical supervision. He married 
Miss Lizzie Smith, a native of Liverpool, Eng- 
land, and they have three children: Emma, Lilly 
and Bartram. 

aESSRS. MAIER & ZOBELEIN, pro- 
prietors of the Philadelphia Brewery, 
234 to 242 Aliso street and 129 to 137 
Sanaevain street. This large and important 
enterprise was established in 1874, in a small 
way. The business changed hands several times 
previous to 1881, at which time it came into 
possession of its present enterprising proprie- 
tors, Messrs. Maier &, Zobelein, and since then 
they have added to the capacity from time to 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



time; and when the extensive iinprovenieuts 
now in progress are completed it will be one of 
the largest and best equipped breweries in the 
State. Their premises are located on Aliso 
street, and occupy 155 x 200 feet of ground, 
which is covered by a six-story building and is 
completely equipped with all the modern and 
improved machinery and propelled, by two large 
engines. The capacity of the Philadelphia 
Brewery is 20,000 gallons daily, or 30,000 gal- 
lons in twenty-four hours. They also have ex- 
tensive bottling works connected with the 
brewery. They have two ice machines with a 
capacity of seventy tons every twenty-four 
hours; and from fifty to 100 hands are em- 
ployed in the various departments ot their 
brewery. They are the only manufacturers of 
lager beer in Southern California. The quality 
of this product is unsurpassed, and they do an 
enormous business, which is constantly in- 
creasing. The superior quality of their beer 
has created a large demand for it here, and they 
also have a large shipping trade. Their supply 
of grain is secured from the adjoining counties, 
and they require from 50,000 to 70,000 sacks 
of barley during the season. By their ability 
and enterprise they have demonstrated their 
sound, practical business judgment, and they 
have established an enviable reputation for in- 
tegrity, and are actively identified witii the 
progress and development of the city and 
county. Joseph Maier, of the firm of Maier & 
Zobelein, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Octo- 
ber 30, 1851. He attended school and served 
an apprenticeship to the brewing business in 
liis native country. Upon reaching manhood 
he came to the United States, in 1872. In 
1875 he came to California, and in 1882 be- 
came associated with Mr. Zobelein. Since then 
they have carried on their extensive business. 
In 1875 Mr. Maier married Miss Mary Schmidt, 
a native of Wisconsin. They have three chil- 
dren, two sons and one daughter: Freddie J., 
Lulu M. and Eddie R. George Zobelein, of 
this firm, is also a native of Bavaria, Germany, 
and was born August 12, 1845. He was reared 



and learned his business in his native country. 
After reaching manhood he emigrated to the 
United States, in 1867; came the same year to 
California, and the following year to Los An- 
geles, where he engaged in the grocery busi- 
ness. In 1882 he became assoc'ated with Mr. 
Maier in the enterprise above described. In 
1870 Mr. Zobelein married Miss Brigada Graf, 
a native of Mexico. They have seven children, 
four sons and three daughters, residing in their 
beautiful park on Figueroa street, a large tract 
of land which they acquirea in early times and 
is now in the finest suburl) of the city. 



►^^ 



|mUGUSTE AMAR, deceased, was born in 
|Mj Dauphiny, France, in 1847. His parents 
■^^ were Fidele and Mary Auiar, botli natives 
of that country. Mt. Amar was reared and 
schooled in his native land until 1867, when he 
emigrated to the United States, and located in 
San Francisco, where for the next ten years he 
was engaged in various occupations. In 1877 
he came to Los Angeles County, and engaged 
in raising sheep and growing wool in the San 
Jose Valley. In this he was successful, and in 
1881 he purchased 1,836 acres of hill and val- 
ley land just east of Fuente, upon which he 
commenced his improvements and engaged in 
general farming and stock-growing. There he 
established one of the finest farms in the sec- 
tion, planting orchards and vineyards, and erect- 
ing a fine country home, commodious barns, 
out-buildings, etc. He planted eighteen acres 
in vines of the most popular wine-grape varie- 
ties, from which he manufactured a tine quality 
of wines; also a family orchard containing a 
large variety of citrus and deciduous fruits. 
About 300 acres of his land being of a rich, 
deep soil, located in the valley, he devoted it to 
hay and grain. Mr. Amar, in addition to liis 
farming operations, was also identified with the 
development of the Puente oil wells and the 
building up of the town of Puente. In 1880 
he was joined in marriage with M iss Alphonsine 



HISTORY OF LOiS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



Gaucher, the daughter of Xavier and Honorine 
Gaucher, natives of France, but residents of Los 
Angeles. By this marriage there are living 
three children, viz.: Constance, Auguste and 
P'idele. Tiie first cliild. Marguerite, died in 
1888, aged seven years. The fourth child, 
Therese, died in the same year at the age of 
three years. Mr. Amar was tlie builder of his 
own fortune, and achieved his success in life by 
energetic and industrious habits, coupled with 
sound business principles and honest dealing 
with his fellow man. He died March 14, 1888, 
leaving a large circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances who joined his bereaved family in sin- 
cerely mourning the loss of a kind and affection- 
ate father, a good friend and esteemed citizen. 
Since his death his widow has conducted the 
operations of the farm, etc., upon which she is 
residing and rearing her children. 



fOllN ALLIN. — Among the energetic and 
progressive men who have been identified 
with the building up of Pasadena and cre- 
ating the second city of importance in Los 
Angeles County, is the subject of this sketch. 
Mr. Allin is a native of England, dating his 
birth at Plymouth in 1834. His parents, Will- 
iam and Mary (Danbury) Allin, were natives 
of Devonshire County, England, and at the time 
of his birth were en route to the United States. 
They settled in Knox County, Ohio, in that 
year, and engaged in farming occupations until 
1849, and then moved to Missouri, residing in 
Colwell and Davis counties until 1851, and then 
finally locating in Johnson County Iowa. Mr. 
Allin was reared to farm life, receiving such an 
education as was offered by the common schools. 
He was the oldest of the ten children of the 
family, and, as his father was an invalid, much 
of the care and responsibility of the farm oper- 
ations devolved upon him. He became a strong, 
self-reliant man, remaining at home, caring for 
the family until he reached his majority. He 
tiicn startt'd in lite for liimself, teaming and 



taking contracts for breaking up prairie lands, 
and finally settling down to farming occupa- 
tions upon lands of his own in Johnson County. 
Mr. Allin was one of the representative men of 
his district, taking a deep interest in all that 
advanced its welfare. A strong supporter of 
schools, he served many years as a school trus- 
tee and treasurer. He conducted his agricult- 
ural operations in Missouri until 1883, and in 
that year came to Los Angeles County and took 
up his residence in Pasadena. He purchased 
from Mr. Painter ten acres of land on the cor- 
ner of Fair Oaks and Mountain avenues, upon 
which he commenced horticultural pursuits. He 
also purchased a sixty-acre tract of land about 
two miles east of Pasadena, devoting it to grain- 
raising. This land he sold in 1886. From the 
very first Mr. Allin took an interest in building 
up Pasadena. He was one of the syndicate that 
developed and perfected the splendid water sys- 
tem, of North Pasadena, and has been for many 
years a director of the Pasadena Lake Vineyard 
Land and Water Company. He was one of the 
incorporators of the First National Bank of Pas- 
adena, and has been a director since its organ- 
ization. He was also among the projectors and 
incorporators of the Fair Oaks and North Pasa- 
dena I'ailroads, and interested in the Pasadena 
Gas Works. He was the first to establish the 
street sprinkling system in the city. During 
the past three or four years he has been en- 
gaged in real-estate operations, more as a builder 
than as a speculator. In 1886 he built stables 
and established a livery business on Raymond 
avenue. This he sold out in 1887. He has 
also been engaged in contract work, piping 
water, etc. Mr. Allin is a successful man, 
straightforward and honoral>le in his dealings. 
In political matters he is a stanch Republican. 
He is a member of Pasadena Lodge, No. 151, 
A. O. U. W. In 1861 Mr. Allin was united in 
marriage with Miss Jamima Townsend, the 
daughter of David and Sidney (Mandlin) Town- 
send. Mrs. Allin is a native of Wayne County, 
Indiana. Her parents were from Ohio. Mr. 
and Mr.-. Allin have three children. The two 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



sons, Thomas D. and Cliarles A., are now (1889) 
engaged in tlieir studies at the University of 
California. Tlie dangliter is Rosa L. 



S. ARNOLD, proprietor of the Alta 
Planing-mill, corner of San Pedro and 
' Seventh streets, is a native of Rhode 
Island, and was born April 14, 1851; attended 
school during his boj'hood and learned the trade 
of carpenter and joiner. He came to California 
in 1871, and was in different parts of the State 
until 1880, when he caine to Los Angeles and 
engaged in contracting and building, and during 
the past ten years has erected some of the finest 
residences and business blocks in this city. Li 
January, 1888, he became the proprietor of the 
Alta Planing-mill, and is engaged in manu- 
facturing sash, blinds and doors and all kinds of 
mill work, and has a large established trade, 
which is constantly increasing. In June, 1875, 
Mr. Arnold was united in marriage with Miss A. 
E. Horton, a native of California. They have one 
son, Ray. Mr. Arnold is connected with the 
order of I. 0. O. F., being a member of Lodge 
No. 35. 

— ^€®:i&'^ — 

fC. ALLEN, contractor, Los Angeles, was 
born iti the city of Montreal, Canada, 
® August 20, 1847, attended school there, 
ai.d when seventeen years of age went to Rut- 
land, Vermont, where lie served an apjjrentice- 
ship learning his trade. After reaching manhood 
he went to Chicago and worked at his trade, and 
was foreman for the contractors in the erection 
of the Exposition Building on the hxke front. 
He went to Peoria and engaged in building, and 
for ten years was the leading contractor in that 
city and did the heaviest building work there, 
including several of the largest distilleries, the 
extensive sugar works, the Peoria Storage Ware- 
house, one of the largest in the country, and 
many of the largest business blocks. He came 



to Los Angeles in 1887, and since then has been 
successfully engaged in contracting here. He 
has the contract for constructing the large cable 
houses for the Street Railway Company in Los 
Angeles. He has had a large practical experi- 
ence in brick and stone work, and has taken a 
prominent place in the business here. Mr. 
Allen married Miss Barrows, of Peoria, Feb- 
ruary 11, 1883, and they have two children, 
Olive C. and Ilortense. 

— -^^m^-^ — 

fllRIS ANDERSON, contractor, North 
Griffin avenue. East Los Angeles, is a na- 
tive of Denmark, born June 18, 1844. He 
attended school during boyhood and acquired 
the rudiments of his trade in his native country. 
In 1861 he emigrated to the United States, 
went to Wisconsin, and was employed in a sash, 
door and blind factory, where he completed liis 
trade, and afterward went to Chicago. During 
the war he went South and was in the employ 
of the Government. He returned to Chicago, 
followed his trade there and in Wisconsin, and 
from there went to Terre Haute, Indiana, re- 
maining at the latter place two years. In 1869 
he made a visit to his native land, and while 
there married, May 21, 1869, Miss Mary Knut- 
sen, a native of Denmark. After his return to 
this country they spent a few months in Wis- 
consin, after which they settled in Terre Haute, 
Indiana, and remained there ten years. In 1880 
they came to the Pacific Coast and located at 
Los Angeles. The following year Mr. Anderson 
engaged in contracting and building, and since 
then, for the past eight years, has been prom- 
inently identified with building interests of this 
city and county. Among the many buildings 
erected by him are the Hammond Block, Spring 
street; Hayden Block, East Los Angeles; Mu- 
hally Block, Buena Yista and College streets; 
Edgar Block, Cram residence. Judge Taney's 
residence, and the residences of White, Zech 
and Norton, and also many others. Mr. Ander- 
son has had a large experience and has earned 




-^7i4d^;ylcL^^ ^^I-t^ 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



an enviable reputation for liis ability as a con- 
tractor and also for his integrity and fair deal- 
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have eight children : 
William A., Albert H., Mary C, Fannie P.., 
Flora C, Rosa A., Christina T. and Waldeniar. 
One daughter, Laura I'., is deceased. They have 
an attractive iioine on North Griffin avenue, 
comprising four or five acres of ground. Their 
large and beautiful residence has just been com- 
pleted. Mr. Anderson also owns other property 
in the city and country. 



AUTIN G. AGUIRRE was born in San 
V 1 I »iego, September 6, 1858. His father 
"^rtijrf^ was Don Jose Antonio Aguirre, a native 
of Madrid, Spain, and his mother was Dona 
Rusario Estudillo, daughter of Jose A. Estudillo 
and iiee Victurio Doiningnez. Mr. Aguirre 
came to California in 1840. He married Dona 
Rosario Estudillo. He died in 1860, leaving a 
widow, who still resides at San Diego, and four 
children, namely: Miguel; Dolores, who mar- 
ried Francisco Pico, of San Diego; Jose An- 
tonio, who married Leonor Cardwell and is a 
resident of Los Angeles; and Martin G., the 
present sheriff of Los Angeles County. The lat- 
ter came to Los Angeles County when nine 
years of age. He received his education at Prof. 
Lawler's Institute, in Los Angeles, and at the 
S.uita Clara College. He was a deputy under 
Sheriff George E. Gard two years; and in 1886 
he was elected constable by 421 majority over 
his opponent, on the Republican ticket when 
almost the entire ticket was defeated; and in 
November, 1888, he was elected sheriff' on the 
Republican ticket by a majority of 3,987 votes 
over his Democratic competitor, Mr. Thomas E. 
Rowan, who was considered to be the strongest 
man in the Democratic party. Mr. Aguirre, 
although still a young man, is a brave and most 
efficient officer. While yet a subordinate under 
Sheriff' Gard, he displayed those qualities of 
character which have since marked him as a 
man eminently qualified, by his bravery and 



skill, to win success in the pursuit and capture 
of criminals. His daring and activity, shown 
in saving lives and property in the flood of 
1886, won him the plaudits of the entire com- 
munity, as well as the lasting gratitude of those 
whose lives he saved and of their families and 
immediate friends. Mr. Aguirre, who is the 
youngest sheriff this county ever had, takes a 
chivalrous pride in faithfully performing the 
onerous duties of his important office; and the 
people of Los Angeles County are proud of their 
young sheriff, as was manifested by the over- 
whelming majority by which he wis elected. 

fOLUiXEL R. S. BAKEli, one of the most 
prominent, and perhaps the best known, 
citizens of Los Angeles, was born in Provi- 
dence, Rhode Island, in 1825, and is the son of 
Rev. Luther Baker, a Baptist clergyman, who 
officiated for years as pastor of the First Baptist 
Church in that city, the oldest and leading 
Church of that denomination in the State. Colo- 
nel Baker's ancestors were among the earliest 
settlers in Rhode Island. The Baker home- 
stead was one of the first houses' built in War- 
ren, that State, many years before the Revolution ; 
and the Baker wharf, at the foot of Baker street, 
in that town, includes the Massasoit Spring and 
the site of the former residence of that cele- 
brated Indian chief. Colonel Baker's brother, 
William L., was United States Consul at Guay- 
mas, Mexico, under the administration of Pres- 
ident Lincoln. In the winter of 1862, while 
returning from a mining expedition in the in- 
terior of the State of Sonora, he was ambushed 
and killed by the Apache Indians. Colonel 
Baker was among the pioneers of California. 
Leaving New York on the steamer Oregon, he 
arrived in San Diego, March 20, 1849, and pro- 
ceeded at once to San Francisco, where he en- 
gaged in business in company with Joseph and 
George Lewis Cooke, of Providence, Rhode Isl- 
and, the firm being known as Cooke, Baker & 
Co. In February, 1850, he severed ins con- 



UISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



nection with that concern, and bought three 
vessels for the purpose of shipping his goods to 
Marjsville, where lie had started in business. 
This venture, however, not proving as success- 
ful as he desired, he sold out and engaged in 
mining on Poor Man's Creek, in Sierra County. 
His health not periniting him to continue his 
mining pursuits, he started for Fort Tejon in 
company with General E. F. Beale, afterward 
Minister to Austria, and in 1861 engaged in 
tiie cattle and sheep business. This enterprise 
proved a great success, and was tlie starting point 
toward amassing his present handsome fortune. 
In 1874 he married the opulent and accomplished 
widow of Don Abel Stearns. This gentleman, 
a native of Boston, Massachusetts, but for many 
years a resident of Los Angeles, was a land and 
cattle king, and at his death all his vast posses- 
sions passed under his will into the hands of his 
widow, now Mrs. Baker. She is the daughter 
of Don Juan Bandini, deceased, who for a long 
time prior to his death resided at San Diego, 
though he was formerly a resident of Los An- 
geles. It is said that at one time Bandini and 
Stearns together owned nearly the whole of 
Southern California. When Colonel Baker first 
arrived in San Francisco he erected a building 
there, which he bought in the East at a cost 
of $2,500 and had sent out on a sailing vessel, 
from which he realized a rental of $36,000 a 
year. The Baker Block on Main street, Los 
Angeles, was erected by him in 1878, at a cost 
of $25,000, and this, too, at a time when the city 
was perfectly dead in a business point of view, 
and wlien there were scarcely anything but 
adobe structures in the place. It required rare 
courage and perseverance to rear such an edi- 
fice at such a time. It is to-daj' one of the 
finest and most substantially built blocks in 
Los Angeles. The construction of this elegant 
block inspired confidence in tlie future of the 
city, and was undoubtedly one of the main factors 
in laying the foundation for the marvelous 
growth and prosperity of the metropolis of 
Southern California. In this action it is im- 
possible to deny to Colonel Baker the merit of 



extraordinary foresight. Among the other prop- 
erties acquired by him is the San Vicente Ranch, 
of 36,000 acres, bordering on the Pacific Ocean, 
and on which is located the town of Santa Mon- 
ica. He originally owned the whole of this 
princely domain, but sold the major part of it 
to Senator Jones, of Nevada. They jointly do- 
nated 300 acres of this territory, valued at not 
less than $100,000, to the United States Gov- 
ernment for a soldiers' home; and they have 
provided an ample supply of pure water for the 
use of this institution. The Hotel Arcadia at 
Santa Monica Beach was named in honor of 
Mrs. Baker. In addition to his city property. 
Colonel Baker owns the upper portion of Pn- 
ente Ranch, 5,000 acres; the Laguna Ranch, 
11,000 acres, a portion of which is in the city 
of Los Angeles; and the Camulo Ranch at 
Newhall, of 6,000 acres, on which are oil wells 
that he works at a profit In the development 
of the mining interests of the country he has 
great concern, and owns and has interests in 
the mines all over the coast. In politics the 
Colonel is and has always been an ardent Re- 
publican, though he has never sought or wished 
for public office. He is probably as well known 
throughout the State of California as any man 
in it, notwithstanding the fact that he has made 
no efl'ort to figure in public life. 

fDWARD A. BAER, pharmacist and pro- 
prietor of the drug store at No. 16 North 
Spring street, is a native son both of the 
Golden State and of the "Angel City," having 
been born in Los Angeles. His father, A. 
Baer, came from tlie city of New Orleans to 
California in the '50's. The subject of this 
sketch was reared and educated in this city, and 
has been actively connected with the drug busi- 
ness in the several capacities of apprentice, 
clerk and proprietor ten years. In the early 
part of 1888 he opened his present attractive 
store, and being in one of the choicest localities 
in the city, he has iiad a fine growing business 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



from tlie start, a prominent feature being his 
large prescription trade. His stock comprises 
everytliing in tlie line of drugs and cliemicals, 
and a general assortment of toilet and fancy 
articles. He manufactures several preparations 
for his own retail trade. Mr. Baer learned the 
business with Mr. C. F. Heinzeman, the oldest 
active druggist in this part of the State, and is 



lie of the 



mg yc 



men of Los Aneeles. 



I^ON. JOHN RYLAND BRIEKLY was 
^m\ born at Great Falls, JSfew Hampshire, July 
^ft6 16, 1839. His father. Rev. Benjamin 
Brierly, was a native of England, and when a 
child came to America with his father. He re- 
ceived his education at the Newton Theological 
Seminary, Newton, Massachusetts, and after 
graduating there preached at Dover, Great Falls 
and Manchester, New Hampshire; Springfield, 
Vermont, and Salem, Massachusetts, coming 
from the latter place to California in 1849. 
In 1850 he was chaplain in the California State 
Senate, and during the same year organized a 
private school at Sacramento, which he taught 
one year. He then had charge of the First Bap- 
tist Church of Sacramento, until June, 1852, the 
First Baptist Church of San Francisco until 
1858, wlien, resigning the latter, he removed to 
his farm adjoining the city limits of San Jose. 
Ill 1860 he became pastor of the Baptist Church 
at Nevada City, at which place he died in July, 
1863, at the age of fifty-one years. His mother, 
nee Mary Jane Harville, was born at Amherst, 
New Hampshire. She was a graduate of the 
Seminary at New Hampton, where she was mar- 
ried to Rev. Mr. Brierly in 1836. Previous to 
lier marriage she was a teacher in the public 
scliools of her native State. She was the mother 
of two children: Frank A., the subject of this 
sketch, and Mrs. Jennie M. Tarlton, of San 
Jose, California. Her paternal ancestors were 
English, while on her mother's side they were 
Scotch- Irish, the latter being among the first 
settlers of I.ondondei'ry. New Hampshire, and 



the Harville homestead at Chestnut Hills, Am- 
herst, has been the home of the Harvilles for 
over two centuries. The subject of this sketch 
did not come to California until 1852, when, in 
his thirteenth year, he accompanied his father, 
who had returned to New Hampshire on a visit. 
After remaining here one year he went back to 
his native State and attended the seminary at 
Claremont until August, 1855, when he again 
came to California accompanied by his sister. 
He made his home in San Francisco iintil No- 
vember, 1856, when he went to his father's farm 
near San Jose, remaining there until February, 
1860. In that year he came to Los Angeles 
County, and engaged in farming and stock- 
raising till July, 1863, when he returned to San 
Jose and attended the San Jose Institute one 
year. He was then employed in the schools of 
Santa Clara until March, 1866, when he was 
elected superintendent of schools of Santa Clara 
by the school board, and was so employed till 
March, 1868. He then taught in the public 
schools of Santa Clara County two years, in Los 
Argeles Comity three years, and in 1873 was 
appointed United States ganger, serving as such 
till May, 1876. At that time he engaged in the 
real-estate business at Los Angeles. During 
1880 he was assistant secretary of the State 
Senate, and in 1881, journal clerk of the same. 
He was also deputy county clerk for a time, 
and in 1882 received the appointment of col- 
lector of customs for the district of Wilming- 
ton, with headquarters at San Pedro, California, 
holding the position until the expiration of his 
term of office in 1886. In November of that 
year he was elected by the Republican party a 
member of the State Legislature to represent 
the Seventy-sixth Assembly District. In the 
assembly he served as S]ieaker^?'o tern, and was 
chairman of the committee on education. He 
was also selected by the assembly Republican 
caucus to take charge of the general appropri- 
ation bill during the absence of the chairman of 
the Ways and Means Committee. In June, 1887, 
Mr. Brierly engaged in the real-estate business 
at Los Angeles, and so continued until being 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



deputized county superintendent of Los Angeles 
County by Superintendent W. W. Seaman in 
April, 1888, ai,d is now tilling that position. 
Mr. Brierly says he is a " confirmed bachelor 
and a crank on public schools." He is an exempt 
tireinan, having been a member of the Los An- 
geles fire department for ten years, and eight 
years during that time was president of Confi- 
dence Engine Company, No. 2. Ou the 22d of 
February, 1884, he was presented with a beau- 
tiful gold badge by the members of his company, 
which he wears continually, and on which is 
inscribed, "Our Dad, from his boys." He is a 
charter member of Los Angeles Lodge, No. 55, 
A. O. U. W., and also of San Pedro Lodge, No. 
3,342, K. of P., of which order he is the Past 
Chancellor and District Grand Chancellor. 



fOHN G. BLUMEK was born in Harwich, 
Essex, England, in 1845. His parents, 
George and Clementina (South) Bluiner, 
were representatives of old English families. 
George Blumer was an active, energetic busi- 
ness man, who for many years was engaged iu 
ship-building at Hartlepool, England. He was 
able to give his son superior educational ad- 
vantages, who, after graduating at Edinburgh, 
served an apprenticesliip in his father's employ, 
and later, under the firm name of George Blumer 
& Son, became his partner. Not long after- 
ward his father's failing health placed him in 
charge of the business. The death of the former 
in 1867 caused him to sell out and change his 
occupation. At Darlington he became general 
agent of extensive coal mines in the county of 
Durham, which position of trust Mr. Blumer 
held until he left England and came to Califor- 
nia. While in Darlington he was engaged in 
mercantile business, and also acted as agent for 
the Diamond Rock Boring Company during 
1871, 1872 and 1873, and was agent for Ferens 
& Love, cual owners, from 1868 until he left 
England. During his residence in Darlington, 
notwithstanding his very active business life, | 



he filled many positions of great responsibility 
and honor. He was a director of the Darling- 
ton Sreel Company, president of the Tees Bottle 
Company, a director of the Wingate Limestone 
Company, and i.ssociated with many of the edu- 
cational institutions, a member of the Darling- 
ton school board, governor of the Darlington 
Grammar School, honorable secretary of the 
Darlington High School for girls, arfd also hon- 
orable secretary of the Cambridge and Durham 
University Extension scheme. In 1871 Mr. 
Blumer wedded Miss Julia Edith Walford, 
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Porter) 
Walford. Mrs. Blumer was born in London. 
The names of their six children are: George, 
Elisie, Hilda, Edith, Philip Walford and Fred- 
eric Brakspeare. Mrs. Bluiner is an authoress. 
Among the best known productions from her 
pen are "Little Content" and the translation of 
the "Chevalier Bayard" from the French. She 
has also compiled "The Words of Wellington" 
and the "Table Talk of Napoleon." In 1886 
Mr. Blumer, on account of failing health, de- 
cided to leave the land of his birth, and seek 
restoration in this sunny land of fiowers. He 
never has regretted having chosen the beautiful 
Sierra Madre district, with its equable tempera- 
ture, pure air and water and delightful scenery, 
as his future home. His home is on the north 
side of Grand View avenue. There he bought 
eleven and a luilf acres, which proving more 
than he needed for home comforts, he sold seven 
acres. His residence is commodious and fitted 
with all the conveniences of a modern home. 
Correspondingly good out-buildings are noted, 
as well as an orchard planted with nearly every 
variety of citrus and deciduous fruit trees. Mr. 
Blumer also owns property at Long Beach. Li 
his new home he shows much of the same pub- 
lic spirit which so prominently marked his life 
in the old. He is a stockholder and late direc- 
tor of the Sierra Madre Water Company, and 
president of the board of trustees of tiie Sierra 
Madre Library. Mr. Blumer has recently com- 
menced the manufacture of fruit extracts. 
Over twenty years he has been affiliated with 



UTSTOHY Ot LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the ancient and lionorable order of Freemasons. 
He is also identified witii other fraternal and 
Leneticent societies. Few men liavo been as 
fortunate in ii;ainiiig the esteem and confidence 
of his neighbors in so short a time as Mi-. 
Blumer. In conclusion we will add the hope 
that long may he and his estimable wife enjoy 
life under their own vine and fig tree in this 
glorious land of onrs. 



fTANLEY T. BATES is one of the ener- 
getic and progressive iiorticulturists of the 
San Jose Yalley. Ilis model place of 
twenty-two and a half acres in extent is located 
about one-half mile west of Spadra, where he 
has resided since 1882. He has seventeen acres 
in vineyard devoted to choice varieties of wine 
grapes, such as the Mission, Malvoisie, Vietora, 
Muscats, etc. No irrigation is done upon his 
lands, but the thorough cultivation and care 
which he exercises give good results. The yield 
from his vines in 1888 was an average of about 
eight tons per acre. His family orchard of two 
and a half acres contains a large variety of citrus 
and deciduous fruits. A neat cotta.;e residence 
and commodious barn are among the improve- 
ments upon his place. In addition to the care 
and cultivation of his home place, Mr. Bates is 
also engaged in general farming upon rented 
land, cultivating about 125 acres each year. He 
is also devoting considerable attention to bee 
culture, having 200 stands of bees in his apiary, 
which is located in the foot-hills north of his 
home. He is interested in other sections of the 
county, being an owner of property in the cities 
of Los Angeles and Fomona. Mr. Hates is a 
native of Vermont, born in Chittenden County, 
in that State, in 1856. Ilis parents, George N. 
and Marion (Wright) Bates, were both natives 
of that State. He was reared as a farmer, re- 
ceiving at the same time a good education in the 
public schools. In 1870 he determined to seek 
his fortune in California, and he came to Los 
Angeles County and located at Spadra, where he 



engaged in farm labor for his uncle until 1882, 
when he purchased his present home and com- 
menced its improvement. Mr. Bates is a prac- 
tical farmer, possessed of those energetic and 
industrious characteristics so necessary to a 
successful prosecution of his business. He is a 
desirable acquisition to any community and is 
respected and esteemed by his neighbors. In 
political matters he is a stanch Republican. Is 
unmarried, and his father and mother are living 
with him; also his brothers, Harry and George, 
have their home with him, and assist him in 
his farming operations. 



tAFAEL BASYE, deceased, one of the well- 
known early residents of the San Gabriel 
Valley, was born in New Mexico, May 1, 
1832; but while a youth his parents located in 
Missouri, where Mr. Basye was reared as a farmer 
and stock-grower. In 1856 he crossed the 
plains to California, and located in Los Angeles 
County, where, in connection with his uucle, 
John Sanches, he was engaged in sheep-raising 
and wool-growing, in the San Gabriel Valley. 
February 15, 1869, Mr. Basye' was united in 
marriage with Miss Marintoni Albitre, the 
daughter of Anastasio and Luteria (Verdugo) 
Albitre. Mrs. Basye is a native of Los Angeles 
County, and her parents were also natives of 
California, and descendants of old Spanish fami- 
lies of Mexico. After his marriage Mr. Basye 
took up his residence at the old mission of El 
Monte, where he engaged in general merchan- 
dise pursuits and other enterprises until his 
death, which occurred February 27, 1887. lie 
is a pioneer of Los Angeles County, and well 
known throughout the San Gabriel Valley, where 
he had spent over thirty years of his life as a 
respected and esteemed citizen of the land of his 
adoption. The following are the names and 
dates of birth of his children: James C, March 
28, 1870; Rafaelia, July 25, 1873; Thomas H., 
August 7, 1875; Miguel, September 7, 1878; 
Edward, April 8, 1883, and Isabello, June 12. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



1885. Since his death his widow and family 
have resided at the old mission and conducted 
a grocery store, wliich is under the immediate 
charge of James C. Ba?ye. They are also en- 
gaged in cultivating a forty-acre tract of land 
owned by Mrs. Basye, and located about one mile 
northeast ofEl Monte, upon which there are 
seventeen acres of vineyard devoted to wine 
grapes, family orchard, etc. 

— ^€@::®»-^ — 

II.LIAM R. BARBOUR.— Among the 
.ll-known residents of the Azusa dis- 
rict is the above-named gentleman, who 
is engaged in the nursery business and agricult- 
ural pursuits at Covina. Mr. Barbour is oc- 
cupying ten acres of the well-known Phillips 
tract, which he is devoting to nursery stock of 
various kinds of citrus and deciduous fruit trees. 
He has selected soil which seems well adajited 
to the production of thrifty and hardy stock. 
This enterprise was not commenced by him un- 
til 1888, but he now has 30,000 budded orange 
and lemon trees, 25,000 deciduous fruit trees, 
mostly French prunes and apricots, and over 
50,000 Mission olive plants, which will be 
budded with the most approved variety of olives. 
Mr. Barbour is inaking a decided success in his 
horticultural pursuits, which is the result of his 
study and intelligent experiments. He has also 
tifty acres of iine land south of Covina, which is 
now in grain, but will at an early date be set 
with citrus fruits; and a 100-acre tract in the 
San Joaquin Valley, which is being rapidly im- 
proved by planting with citrus and deciduous 
fruit trees. The subject of tliis sketch is a na- 
tive of Kentucky, born in Washington County 
in 1848. His father, Richard Barbour, was a 
native of Kentucky, and a descendant of an old 
Virginia family of Colonial times. He was a 
farmer by occupation, and Mr. Barbour was 
reared to the same calling, and was given the 
best of advantages in securing an education. He 
graduated at the University of Virginia, and in 
1873 was sent to the German universities, where 



he perfected himself in chemistry. Upon his 
return to the United States, he engaged in the 
occupation of a teacher. In 1875 he came to 
California and was lirst located in El Dorado 
County, and afterward went to Alameda County, 
where he was engaged as an instructor in the 
well-known McClure Military Academy and the 
Golden Gate Academy, and later as the Profes- 
sor of Chemistry at the State University of Cali- 
fornia at Berkley. In 1878 Mr. Barbour came 
to Los Angeles County and located at Orange 
and was for several years connected with the 
educational interests of that section. He was 
for two years the school examiner of Orange 
district, and for a year or more was the editor 
of the Santa Ana Hews. In addition to his 
teaching and other occupations, he also en- 
gaged in horticultural pursuits, until he came 
to Azusa in 1883. He is a man of progressive 
views, and is interested in any enterprise th^t 
tends to build up his section. He is a director 
in the Azusa Water Development and Irrigation 
Company, and may always be found identified 
with the best interests of the community in 
which he resides. 

mEONIDAS BARNES is the pioneer and 
ftw one of the most prominent merchants of 
W^ Monrovia. The iirst mercantile enterprise 
eatablished in Monrovia was in June, 1886, 
when Mr. Barnes opened his store on the corner 
of Lemon and Myrtle avenues. He is the owner 
of the two-story building occupied in his busi- 
ness, which was erected in 188(3. This build- 
ing has a large and commodious hall in the 
second story, and two stores on the lirst floor, 
both of which are occupied by Mr. Barnes. 
His establishment is one of the best equipped 
general merchandise stores in the town. Mr. 
Barnes is a public-spirited and progressive citi- 
zen, and is one of the men that have, by their 
energetic business tact and support of public 
enterprises, rapidly built up the city. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was born in Cooper County, 







(/ /od-'-n-iL a-iX-^ 



UI8T0BT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Missouri, in 1839. His parents were llawi^ins 
and Patsey (Calvert) Bs^riies. Tiiey were both 
natives fif Kentucky, and botli went to Missouri 
in tlieir cliildliood, as early as 1810, tlieir par- 
ents being among the earliest pioneers of the 
State. In 1848 Mr. Barnes's father moved to 
Pettis County, and was t.iere engaged in farm- 
in<^ and stock-raising. The subject of this 
sketch was reared and schooled in that county, 
and when nineteen years of age entered into 
mercantile life as a clerk. At the bieaking out 
of the war of the Rebellion Mr. J^arnes decided 
to enter the Confederate States' service, and in 
June, 1861, enlisted in the Windsor Guards, a 
cavalry company that formed a part of the body 
i^uard of General Price. Mr. Barnes served 
with distinction and gallantry in the Confeder- 
ate cavalry throughout the war. His services 
soon gained him recognition, and during the 
last three years of the war he served as a com- 
missioned officer. He participated in most of 
the principal battles of the Southwest. At the 
close of the struggle he returned to Arkansas, 
and in 18G7 to his old home in Pettis County, 
Missouri, and engaged in farming until about 
1870. He then established a meat market at 
Windsor and Appleton City, and conducted the 
business until 1873. In that year he came to 
California and located at Downey, Los Angeles 
County, and for the ne.xt year was engaged in 
farming. In 1874 he moved to Duarte and 
established his residence upon a ten-acre tract 
which he improved and planted in oranges, etc. 
Mr. Barnes continued his horticultural pursuits 
until 1885. He then purchased the mercantile 
establishment of Frank Daniels at Duarte, and 
conducted that enterprioe until he established 
his present business. His long residence in the 
county has made him well known and gained 
him many friends. In political affairs he is a 
stanch Democrat and a worker in the ranks of 
his party. He has served many times as a dele- 
gate in its county conventions, and as a member 
of the County Central Committee. He is a 
member of the Baptist church of Monrovia, and 
a liberal supporter of the same. He is a mem- 



ber of Windsor Lodge, No. 29, F. & A. M., of 
Windsor, Missouri, and also of Monrovia Lodge, 
No. 330, I. O. O. F. In 1865 Mr. Barnes was 
united in marriage with Miss Nancy C. Mc- 
Donald, a native of Arkansas, and daughter of 
Morris and Susan (Logan) McDonald. Her 
father was a native of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. 
Barnes have three children: Lida E., Samuel 
W. and Julia Lathrop. 

fUAN BERNARD was a native of Switzer- 
land, being born at St. Marie, in the Canton 
of St. Tessin, August 20, 1824. When a 
young man he went to Algiers, Africa, in the 
campaign against Abd el-Kader, where, for sev- 
eral years, he was a contractor under the French 
Government for the construction of roads, the 
furnishing of bricks, etc. Afterward he deter- 
mined to come to California, being attracted 
hither by the gold discoveries. He came via 
Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco in 1850. 
From there he went to the mines; and then, 
with a French colony, to Sonora, Me.xico. Re- 
turning to California in 1852, he arrived in Los 
Angeles with Edward Nand Guiol and other 
Frenchmen, where he remained the rest of his 
life. He engaged for many years in brick-mak- 
ing, his extensive yards and home beingon Buena 
Vista street, near the Roman Catholic cemetery. 
About twenty years ago he bought the Los An- 
geles WineGrowers' property on Alameda street, 
where he engaged extensively in the wine busi- 
ness. In 1866 he married Dona Susana Ma- 
chado, daughter of Don Agustin and Dofia 
Ramona (Sepiilveda) Machado. Senor Machado, 
who died some years ago, was one of the promi- 
nent citizens of Los Angeles in the olden times. 
His I'esidence was on the site of the lot on the 
east side of Main street, lately purchased by the 
United States Government for a postoffice and 
United States Court building. Dona Rimona, 
universally known and respected by all the old 
residents, still lives at an advanced age with her 
sons and dauijhters at La ISallona. Mr. Bernard 



UISTORF OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



was one of the founders of the French Benevo- 
lent Society, and was at various times its treas- 
urer. He was the owner of the Bernard Block, 
sovTthwest corner of Main and First streets, 
which also includes the Natic Hotel. Latterly 
he had retired from active business, having 
leased his extensive warehouse, partly as a Gov- 
ernment bonded warehouse, and also to private 
parties for the wine business, etc. Mr. Bernard 
spoke the French, English, Spanish, Italian and 
Turkish languages. He died of heart disease, 
jMnuary 27, 1889, aged sixty-four years, leaving 
a widow and nine children. He appointed Mrs. 
Bernard as executrix of his will and manager of 
his large estate. 

-^^€m^§^^ — 

tLLEN W. BUBKE.— Among the earlier 
residents of the San Jose Valley is the 
subject of tliis sketch. Mr. Burke is a 
native of Jackson County, Hlinois, dating his 
birth in 1855. His father, James L. Burke, 
was born in North Carolina; his mother, Mar- 
gery Duff, was a native of Tennessee. Mr. 
Burke was reared upon his father's farm until 
twenty years old, receiving a common-school 
education and securing that practical knowledge 
of agricultural pursuits which has led to his 
success in later years. In 1873 the death of 
his father occurred, and two years later Mr. 
Burke left his old home and came to California. 
Upon his arrival here he located in the San 
Jose Valley, which was then comparatively 
unsettled. He engaged in farm labor for Cap- 
tain Hutchinson, which he continued until 
1878, when he returned East. While there he 
married Miss Mary A. Short, a native of Ran- 
dolph .County, Illinois, and the . daughter ot 
John and Elizabeth (Hardy) Short. Soon after 
his marriage he returned with his bride to his 
former home in the San Jose Valley, and in 
1879 purchased from Richard Dowerman ten 
acres of land on the corner of San Antonio and 
Cucamungo avenues. This land, formerly a 
part of the Loop and Meserve tract, was par- 



tially improved, liaving a few citrus i'ruit trees. 
Mr. Burke took up his residence there and com- 
menced its cultivation, first putting in wine 
grapes. Not satisfied with the results obtained, 
he began setting out citrus and deciduous fruits, 
and at present has eight acres in oranges, mostly 
of the Washington Navel variety. The rest of 
his land is devoted to peaches, pears, apricots, 
prunes and nursery stock. To the latter he is 
devoting considerable attention and is producing 
citrus and deciduous trees of the most favorite 
varieties. Among his improvements are a neat 
cottage residence, substantial barn, etc. His 
place is well watered from the San Antonio 
Canon. Mr. Burke is an industrious and ener- 
getic man. These characteristics, combined with 
his practical knowledge of horticulture, are 
securing him the success he so well deserves. 
He is a member of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, 
I. O. O. F. Politically he is Democratic, but 
is liberal in his views and conservative in action. 
He has three children — Nellie E.. Percy S. and 
Mary M. His mothei- is a resident of Pomona, 
where he has also three brothers and a sister. 



ILLIAM P. BARNES is the son of 
Larkin Barnes, one of the early settlers 
of Los Angeles County. His father 
was a native of Boone County, Kentucky, and was 
born in 1803. He was closely related to the histor- 
ical Daniel Boone. In his young manhood he lo- 
cated in Missouri and engaged in farming in 
Carroll and Warren counties. While there he 
was married, and after the death of that wife 
he took for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth 
Jones, nee Bohannan, the widow of David Jones. 
In 1847 he located in Tarrant County, Texas, 
where the subject of this sketch was born in 
1857. In 1859 Mr. Barnes' father came with 
the family to Los Angeles County and located 
at El Monte, and engaged in farming operations 
until 1870. And in that year he located at the 
Azusa, about a mile and a half southeast of the 
I present city of Azusa, and engaged in agricult- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNT F. 



703 



ural pursuits until his death, which occurred 
in 1885. lie was a man well known throughout 
the section in which he resided, and by his many 
good qualities and consistent course of life 
gained the respect and esteem of the commu- 
nity. The subject of this sketch was reared in 
Los Angeles County, receiving his education in 
the public schools of El Monte and the Azusa. 
He remained upon his father's farm until 1881, 
and tiien went to Arizona, where he spent about 
a year in prospecting and mining. Not meeting 
with the desired success in that occupation he 
returned to the Azusa and conducted his father's 
farming operation.^ until 1883. He then estab- 
lished a livery stable and hotel at the Azusa and 
inatiaged these enterprises until the death of 
his father, when he returned again to the old 
homestead and engaged in fanning and settling 
up of the estate. In 1887 Mr. Barnes sold out 
his farming lands, a portion of the old home- 
stead, and established a real-estate agency in 
Azusa and at Gladstone, wiiich he has since con- 
ducted. He has been prominently connected 
with the building up of both Azusa and Glad- 
stone, and has taken an active and leading part 
in such enterprises as would tend to induce the 
settlement of his section. Pie is well known 
throughout the Azusa. Politically he is a 
Democrat, but is liberal in his views. In 1880 lie 
was elected constable of the township, and in 
1883 elected as the overseer of the water supply 
of the district, both of which positions he filled 
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of 
his constituents. He is an energetic and go- 
ahead citizen, and besides his interest in Azusa 
and Gladstone, he is an owner of real estate in 
Alosta. In 1884 Mr. Barnes married Miss 
Bhinche Hudson, the daughter of Henry and 
Martha Hudson, residents of Azusa. Mrs. 
Barnes was born in Texas. From this marriage 
there are two children: Herbert and Lucile. 
Mr. Barnes's mother died at the Azusa in 1881. 
The members of his father's family now residing 
in California are: James C, who married Miss 
Mary Neel; and Sarah E., now Mrs. Oliver G. 
Malone, residents of Lompoc, Siuita IJiirliara 



County; and Cynthia E., now Mrs. M. Wake- 
Held, of Los Angeles County. Of his mother's 
children from iier first marriage there are two, 
both residents of Los Angeles County : Jonathan 
C. Jones and Mrs. Mary E. Downs. 



-:^-€ 



fOHN BENNER, dealer in fresh and salted 
meats, 36 West Second street, Los Angeles, 
was born in Germany, December 6, 1839, 
and emigrated to this country in 1855, when 
oidy sixteen j'ears of age; went to Baltimore 
and lived there several years, and then made up 
his mind to come to the Pacific Coast. After 
reaching California, he lived in San Francisco 
a short time, and in 18G0 came to Los Angeles, 
and after working in the market two y6ars he 
engaged in the butchering business for himself 
on Main street, in Temple Block, and was there 
five or six years. Then he removed to Spring 
street, opposite the old court-house, and re- 
mained there ten years, and was in business on 
those two streets twenty-two years, until he es- 
tablished himself at his present location. lie 
is the oldest American in the business in Los 
Angeles, and has an established trade. Being 
one of the pioneer business men of Los Angeles, 
lie has hosts of friends who bear testimony to 
his integrity and generosity, in aiding every 
good work. In 1867 Mr. Benner married Miss 
Christiana Ilepp, a native of the city of P)ull;ilo, 
New York. 



fW. BALDWIN, retired, residing at 301 
East Fifth street, was born in Templeton, 
=* Massachusetts, February 11, 1822. He 
was reared in New England, and in 1850 came 
to Chicago, which at that time contained 20,- 
000 people. He was steward of the old Matte- 
son House until 1856, and was persuaded to 
take the same position in the Young Atnerica, 
which was then the leading hotel. Remaining 
there several years, he accepted a good offer to 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



go to Missouri and locate at Syrajcuse, the end 
of the Pacitic Eailroad, then in process of con- 
struction. He remained there until the war, 
when he was driven out, and he went to Jeft'er- 
son City and entered the service. Was with 
Pope's division at New Madrid, Jefferson City, 
Shilohj and Corinth, serving as Forage-master, 
and afterward was engaged in buying cotton. 
He returned to Chicago in 1865, and the follow- 
ing year he became associated with W. F. 
Tucker in the hotel business, — at the Briggs 
House, and the Transit House at the Stockyards, 
taking the active management. After several 
years he sold out his interest and took the 
Metropolitan Hotel. After remodeling and re- 
furiiisiiing it, he sold it. Later he beame pro- 
prietor of the noted Chapin & Gore Pestanrant, 
the largest in the city, and for five years suc- 
cessfully carried on the business. Mr. Baldwin 
has had a large experience in catering, and is 
one of the most successful and well-known hotel 
men in the country. His health being impaired 
by close attention to business, by the advice of 
pliysicians he came to California in 1883, and 
since then has resided here. His health is 
much improved, and, being amply provided for, 
lie is spending his days in peace and comfort. 



tIRAM P. BUPLINGAME, a native of 
the State of Maine, was born in 1827, and 
is the son of Carpenter and Rebecca 
(Woodman) Burlingame, natives of New York 
and Maine respectively, and of Scotch origin. 
At the age of tweuty-one Mr. Burlingame left 
his native State and went to Minneapolis, Min- 
nesota, where he pre-empted 120 acres of land. 
He was married in St. Anthony, in 1852, to Miss 



Sarah A. Bean, a native of Maine. Her 



par 



ents moved from that State to Wisconsin and 
later went to Minnesota. It was Sarah Bean 
who was so miraculously saved from going over 
the falls at St. Anthony when she was a girl. 
Atr. Burlingame left Minnesota, February 9, 
1870, comiiii,' to California, lirst to San Fran- 



cisco and from there to Los Angeles County. 
He purchased 140 acres of land. A part of 
this he sold and has since bought 280 acres 
more of the best land in California. Mr. Bur- 
lingame raises more strawberries than any other 
man in the State, having under cultivation 
thirty-five acres. He was also interested in the 
development of water supply, and sank one of 
the largest pipes in the world, it being fourteen 
and one-half inches in diameter. He has since 
disposed of his interest in this enterprise, sell- 
ing out to Poniroy & Gains and to his son. 
Edward V. Burlingame. 

^i^-^ 

fUDGE G. A. BALL was born at Ball's 
Bluff, Maryland, in 183'J, a son of James 
and Nancy (Greenwood) Ball. His mother 
died when he was less than a year old, and his 
father when he was less than two. He was 
reared and educated by his uncle, S. Greenwood, 
in Georgia. He served four years in the Con- 
federate army, being in the Fifteenth Alabama 
Lifantry. He fought at Manassas and the first 
battle of the Wilderness, and many others, and 
was surrendered at Appomattox. After the war 
was over he went to Bastrop County, Texas, and 
taught school for awhile, and was married there, 
in 1870, to Miss Penelope Willett, a native of 
Tennessee and the daughter of John Willett. He 
practiced law for several years in Bastrop County, 
and was judge for one term. He came to Los 
Angeles County in 1886 and bought a small 
ranch three miles southeast of Norwalk, where 
he is practically retired from active business life. 
Socially he affiliates with the Masonic order. 



»•^- 



fM. BRADY, of the firm of Brodersen & 
Brady, real-estate agents at Long Beach, 
* has been a resident of Los Angeles County 
since 1875. He was born in Lawrence County, 
Mississippi, in 1844, and is the son of J, R. 
and Martha A. (Williams) Brady, the former a 



n I STORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



native of Georgia and the latter of Florida. Tlie 
subject of this sketch is a true type of the 
Southern gentleman, and shows in his home that 
hospitality and genial welcome for which the 
Southern people are so noted. His father was a 
farmer, and died in 1SG6. He had a family of 
eleven children, only four of whom are living. 
J. M. Brady entered the Southern army in Kel- 
son's Heavy Artillery, in 1862, and served un- 
til the close of the war. After its close he 
returned home, and married Miss Malona Dean. 
He was permitted to enjoy her companionship 
for only a brief time. One year and a half after 
their marriage death called her away. In the 
fall of 1867 Mr. Brady went to Texas, and in 
1868 was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. 
Shrode, ofTexas. They have a very interesting 
family of six children: Martha E., Calvin K., 
Sarah E., Dora B., James H. and William T. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Brady are supporters of the 
Southern Methodist Church. Mr. Brady is a 
worthy and respected citizen, and is honored and 
esteemed by the community in which he resides, 
holding at present the office of school trustee in 
Long Beach, and also serving as district road- 
master in his district. Politically he affiliates 
with the Democratic party, is conservative in 
his views, and always exerts his influence on 
the side of justice and right. 

— ^€(g:i)l-^ — 

fE. BARNETT was born in Hancock 
County, Illinois, in 1854, and is a sen of 
® A. D. Barnett, who was a native of 
Ilussellsville, Kentucky. His father was Zacha- 
riah Barnett, who was a native of Westmore- 
land County, Virginia, and was in the battle of 
New Orleans. In 1830 A. D. Barnett moved 
to Hancock County, Illinois, and for a number 
of years was prominently connected with the 
county. In 1869 he came to California, and in 
the year 1884 he died in the San Fernando Val- 
ley. He had five children, of which the subject 
of this sketch is the youngest. Mr. Barnett was 
married in 1875 to Miss Alice Stevens, of Iowa 



County, Iowa, and a daughter of Anson Stevens. 
Mr. Stevens came to California in 1869, and is 
now a retired farmer living near the city of 
Compton. Mr. and Mrs. l^arnett have a family 
of five children whose names are as follows: 
Marcus E., Cephas L., Adrien B., Sarah A., 
Cora M., Nettie P. and Jessie L. When he 
first came to California Mr. Barnett worked by 
the day in Sutter County, for two years. He 
then moved to Ventura County and farmed 
from three to five thousand acres of land, for a 
term of ten years. This land was known as the 
Sin! Ranch. In 1887 he and a brother bought 
a half interest in 400 acres, a part of the Monte- 
zuma tract, lying one-half mile west of Garvanza. 
Here he is engaged principally in raising hay 
and corn, and in this he is one of the leading 
men of the county. In 1888 he had 1,000 tins 
of hay from 800 acres, and this year (1889) he 
will have over 1,200 tons from the same amount 
of land. Beside his interests in this State, Mr. 
Barnett owns 4,000 acres of land on Carson 
River, in Nevada, on which, at this time, there 
are over 1,200 head of stock. Socially Mr. Bar- 
nett is a Mason and is affiliated with Los Angeles 
Lodge, No. 42. He is also a member of the 
I. O. O. F., East Side Lodge, No. 325. 



tANSOM BOWMAN BISHOP, of Santa 
Monica, has been a citizen of the Golden 
State since the year 1855. He was born 
at l.ivermore, Maine, December 1, 1820, and is 
a son of Nathan and Martha (Wing) Bishop. 
His grandfather, Nathan Bishop, Sr., was a min- 
ister in the Methodist Episcopal Church for 
many years. His father was a native of Win- 
throp, Maine, and a cloth-dr3sser and miller by 
trade. His mother, Martha Wing, was born at 
Wayne, Maine, and was the daughter of Dr. 
Moses Wing. He was a drummer in the Rev- 
olutionary war, and lost a leg in the service. 
He had a family of five children. Our subject 
is the oldest of four children. He learned the 
blacksmith's trade when a boy, and also tiiut of 



n I STORY OF LOS ANGBLES COaNTT. 



machinist and locomotive building. He worked 
in the cotton factory at Saco, Maine, and while 
there met and married the lady who has ever 
since been an equal sharer in his successes and 
failures, joys and sorrows. This was Miss Sarali 
King Bradbury, who was born in Auburn, 
Maine. Soon after their marriage, they went 
to Boston, where he worked on locomotives. In 
1855 he was sent as an engineei- to California 
by Robinson, Seymore & Co., of New York. He 
came by way of the Nicaragua route, and three 
years later his wife came by way of the Panama 
route. Robinson, Seymore & Co, sent three 
locomotives from New York to San Francisco 
via Cape Horn, and from San Francisco these 
engines were re-shipped to Sacramento, and to 
the subject of this sketch belongs the honor of 
setting up and running the first locomotive in 
the State of California. On this trip from Sac- 
ramento he gave old General Sutter his first ride 
on a locomotive. Sutter was the first settler in 
Sacramento and was greatly frightened while 
on the engine. For nine years Mr. Bishop was 
master mechanic in the employ of the San Fran- 
cisco & San Jose Railroad Company. The first 
railroad axles, thirty in number, made in Cali- 
fornia were ordered by him, and made by Hall 
& Johnson in San Francisco. In honor of this 
Mr. Bishop was presented with a gold-headed 
cane worth $35. In 1868 the Mechanics' Insti- 
tute of San FraTicisco awarded him the second 
premium for an invention of his called "Crank 
and Pin ("ross Head Lathe." He built a quartz 
mill with his own hands at Auburn, California, 
and mined for some time, after which he came 
to Los Angeles County, and was in the employ 
of Senator Jones as an engineer on the Los 
Angeles & Independence Railroad. After this 
he ran a train from Santa Monica to Los Ange- 
les for nine years. He has now practically re- 
tired from active business, and bought and im- 
proved very desirable residences in the "city by 
tlie sea." He and his excellent companion have 
reared and educated three daughters and one 
son, all married and well settled in life. The 
oldest is Ovilla, now the wife of William Wor- 



den of San Francisco. The next is Cora, wife 
of Alfred Ti'umbull, editor of To-day, a paper 
published in New York City; and the youngest 
is Emma "Virginia, wife of Edward H. O'Mel- 
veney, of the California Truck Company, Los 
Angeles; and the son, Frank, married Mamie 
Bell. He is an electrician, and was station agent 
for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company at 
Norwalk for eight years, and fifteen years in 
their employ. Mr. Bishop is a gentleman well 
known by railroad men, and is highly respected 
by all who know him. 

tOUlS BROSSEAU.— The subject of this 
sketch was born in Canada, in 1834. His 
parents, Louis and Margaret (De St. Marie) 
Brosseau, were both natives of Canada, and de- 
scendants of the early French colonists. Mr. 
Brosseau was reared as a farmer until the age of 
sixteen years. He then started in life for him- 
self, his first move being to the United States. 
In 1850 he went to Michigan and was engaged 
in mining in the copper mines on Lake Supe- 
rior. In December, 1853, he came by the Pan- 
ama route to California. Upon his arrival he 
engaged in prospecting and mining in El Do- 
rado and other counties until 1860, locating the 
Monumental mine in Sierra County, and others. 
The excitement over the Nevada mines in that 
year caused him to make a venture in that Ter- 
ritory. Pie went to Gold Hill, Nevada, and 
located several mines, among which was the 
famous Yellow Jacket. Returning to California 
in 1861, he established a store at French Town, 
El Dorado County, and also engaged in horti- 
cultural pursuits, planting vineyards and fruit 
trees. He continued his enterprises in that 
county until 1872, and then located in Round 
Valley, in Mendocino County, where he engaged 
in the live-stock business, and also in teaming 
and freighting Government stores. In 1876 
Mr. Brosseau came to Los Angeles County and 
established his residence in San Jose Valley, 
about two miles north of what is now the pros- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



perous city of Jfomona. His principal occupa- 
tion was fniit culture. Mr. Brosseau early saw 
the possibilities of a thriving town springing up 
at Tomona, and in 1881 purchased lots, upon 
one of which he built the well-known Pomona 
Hotel, located on Main street, south of Second 
street. This hotel was opened to the public by 
liiin December. 25, 1881, and was the only hotel 
in town at that time. The next year he built 
the Pomona liver}' stables on Second street, and 
was identified with other building enterprises 
in tiie rapidly growing town. In 1883 he sold 
his hotel to Morris Kellar, but still retained his 
stables, which he had enlarged and well stocked. 
Mr. Brosteau conducted his livery stable until 
1886, and then sold his stock, retaining the 
ownership of the buildings and lots. Since that 
time he has devoted his attention to the care and 
improvement of his business and residence prop- 
erty in the city. He is also the owner of farm 
land near the city. In 1883 Mr. Brosseau mar- 
ried Miss Emma Fry, a native of Ohio. He is 
a consistent Catholic in religion. In political 
matters he is a straightforward Repiiblican. He 
is a reputable and respected citizen, whose suc- 
cess in life is the result of his own labors, com- 
bined with his intelligent foresight in business 
matters. 



fT. BELL, manufacturer of and dealer in 
harness, saddlery, whips, etc., corner of 
® Hill and Eleventh streets, Los Angeles, 
was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, 
February 9, 1825. His parents, John and Mary 
(Miller) Bell, were natives of the same county. 
His grandfather laid out the town of Hickory, 
and owned the greatest gas-producing farm in 
the oil regions. The subject of this sketch grew 
up and learned his trade in Massillon. He came 
to California and settled in Los Angeles in 1871, 
worked at his trade several years, and then en- 
gaged in business for himself on Main street. 
The residents licre were mostly Mexicans at that 
time. Heconducted his biisine.-son Main street 



fifteen years and then removed to his present 
location, on his own property. He is one of the 
oldest in his line of business, and has a very 
desirable established trade. Mr. Bell has been 
twice married. His first wife was Lydia Groflf, 
of Ohio, who died leaving four children, all of 
whom are now living, namely: Margaret, now 
Mrs. Macy, living here; Mary, now Mrs. Hamp- 
ton residing in Arizona; Lida Belle and James 
II., botii living in this city. Mr. BelFs present 
wife was M. A. McDowell, a native of Kentucky. 
They have one son, Arthur T. 

fAMES F.BURNS, Chief of Policeof the city 
of Los Angeles, was born in Ontario County, 
New York, Septem ber 27,1831. II is parents 
moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and during his 
early boyhood he attended school there; was 
educated for a teacher, and after reaching man- 
hood engaged in that profession. He decided 
to come to California, and came overland with a 
train. They had some trouble with the Indians 
in Utah, near the place where the famous Mount- 
ain Meadow massacre occurred, and arrived in 
California in JSTovember. The same year Mr. 
Burns came to Los Angeles and engaged in 
teaching school for several years, after which he 
was elected county superintendent of schools. 
In 1858 he was appointed United States Mar- 
shal, under President Buchanan. He was elected 
city treasurer in 1863, and was re-elected, hold- 
ing the office for five years. In 1867 lie was 
elected sherift" of Los Angeles County and ex- 
officio tax collector, holding that ofiice by re- 
■ election until 1872. From that time until 1878 
Mr. Burns was interested in real estate, and was 
connected with various other enterprises. In 
the latter year he went to Fremont, Nebraska, 
and engaged in the grain and lumber business. 
In the fall of 1880 he was elected State Senator 
for the Eighth Senatorial District. He was 
also engaged in the banking business fourj'ears, 
until the fall of 1886. At that time he returned 
to Los Angeles and became interested in real- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



estate transactions. In March, 1889, lie was 
appointed chief of police. Ofttcer Eurns has 
had a large experience as a public official, and 
few are so well qualilied to perforin the duties 
of the position he now holds. During his term 
of office as sheriff the record shows a larger ap- 
prehension of criminals than in any other term. 

"^i^-^ 

fONATHAN BAILEY.— Among the early 
settlers and enterprising citizens of the town 
of AVhittier none, perhaps, have been more 
thoroughly identified with its best interests than 
the gentleman whose name stands at the head 
of til is article, Jonathan Bailey, President of 
the Pickering Land and Water Company. He 
was born near Petersburg, Virginia, in 1819, 
and is a son of David and Sylviah (Peebles) 
Bailey, both natives of Virginia, and descended 
from Scotch ancestors. David Bailey moved to 
Clinton County, Ohio, in 1827, and there en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits till his death, 
which occurred June 26, 1854. He was the 
father of eight children, four sons and four 
daughters, only two of whom are living, the 
subject of this sketch and his youngest sister. 
Mr. Bailey was married in Ohio, in 1842, to 
Miss Rebecca T. Frazer, of Wilmington, Ohio, 
and daughter of Jonah and Mary (Hadley) Fra- 
zer. Her father was born in Tennessee, and 
went to Ohio when he was twelve years old, and 
her mother, a native of North Carolina, removed 
with her parents to Ohio, at the age of eleven 
years. They had fifteen children, all dying in 
infancy except Mrs. Bailey. Mr. Bailey was 
for many years a successful farmer in Ohio, and 
was also at the same time engaged in the real- 
estate business. In 1875 he came to this sunny 
land with his son, who was in delicate health, 
and remained six months. In 1885 he returned 
to California with his wife, that time remaining 
a year. Then, in 1887, with twelve others, he 
purchased 1,270 acres of land for the purpose of 
making a Quaker settlement. It was called the 
Quaker Colony, and they named the town 



Whittier, in honor of the poet. The place grew 
with surprising rapidity, and one year after it was 
laid out the church numbered 400, having had 
only four members to start with. The services 
were conducted for three months in the dwelling 
house of Mr. Bailey, his residence being the first 
one erected there. The Pickering Land and 
Water Company was organized with Jonathan 
Bailey as President; Ilervey Ludley, Secretary 
and Treasurer; John H. Painter and Elbert New- 
ton as the first board. The company has since 
bought 2,700 acres more. Whittier is a town 
most beautifully located, and has a population 
of about 1,000. 



f^ M. BROWN, a prosperous and enter- 
■ prising farmer and fruit-grower, living 
"L® three miles northwest of Garvanza, in the 
beautiful Eagle Rock Valley, is a Canadian by 
birth, and of German origin. He was born near 
Toronto in 1835, and is a son of Sylvanus and 
Permelia (Kees) Brown. They were natives of 
Vermont and New York respectively, and were 
Quakers. This lady was his second wife, and by 
her he had six children, the subject of this 
sketch being the oldest. AVhen he reached his 
majority he left his home in Canada and came 
to the United States, locating first at Fond du 
Lac, Wisconsin, where he resided for three years 
and a half. He was there married, in 1858, to 
Mi-s Eltana Merwin, of Erie County, Pennsyl- 
vania, and daughter of Samuel W. and Elizabeth 
(Bail) Merwin, both natives of the Keystone 
State, and of German origin. Soon after his 
marriage Mr. Brown moved to Nebraska. He 
drove an ox team all the way, and located near 
where Lincoln now stands. There was not a 
house there then, and he often went thirty miles 
to mill and the postotfice, leaving his wife all 
alone for a whole week, four miles and a half 
from the nearest neighbor, while he took the 
wheat to mill, which he had tramped out with 
oxen. He was truly one of the pioneers of Ne- 
braska. He saw Lincoln grow from nothing to 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



a flourishing city of 1,600 inhabitants. Plere 
be continued for twenty years, or till 1880, when 
he set his face toward the Golden State. His first 
work on tlie coast was as a farmer iu Santa Bar- 
bara County, wliere be remained three years. 
Tlien he moved to Los Angeles County and 
bought the fifty acresori which he now lives in the 
beautiful Eagle Rock Valley. This farm he has 
subjected to a very high state of cultivation, and 
is raising great^ quantities of oranges, grapes, 
barley, alfalfa, melons, cucumbers and tomatoes. 
To show what may be done in the way of pro- 
ducing these vegetables and berries, it is only 
necessary to mention the fact that last year he 
furnished 103 tons of tomatoes to the cannery. 
These vines grow and produce fruit in this val- 
ley from January to December. The names of 
Mr. Brown's children are as follows: Effie, wife 
of Orin Seeley, of Santa Barbara County; Mil- 
ton S., whon)arried Miss Ollie Knowles; Willis 
E. and Earnest R. The mother of these chil- 
dren de])arted this life in Florida, February 7, 
1876, where she had gone for her health. In 
1884 Mr. Brown married Mrs. Mariah Smith, 
of Portland. Oregon. She had three children: 
Ella, Frank and Charles. Politically Mr. Brown 
affiliates with the Republican party; and re- 
ligiously, he believes in the doctrines as taught 
liy the Spiritualist Church. 



^l-^-f^ 



fPJFFITII DICKENSON COMPTON, the 
foimder of the town of Compton, Los 
Angeles County, California, is a native of 
Pitti^ylvania County, Virginia, born August 22, 
1820. His ancestors came from England. 
When in his twentieth year the sul)ject of this 
sketch went to Hamilton County, Illinois, where 
he lived four years. While there he married a 
second cousin, Miss Compton, who was born 
the same day, month and year, with himself. A 
daughter born to them now lives in this city 
and is tlie wife of George Flood, who is also 
tlie brother of Mr. Compton's second wife, his 
first wife having died in 1S52. Mr. Compton 



went to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1846. In 1849 
he came to California across the plains, and set- 
tled at Woodbridge, Solano County, where he 
remained sixteen years. After that he went to 
Watsonville, and in the fall of 1867 he came to 
Los Angeles on account of his own and his fam- 
ily's health. lie, Mr. Morton and William 
Fowler each bought eighty acres of land at $5 
an acre, in what was known as the Temple and 
Gibson tract, of the San Pedro Rancho, and 
started the settlement now known as Compton. 
Mr. Compton tells this remarkable story in con- 
nection with his early labors on this farm, 
which, as he has disposed of all his interests in 
that locality, cannot therefore be called a boom- 
itig romance and is admissible here. All who 
are acquainted with Mr. Compton know him to 
be a man of strict veracity. He says that" the 
great freshet of 1867 and '68 flooded that whole 
country, enriching the land as the deltas of the 
Nile are enriched by the overflow of that 
mighty stream. After the land had dried off, late 
in the following spring, he planted two acres of 
potatoes, and from these two acres he realized 
$1,680 above all expenses, or $840 per acre! 
He says the ground, metaphorically speaking, 
was alive with potatoes. He sold them in Los An- 
geles, digging and delivering as wanted, mainly 
to two merchants, A. C. Chauvin and II. J. Yar- 
row, the former being still a resident of the city. 
He only received about $1.00 to $1.25 per sack. 
It was then believed that potatoes could not be 
profitably raised here, or if raised, that they 
would not keep; and at first he had great 
difficulty in getting any grocer to buy them or 
even to take any on trial. Previous to that 
time the Southern part of the State depended 
on Humboldt, Bodega and other northern coun- 
ties for its potatoes. And so Mr. Compton 
demonstrated the wonderful capacity of Los 
Angeles County in this line, as did Messrs. 
Lankershim and Van Nuys, and Vignes and 
Wolfskin, and Wilson and Rowland, and others 
in other lines. Mr. Compton is only another ex- 
ample amongmany,showingthata poor man, with 
no capital but strong hands and a courageous 



HISTORY OF LOS AJHGBLE8 COUNTY. 



heart, can conquer snccess in this fertile land, if 
he can anywhere in this wide world. Mr. 
Comptoii has latterly been engaged in develop- 
ing the San Jacinto country; and he claims, 
which may or may not be disputed, that he 
has actively assisted in settling, satisfactorily 
to all parties interested, more families than 
any other one man in Southern California. 
Mr. Compton is one of the trustees of the 
endowment fund of the Southern California 
University and of the Agricultural College at 
Ontario. He resides near the University in 
Los Angeles. 

^' • ^'%^'T'^*^ '• '*" 

AJOR GEORGE H. BONEBRAKE.— 

It is not to her wealth, her manufact- 
ures, her agriculture and the political 
power she wields that Ohio owes her proud posi- 
tion in the sisterhood of States, but rather to 
the genius, enterprise, business acumen and 
the integrity of her sons that her wonderful 
progress is due. Wherever great cities have 
sprung up, wherever gigantic public improve- 
ments have been conceived and perfected, pro- 
found legislative or judicial problems solved, 
vast, victorious armies led, Ohio's sons have 
come to the front. From the mother State to 
the remotest sections of the Union they have 
gone, bearing with them the impress of prog- 
ress. One of Ohio's sons who has aided very 
materially in transforming Los Angeles from a 
sleepy Mexican village to an important com- 
mercial metropolis, graced with every art, in- 
vention and product of an advanced civilization, 
is Major George H. Bonebrake, the subject of 
this memoir. He was born in Eaton, Preble 
County, Ohio, and there, with such meagre ad- 
vantages as were obtainable by attending the 
district school two months in the year, and by 
a diligent improvement of every opportunity for 
private study, he was prepared to enter college 
at the age of seventeen. In Otterbein Univer- 
sity, the principal institution of learning of the 
United Brethren denomination, at Westerville, 



Ohio, he pursued his studies si.x j'ears, grad- 
uating in the classical course with gratifying 
honors at the age of twenty-three. After leaving 
college he accepted a position in a neighboring 
seminary as Professor of Languages, for which 
he was admirably adapted, being a proficient 
scholar in Latin, Greek, German and French. 
The duties thus allotted him not being sufficient 
to fully employ his active, ambitious mind, he 
applied himself to the study of law under the 
preceptorship of General Thomas Brown, dis- 
tinguished alike as a member of the bar and for 
his eminent services in the United States Con- 
gress during his fourteen years of connection 
with that body. His association with that great 
attorney-statesman was a fortunate circumstance 
in the career of Mr. Bonebrake. Not only did 
it lay the foundation for an enduring friendship 
mutually pleasurable and intellectually valuable, 
but a business copartnership was subsequently 
established, under the firm style of Brown & 
Bonebrake, which resulted in no small pecuniary 
profit to the contracting parties. In the prac- 
tice of his chosen profession, Mr. Bonebrake 
had hoped to concentrate his superior powers; 
but an unforeseen event suddenly changed the 
current of his life. The breaking out of the 
Rebellion was the turbid tide in his affairs 
which tested the loyal heroism of the man and 
led to honors, if not to fortune. In response 
to the call of his imperiled country he enlisted 
as a private soldier in Company C, Sixty-ninth 
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the 
early part of 1862, and entering upon the rigor- 
ous duties of this new position with the same 
conscientious devotion and energy which has 
characterized his efibrts in every station in life, 
Mr. Bonebrake rose by successive promotions 
for gallant and meritorious conduct to the rank 
of Major, and was brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel 
before being discharged. When entering the 
army Professor Bonebrake resigned the princi- 
palship of the seminary, much to the regret of 
the friends of the institution to which his effi- 
cient labors in that behalf had endeared him. 
On retiring from the army at tiie close of the 




A^,jj,^^,<._^cJt 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



war with a proud military record, having given 
over three years to the defense of tlie grand old 
flag, Major Eonebrake returned home and en- 
tered into the law partnership with General 
Brown, as before mentioned. His marriage 
with Miss Emma Locke, a former schoolmate, 
occurred upon his arrival home. Thus he cast 
aside the panoply of war to enshrine himself in 
the habiliments of that sweet peace born of the 
domestic loves. Twelve years of unruffled mari- 
tal felicity followed tliis event, during which 
two children — Blanch, now seventeen, and Per- 
sey, eleven years of age — were born to Major 
and Mrs. Bonebrake, who still live to brighten 
the afternoon of their affectionate father's life. 
In 1869 the cashiership of the Citizen's Bank 
in Noblesville, Indiana, was tendered to and 
accepted by Major Bonebrake, in which capac- 
ity his remarkable financiering ability was 
demonstrated to the great satisfaction of the 
bank and the general public for nine years. In 
the summer of 1878 that insidious disease, pul- 
monary consumption, had made such encroach- 
ments upon Mrs. Bouebrake's health as to 
render it necessary for the Major to sever his 
connection with the bank and accompany her to 
the Pacitic Coast, with the hope that the sani- 
tary virtues of the climate of Southern Califor- 
nia would stay the ravages of the dread malady. 
Eighteen months were passed by them in the 
most healthful retreats in this part of the State, 
and everything that affectionate solicitude and 
medical skill could suggest was done to restore 
the patient sufferer to health. But all proved 
unavailing, and on March 2, 1880, Mrs. Emma 
Locke Bonebrake, one of tiie most amiable of 
women, passed from earth. This ruthless in- 
vasion of his happy home by the grinj reaper 
was a terrible blow to Major Bonebrake, but in 
the majesty of his strong manhood he arose 
from the tomb of his buried love with a calm 
resignation to the inevitable, and resumed the 
stern responsibilities of life. Ills investments 
were extensive and numerous, including city 
and suburban property, improved and unim- 
proved, besides many enterprises of a public 



character. To Major Bonebrake and men of- 
his class are the people of Los Angeles indebted 
for the substantial business buildings which line 
their teeming thoroughfares; the palatial homes 
environed by beautifully ornamented grounds, 
and the cable and horse-car lines that con- 
vey the pleasure-seekers to charming suburban 
scenes. The attention of every stranger in Los 
Angeles is attracted to the stately and elegant 
block on the corner of Spring and Second 
streets, covering an area of 103x120 feet, 
which bears upon its chiseled front the names 
of Bryson-Bonebrake. On the iirst floor of the 
magnificent structure, erected at a cost of $220,- 
000, have been fitted expressly for the State 
Loan and Trust Company the most splendid 
suite of banking rooms on the Pacific Coast. 
They are supplied with every convenience and 
ornate with every embellishment that art can 
suggest or wealth supply. The mammoth vault 
is a marvel of modern invention, a model of 
strength and beauty, and is by far the finest in 
the State. A hundred tons of steel were used 
in its construction, requiring five freight cars 
for its transportation from Cincinnati, Ohio. 
It is as a financier and business man that the 
eminent ability of Major Bonebrake's mental 
powers have made him famous on this coast. 
Among the numerous institutions with which 
he is associated in this capacity as counselor 
and directing head are the following: He is a 
director of the California Central Kailroad Com- 
pany, the First National Bank of Pasadena, the 
First National Bank of Pomona, the Savings 
Bank of Southern California, the First National 
Bank of Santa Ana; and is president of the Los 
Angeles National Bank, the State Loan and 
Trust Company, the First National Bank of 
Santa Monica, and the Bank of Santa Paula. 
Those facts speak volumes as to the respect and 
confidence reposed in the bearer of these great 
responsibilities by his fellow-men. In nearly 
every instance Major Bonebrake was one of the 
prime movers in organizing these banks, each 
one of which owns the building in which it is 
located, and the buildings are among the best in 



718 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



the res|)eRnve cities. He was the lirst to estab- 
lish a carriage depository in Los Angeles, open- 
ing at the same time branch offices in Stockton, 
San Jose, Oakland, and Portland, Oregon, a 
transaction which contributed greatly to the 
public convenience. He was the most influen- 



tial in brin 



the lines of the Atchison, To 



peka & Santa Fe Railroad into Los Angeles, and 
aided materially in securing and constructing 
tlie picturesque surf line to San Diego. He is 
an active member and was the second president 
of the Los Angeles Board of Trade. He has 
never sought nor desired political distinction, 
but rather shunned the precarious honors too 
often obtained througli unscrupulous means. 
Unlike many successful financiers who are the 
architects of their own fortunes, Major Bone- 
brake is habitually approachable and courteous. 
To the sun-browned toiler, the sorrow-burdened 
child of poverty, tlie capitalist, count and con- 
gressman, he extends the same deferential, dig- 
nified, decisive attention. He possesses a large, 
well-poised brain, a vigorous mind, a strong 
sense of justice, and a kind, charitable heart. 
And in the high noontide of his day it may be 
written with truth, "His life is gentle, and tiie 
elements so mixed in him that Nature might 
stand up and say to all the world, he is a man." 



• i ' ' ! " 



J^.IRAM CHICK, of Los Angeles, is a native 
IH) of Oiiio, born on a farm in Scioto County, 
^ November 29, 1829. His father, Charles 
Chick, was a stone-cutter by trade. Hirain left 
home in 1854, came to California and located on 
a farm near Stockton, in the San Joaquin Val- 
ley, and engaged in the stock and grain business, 
in which he was successful, owning at one time 
a ranch of about 1,600 acres. He left Stockton 
about 1871 and came with his family to Los 
Angeles, where he engaged in teaming on quite 
an extensive scale, doing at the same time a 
local hack business. He married in 1854, in 
Scioto County, Ohio, Laura, daughter of Jona- 
than and Mary (Andrews) Smith. Mrs. Chick 



is also a native of Scioto County, born June 7, 
1835. She has six children living: William, 
born November 22,1856; Martinez, August 22, 
1858; Leroy, December 2, 1860; Charles, June 
28, 1862; Lillie Bell, July 16, 1864, now Mrs. 
William Fatten, of Los Angeles; and Louis C, 
October 25, 1869. Three children are deceased: 
Nenahdied at Stockton, Dec. 3, 1868, aged thirteen 
years; Mary died August 6, 1866, an infant; and 
Hiram Clayton died in Los Angeles, November 
25,1888, at the age of twenty-one years. Three of 
these sons are now engaged in the livery business 
on Fifth street, Los Angeles, and by five years of 
diligent attention to the wants of the public in 
their line, have built up an enviable reputation 
for reliability, and enjoy a liberal patronage. 
The firm of Chick Brothers is com|)Osed of 
William, Leroy and Charles. William married 
Miss Mary Cakebread, of Martinez, California, 
May 18, 1888. Leroy married Miss Alice, 
daughter of Rev. S. Bristol, of Ventura, Feb- 
ruary 13, 1889. 



fHARLES W. CLEMENT.— Among the 
pioneer settlers of Sierra Madre mention 
must be made of the subject of this 
sketch. Mr. Clement is a native of Fall River, 
Massachusetts, dating his birth in that city in 
1824. His parents were David and Dorcas 
(Wilson) Clement. His father was a native of 
Massachusetts and his mother of New Hamp- 
shire. When he was about a year old his parents 
moved to New Hampshire, first locating in 
Litchfield and later in Hudson. Mr. Clement 
WHS reared upon his father's farm until eighteen 
years of age, and then served an apprenticeship 
to the trade of blacksmith. He later established 
a shop of his own, which he conducted for some 
years. In 1853 he entered the employ of the 
Manchester Print Works at Manchester, New 
Hampshire, and for the next twenty -eight years 
was in charge of their blacksmith and repair 
shop. In 1881 Mr. Clement found it necessary 
to seek a milder climate. He therefore came to 



HISTORT OP LOS AN0BLB8 COUNTY. 



719 



California aud located in Los Angeles County, 
taking up his residence in Sierra Madre. Upon 
liis arrival he purchased forty acres of land irom 
N. C. Carter, located between Central and Live 
Oak avenues, and at once etitered upon horti- 
cultural pursuits, planting nearly twenty acres 
of trees and vines and also erecting a cottage 
residence. This property he sold in 1884 to 
Prof. John Hart; and, after a visit to his old 
home, returned and purchased from Miss Frances 
PL Hawks two lots on JJaldwiii avenue, where 
he has since resided. Upon the^e lots he is 
making a model home and has planted a variety 
of flowers, ornamental trees, and a variety of 
fruit trees. Among the noticeable features of 
his place is a eucalyptus grove of several hun- 
dred trees. Mr. Clement has been one of the 
progressive and enterprising men that have 
built up and developed the resources of the 
beautiful Sierra Madre tract. He was one of 
the original incorporators (jf tiie Sierra Madre 
Water Company and has for many years been 
a director in the company. As a straightforward 
and enterprising citizen he has gained the es- 
teem of the community. He has always taken 
a deep interest in the political afl'airs of the 
country, and is astanch Republican. During his 
residence in Manchester he served as one of the 
selectmen of the township and also a member 
of the city council. He is a member of Me- 
chanics Lodge, No. 13, I. O. O. F., of Manches- 
ter, New Hampshire. In 1848 Mr. Clement 
married Miss Julia A. Carter, a native of Massa- 
chusetts, the daughter of William and Julia 
(Coburii) Carter, and a sister of N. C. Carter, 
the founder of Sierra Madre Colony. She 
died in 1862, leaving two children: Lizzie J., 
who married Gilman E. Riddle, of Manchester, 
and William A., who is now a resident of Los 
Angeles. Mrs. Riddle died in 1884, leaving one 
child, Josie L. Riddle. In 1863 Mr. Clement 
married Mrs. Martha W. Warren, nee Butterfield. 
She died in March, 1881, at Manchester. In con- 
clusion we state that Mr. Clement was the 
eldest of a family of ten children. Of his 
brothers and sisters there are still living: Dor- 



cas A., David, Lucy, Daniel W., Lauana A., 
Lucinda R., Araininta and Rachel P. Martha 
J., the eighth child, died in 1856. Mr. Clem- 
ent's mother died in 1863, and his father in 
1887, the latter being ninety-one years old at 
the time of his death. 



-^^i 



-m^^^-- 



fOIIN CASEY. — Among the earlier settlers 
of Los Angeles County is the subject of this 
sketch. Mr. Casey is a native of Jackson 
County, Tennessee, dating his birth in 1810. 
His parents, John and Jennie (Mann) Casey, 
were natives of North Carolina, who, early in 
life, settled in the county of Mr. Casey's birth, 
and in 1812 moved to Arkansas, locating in 
Pulaski County, about twelve miles from Little 
Rock. In that county Mr. Casey was reared, 
receiving a limited education, and being early 
inured to the labors of pioneer farming. In 
1827 he married Miss Sarah Nixon Thornburg, 
daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Thornburg, 
natives of Virginia. Mr. Casey engaged in 
farming in Arkansas until 1844. He then 
moved to Texas, his parents accompanying him, 
and located in Dallas County, where he was 
employed in farming and stock-growing until 
1857. In that year he came overland to Cali- 
fornia and took up his residence at El Monte. 
Los Angeles County, remaining there until 1862, 
when he located at the Duarte. He remained 
at the latter place until 1864, and then moved 
to the Azusa, where he took up 160 acres of 
Government land. This land was for years the 
subject of litigation, being claimed by the Azusa 
grant holders. Mr. Casey stubbornly contested 
his rights, making such improvements mean- 
time as were required in cultivating his lands, 
until, finally, in 1882, when the title of his laud 
was clear, he found himself so advanced in years 
that he was unable to continue in active life. 
He therefore sold off and deeded to his son the 
greater portion of his land, retaining a small 
homestead upon which he proposes to pass the 
remainder of his life. He has for more than 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



thirty )'ears been a residentof tlie county, tweuty- 
live of which has been spent in the Aznsa, wliere 
he is well and favoraWy known. In political 
matters he is a lite-long Detnocrat. From the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Casey there are three 
children living, namely: John W., a sketch of 
whom appears in this volume; Sarah E., who 
married J. W. Taggart, now residing in Del 
Norte County; and Katharine Frances, wife of 
W. J. De Shields, a resident and farmer of the 
Aznsa. 

^-^3-%¥ 

fOITN W. CASEY.— The subject of this 
sketch is one of the pioneer farmers and 
horticulturists of the Azusa. He is the 
owner of twenty-four acres of land, located on 
the east side of Citrus avenue, about one mile 
east of the city of Azusa. This land is a por- 
tion of the old homestead of his father, John 
Casey, and has been under cultivation since 
1864:. Among the notable features of his place 
are four and a half acres of walnut trees. These 
trees were planted in 1871, and now (1889) 
present a magnificent appearance, yielding each 
year an abundant and valuable harvest. lie has 
also a fine family orchard of both citrus and 
deciduous fruits, and is rapidly increasing his 
horticultural productions by tree planting. His 
acres are abundantly supplied with water from 
the Azusa Water Development and Irrigation 
Company's system. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Washington County, Arkansas, in 
1840. "His father, John Casey (whose sketch 
precedes this) moved to Dallas County, Texas, 
in 1844. In that county Mr. Casey received 
liis early education and was also taught .the 
practical duties of farming and stock-growing. 
In 1857 he came with his father's family to 
California and was engaged with his father in 
farming at El Monte, and in 1864 accompanied 
him to the Duarte, and in 1864 came to the 
Azusa, where he was associated with him in all 
his agricultural pursuits until he took up his 
present home on a portion of the old homestead, j 



Mr. Casey has spent his life in agricultural pur- 
suits. For a quarter of a century he has been 
identified with the Azusa, and during all the 
years that his land was in litigation, and it was 
decidedly uncertain whether a title could ever 
be gained from the Government, he never lost 
his faith in his cause, but made many substan- 
tial improvements, tree-planting, etc., of which 
he is now reaping the benefits. He has been 
largely identified in building up his section. 
From 1871 to 1878 he was the water commis- 
sioner of his district. He is a strong supporter 
of schools and churches, and is a member and 
trustee of the Methodist Church, South. In 
political matters he is a Prohibitionist, but for 
years has been a supporter of the Democratic 
party. In 1874 Mr. Casey was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Martha J. Boswell, a native of 
Texas and the daughter of Eansome P. Boswell, 
who was a native of Tennessee. In early life he 
went to Texas and while there served as a soldier 
in the Mexican war. He came to Los Angeles 
in 1878, and resided in that city until his death, 
in 1884. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Casey there are four children: Mary Nixeon, 
Lorena F., John Ransome and Walter T. 



ICHAEL CRAIG, granite and stone 
contractor, Alameda street, Los An- 
is a native of Ireland and was 
born May 30, 1838. He came to America dur- 
ing his early boyhood and grew up and served 
an apprenticeship to his trade in Lowell, Massa- 
chusetts. He came to the Pacific Coast in 1862, 
Worked at his trade in Sacramento and San 
Francisco for many years, came to Los Angeles 
in 1882 and engaged in his present business, 
making a specialty of granite. He operates his 
own quarries in San Bernardino County. The 
stone from his quarries is regarded as of a high 
standard by architects here. It is dressed here, 
all except tlie rough work, whicli is done at the 
quarries, the work requiring, during the busy 
season, from twenty to twenty-tive men. Tliey 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



furnisli granite and stone for some of the best 
buildings in the city. Mr. Craig is the oldest 
in his line in Los Angeles, and has had a large, 
practical experience. In 1859 he married Miss 
Fanny Kelly, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. 
They have five children: John, Edward, Joseph, 
Mar\' and Fanny. One daughter, Elizabeth, is 
deceased. 



fAVID II. COLLINS was born in Roches- 
ter, New York, in 1838. His father. 
La Fayette Collins, was a native of Ver- 
mont, who early in life located at Rochester, 
and later entered upon the practice of law. He 
was a prominent man in his profession, and was 
for years judge of the district court in that 
city. The mother of the subject of this sketch 
was Elizabeth Hoyden, a native of Connecticut. 
In 1853 his father, accompanied by the family, 
came to California, and after a year or two spent 
in San Francisco and Sacramento, he took up 
his residence in Petaluma, Sonoma County. 
There he practiced iiis profession and became 
prominent in the legal and political circles of 
that county. He was a strong Republican in 
politics, and, although being in a Democratic 
community, he was elected as district attorney 
of the county. He died in 1867. Previous to tiie 
deathof his father, Mr. Collins, after completing 
his education, was engaged with his father and 
brother in farming and stock-growing in Sonoma 
County, with the exception of two years which 
he spent iu mining operations in Arizona. 
In 1867 he came to Sauthern California and 
located at San Jacinto, San Diego County, where 
he engaged in stock-growing until 1874. He 
then moved to Los Angeles County and took up 
his residence at Santa Ana, engaging in farming. 
From 1881 to 1883 he was employed in the 
dairy business, having a dairy of from 600 to 
700 cows on the Chino Rancii in San Bernardino 
County. In the latter year he returned to Los 
Angeles County and located at Spadra. There 
he purchased 196 acres of land in the Jan Jose 



school district, about one mile west of Spadra. 
Upon this he took up his residence and devoted 
himself to general farming. Mr. Collinses farm 
comprises both hill and valley land, and it is 
devoted principally to the production of hay and 
grain and to stock-raising. Mr. Collins takes a 
justly deserved pride in his stock, having the 
short-horned Durham cattle, and draft horses of 
the Norman breed, and Hamiltonian roadsters. 
In addition to his home farm he also has 400 
acres of rented land which he is devoting to the 
raising of grain. Mr. Collins is a practical and 
thorough farmer and is a desirable acquisition 
to the community in which he resides. In poli- 
tics he is a strong Republican, and takes an in- 
terest in the political questions of the day. 
He is a member of Pomona Lodge, No. 240, I. 
O O. F. Mr. Collins has been twice married. 
His first marriage was with Miss Zille Martin, 
in 1867, the daughter of Silas M. and Nancy 
M. (Cameron) Martin, wall-known residents of 
Sonoma County. She died in 1882, leaving five 
children, viz.: Frederick, Bessie, Gertrude, 
Grace and John. In 1882 Mr. Collins married 
Miss Ida Arnold, the daughter of William H. 
and Adeline (Pridgeon) Arnold. Her father is 
a native of Georgia and her mother of the same 
State. They are now (1889) residents of Spadra. 
From this union there is one child, La Fayette. 



ARD & CLARK, granite and stone con- 
tractors. East Fifth street, Los Angeles. 
This prosperous firm came to Los An- 
geles in 1885 and established their present busi- 
ness, on a small scale. Soon after they took in 
other partners who were only connected with 
the business about one year, when Messrs. Ward 
and Clark bought tlieir interest, and since then 
have carried on the business. Their granite 
and stone quarries are located in San Bernardino 
County, at Riverside. The stone is of superior 
quality and is partly dressed there and partly in 
Los Angeles. Showing how the business has 
increased, we note that when they began they 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



only furnished work ibr three men and now they 
employ from twenty-five to forty men. The 
granite lor the new conrt-liouse is being fur- 
iiiirlicd from their quarries. They have the con- 
tract for furnishing and setting the granite for 
tlie new postofiice, and have also furnished the 
granite for some of the heaviest buildings in 
the city and county. W. B. Ward, of the firm 
of Ward & Clark, is a native of tlie State of 
Maine, and was born June 19, 1859. lie grew 
up and served an apprenticeship to his trade 
there, and worked at his calling in different parts 
of New England until he came to California in 
1884. He remained in the northern part of the 
State one year and then came to Los Angeles. 
Since that time the firm, of which he is senior 
member, has been prominently identified with 
building interests here. Mr. Ward was married 
SejUember 8, 1881, to Miss Uattie E. Ellis, a 
native of Maine. They have two children: 
Alva and Theresa. George W. Clark, of the 
above-named firm, was born in the State of 
Maine, September G, 1860, son of Thomas 
Clark. lie attended school during boyhood 
and served an apprenticeship to his. trade in his 
native State. He worked at his trade in New 
England, Texas and Mexico, and came to the 
Pacific Coast in the spring of 1883, first going 
to Washington Territory. In the spring of 
1885 he came to Los Angeles and became as- 
sociated with his present partner, and since then 
has been successfully engaged in granite and 
stone business. Mr. Clark was united in mar- 
riage August 2, 1887, to Miss Nellie C. Ward, 
a native of the State of Maine and daughter of 
Ira and Hannah (Goodwin) Ward. Mr. and 
Mrs. (Mark have one daughter, Ethel M. 



5f AMES W. C ATE.— Among the representa. 
Wt five farmers of Los Angeles County is the 
^ subject of this sketch, a brief risvwc of 
^hose life is as follows: Mr. Gate dates his birtii 
I) 1828, and is a native of the old Granite 



Slate. Hi 



Walter 



Mary P. (Wi 



gins) Cate, were residents of Stafford County, 
New Hampshire, and were also natives of that 
State, descendants of old New England families. 
In 18-38 his father moved to Adams County, 
Illinois, and engaged in farming and stock-rais- 
ing. Mr. Cate was reared to the calling of his 
father, and remained upon his father's farm un- 
til twenty-four years of age. He then purchased 
land and engaged in farming operations upon 
his own account until 1864. In that year he 
started overland for California, making tiie 
journey by ox teams. Upon his arrival at Salt 
Lake, he decided to enter California by the 
Southern route, and in the fall of the year 
located in Los Angeles County. After a short 
stay at El Monte, Mr. Cate leased land near 
Downey and engaged in general farming until 
1867. He then ]iurchased 155 acres of land in 
the Ilanchi to school district, three miles north of 
Rivera, between the old and new San Gabriel 
Rivers. Since that time Mr. Cate has devoted 
himself to agricultural and liorticultural pur- 
suits, and has built up one of the finest and 
most productive farms in that section. This 
land when first occupied by him was in its wild 
and uncultivated state, and years of labor were 
required in clearing and bringing the naturally 
rich soil into subjection for yielding its rich 
harvests. His success is best shown by a brief 
mention of the present cultivation of this model 
place. His broad acres are admirably located 
for perfect irrigation, and an abundant supply 
of water from the San Gabriel River is made 
available for every acre of his land by a perfect 
system of irrigation ditches. Mr. Cate has con- 
ducted a system of diversified farming, confining 
himself to no special production. The climate, 
soil, etc., is adapted to the successful cultivation 
of both citrus and deciduous fruits, and par- 
ticularly to walnut-growing. He has a fine 
walnut grove of thirty acres in extent, that por- 
tion which is in full bearing giving him a yearly 
profit of over $200 per acre. Perfect success 
seems to have been attained in his vine culture. 
His vineyard comprises eleven acres of Berger, 
and one acre of Zinfandel wine grapes. In 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES UOUNTT. 



1888 tliese vines were in full bearing; and as 
showing what climate, soil and an intelligent 
and practical cultivation will do, we cite the fact 
that the yield from his vinejanl in that year 
was over seventeen tons per acre. Two and one- 
half acres are devoted to citrus and deciduous 
fruits, producing oranges, lemons, apples, pears, 
peaches, apricots, etc. Alfalfa and corn give 
large harvests upon his irrigated land. Hay 
and grain also occupy a considerable extent of 
his lands. The improvements upon his place 
are substantial and well ordered. A tine two- 
story residence of modern architectural design, 
containing the conveniences and even luxuries 
of a well-ordered home, has taken the place of 
his modest cottage of early days. Commodious 
and well-ordered barns and out-buildings attest 
the prosperous results of his labor. Mr. Gate 
is a strong bdliever in the future prosperity of 
Los Angeles County and Southern California, 
anil has landed interests in other sections, 
among which is 100 acres of grain land six miles 
west of Los Angeles, twenty acres of improved 
land at Monrovia, and 1,800 acres in Fresno 
County, situated about ten miles northeast of 
the city of Fresno. Mr. Cate, when first locat- 
ing in Los Angeles County, was poor; his 
capital was an intelligent, practical knowledge 
of agricultural pursuits, industrious habits, and 
an honest and straightforward manner in deal- 
ing with his fellow-men. These qualities have 
secured him a reasonable competency, and gained 
him the respect and esteem of a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances, lie is a consistent 



member of the Methodist Church, South, taki 



a deep interest in both church and schools. He 
has served for over twenty years as an able 
school trustee of his district. In political mat- 
ters he is a Democrat. In 1856 Mr. Cate was 
united in marriage with Miss Eliza Henderson, 
a native of Indiana. Her parents were William 
and Anna (McConnell) Henderson, both natives 
of Pennsylvania. Three of their live children 
are now living, viz.: Daniel Webster, who mar- 
ried Miss Emma Pierce; Dallas Mason and 
James Wilbur. They are all residing on the 



old homestead and engaged with their father in 
his farming operations. The third child. Hay- 
den, died in 1878, at the age of twenty years; 
and the fifth child, Louise Olive, died in 1888, 
aged twenty-two years. 

^-^--^ 



PvOK. .1. M. COYNER, Vice-President of 
the Occidental University, is a native of 
Virginia, born September 16, 1827. His 
father, Robert Coyner, was a slaveholder, who, 
in 1837, gave his slaves their freedom, and re- 
moved to Ohio; and in that State the subject of 
this sketch received his early education. He 
entered Hanover College, at Hanover, Indiana, 
and graduated in 1852, after which he engaged 
in teaching, was Professor of Mathematics at 
Waveland Collegiate Institute, and was con- 
nected with that institution of learning for ten 
years. He then accepted the position of super- 
intendent of schools at Cambridge City, In- 
diana, tilling that position two years. He was 
next called to Rushville, Illinois, where he held 
the same position two years, liequiring a 
change of climate, on account of his health, he 
was sent to the Indians in Northern Idaho, and 
was there in the employ of the Government two 
years. In 1875 he was called to the educational 
and mission work at Salt Lake City, and for ten 
years he was the head and front of educational 
and evangelical work in Utah. Coming in con- 
tact in his daily work with the opposition and 
persecution of the Mormon Church, he boldly 
metevery issue with an unflinching purpose not 
to compromise any principle of his work. He 
and his brave, noble wife labored successfully 
in that field for ten years, leaving the work in a 
most prosperous condition. On account of his 
wife's health, they came to Los Angeles in May, 
1885, seeking a more congenial climate. The 
Professor was called to Sierra Madre College 
and remained there until the death of his wife. 
This estimable lady departed this life in Jan- 
uary, 1888. in Chillicothe, Ohio. She was, be- 
fore her marriage, Miss Mary Wilson, of Ross . 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Count}', Ohio. Mrs. Cojiier was engaged in 
teaching with her husband. She received the 
lirst coniuiission ever granted by the Board of 
Home Missions to a lady, and her commission 
is No. 1. They had two children, a son and 
daiigliter. The latter was the wife of Kev. 
Josiah Welch, of Salt Lake City. After the 
deatli of his wife, Professor Coyner became 
identified with Occidental University, and at 
present holds tiie position uf vice-president of 
this prosperous institution of learning. 



E. COHN, M. D., was born at Brandenburg, 
Germany, in 1852, while his parents were 
there on a visit. His father. Rev. Elkin 
Colin, D. D., is a native of Germany, and a 
graduate of the Berlin University. He has 
ofiiciated as the Rabbi of the Jewish Temple 
Immaniiel, at San Francisco, for nearly thirty 
years. His mother, 7iee Caroline Levuillant, 
was a native of Switzerland, and was born at 
Yverdun, Canton de Vaux. She was a niece uf 
the celebrated Parisian chemist of the same 
name. She died at San Francisco in 1880, at 
tlie age of fifty-five years. Rev. Elkin Colin and 
his wife were both of Hebrew ancestors. With 
the exception of time spent in Europe, the 
Doctor was reared in San Francisco. AVlien 
fourteen years of age he was sent to Berlin, 
Prussia, to complete his education, and while 
there he began the study of medicine. In 1871, 
returning to America, he entered the Medical 
College of the Pacific at San Francisco, from 
wliicl: he graduated as M. D. in 1881. In that 
year he received the appointment of superin- 
tending surgeon of the Northern Pacific Rail- 
road Company, and in connection with the same 
was also appointed to a like position by the 
Oregon Railway and Navigation Company. In 
1884 lie located in the Central Hospital of the 
Northern Pacific Railway Company at Mis- 
soula, Montana, and directed the company's 
medical affairs from that point until the latter 
part of 1885, when, resigning on account of 



poor health, lie came to Los Angeles and estab- 
lished himself in medical practice. Dr. Cohn 
was married in 1879, at Oakland, California, to 
Miss Eflfie C. Case, daughter of tlie late Captain 
Elijah Case, one of the oldest pioneers of Cali- 
fornia. She was born at San Francisco, where 
she was reared and educated. The Doctor ia 
not only a good English scholar, but also speaks 
the German and French languages fluently. He 
is now engaged in translating into English 
" Hyrtle's Topographical Anatomy." He is the 
author of several medical works, viz: "Epitome 
of the Hiftory of Anatomy," " The Influence of 
Essential Oil Bearing Plants on Malaria," " Rail- 
road Surgery as a Specialty," " Concussion of the 
Brain and Spinal Cord in Railroad Accidents," 
etc. He is the inventor of the emergency cot, 
now so extensively used in railroad accidents. 
Dr. Cohn is a prominent Freemason, having 
attained to the thirty-second degi'ee of that order. 



fOHN P. COLVER, a fanner and fruit- 
grower, on lot 70 of the American colony 
tract of the Cerritos Ranch, came to this 
State seven years ago. He located first at Col- 
ton, San Bernardino County, where, for a num- 
ber of years, he was engaged in farming and 
also worked at the carpenter's trade. Mr. C.ol- 
ver was born in the Emjiire State, Dutchess 
County, May 6, 1825, his parents being Alanson 
and Permelia (Finch) Colver. They were natives 
of New York State, the former being descended 
from English ancestors and the latter from 
Scotch. They were the parents of five children, 
John P., however, being the only surviving one. 
In 1858 Mr. Colver went to Kansas where he 
worked at his trade until the breaking out of the 
war. His sympathies were at once enlisted on 
the Union side and he entered the army. After 
an honorable record of eighteen months' service 
he was discharged on account of disability. 
After this he sought employment in a new line 
of action, and went into the giocery business in 
Leavenworth, Kansas. Later he engaged as a 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLBS COUNTY. 



traveling salesman for Bittnan, Taj'lor & Co., 
spending twelve years on the road, doing busi- 
ness for that lirin. January 5, 1851, lie was 
united in marriage to Miss Julia Kelsey, a 
native of Connecticut. To tliem have been born 
one child, Mary. Politically Mr. Colver is 
identified with the Republican party. He is a 
member of the G. A. R. Post at Colton, Cali- 
fornia. As a citizen he stands high in the com- 
muTiity, and is honored and respected by his 
neighbors and acquaintances. 



«RNEST A. COXHEAD, California Bank- 
Building, Los Angeles, was \)orn in Sus- 
sex, England, in 1863; received his pro- 
fessional education in the Architectural School 
of the Royal Academy of Arts, London; entered 
the office of one of the leading architects of that 
great city, where he became foi*eman, and left 
that position in 1886 to come to America. In 
the spring of that year he came to Los Angeles 
and since then he has been prosecuting his 
chosen profession with brilliant success. He 
has been entrusted with preparing the plans and 
superintending the erection of some of the finest 
buildings in the city. and surrounding country. 
He drew the plan of the Young Men's Christian 
Association Building, one of the finest blocks in 
Los Angeles; also of the First English Lutheran 
Church, the All Saints' Episcopal Church, Pas- 
adena; the First Congregational Church of Los 
Angeles, the Memorial Church (stone) at Gar- 
vanza, and many others. 



fAMES COOK, proprietor of the Los Ange- 
les Wool Pulling Factory, and manufacturer 
of tallow and neat's-foot oil, is a native of 
the State of Connecticut, and was born Novem- 
ber 6, 1836. He grew up and attended school 
there, and upon reaching manhood determined 
to seek his fortune on the Pacific Coast. He 
sailed from New York, came via the Istiinius 



and reached San Francisco in January, 1857, 
going directly to the mines at Marysville. While 
there they had, to use a miner's expression, a 
pretty tough experience. They ran short of 
provisions, and for th-ee days three of them 
lived on the head of a grizzly bear. Mr. Cook 
returned to Marysville and afterward engaged 
in business and established the Marysville Soap 
Works. He was $50 in debt when he began, 
but by industry and practical ability he built up 
a prosperous business. During the famous 
floods in Marysville Mr. Cook and his family 
had a very narrow escape. His house was del- 
uged with water. From the first story they 
were driven to the second, and by standing on 
tal)les, supported themselves as best they could. 
The water continuing to rise, Mr. Cook cut a 
large hole in the roof anti dragged his family 
through the hole out on the roof in the nio-ht 
and then secured some bedding, drenched with 
water, and lay there until morning. They were 
finally rescued on a raft, and as they floated 
through the streets they saw other people on 
the house-tops, equally as unfortunate as them- 
selves. After the flood partially abated, Mr. 
Cook was prominent in immediately organizing 
relief committees, and rode day and night with 
his team for a week, as one of the directors of 
the committee, carrying provisions and blankets 
for those who were suffering, giving the grain 
from his barn and money from his pocket, and 
using his credit at the stores to assist and re- 
lieve his less fortunate neighbors, until all were 
made quite comfortable. That is the kind of a 
whole-souled, generous man he is. The follow- 
ing year his house was burned and his family 
barely escaped with their lives. Mr. Cook was 
successfully engaged in business and ])romi- 
nently identified with the interests of Marysville 
for almost a quarter of a century. Me then 
went to Oakland, built a tannery and carried on 
the business of wool-pulling and tallow-refining 
for six years, after which he sold his interests 
and went East. After remaining there a time 
he returned to California and located in Los 
Angeles. He purchased half a block of land 



726 



U I STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and erected his present large, commodious fac- 
tory, and is doing a siiccessfnl and constantly 
increasing business. In this enterprise he is 
ably assisted by his son, who inherits the me- 
chanical genius of his father. Mr. Cook owns 
a very line ranch of 900 acres in Antelope Val- 
ley, besides other property. He owes his suc- 
cess in life to his own determined energy, his 
practical ability to master every detail of his 
business in whatever he undertook, and always 
made his word his bond. He has ever been 
open handed and generous, and always ready to 
do more than his share in behalf of the suffering 
and unfortunate, and never caring for the popu- 
lar applause of the world. Mr. Cook was united 
in marriage February 12, 1863, to Miss Mary 
Ann Corder, of California. They have five 
children: Violet Louisa, Daisy, Carry A., Will- 
iam J. A., and Mary J. 

^-m-^ 

fHOMAS COPLEY, capitalist, 22 North 
Hope street, Los Angeles, is a native of 
England, and was born March 31, 1831. 
He was reared and learned the trade of cloth- 
finishing in his native country. After reaching 
manhood he emigrated to America in 1855, and 
worked at his trade in Canada for two years. 
In the spring of 1857 he started overland to 
California, and drove an ox team from Fort 
Leavenworth to Salt Lake. There were forty- 
five wagons in the train, with six yoke of oxen 
to each wagon, transporting supplies for the 
troops at Camp Floyd. The stock was stam- 
peded by Indians, but the wagon-master being 
a model scout of long experience, they secured 
possession of their stock. After reaching Salt 
Lake, Mr. Copley, witli seven others, packed 
four ponies and came on foot all the way, a dis- 
tance of 800 miles, to San Bernardino. He 
came to Los Angeles and obtained work in a 
restaurant in a little adobe hut on Main street, 
where the First National Bank now stands. 
After a short time he was taken ill and went to 
the Sisters' Hospital. After his recovery he 



was employed for two years at the hospital. 
He next bought some laud and engaged in gar- 
dening for some time on Alameda street, where 
the Lankersheim now stands. Mr. Copley after- 
-ward engaged in contracting, excavating, and 
hauling building material, and making streets, 
gardens, etc., and for over a quarter of a century 
successfully carried on the business. He owns 
valuable property on Fort street, and also on 
Hope street. Mr. Copley had no capital when 
he began life, and his success is due to his in- 
dustry and good management. He married 
Miss Margaret Grinsell, a native of New York 
State. Their home on Hope street is one of the 
most eligible locations in the city. 



fEORGE CARSON, farmer and stock-raiser, 
near Dominguez Station, was born in the 
State of New York, March 8, 1832, son of 
John and Sophia (Cady) Carson, natives also of 
that State, who moved, when their son was 
twelve years of age, to St. Charles, Illinois. In 
1846 he enlisted in the Mexican war, in Colonel 
.Newberry's regiment, and served until the close 
of the contest, being discharged at Santa Fe. 
After spendif.g some time at the latter place 
and in Mexico, he came in 1853 to Los Angeles 
and engaged in the hardware trade on Commer- 
cial street, in partnership with Mr. Sanford. 
After about nine years in this business he 
moved to his present place, where he engaged 
in stock-raising, to which he has since added 
general agriculture. The estate comprises 24,- 
000 acres, of which he has one-sixth. It bor- 
ders along the ocean coast near Dominguez 
Station, is known as the San Pedro Ranch, and 
is one of the finest estates in Southern Califor- 
nia. At first Mr. Carson devoted his attention 
mainly to sheep-raising, but he now has a large 
stock of horses and cattle as well. Some of 
these are fine-bred, being of the best strains in 
California. His home also is one of the finest 
in Los Angeles County, the large and commodi- 
ous residence, completed two years ago, occupy- 



HISTORY OF LOS AtfOBLES VOITNTY. 



ing a most commanding locality — -one of the 
most beautiful and romantic places between Los 
Angeles and the sea. July 30, 1857, is the 
date of Mr. Carson's marriage to Miss Victoria 
Domin^uez, daughter of the late Manuel Domin- 
guez, an early and honored settler of this county, 
a sketch of whose life is given elsewliere in this 
work. Mr. and Mrs. Carson have si.v sons and 
si.\ daughters. 



til. DUNLxVP, residing in tiie Ranchito 
district, a mile and a half north of Iliv- 
* era, dates his birth in Bell (Jounty 
Texas, December 23, 1819, son of John and 
Mary Uunlap, who were among the emigrants 
of 1854 from Texas to Los Angeles County. 
John Dunlap brought some means to this new 
country, bat his capital mainly consisted of an 
almost inexhaustible fund of energy and ambi- 
tion. The two years following their coming 
were spent by the family on a ranch near El 
Monte. Tliey then removed to Tulare County. 
There Mr. Dunlap soon became known far and 
wide as a successful stock-grower and dealer. 
Later he became a resident of San Bernardino 
County, where he continued actively engaged in 
business many years. After a life of great use- 
fulness, during which he had won the confi- 
dence and respect of business and social circles, 
he died July 6, 1875, aged six.ty-four years. 
His widow, Mrs. Mary Dunlap, survives and 
makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Laura 
Egan, at Pomona. The names of her children, 
besides Mrs. Egan and A. H. Dunlap, whose 
name heads this sketch, are F. P. Dunlap, Lewis 
Dunlap, Mrs. Mary Glenn and Mrs. Ella Collins. 
All are prosperous and well settled in life. A. 
II. Dunlap, the subject of this sketch, is as 
thoroughly identified with the growtii and de- 
velopment of Southern California as a "native 
son," for his earliest recollections of life are of 
scenes and incidents in this sunny land. In 
Sm Bernardino County, in 1872, he wedded 
Miss Susan Standefer, daughter of James S. 



and Caroline R. Standefer, who were also emi- 
grants from Texas, where Mrs. Dunlap was 
born. The home property occupied by Mr. and 
Mrs. Dunlap contains seventy-live acres of choice 
land in one of the finest districts of the famous 
San (rabriel Valley. The quality of soil and 
abundance of water make the ranch especially 
valuable for the purpose to which it is mainly 
devoted — fruit-growing. The thrifty orange 
grove is yielding a revenue of about .^400 per 
acre. One of the noticeable tine improvements 
ib a walnut grove, now from six to ten years 
old. Mr. Dunlap occupied and commenced the 
improvement of this property in 1876. In con- 
nection with the heirs of the M. H. Tyler estate, 
Mr. Dunlap owns a one-half interest in 400 
acres of land adjoining the town plat of Whit- 
tier, on the south. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have 
eight children. Their names in order of their 
birth are: Minnie, Albert, Lena, Louis, William, 
John, Ross and Lilian. Mrs. Dunlap's father 
now resides at Pomona with his daugiiter, Mrs. 
T. D. Holliday, where her mother died April 
20, 1888. One brother who recently (1888) 
came from Texas, D. T. Standefer, resides in 
Pomona; another brother, William R. Stande- 
fer, a Californian of long standing, widely and 
favorably known, who the latter part of his life 
was a resident and owner of the Ranchito dis- 
trict, died April 4, 1879. 



fAMES D. DURFEE is oneof the most suc- 
cessful and representative farmers of La 
Puente school district. His fine farm is 
located on the Temple road, about three miles 
south of El Monte. Mr. Durfee was born in 
Adams County, Illinois, in 1840." His father, 
James Durfee, was a native of Rhode Island, 
and his mother, nee Cynthia Soule, was born in 
New York. The death of his parents occurring 
when he was quite young left him an orphan, 
and dependent upon his own exertions for sup- 
port and education. He remained in the county 
of his birth until fifteen years of age, and then 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



started westward, aiming for the Golden State. 
He crossed the plains to Salt Lake with an emi- 
grant wagon train, and there took the southern 
route into California. Upon his arrival in San 
Bernardino County, in the fall of 1855, he en- 
gaged in farming and other occupations until 
1859, when he came to Los Angeles County and 
rented land about lour miles south of El Monte, 
upon which he engaged in farming until the 
next year. He then purchased 125 acres — his 
present residence — of wild and uncultivated land 
and commenced its improvement and cultiva- 
tion. Mr. Durfee has devoted himself to a 
system of diversified farming, planting a large 
variety of citrus and deciduous fruits i'or domes- 
tic use, and also a line walnut grove, about his 
residence. The remainder of his land is pro- 
ducing hay, grain and vegetables, and support- 
ing his stock. Among the latter is a dairy of 
twenty cows of the famous Jersey stock. He 
has also fine specimens of horses improved by 
tiie " Eichmond" breed. Among the notice- 
able features of his place are his English walnut 
trees, which have reached a remarkable growth. 
The oldest were planted in 1864, and several are 
now (1889) I'rom two and a half feet to three 
feet in diameter. No irrigation has ever been 
used by Mr. Durieein raising his citrus or other 
fruit. A neat cottage residence and commodi- 
ous barns and out-buildings attest the success 
that has attended his efforts. A residence of 
thirty years in the San Gabriel Valley has made 
Mr. Dnrfee well known. His straightforward, 
manly qualities and consistent mode of life liave 
gained him scores of warm friends. Starting in 
life a poor orphan boy, he has by his industry 
and perseverance fought his way upward. Un- 
daunted by many obstacles unknown to his more 
favored competitors in the race of life, he has 
secured a success in his calling. He is an in- 
telligent and self-educated man. Taking a deej) 
interest in schools, he has for many years served 
his school district as one of its active trustees. 
He is a life-long Eepublican, a worker in the 
ranks of his party, and has represented his dis- 
trict as a delegate in many of the county con- 



ventions. In 1887-'88 he was the assistant 
assessor, and made the assessment for his town- 
ship. He is also an active member of the 
Patrons of Husbandry. In 1856 Mr. Durfee 
was united in marriage with Miss Diantha 
Cleniinson, a history of whose family is given 
in a sketch of her brother, James Cleminson. to 
be found in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Durfee 
have had two children, Eva and James Ros- 
well, both of whom are members of their father's 
household. 

'^■^■^ 

fEORGE B. DAVIS was born in Concord, 
Massachusetts, in 1821. His parents, 
Thomas H. and Maria (Barnes) Davis, 
were both natives of Massachusetts. Mr. Davis 
was reared and scliooled in his native })lace. 
While a young man he lelt the farm and learned 
the trade of boot and shoe maker, and soon after 
reaching his majority he established himself in 
the boot and shoe business, and as his trade in- 
creased he commenced manufacturing upon an 
extensive scale, in Concord. He conducted his 
enterprise in that place for nearly forty years, 
and was one of the representative business men 
of that section. In addition to other enteiprises 
he was a lumber dealer, and was also engaged 
in the real-estate business. In 1884 Mr. Davis 
decided to I'etire from the active business pur- 
suits and seek a more genial climate, and in 
October of that year he came to California and 
located in the Sierra Madre Colony, taking up 
his residence upon a forty-eight-aere tract, which 
he had purchased in 1881. This land is situated 
on the east side of Baldwin avenue, northwest of 
Live Oak avenue. It was then in a wild and 
uncultivated state. He at first planted a vine- 
yard of thirty-live acres, but later decided to 
devote his attention to fruit culture, and in 1885 
commenced tree-planting. At this writing 
(1889) he is the owner of forty-five acres of his 
original tract, eleven acres of which are an orange 
grove and orchard, producing Washington Na- 
vel oranges and a large variety of deciduous 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



729 



fruits for family use. Twelve acres are in 
Muscat grapes. Tlie rest of bis laud is devoted 
to bay and grain. The substantial improve- 
ments, consisting of a well-ordered cottage and 
suitable out-bniidings, denote the successful 
farmer and horticulturist. Mr. Davis has taken 
an interest in developing the resources of the 
colony and advancing its interests. lie is a di- 
rector of tbe Sierra Madre "Water Company, and 
in 1888 was the vice-president of the company. 
Politically he is a Kepnblican, and though not 
an office seeker, takes an intelligent interest in 
tbe success of bis party. He is a consistent 
member of the Congregational Church of Sierra 
Madre, and a strong supporter of tbe same; has 
been a trustee, and in 1885 and 1886 was one 
of the deacons of tbe church. In 1854 Mr. 
Davis married Miss Sarab A. Cracroft, a native 
of New York City. They have one ciiild, Alice 
L., who married Chester A. Andrews, formerly 
of Connecticut, but now a resident of Sierra 
Madre. 

iRS. MAMIE PERKY DAVIS is a na- 
tive of tbe city of Los Angeles, the 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. 
Perry, from both of whom she inherited her 
passionate love of music, which she has exhibited 
from her earliest childhood. She first challenged 
the attention of tbe local public by singing, 
wiiile yet in her 'teens, in a concert wherein she 
took tbe leading soprano in tbe " Lucia" sextet, 
which she carried through with tbe precision of 
a full-fledged prima donna, and by singing in a 
charming manner one of tbe brilliant arias of 
Rigoletto. The local press at the time, chroni- 
cling her success, was very enthusiastic in proph- 
esying her future possibilities. In 1880 she 
went to Italy to study under the best masters, 
her first teacher being Albites (husband of Mme. 
Gazzanica), and afterward the eminent maestro, 
Signor Sangiovani, became her tutor. She re- 
mained under bis instruction till her debut, 
September 25, 1881, in tbe title role of Petrella's 



opera, "Contessa d'Amalfi," whicb she sang 
with great success for seventeen nigbts. Tbe 
musical journals of Milan, Florence, Mantua and 
Bologna spoke in high terms of the line quality 
of her voice, especially of her extreme high 
notes, extending to D and E, and of the excel- 
lence and purity of her scales, trills, sustained 
and staccato notes. In the " Farfalla" (Butterfly) 
cavatina particularly, and in the " Polacca" from 
the opera of " Puritani," which she sometimes 
sang as an interlude, she created extraordinary 
enthusiasm, according to tbe journals L' Arena, 
of Verona, and II Mondo Artistico, of Milan. 
Her Italian audiences, who knew her as " Maria 
Perrini," and who knew what good singing was, 
were very quick to i-ecognize the beauty of her 
voice, whicb they classified as a high soprano, 
and the extraordinary agility of her runs, which, 
when accompanied by tbe flute, could not easily 
be distinguished from tbe tones of that instru- 
ment. In Milan she was called the " velvet- 
voiced Soprano," and it was not surprising that 
her master, Signor Sangiovani, was very proud 
of his pupil and of her success; nor that he proph- 
esied for her a brilliant future if she kept up 
her studies and adopted tbe lyric art as a pro- 
fession, which was her intention when she 
returned to America; but tbe charms of social 
and domestic life have, temporarily at least, 
diverted her from this intention. In 1883 Miss 
Perry was married to Mr. Charles W. Davis, of 
Portsmouth, Ohio, who was also a highly cult- 
ured musician. He died July 7, 1885. Mrs. 
Davis has frequently sung in grand concerts, 
etc., since her return from Italy, and she has 
ever been ready to sing for charitable and other 
objects, which she has thus aided in a most 
efficient manner. In ballad, and in pathetic 
music, tbe sympathetic quality of her voice is 
its tnost striking characteristic. In this class 
of music it has been said, metaphorically but 
not inaptly, that " there are tears in her sing- 
ing." But whether she renders religious, class- 
ical or operatic music, her cultured auditors at 
once recognize that she has tbe instincts of a 
true musician. She has of late intended to re- 



730 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



turn to Europe and resume her studies under the 
guidance of her old master, Siguor Sangiovani, 
but has been deterred from doing so thus far, 
partly by ill health and partly by the disinclina- 
tion of her family to have her go abroad, to be 
absent for a series of years. She is held in the 
highest esteem for her kind heart and many 
noble womanly qualities by the people of her 
native city, who are also proud of her success in 
her art. In social life she is ever the cultured, 
gracious lady, whose charms of person and man 
ner make her society sought by all who come 
within the circle of her influence. To her 
friends, high or low, rich or poor, she is ever 
true, like the true woman she is. Mrs. Davis 
is an honorary member of the Grand Army of 
tiie Republic, and is, with possibly a single ex- 
ception, the only lady Major, regularly elected 
to that office in that body, in the United States. 
Mrs. Major Mamie Perry Davis is justifiably 
proud of the distinction thus spontaneously be- 
stowed upon her, as is the G. A. R. Post of 
which she is a member proud to have her name 
inscribed upon its roster of officers. A portrait 
of Mrs. Davis appears in this work. 



' P: " : - 2 < 



fUARLES W. DAVIS, arciiitect, Downey 
Block, North Main street, Los Angeles, is 
a native of Massachusetts, born in New- 
buryport, March 24, 1826. His parents and 
grandparents were natives of the same State. 
During his boyhood the subject of this sketch 
attended school in his native town and served 
an apprenticeship of five years in learning the 
trade of carpenter and joiner. He next entered 
the office of a leading architect in Boston where 
he remained two years. In 18-49, during the 
gold excitement in California, he determined to 
come to the Pacific Coast, and sailed on the ship 
Euphrasia, Captain Charles Buntin, and was six 
months and fourteen days on the way. When 
he landed in San Francisco all he had was a 
$2.50 gold-piece, and board at that time was $7 
]ier day. His ability as an architect was fully 



appreciated at that time and his services were 
in active demand. He immediately engaged in 
business and was the contractor and builder of 
the Jewish Synagogue Iminanuel on Sutter 
street, Rev. Thomas Starr King's Church, the 
Silby Shot Tower, the Robert Watt Block on 
Kearny street, the Tucker jewelry store on 
Montgomery street, and many other prominent 
buildings; thenceforward he devoted his time 
exclusively to his profession. After a residence 
of twenty years in San Francisco he resided in 
Santa Cruz four years, and then, in 1874, he came 
to Los Angeles, where he has since been actively 
identified with the progress of this city. With 
one exception he is the oldest in his profession 
in this place. He has operated in real estate, 
laid out the Davis subdivisions on Washington 
street, and has been very successful in his invest- 
ments generally. He owns the Golden Eagle 
Ranch on the National boulevard, where he has 
registered Jerseys for sale at all times, some 
of the choicest stock in Southern California. 
He has done much to improve this part of the 
city. His success in life is owing to his own 
unaided efforts, and he is naturally liberal and 
generous. For his first wife Mr. Davis married 
Caroline Collins, of Amesbury, Massachusetts; 
she died, leaving three children, two of whom 
are yet living. For his present wife he married 
Miss Frances Parks Tuttle, of Los Angeles, 
March 8, 1879. They have two sons: Edward 
W. and Calvin W.; and two daughters, Frances 
Pearl and Anna Diamond. 

fOHN I. DAVISSON, a grain and fruit 
raiser residing two miles west of Compton, 
is a pioneer of 1850. He was born in 
Tippecanoe County, Indiana, in 1832, and is a 
son of Elias and Sarah (Post) Davisson, na- 
tives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, and 
of English origin. They were early settlers of 
Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and subsequently 
removed to Holt County, Missouri, where the 
residue of their lives was spent. The former 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



died in 1849 and the latter in 1850. They 
reared a family of eight children, the subject 
of this sketch being the youngest of the three 
boys. Leaving his home in Holt County, Mis- 
souri, in April, 1850, he set out for the Pacific 
Coast, coming overland, and arriving in Mil- 
waukee, Oregon, October 18, of the same year. 
After camping there for three months he, in 
company with eighteen men, went to Yerka, 
Siskiyou County, where he engaged in mining 
for one year. After leaving the mines Mr. Davis- 
son was variously employed; he purchased mules 
and followed "packing" for about four years, 
then moved to Saline County, next to the Brit- 
ish Possessions, and still later to Ventura County, 
where he farmed till 1869. In that year he 
was married to Louisa Haver, of the State of 
Arkansas, and a daughter of Wilson Haver, a 
Methodist minister who came to California in 
1862 and died in Eastern Oregon in 1888. Mr. 
Davisson purchased forty acres of land when he 
tirst came to Los Angeles County and has to-day 
a well-improved, productive farm. Mr. and Mrs. 
Davisson, with their two oldest children, Cora 
N. and Delia M., are members of the Methodi-st 
Episcopal Church. Their other children are: 
Abbie, Nettie, and Ray. 



-^^-3--^ 



fL. DAVISON, a farmer residing near 
Compton, was born in Connecticut in 
* 1821, and is a son of J. L. Davison, Sr.^ 
who was also a farmer and who spent the most 
of his life in the Slate of New York. Mr. 
Davison left his homo in the East in 1847, and 
went to Dodge County, Wisconsin, where he 
farmed for several years, after which, in 1856, 
he moved to Seward County, Nebraska, and 
there engaged in the milling business for some 
time. In 1884 he moved to New Mexico, and 
in 1887 came to Los Angeles County, where 
he purchased the farm on which he now lives. 
This farm is well stocked with a good grade of 
horses and cattle, and the broad fields of alfalfa 
and his orchards of fruit speak of his energy 



and perseverance as a farmer. Mr. Davison was 
married in 1842, the partner of his choice being 
Jerusha Weeks, a native of the Empire State. 
Together they have traveled the pathway of life, 
and together have worked and enjoyed its bless- 
ings. They have reared a family of seven chil- 
dren, all of whom are married. "They are: Joseph 
H., who married Mary Mitchell; Alice, wife of 
G. W. Lazenbj'; M. M., who married Nanna 
Bartlett; Ada, wife of J. H. Calver; Clara, wife 
of J. A. May; A. L.,who married Nora Bellwood; 
and Lulu, wife of T. F. Shields. Both Mr. Davison 
and his wife are active and consistent members 
of the Methodist Church, and are worthy and 
honored people, respected and esteemed by all 
who know them. 



fW. DYE. — Prominent among the early 
pioneers of Los Angeles County was the 
* subject of this sketch. He was born in 
Mason County, Kentucky, December 6, 1810, 
and is the son of Robert and Sarah (Wells) Dye. 
Both his grandfathers, Granville H. Dye and 
Thomas Wells, were pioneers with Daniel Boone 
in Kentucky. They were originally from New 
Jersey, and were of German extraction. Thomas 
Wells was a Captain in the Revolutionary war. 
The subject of this sketch is the third of live 
sons. He left home after he had obtained his 
majority and went to Missouri, locating at Wes- 
ton, Piatt County, where he was engaged for 
several years in the hotel and livery l)usiness. 
In 1844 he was married to Miss Ilellen Winter, 
who was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, and 
is a (laughter of John and Harriet (Hall) Win- 
ter, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. 
Winter reared a large family-, nine children in 
all; he died in Missouri at the advanced age of 
ninety years. In 186B Mr. Dye sold out his 
interests in Weston, Missouri, and moved to 
Virginia City, Montana, where, for some time 
he was in the saw-mill business, and later re- 
moved to Bannock City. On the 26tli of De- 
cember, 186G, he arrived in Los Angeles, and 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



lived in tlie city for three years. In 1869 he 
purchased eighty acres of land which he im- 
proved, and where he has since lived. He has 
been very successful in his business career. The 
following are the names of the children of Mr. 
and Mrs. Dye: Emma, the oldest, is wife of J. 
R. Leoherman, who was mayor of Los Angeles 
for three terms; Ilattie, wife of E. H. Dalton, 
who is overseer of the Water Company of Los 
Angeles; Fannie, wife of Louis Barthel, died 
five years ago; Mollie is the wife of A. M. 
Green, who has been with Jacoby Brothers in 
tlie dry-goods business for several years; and 
Bradley,, who died at the age of nineteen years. 

^^ ■ .^ ,^,. {.,[-§-•, i^ ■ , .^ 

fOLONELT. 8. DUNN, of Santa Monica, ig 
a retired officer of the regular army. He is a 
native of Indiana, and is the youngest son of 
Judge Williamson Dunn, who was a well-known 
and prominent man in Jefferson County, Indiana. 
He represented the people of that county in the 
State Legislature for several terms, and was 
judge of the circuit court of Jefferson County. 
He was boru in what is now the State of Ken- 
tucky, but then a part of Virginia, December 
25, 1781. He was the first white child born in 
that region. He married Miss Miriam Wilson, 
also a native of Kentucky, and of Scotch-Irish 
descent. By her he had eleven children. The 
subject of this sketch was educated at the com- 
mon schools and also attended college. In 1850 
he married Miss Harriet Tipton, of Logansport, 
Indiaini. She is the daughter of General John 
Tiptiiu, who was at the battle of Tippecanoe, 
in tiie war of 1812. He was born in Sevier 
County, Tennessee, August 11, 1786, and was 
a great man in council and field during the 
early history of the State of Indiana. In 1846 
the subject of this sketch entered the arm}' 
against Mexico, in the First Indiana Volunteers, 
and served about one year. He then engaged in 
farming until the breaking out of the civil war, 
when, J[ay 9, 1861. he entered the service with 
the Ninth Indiana Regiment. July 4, 1861, he 



was made Captain in the regular army, and served 
through the war in the Army of the Potomac. 
His first engagement wa^ at the second battle 
of Bull Run. He also fnught at Antietatn^ 
Fredericksburg, South Mountain, Gettysburg 
and the Wilderness. At the last-named place 
he was wounded in the left arm. He was sub- 
sequently sent to Indianapolis as mustering and 
disbursing officer, until the close of the war. He 
was then ordered to Virginia, and remained till 
1869, when he was ordered to Arizona as Cap- 
tain of a company to protect the frontier against 
the Indians. After three years he was sent to 
Oregon, and was there two years, within which 
time he was brevetted for his conduct in the field 
and made Major of the Eighth Infantry in the 
regular army. From there he was ordered to 
Montana, and from there to Ft. Yuma, Califor- 
nia. In 1878 he was retired, since which time 
he has resided in the beautiful Santa Monica. 
The Colonel is now in his si.xty-eighth year, well 
preserved. Nature has been very kind to him 
in giving him a cheerful disposition and a con- 
tented mind. He has served his country well, 
has been a brave and valiant soldier, and is in 
every way worthy the honors conferred on him 
by the Government. 

fD. DeGEAR, dealer in tin and corrugated 
iron roofing, ventilators and chimney tops, 
® 159 Aliso street, Los Angeles, was born 
in San Francisco, California, June 30, 1861. 
His parents, G. W. and Mary (Kreger) De Gear, 
were pioneers, coming to California in 1850. 
They have fifteen children, and all except 
one born in San Francisco, and the parents 
still reside in that city. The subject of this 
sketch attended school in his native city and 
learned his trade of Collins & Roberts, one of 
the leading firms in the city, remaining with 
this firm fourteen years. He came to Los An- 
geles in 1887 and established his present busi- 
ness. He had only 890 in money, but he had 
good credit and could get all the stock he wanted. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



PIo has bad a large practical experience, and by 
close attention to bis business bas built up a 
good trade, having all the work he can attend to- 
In November, 1885, Mr. De Gear married Miss 
Lizzie Laum, of California. They have two 
sons: Philip J. and Armand. 



T-rTII'MAM FORBES.— Among the well- 
^\/\l kiiuwn citizens and representative farm- 

L^"%iM ers of the Azusa is the subject of this 
sketch. Mr. Forbes came to this place in 1875 
and purchased a claim of eighty acres of land 
of John Sbelton. This land is located about 
two miles south of the present site of Azusa 
City. At the time of his purchase it was nearly 
all in a wild antl uncultivated state. His years 
of labor have produced good results, and among 
his improvements may be noted a fine orchard 
uf French prunes of six acres in extent, four 
acres of apricots, two acres of oranges, two acres 
of peaches, apples and pears and other decidu- 
ous fruits; also six acres in alfalfa, which by his 
system of irrigation is made to produce a yearly 
yield of ten tons per acre. The rest of his land 
is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. 
Among his stock are some line specimens of 
draft horses of Norman breed, and roadsters of 
"Billy Lee" stock; also Jersey cattle. Mr. 
Forbes is a native of Prince Edward's Island, 
and dates his birth in 1843. He is the son of 
Peter and Margaret (Rol)inson) Forbes. His 
fatlier was a native of Prince Edward's Island, 
and his mother was born in Scotland. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was reared as a farmer, in 
which calling his father was engaged. At the 
age of nineteen years he started in life for him- 
self and emigrated to the United States. Soon 
after his arrival in New York he came via 
steamer route to California. After a short stay 
in San Francisco he went to Nevada and located 
at Steamboat Springs, where he engaged in con- 
tracting and furnisliing wood for the mills at 
that point. He was successful in his business, 
and continued his operations until forced to 



abandon them on account of the timber claims 
of the United States controlling the wood lands 
of that section. In 1868 he located in Inyo 
County, California, and there engaged in farm- 
ing until 1872. In that year he returned to 
Nevada and engaged in stock business in Death's 
Valley. That not proving a success, in the fall 
of that ytar he located in San Bernardino 
County, California, and commenced farming 
operations upon rented lands. He conducted 
his operations in that county until 1875, when 
he took up bis present residence. Mr. P^orbes 
is a practical farmer, devoting his lands to 
diversified products, and has been successful in 
his enterprise. He is a strong believer in the 
wealth and future prosperity that await his sec- 
tion of the San Gabriel Valley, and is a sup- 
porter of such enterprises as tend to develop its 
resources. He is a stockholder, director and 
treasurer of the Azusa Irrigating Company. In 
politics he is a straightforward Republican. In 
May, 1888, Mr. Forbes was united in marriage 
with Miss Susannah C. McCullum, a native of 
Prince Edward's Island, and the daughter ot 
Stephen McCullum. Mr. Forbes's father died in 
1876. His mother died at his home in 1879. 



fF. UURRELL, capitalist, 110 East Fifth 
street, Los Angeles, is a native of Som- 
* erset County, Maine, and was born July 
1, 1826 He was reared in his native State 
and lived there until 1852, when he decided to 
come to the Pacific Coast. He left home Feb- 
ruary 11, and went to New York, from which port 
he sailed March 6, on the ship Grecian, Captain 
Insley, and came around Cape Horn, reaching 
San Francisco, August 11, 1852. The mines 
were then the chief attraction for every one, 
and he accordingly went to Placer County and 
engaged in mining on the American River; 
afterward went to Auburn, but again sought the 
mines, this time at Kentucky Flat, and also on 
Indian Creek. He went to Sierra County; was 
successfully engaged in mining, and made his 



734 



HISTORY OF LOS AJfOELES COUNTY. 



home there for fifteen years. He also had a 
sheep ranch in Yuba County. In 1868, after 
returning to the Eastern States and making a 
visit to his old homo, he came to Los Angeles 
County and engaged in farming near the town 
of Florence, continuing there twenty years 
until his property grew to be very valuable. 
He disposed of it during the land excitement, 
came to the city of Los Angeles and improved 
his property here. He built the Somerset 
House on Filth street. Mr. Durrell is one of 
the early pioneers of this State and has been 
successful in accumulating a competency. He 
was married P'ebruary 23, 1858, to Miss Philena 
D. Haythorn, a native of Somerset County, 
Maine. Tliey have had one son, now deceased. 



fRED DOHS, capitalist, 442 East Firststreet, 
is a native of Worms, Germany, born No- 
vember 18, 1846. His parents emigrated 
to this country in 1849, during his early ciiild- 
hood, and lived in New York, where he attended 
school until twelve years old. His father was 
a thorough musician, and the subject of this 
sketch inherited his musical talents, which began 
to develop when he was quite young. In 1858 
his father sailed for California, and after reach- 
ing San Francisco young Dohs pursued his 
musical studies for two or three years, after 
which he made engagements with theatrical 
companies and went on concert tours. He came 
to Los Angeles in 1869, from White Pine, 
Nevada, making the trip of 700 miles by wagon. 
He intended to go to San Diego, but being 
pleased with the City of the Angels, he decided 
to locate here. He opened a barber shop, and at 
the same time carried on his musical interests. 
He organized Fred Dohs' Orchestra; was also 
leader of the city' brass band, known as Dohs' 
Brass and String Band. For the past twenty 
years he has been prominently identified with 
the musical interests of this city and of South- 
ern California as well. Mr. Dohs has been very 
successful in his investments, and is one of the 



large property owners of Los Angeles, and the 
largest individual owner on First street. He is 
one-fiftii owner of Evergreen Cemetery, and has 
otiier valuable real estate. He is actively iden- 
tified with the progress and development of the 
city and county. February 7, 1866, he married 
Miss Elizabeth Dietrich, a native of Germany. 
They have had nine children; only four survive: 
Louise, Amelia, Charlie and Willie. They all 
inherit their father's musical talent. 



f ELLSWORTH, dealer in hay, grain, wood 
and coal, Los Angeles, is a native of New 
® York State, and was born in Saint Law- 
rence County, March 31, 1839. When quite 
young he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and from 
there to Michigan and Illinois. Upon reaching 
early manhood he determined to seek his fort- 
une on the Pacific Coast, and started westward, 
leaving the Missouri River at St. Joe, in com- 
pany with Noah Webster, a young friend of 
his. They set out with their blankets on their 
backs and came on foot across the plains, and 
after enduring great hardships during the long, 
toilsome journey, and becoming so footsore they 
could scarcely walk, they reached Mosquito 
Creek, Butte County, August 17, 1859. Mr. 
Ellsworth went to the mines, retnaining there 
until 1868. At that time, during the excite- 
ment at White Pine, he went to Nevada and 
renniined there one year, after which he returned 
to California, driving his own team across the 
Sierra Nevada Range; and it was so cold that the 
wheels of his wagon were a solid mass of ice. 
A'ter his return he was married at Brownsville, 
California, May 24, 1870, to Miss Melissa 
Ann Abbott, of Missouri. They came to Los 
Angeles in January, 1880. Mr. Ellsworth en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising, being suc- 
cessful in his enterprises. Two years ago he 
established his present business, and, being well 
and favorably known, has built np a large trade. 
His father, Cliarles E. Ellsworth, an old and 
honored resident of New York State, makes his 



UISTOBT OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



liome here with his son. Mr. and Mrs. Ells- 
worth have six ciiildren living: Annie M., Eva 
Grace, Carrie, Nower, Ada and Augustus. Two 
are deceased: Lansil and Katie. 

'^■^-^ 

fAL FAULWETTER, capitalist, 309 Macy 
street, Los Angeles, was born in Bavaria, 
Germany, February 14, 1844. During 
early boyiiood he attended school and served an 
apprenticeship to the milling business. His 
father was a miller, and the family for two or 
three hundred years had followed the milling 
business. After reaching manhood Mr. Faul- 
wetter emigrated to America, and landed in 
New York, January 11, 1867. He remained 
there a short time and then went to Pennsylva- 
nia, where he followed his trade, after which he 
went to Chicago and worked in the mills there 
and in Milwaukee. In 1869 he came to the 
Pacific Coast and was in San Fi-ancisco four or 
five years. He then went to Europe, spent a 
year in travel, subsequently returned to New 
York, and after being there six months came 
again to California, settling in Los Angeles. 
Here he engaged in milling, and after carrying 
on the business successfully for eleven years, he 
gave it upon account of his health. Since then 
he has not been engaged in active business, but 
gives his time to his own property interests. 
Mr. Faul wetter began life with no capital, and 
his successful career is due to his industrious 
habits and good management. 



iMl FRANCK, proprietor of Montana Mar- 
^1 ket, dealer in fresh and salted meats, is a 
^a^^ native of Baden, Germany, born January 
19, 1841. His parents emigrated to America 
when he was only four years old, located in St. 
Louis and lived there until their death. In 
1854, at the age of fourteen years, Mr. Franck 
started across the plains to California, being six 
months on the way. After reaching the coast 



he engaged in mining in Shasta and Humboldt 
counties, remaining there until 1860, when he 
went to Virginia City, then to San Francisco, 
and later to Idaho. He engaged in mining, 
and was in Boise City and at the Dalles until 
1866. The following year he came to Los An- 
geles, and opened a butcher shop on North Main 
street, in a little old adobe building. The water 
used to rush down Temple street and through 
his shop, and sometimes the water would be 
knee deep in the shop. He remained there 
three years, and then moved to the Plaza, in an 
old adobe house. After being there a year or 
two, he went down to Georgetown, at the corner 
of Sixth and Spring streets, remaining there 
three years. He then removed to his present 
location, and since that time has carried on the 
business here. Mr. Franck is one of the oldest 
business men in Los Angeles. His generosity 
is proverbial, and he is ever ready to lend a 
helping hand to those in distress. In 1869 he 
married Miss Mary Wooton, a native of San 
Francisco. They have eight children, three sons 
and five daughters. Tliey liave two children 
deceased. Mr. Franck is a prominent member 
of seveial societies and orders. 

fM. ERWIN, one of the leading apiarists 
near the beautiful town of Newhall, is a 
® native of Portage County, Ohio. He was 
born in 1835, and is a son of Samuel and Cath- 
arine (Vanata) Erwin. His father was a native 
of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation, 
first in Iowa and later in Illinois. In the latter 
State the subject of this sketch first started in 
business for himself as a farmer. He lived first 
in Mercer County and then in Christian County. 
He subsequently moved to St. Louis, where he 
engaged in the grocery business, and in 1881 
came to California. His first work in this State 
was in Los Gatos, Santa Clara County, where he 
was in the cannery business. Then he moved 
to Los Angeles County and entered 160 acres 
of land in Soledad Township, where he now re- 



HISTOnr OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



sides, and he also took a tree-claim in the same 
township. This land he has improved and is 
now engaged in fanning. His principal crops 
are barley and potatoes. He has two large 
apiaries of several hundred stands. He was mar- 
ried in the city of St. Lonis, to Miss Ella Bar- 
low, a native of Eock Island, Illinois. They 
have two sons, William Francis and Dennis 
Elora. Mr. and Mrs. Erwin are both members 
of the church, and though far away from God's 
house and not permitted to meet much with his 
people, still they maintain the form of godliness, 
and their daily walk proves them to be true and 
faithful to Christ's cause. Mr. Erwin is a Ke- 
piiblican in politics, and was in the Kansas war. 
While there he was judge of the election held 
for the admission of that State. During his res- 
idence in Illinois he served the people of Keiths- 
burg as postmaster for a term of three years. 
Samuel Erwin is still living, at the advanced age 
of eigiity-six years, with his only surviving 
daughter, Mrs. Alexander Gettis, of Los Ange- 
les City. His wife departed this life in 1847. 
They reared a family of six ciiiklren, only two 
of whom are living, 

fAMES B. FREEMAN, manufacturer of 
mining machines, 604 South Spring street, 
Los Angeles, is a native of New York Cit}', 
where he was born January 21, 1849. He at- 
tended school there, and at the age of seventeen 
years went to Minnesota and learned the milling 
business, paying special attention to the process 
of manufacturing flour by means of the roller 
system and the middlings purifier. He was 
interested in a good business when the great 
panic following the failure of Jay Cooke caused 
him to fail also. Having two uncles in the 
West engaged in mining he pursued a course 
in analytical Tnineralogy, went to the Black 
Hills, and engaged in mining there, and after- 
ward in Colorado and California. Discovering, 
during this time, the necessity of using the dry 
process when there was no water, he invented 



what is known as "Freeman's Success Dry Pro- 
cess;" and the good result of this method is 
fully demonstrated by the large business he has 
built up and the constantly increasing demand 
for his machinery. His factory, located on 
Spring street, is 36x85 feet in dimensions. He 
is now perfecting a "concentrator,"' for working 
all kinds of low-grade ore which cannot be 
treated by water, and has already received or- 
ders from mining regions in this State, Nevada, 
Utah, Idaho and Montana. 



fPJ EMBODY, Cashier iyi the East Side 
Bank, is one' of the bright young business 
men of Los Angeles, with a future of rich 
promise. He was born in Eau Claire, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1861, and is the second child of a family 
of three sons and four daughters. After attend- 
ing the schools of his native town he continued 
his education in Cazenovia Seminary, New York, 
and Iowa State Agricultu ral Col lege, where he took 
a special course with a view to qualifying him- 
self for practical business life, and supplemented 
this with a course in the Minnesota State Uni- 
versity, finishing in 1883. Having previously 
spent the years 1873 to 1876 in San Francisco, 
Mr. Embody had become enamored with the 
charms of the Golden State, and soon after leav- 
ing college started for the Pacific Coast, arriv- 
ing ill Los Angeles, September 22, 1883. From 
childhood his ideal and ambition was to become 
a business man; and from early youth he took 
charge of the family expenses and transacted the 
banking and other business connected therewith. 
With a view to realizing his ideal, he, with 
others, organized the East Side Bank in the fall 
of 1886, and in November of that year its doors 
were opened for business with Mr. Embody as 
cashier, which office he still ably fills. But pre- 
vious to entering upon the duties of that respon- 
sible position he spent several months in the 
Los Angeles National Bank to familiarize him- 
self with the practical details of banking. Mr. 
Embody has traveled quite extensively, visiting 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and sojoiiriiitig for longer or shorter periods in 
man}' of the States of the Union. He is a 
thorough business man both by intuition and 
training, and an affable social gentleman withal. 
His father, O. Embody, is a resident of Los 
Angeles, a retired business man, with a com- 
petence. Noyes S. Embody, the eldest son of 
the family, is a graduate of law, and expects to 
devote himself to the legal profession. He is a 
man of literary tastes, and is a ineniher of the 
city board of education. 

'^■^^-^ 

§ON. W. F. FITZGERALD was born at 
Jackson, Mississippi, on the 7th day of 
February, 1846. At an early age he was 
sent to a private school, where he remained 
until the fall of 1858, when he entered St. 
Mary's College, Kentucky. On the 27th day 
of March, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate 
army, served with marked distinction during 
the war, and was several times promoted for 
conspicuous gallantry on the field of battle. 
The Vicksburg Daily Herald, one of the lead- 
ing Democratic journals of the South, in its 
issue of April 24, 1882, published an article on 
the war, in which he is referred to as the 
" Dashing Du Gueslin of our Mississippi sol- 
diery." And again in the same paper, in a 
similar article on one of the battles of the war, 
appears the following: '> It was under the eye 
of the gallant Bob Smith, that Fitzgerald, then 
a beardless stripling of seventeen, charged with 
his gallant company, the Mississippi Rifles of 
Jackson, the impregnable Federal works, held 
by a large body of troops, strongly intrenclied 
with heavy siege guns, behind quadrilateral 
earthworks, and fell, sword in hand, pierced 
through the lungs, at the foot of the murderous 
parapet. He alone of his entire command suc- 
ceeded in reaching the works. For his gal- 
lantry and reckless daring, young Fitzgerald 
was promoted to a First Lieutenancy on that 
bloody field of battle." At the close of the war 
he commenced the study of the law, and on the 



18th day of February, 1868, was admitted tc 
practice in all the courts of the State of Missis- 
sippi. He was twice elected city attorney of 
his native city, and afterward served for seven 
years as district attorney of the Vicksburg and 
Jackson judicial district, the most important in 
the State. In July, 1881, he Was unanimously 
nominated by the Republican, Greenback and 
Lidependent Democratic State conventions for 
Attorney-General, and although running more 
than 5,000 votes ahead of his ticket, was de- 
feated. On January 6, 1882, he received the 
caucus nomination of the Republican, Green- 
l)ack and Independent Democratic members of 
the Mississippi Legislature, numbering about 
fifty in all, for United States Senator, in oppo- 
sition to the Hon. L. Q. C. Lamar, in relation 
to which the Vicksburg Gommerolal (Demo- 
cratic) of January 7, 1882, has the followincr; 
"At a caucus of the Republican members of the 
State Legislature, held in Jackson at 4 o'clock 
yesterday afternoon. General W. F. Fitzgerald, 
of Vicksburg, was unanimously nominated for 
United States Senator. The General was waited 
upon by a committee, who escorted him to the 
hall, where in his usual gifted and happy man- 
ner he accepted the compliment bestowed upon 
him. Last night a reception was held at Law- 
rence's Hotel, which was attended by a very 
large number of members of both Houses, in- 
eluding Republicans, Democrats, Independents, 
Greenbackers and citizens. Addresses were de- 
livered by Senators Cooper, Jeffords, Gayles, 
Speare , Representatives Edwards, G ibson, Coates, 
Lynch, Lewis and Cartwright, and many others. 
The Jackson Cornet Band discoursed sweet 
music during the reception. Although the 
Democrats are in the majority, and will un- 
doubtedly elect Senator Lamar as his own suc- 
cessor, the nomination of General Fitzgerald 
shows in what high esteem he is held by his 
party, of which he is the acknowledged leader 
in Mississippi." While attending the National 
Mississippi River Improvement Convention at 
Washington, in the month of February, 1883, 
as one of the two delegates selected by the Cot- 



HISTOHY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ton Exchange and Chamber of Commerce of the 
city of Vicksbiirg, President Arthur nominated 
him for Supreme Judge of Arizona, and on the 
11th day of March following his nomination 
was promptly and iinitniinously confirmed by 
the Senate of tlie United Slates. He at once 
resigned the office of district attorney, to which 
lie liad just been re-elected for another four 
years' term, and after settling up his business 
affairs, proceeded with his family to his new 
field of labor. His judicial career there was 
such as to command tlie universal conlidence 
and esteem of the bar and people, and is de- 
scribed by one of the leading attorneys of that 
bar as an "oasis in the history of the judiciary 
in that Territory." His retirement from the 
bench shortly after the accession of the Demo- 
cratic party to power in the general Government 
was made the occasion by the bar and people of 
one of the most memorable gatherings that ever 
occurred in the history of Arizona, and many 
were the eloquent and touching speeches there 
made by distinguished lawyers, expressive of 
their deep regret at the loss of a judge who was 
honored and esteemed as no judge had ever been 
before in that Territory, His ability, courage 
and integrity are to-day approvingly referred to 
and commented on with as much interest and 
feeling as they were when residing among tliein 
five years ago. A leading Arizona attorney re- 
cently remarked to the writer of this sketch that 
"Judge Fitzgerald was a judge of marked abil- 
ity, and the most impartial and fearless that I 
ever knew." From Arizona he removed to the 
city of Los Angeles, California, where he has 
since resided, and is to-day one oi' the most 
prominent and highly respected citizens and 
attorneys of that city. He is chairman of the 
board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce; 
executive member of the Republican State Cen- 
tral Committee for Southern California; one of 
the original projectors and a director in the Cal- 
ifornia Sewer-Pipe Company, one of the largest 
manufacturing industries in Southern California, 
and was in July last unanimously elected by the 
nepublican County Convention as its president. 



The Judge's family consists of his beautiful, 
accomplished and devoted wife, daughter of the 
late Dr. C. S. Knapp, of Jackson, Mississippi, 
and niece of the late Daniel S. Dickinson, who 
was for twelve years United States Senator from 
the State of New York, and Helen, a beautiful 
little daughter, about nine years of age. 



--^^ 



■^l< 



^•^ 



fE. FRICK, of the lirm of Frick Brothers, 
contractors and manufacturers of cement 
® pipe, was born in Rock Island, Hlinois, 
February 25, 1857. His parents removed to 
Minnesota during his early boyhood and he was 
reared and received his education in that State. 
Upon reaching manhood he engaged in teach- 
ing. He came to Los Angeles in 1882 to visit 
his brother, who was engaged in business here, 
and was so favorably impressed with the place 
and the climate that, after going East and re- 
maining for a year or two, he returned to Los 
Angeles and engaged in business here, becoming 
associated with his brother in contracting, manu- 
facturing and laying cement pipe. Their works 
in East Los Angeles cover an acre of ground 
and they employ a large force of men the year 
round. By their energy, ability and experience 
they have built up a splendid business. The 
measure of success they have attained is attested 
by their investment in well located real estate. 
Mr. Frick was united in marriage March 4, 
1879, to Miss Mattie Hamilton, a native of Iowa. 
She died March 2, 1885, leaving three children: 
Harry, Honjer and Florence Elmer. 

A. FRICK, of the hrm of Frick Broth- 
ers, contractors and manufacturers of ce- 
* ment pipe, Los Angeles, was born at Rock 
Island, Illinois, October 7, 1855. When he was 
thirteenyearsof age, his parents removed to Min- 
nesota, where he attended the common schools. 
After reaching manhood he came to California and 
located at Los Angeles. He entered the employ 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



of N. W. Stowell, and for some years was snper- 
iotendent of liis pipe works. He was associated 
for a time with E. M. Hamilton. In 1885 the 
firm of Frick Brotliers was organized. Their yard 
and works are located on Water street, East Los 
Angeles, and is the largest of its kind on the Pacific 
Coast, giving employment to fifty hands on an 
average the year ronnd. They make a specialty 
of cement, water and sewer pipe, which they 
manufacture in all sizes from six to thirty inches 
in diameter. They import all of their cement 
and own the sand-bed which they use. They 
have built up a large business in Los Angeles 
and throughout this and the adjoining counties. 
Mr. Frick has had a large experience in the 
manufacture of artificial stone and cement pipe. 
All of their contracts receive his personal super- 
vision, and he enjoys a high reputation in busi- 
ness circles for integrity and ability. 



'•■ S -3.- fS" 



fll. CtWIN is one of the pioneers of the 
Golden State, and is now in the livery 
® business in Whittier. He hails from the 
Buckeye State; was born in Mount Vernon, 
Knox County, Ohio, November 18, 1838. His 
father, Enos M. Gwin, was a carpenter, and 
helped to build Kenyon College, located at Gam- 
bier. He had nine children, all living yet, ex- 
cept one daughter. He came to California in 
1853 and mined at Forest City for six years, 
after which he moved to Napa County. The 
subject of this sketch worked at mining and in 
the livery business for several years at Forest 
City, and in 1858 went to Napa. He was also 
for a time engaged in freighting at Virginia 
City. In 1869 he came to Los Angeles County, 
and for several years was extensively engaged as 
a farmer near Anaheim. At one time he had 
control of about 2,500 acres. Here he continued 
ten years, and tlien went to Lake County, re- 
maining nine years, five of which he spent in 
teaming. At the expiration of that time he 
came to Whittier and established the livery 
business. Mr. Gwin is one of c)ur true' pioneers. 



and is full of push and energy, always in a good 
humor and has a pleasant word for every one. 
Mr. Gwin was married in Napa County, Cali- 
fornia, in 1868, to Miss Drusilla Evey, daughter 
of Judge Edward Evey, well known in Napa 
County. He represented Napa and Lake coun- 
ties before they were divided. Judge Evey now 
lives in Pasadena. He was supervisor of this 
county, and was one of the framars of the new 
constitution of California. 



-^^%* 



m^. 



fG. EMERY, one of the worthy citizens of 
Los Angeles County and a stanch farmer, 
" residing on a part of the Wilmington 
tract of the Cerritus Ranch, has been a resident 
of this county since 1874. Since coming liere 
he has improved two farms besides the one on 
which he now lives. This gentleman is a native 
of Maine, born in July, 1824. Both his father 
and grandfather were taken prisoners in the war 
of 1812. Mr. Emery has made several trips 
across the continent at various times. He first 
came to California in 1850, coming by the way 
of Cape Horn. On this journey he paid a visit 
to the South American continent. From Cali- 
fornia he wetit to Oregon, and from there back 
to Maine. His next trip was to Wisconsin, 
from that place moving to Minnesota, where 
his three oldest children were born. After a 
sojourn of four years in that State, he again took 
up the line of march, this time having for his 
objective point Pikes Peak. For four years he 
made his home there, after which he returned 
locating on a farm which he purchased near 
Peoria, Illinois. However, not being satisfied 
there, he removed to Kansas, and from the 
"Sunflower State" went to Missouri. In the 
latter State he farmed for several years, after 
which he came to San Francisco, in which city 
he remained about a year. He then removed to 
Los Angeles County, where he has been very 
successful and where he expects to spend the 
residue of his days. Mr. Emery has been twice 
married; first, in 1855, to Aurilla Dodge, by 



HISrOHY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



whom he had three children: Arliiia, Evelyiie 
and Frank. His first companion departed this 
life in 1863, and in 1873 he married Mrs. Sarah 
Williams, by whom he has four children: Will- 
iam, Mabel, Nahnm and Sadia. Politically 
Mr. Emery is identified with the liepnblican 
party. He is a man hiijjhly esteemed by all wlio 
know him, and one of whom the county may 
well be proud. 

'^-^^^ -7- 

1^,ICI1AHI) GAUVEY.— The subject of this 
iff^ sketch, one of Los Angeles County's lead- 
^Cl ing agriculturists and stock-growers, as 
well as one of its well-known business men, 
dates his birth in Ireland, in September, 1838, 
of an old Irish family, which, for generations, 
had been engaged as renters in agricultural 
pursuits. When quite young, his father died, 
leaving his mother with a family of children, of 
whom Richard was the foui'th child. The almost 
total failure of cy-ops in 1845 and 1846 was fol- 
lowed by the Irish famine, and for years the 
people suttered from destitution in a degree 
never before known to any civilized people. 
The Garvey family were reduced to extreme 
poverty, and after becoming unable to pay rent 
were driven from their old home, by the heart- 
less agents of an English landlord. The years 
that followed, before they were able to leave 
Ireland, none of the family care to recall. Suf- 
fice it to say, that emigration to America seemed 
their only relief. With this object in view, 
through the exertions of all, the subject of this 
sketch, not then twelve years of age, was en- 
abled to embark for Savannah, Georgia, where 
he landed in the winter of 1849-'50, penniless 
and ragged. Before leaving the ship a kind- 
hearted custom-house official, a Jew, named 
Philip Russell, became interested in him. By 
him young Garvey was taken home and suitably 
clothed, and later, through him, furnished em- 
ployment. His remuneration was only $3 per 
week, but this sum enabled him to save a small 
amount each week, with the ultimate object of 



sending for the rest of his family. Early in 
1852 his hope was realized and the family em- 
barked for New YorTv City, where they were 
joined by him. Again was the circle complete. 
Still, as far as money was concerned, they were 
as poor as while in Ireland; but, in this land of 
the free, with its grand opportunities, they were 
hopeful of the future. Not many months passed 
before all were in Cleveland, Ohio. There the 
family home was established, and there some of 
its members still live. Mr. Garvey has never 
forgotten the sufi'erings of himself and family 
during his youth, through the operations of the 
English laud laws. In fact, his hatred of the 
system becomes intensified with each passing 
year. While he never joined an}' of the many 
societies, claiming to labor for the relief of Ire- 
land, he has always contributed liberally in 
money and has cherished fondly the hope that 
some international difficulty might lead to a war 
between England and our country, and thus 
open a way for him honorably and legally to 
avenge the wrongs he and his have suffered. 
To return to the fortunes of the family in Amer- 
ica, we will say that, as our subject had been 
their chief reliance in getting to America, he 
was afterwai'd their chief support. He remained 
with them in Cleveland until his twentieth year, 
when, having reached man's stature, physically 
and mentally, he resolved to work his way to 
the Pacific Coast. With that object in view, he 
proceeded to Fort Leavenworth, where, in 1857 
-'58, General Johnson's expedition against the 
Mormons was being organized. Under Lieu- 
tenant W. S. Hancock, Quartermaster of the 
Sixth United States Infantry, he hired to drive 
beef-cattle for the use ot* the army. At Fort 
Laramie he was placed in charge of one of the 
officers' supply wagons. Upon reaching Fort 
Bridger it was discovered that, tliough his wagon 
looked all right, — its boxes of canned fruits and 
meats, its cases of fluids, etc., being apparently 
unopened and untouched — every box was actu- 
ally euipty. Mr. Qarvey, entirely innocent of 
wrong doing, had at different times accepted in- 
vitations from young men of reckless nature, 





/ 




niSTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



looking only to having a good time, to join thetn 
in hunting and fishing after encamping. During 
tliese short abssnces, others, by concerted action, 
had robbed his wagon. Altiiough it was evi- 
dent to General Jolinson and other oflicers that 
he was entirely innocent of any complicity in 
the taking of the supplies, he was discliarged 
from service. Mr. Garvey walked from Fort 
Bridger to Salt Lake City, and there bought 
with the money earned as drover and teamster, 
a pony, blankets and provisions, and continued 
his way to Southern California, with others pos- 
sessed of similar outfits. On the desert the 
ponies died. When they were able to pack 
their effects on the wagon of an emigrant, the 
journey was completed to San Bernardino County 
on foot. Mr. Garvey continued his M'alk to Los 
Angeles, reaching that place early in 1859. 
Again he was to try life in a new land, and he 
found himself in about the same financial con- 
dition that he was in when he landed in Sa- 
vannah nine years before. His relief came also 
in much the same way, for, a few hours after 
arriving, he met on the streets the chief clerk 
of Captain Hancock, Mr. Mix, who had known 
him on the plains in Johnson's command. He 
was recognized by him, furnished with a new 
suit of clothes and a boarding-house, and later 
taken to the office of Hancock, then a Captain 
of the Sixth Regiment and general distributing 
Quartermaster for the posts in Southern Cali- 
fornia and Western New Mexico (now Arizona), 
and stationed at Los Angeles. Captain Han- 
cock placed him in a responsible position, giving 
him charge of the Government store-honse, 
where supplies were received and shipped to 
Forts Mojava, Yuma, Tejon and other points. 
If any were needed, no more complete vindica- 
tion of himself could have" been given by Cap- 
tain Hancock, to whom, as we shall record, Mr. 
Garvey was to be still further indebted. The 
friendship of these two men continued through 
General Hancock's life. In 1860, through Cap- 
tain Hancock, he was employed l)y the United 
States Government to carry, by pack-mules, tlie 
mails from Los Angeles to Forts Mojave, Yuma 



and Tejon. Tliis service was attended by great 
danger and retjuired a man possessed of nerve 
and coolness. As showing the rapid develop- 
ment of Southern California Mr. Garvey recalls 
the fact that, by the route he traveled, but two 
houses were passed between the vicinity of Los 
Angeles and Fort Mojave, a distance of 310 
miles. The other routes were even more desti- 
tute of evidences of civilization. It must be 
rememliered that he chose his own routes, not 
confining himself to emigrant trails. The ad- 
venturous life led by Mr. Garvey, the few years 
following, enabled him to form the acijuaintance 
of many men engaged in prospecting and locat- 
ing mines. He was not long in becoming in- 
terested in mining; first in Western Utah (now 
Nevada), later in San Deruardino County, this 
State, and still later in Arizona and New Mex- 
ico. For many years after leaving the employ 
of the United States Government, his leading 
business was the superintendence of mining in- 
terests, owned by himself and others. But until 
1863 Mr. Garvey gave a large portion of his 
time to attending to his lucrative and responsi- 
ble business of supplying the out- posts with the 
tidings from civilization. He had become the 
j)rotege of George Hearst, now representing 
California in the United States Senate, and 
through him became interested in the develojj- 
nient of the Moss mines as well as other mines 
in what is now Mojave County, Arizona. Mr. 
Garvey was one of the locaters of the Moss 
mine^^. During his superintendence of the work 
on one section of the Moss mines he, with four 
companions, started with a wagon-load of sup- 
plies for the use of a party of prospectors in the 
employ of the company, in what was called the 
Sacramento district, on the Colorado Iliver, 
some forty miles away. Though vigilant, well 
knowing the danger of an attack by Indians, 
the last night, being in sight of the prospecting 
cam]), they neglected to mount guard. In the 
gra}' of the morning they found themselves sub- 
ject to a furious attack from about fifty murder- 
ous savages. Almost at the beginning Mr. 
Garvey received a slight wound, crossing the 



Itlsi'Dltr Oh' l.os AMt/h'l.h's COVN'I'Y. 



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U I STORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



lie clergyman of Galveston, Texas, diocese; and 
that John Garvey, a Lieiitenant'in the Seventh 
West Virginia Volunteer Regiment in the late 
war, was promoted on the Held of Antietam for 
conspicuous gallantry, and died of wounds re- 
ceived tliere. John Garvey served ten years in 
theTwenty-nintli Infantry in the. English army. 
For conspicuous gallantry in the defense of 
Lucknow during the Sepoy Rebellion he re- 
ceived the Queen's Sergeant's medal. lie came 
to the United States in 1861 and entered the 
army soon after. Mr. Garvey's two sisters, 
Maria and Delia, reside at Cleveland, where 
their mother died in 1873; After the death of 
Mr. Garvey's wife, her mother, Mrs. Mary E. 
Mooiiey, with her daughter, Miss Mar}' E. 
Mooney, came out from Cleveland, and now 
have care of the child. In politics Mr. Garvey, 
while never uninterested, acts thoroughly the 
independent citizen, not tied to any party, but 
always ready for independent action upon every 
issue. He was a strong supporter of Abraham 
Lincoln and General Grant. In conclusion, we 
will add that Mr. Garvey is, in the fullest sense 
of the words, a self-made, self-educated man, 
who, coming a poor boy from the old world, has 
splendidly illustrated the possibilities of the 
new, to those possessed of energy, combined 
with ])ractical business qualifications and a de- 
termination to succeed. 



;YMAN, GRUENDYKE & CO., manu- 
facturers of lime, corner of Second and 
Vine streets, Los Angeles, began manu- 
facturing lime June 1, 1887, at Oro Grande, 
San Bernardino County, forty miles from San 
Bernardino. The company have large kilns, 
with a manufacturing capacity of 350 barrels 
per day. The lime is of a very superior quality, 
and they have never had a complaint of its pit- 
ting or scaling. In 1888 they shipped from 



Oro Grande 56,000 barrels. Tli 



13 company are 



the sole owners of the lime works there, and are 
increasing the capacity of the same. Tliey also 



own a controlling interest in the San Jacinto 
Lime Company at San Jacinto, and will increase 
the capacity of manufacturing there. They sup- 
ply the dealers here in the trade, and make 
extensive shipments to the dealers in Southern 
California and Arizona. Mr. Wyman, the head 
of the firm of Wyman, Gruendyke & Co., was 
born in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, May 3, 
1839. He attended school there, and at the age 
of seventeen went to Toledo. Upon the break- 
ing out of the war he enlisted, in May, 1861, in 
the Fonrteenth Regiment Volunteer Infantry, 
and participated with his command in every 
skirmish and battle, and was absent from his 
company only on one half-day's march, from 
Nashville to Franklin. _ He was in command of 
his company in General Sherman's march to the 
sea. After serving four years, he was mustered 
out in 1865. Returning to Toledo, he engaged 
in tiie lime business, and for twenty-two years 
has been one of the largest manufacturers of 
lime in the State of Ohio, where his works are 
located, shipping more lime than any individual 
company in the State. Mr. Wyman is a promi- 
nent member of the G. A. R. ; is treasurer of 
the Fourteenth Ohio Regiment Society, and has 
been present at every reunion of his regiment. 
In 1888 he went from this State to Ohio to 
attend the reunion. In 1875 Mr. Wyman mar- 
ried Miss Emma Bailey, of Circleville, Ohio. 
They have three children: Elliott B., Edna F. 
and Julia A. 



fHARLES GERSON, capitalist, 24 Wil- 
mington street, Los Angeles, is a native of 
Germany, and was born on the River 
Rhine, at Worms, February 14, 1827. When 
eighteen years of age he emigrated to America 
and went to New Orleans. He enlisted and 
served in the Mexican war, and after peace was 
declared he went to the city of Mexico and re- 
mained there two years. He then came to Cal- 
ifornia, engaged in business and lived here several 
years. March 4, 1855, he married Miss Caroli?ia 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



Strauss, a native of the city of Bomberg, Ger- 
many. Soon after they wore married they went 
to San Diego and engaged in mercantile business 
for several years, until the war. Then he went 
to Arizona and engaged in business at Fort 
Yuma, remaining in Arizona seven years. In 
1870 he sold out his business there and came to 
Los Angeles, having removed his family here 
two years previous. He was engaged in business 
in this place several years; opened the La Fayette 
Hotel and conducted it until 1881. xifter again 
engaging in trade for several years, he retired, 
from active business life. He is a prominent 
member of the order of Chosen Friends, Guar- 
dean Council, No. 90. He has been appointed 
several times as representative to the Grand 
Council at San Francisco,' and was recently ap- 
])ointed Deputy Grand Councilor for this dis- 
trict. Mr. and Mrs. Gerson have five children, 
three sons and two daughters: Herman and 
Samuel, engaged in plumbing business in Los 
Angeles; Edward, a jeweler of Pomona; Bertha, 
now Mrs. Frankel, also of Pomona, and Fanny. 

*< r^ " ^^^'''^' 

fOHN C. GOLDSWORTHY, surveyor, was 
born in Wisconsin in 1840, his parents 
being John and Ursula (Edwards) Golds- 
wortliy. His father was a mining engineer of 



high reputation and 



Mr. Goldsworthy 



came to California in 1857, and spent four years 
in the mines, being familiarly known as " the 
kid," on account of his age. He won the con- 
tidence of liis uneducated associates and was 
very useful to them in writing their letters, 
as they felt safer in intrusting the knowl- 
edge of their private affairs to him than to 
an older person. He studied in the Univer- 
sity of the Pacific at San Jose from 1861 to 
1861, and graduated as civil engineer from 
that institution, being as far as known the first 
graduate of the institution in that line. He 
then placed himself for two years longer under 
tlie tuition of Sherman Day, a noted mining 
engineer of that city and afterward surveyor- 



general of the United States. In 1866 lie moved 
to Virginia Cit-y and there began his career as 
surveyor. He made a complete topographical 
map of the whole of that mining region, remain- 
ing there about one year. Spending the inter- 
vening time as mining engineer in San Francisco 
he came to Los Angeles in March, 1808, and has 
been a resident here ever since, chiefly occupied 
as surveyor. Lie has occasionally done some 
assaying and other special work. Any one who 
has been a practical mining engineer never 
entirely loses his interest in tiiat branch of his 
profession. The office of city surveyor of Los 
Angeles was erected at his suggestion in 1870, 
and he was elected its first incumbent. In 1867 
Mr. Goldsworthy was married to Miss J. H. 
Bullis, who had been virtually a schoolmate of 
his college days, she being an attendant at a 
seminary for young ladies at San Jose while he 
attended the lectures at the University. They 
are the parents of seven children, four girls and 
three boys. The oldest boy, George L., is nine- 
teen, and proposes, after graduating at a public 
school this year, to enter the University of 
Southern California. In politics Mr. Golds- 
worthy is a Kepublicau, and in religious affilia- 
tion a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The unprecedented and rapid growth of 
this city, and his long and intimate acquaintance 
with its topography as a surveyor, has occasioned 
a great and satisfactory expansion in his pro- 
fessional labors. 



fHARLES GASSEN", wholesale and retail 
dealer in fresh and salted meats, corner of 
Spring and Third streets, is a native of 
Germany, and was liorn February 11, 1837. 
He was reared in his native country, and in 
1851 emigrated to America. After living in 
New York, he determined to come to California; 
landed in San Francisco in 1858, and engaged 
in the butchering business in Sacramento until 
1863. In that year he removed to Austin City 
Nevada; remained there until 1868, and then 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



came to Southern California. He located in 
San Diego and was engaged in business there 
until 1874, when he came to Los Angeles, and, 
as a member of the firm of Pico ifeGassen, con- 
ducted a wholesale meat business, this copart- 
nership continuing for one year. In the fall of 
1877 Mr. Gassen established his present busi- 
ness, having his slaughter houses at Arroya 
Seco, and doing his slaughtering there until 
1882. He then built a slaughter house up the 
river on his ranch, where he has since done all 
his slanghteriiig for his wholesale and retail 
trade, giving his large and comTuodious market 
on the corner of Spring and Third streets a 
selection of clioice meats for his retail trade. 
He owns a large ranch of 700 acres for grazing 
his stock. Mr. Gassen has had an eminently 
successful business career. When he landed in 
New Tork he had only one dollar in the world, 
and his success in life is owing to his own efforts, 
ability and good management. He was elected 
a member of the city council and held that 
office three years. In 1867 he married Miss 
Jennie Scott, a native of Ireland. They have 
four children: Amelia, Annie, Charles and 
Jennie. 



fUlLN GRANT, of the firm of Smith & 
Grant, contractors. Los Angeles, was born 
in Scotland, February 8, 1861. He attended 
school during his boyhood, and served an ap- 
prenticeship in learning his trade there. He 
came to America in 1880, went to Chicago and 
began working at his trade, and was foreman on 
some of the largest buildings in that city. He 
remained there two years and then came to the 
Pacific Coast, and for several years engaged in 
building; in 1885 lie came to Los Angeles and 
associated himself in business with James Smitli, 
forming the firm of Smith & Grant, and since 
then they have been engaged in building. They 
iiave liad the contracts for some of the best 



build 



igs 



th 



city and in Pasadena. The 



Enrdick Block, corner of Second and Spring 



streets, upon which they are now enj 
one of the most solid, substantial business blocks 
in the city. In 1887 Mr. Grant was united in 
marriage with Miss Emma Berke, of Minne- 
apolis. 



1|| J. GOODMAN, architect, Los Angeles, is 
?[j|x a native of Indiana, born May 23, 1864. 
^^^'^ After obtaining the usual common-school 
education, he entered the office of John A. 
Hasecoster, and remained with him ten years, 
learning and practicing his profession. The first 
three years he worked without any compensation 
whatever, even supplying himself witli all the 
necessary instruments. While in that office he 
designed plans for some of the finest buildings 
in the country. He came to Los Angeles in 
1885, since which time he has been busy in his 
chosen profession, building up a good reputation 
by his manner of "building up" the city. 



fHARLES GOLLMER, of the firm of Bauer 
& Golimer, agents of the Anheuser-Busch 
Brewing Association, is a native of Ger- 
many, and was born May 10, 1851. He attended 
school and served an apprenticeship to the trade 
of carriage and sign painting, in his native 
country. He emigrated" to America in 1867 
and came to the Pacific Coast the same year; 
spent one year in San Francisco, then came to 
Los Angeles, and, after working at his trade a 
short time, started a sliop of his own and carried 
on tiie business here for fifteen years. In 1884 
lie became associated with Mr. Jiauer in their 
present business and since that time tlie firm of 
Bauer & Golimer has been one of the most 
enterprising firms in their line in Southern Cali- 
fornia. Their warehouse, ice-house and bottling 
works are located on Alameda and Jackson 
streets, fronting on tiie railroad, and are 
tlioroughly equipped with machinery of tiie latest 
improvement for the manufacture and bottling 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



of the Anheuser-Busch beer. Tliey Are sole 
agents for Southern California, and supply a 
large portion of the trade in this city, and they 
also have a large shipping trade. Mr. Golhiier 
has been successfully engaged in business in Los 
Angeles over twenty years, and is well known 
as a generous, public-spirited citizen, actively 
identified with the progress and development of 
the city. In 1873 he married Miss Alice Grabe, 
a native of Canajoharie, New York. They have 
three children: Carl, Robert and Minnie. 



fHOMAS ANDREW GAREY was born in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, July 7, 1830 His an- 
cestors were German. Young Garey was 
reared in Hagerstown, Maryland, but moved to 
Iowa in 1847. He started for California in 
1850, stopping about a year in New Mexico and 
six months at Tubac, Arizona, arriving at San 
Diego in 1852. At Albuquerque, New Mexico, 
October 27, 1850, Mr. Garey was united in 
marriage with Louisa J. Smith, a native of 
Massachusetts. Soon after their arrival in San 
Diego, they came to Los Angeles County, tirst 
settling at El Monte. Afterward, in 1865, Mr. 
Garey bought land on San Pedro street, Los An- 
geles, and engaged extensively in the citrus 
nursery business, and in this enterprise he has 
ever since continued. The demand for young 
orange, lemon and lime trees at one period was 
enormous, and as Mr. Garey was a very enter- 
prising and energetic man he did what he could 
to meet this demand. His sales of fruit trees, 
mostly citrus, one year were about $75,000, 
and during a period of three years they were 
$175,000. He sent abroad for the best vari- 
eties, and it was he who introduced and named 
the Mediterranean Sweet orange, the Paper- 
rine St. Michael, and also the Eureka lemon. 
Mr. Garey is acting president of the Los An- 
geles County Pomological Society; was_ over- 
seer of the State Grange one term, and of the 
Council of the District, composed of sixteen 
subordinate granges, and Master of Los An- 



geles Grange. In connection with others, he 
helped to found both the towns of Pomona and 
Artesia, in Los Angeles Count}', and the new 
town of Garey in Santa Barbara County. Lat- 
terly he has been engaged in the nursery busi- 
ness in Santa Barbara County, at Garey, Santa 
Maria Yalley. Mr. Garey has been one of Los 
Angeles County's most useful citizens. He cer- 
tainly has done his part toward developing its 
material resources. Of their eight children, 
four are still living and are in Los Angeles 
County. They are A. T., W. E., Margaret A. 
and Albert H. A. T. Garey, the oldest, was 
born on tlie Puente Ranch, this county, July 
14, 1854. He received his education in Los 
Angeles, and is a nurseryman by occupation. 
He married May 10, 1876, Miss Belle, daughter 
of David and Susan (Thompson) Lewis. They 
have three children living. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis 
were among the pioneers of Los Angeles 
County and lived at El Monte, where they en- 
gaged extensively in the cultivation of hops, for 
thirty years. Mr. and Mrs. Garey reside in 
East Los Angeles. W. E. Garey, the second 
oldest of the family, a nurseryman Ijy profession, 
was born in San Bernardino County, March 21. 
1856. He was married in Santa Monica, in 1884, 
to Miss Laura E. Carpenter, daughter of Stephen 
F. Carpenter. She is a native of Minnesota, 
born May 10, 1864. They have one child. 
Margaret A. was born in Los Angeles, January 
7, 1864. She was married December 13, 1882, 
to Daniel J. Carr, Grand Secretary of the Grand 
Division of the Brotherhood of Railway Con- 
ductors. They have one child, Garey Carr. 
Albert H. is in his fourteenth year, the only 
child now at home with his parents. 

— ^€(ii"ii)^'^^^ — 

fACOB F. GERKENS, capitalist, 9 Sotello 
street, Los Angeles, was born in Holstein, 
Germany, January 12, 1842. His parents 
emigrated to America during his early child- 
hood and settled in Erie County, New York, 
near Buffalo. When only sixteen years of age 




-^^^.^^^ 



^i-^ 



HISTORY Ot LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the subject of this sketch started with ox teams 
across the plains for California. He came direct 
to Los Angeles and for several years was en- 
gaged in teaming and freighting here. He next 
went to Ynma and ran a ferry one 3'ear, and 
again engaged in freighting and carried on the 
business until 1865. At that time he was em- 
ployed by Robert Burnett as foreman on his 
ranch, continuing as such for two years. During 
this time, January 9, 1867, he was united in 
marriage to Miss Isadora Carabajal, a native of 
Los Angeles. From that time until 1871 he 
was successfully engaged in sheep-raising. His 
next venture was in the grocery business, on 
San Fernando street, at the junction of Downey 
avenue. He had been twice elected a member 
of the city council, and in 1877 sold out his 
store, having accepted the appointment of chief 
of police of Los Angeles. He held that office 
one year and was also assistant chief of police 
two years. For six years he held an office un- 
der the city government. Mr. Gerkens never 
went to school in his life, but as a result of his 
self-education he can speak and write three dif- 
ferent languages. Mr. and Mrs. Gerkens have 
had three children, two of whom survive: 
Charles F. and Margurette. The death of their 
daughter Annie occurred May 29, 1889. 

#^-^-5^^ — : — 

tON. HENRY T. HAZARD, tlie present 
Mayor (1889) of Los Angeles, is a native 
of Illinois. In 1854, at the age of eight 
years, he left Evanston, witli his parents, over- 
land for California, arriving in this city late in 
the summer of that year. Mr. Hazard gradu- 
ated at the Law School, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, 
at an early age, when he returned to Los Angeles 
and entered on tlie practice of law, which he lias 
continued ever since. He has tilled several posi- 
tions of importance during this time, including 
those of city attorney, member of tlie State 
Legislature, mayor, etc. His public spirit has 
been evinced in many ways, but particularly in the 
erection of an imtnense pavilion bearing his name) 



on the corner of Fifth and Olive streets. In 1874 
Mr. Hazard married, at San Gabriel, the third 
daughter of Dr. William Geller. They have no 
children. Mr. A. M. Hazard, the father of the 
subject of this sketch, who was long a resident 
of Los Angeles, died some years ago. Mr. Haz- 
ard has several brothers and one sister, who 
reside in this city. 



fEORGE C. HOPKINS.— Among the nu- 
merous classes of business which character- 
ize Los Angeles as the commercial me- 
tropolis of Southern California, the storage and 
warehouse business is an important one. The 
largest and finest institution in this line in this 
city and one of the largest on the Pacific Coast 
is the California Warehouse, situated on East 
Seventh street. The California Warehouse Com- 
pany was incorporated in June, 1888, with a 
capital stock of $50,000, and the building was 
erected and opened for business in October follow- 
ing. The warehouse is a very large brick struct- 
ure 153 X 301 feet in dimensions, two stories in 
height, and contains 60,000 square feet of floor 
space. Being covered with iron roofing and 
floored with bituminous rock, it is both fire and 
rat proof, and is finished and furnished with the 
best improved machinery and appliances for 
handling freight, packing wool, etc., by the use 
of which thirty cars of freight can be handled 
or 50,000 pounds of wool can be l)ailed per day. 
The warehouse has a special railroad track con- 
necting it with the Southern Pacific system; and 
freight can be unloaded and loaded from wagons 
on eitlier side or from the driveway through the 
center of the building. The company owns an 
entire block of ground, wliich is encompassed by 
a sixty-foot street. The California Warehouse 
Comjiany is composed of a number of the lead- 
ing business men and heaviest capitalists of the 
city, representing four to five millions of dollars. 
The officers are: T. J. Weldon, President and 
Treasurer, and George C. Hopkins, Vice-Presi- 
dent and Secretary. The company handles and 



HISTORY OF LOS AJ^GELES COUNTY. 



stores every class of goods except explosive and 
inflammable articles, such as oils and paints. 
They handle and bale 200,000 pounds of wool 
annually, and during tlie busy season have 
$100,000 in value of goods in store in the house 
at one time. The business gives employment 
to from fifteen to forty men. Mr. Hopkins, the 
gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and 
the active manager of the warehouse business, 
is a man of large experience in this branch, 
having been in the employ of the American Ex- 
press Compan}' in Chicago ten years, and in the 
freight department of the Southern Pacific Rail- 
road Company about eight years, before organ- 
izing the California Warehouse Company, in 
which he was one of the prime movers. He 
came to California in 1872, and engaged in wool- 
growing in Oregon four years, at the end of 
which time he removed to Los Angeles. He 
was born near Aurora, Illinois, in 1846; went 
to Chicago in 1852, wiien it was a mere country 
town, saw it grow to a great commercial metropo- 
lis, and witnessed its destruction by the most 
terrible conflagration in the world's iiistory, on 
October 9 and 10, 1871. He is greatly in love 
with Los Angeles and Southern California, and 
thinks this is the garden spot of the world. Mr. 
Hopkins's consort was Miss Spencer, daughter of 
Judge James A. Spencer, one of the original 
projectors of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 
Kailroad, and was one of the builders of the 
Kansas City & Topeka division. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hopkins have two children, a son and daughter. 



fDWIN WALKER HOUGHTON, archi- 
tect, Pasadena, was born in Hartley Row, 
England, in 1856. His father was a busi- 
ness man, farmer and builder. After attending 
school nntil eighteen years of age, he associated 
himself with his brother at Elongate Hill, Lon- 
don, where he learned the art of architecture. 
Studying this six years, he, in company with 
his brother, came to America. Two years sub- 
sequently he returned to England, and October 



13, 1884, married Miss Margaret H. Crudge, 
daughter of Mrs. Crudge, of Tiverton, Devon- 
shire. Soon afterward he came again to Amer- 
ica and settled in El Paso, Texas, two years, and 
then came to Pasadena. His office is in the 
First National Bank Building. He has designed 
and superintended tlie construction of the fol- 
lowing residences in Pasadena: James Hewitt's, 
$3,000; Mrs. Graham's, $5,000; J. G. Rust's, 
$3,500; T.Jones's, $4,000; Dr. Arthur's, $6,500; 
Dr. McQuilling's, $6,500; Dr. Schultz's, $2,000; 
H. H. Rose's, $4,000; A. E. McBride's, $4,000; 
T. N. Harvey's, $4,000, and Mrs. E.B. Dexter's, 
$7,500. Mr. Houghton's charges are as follows: 
Preliminary studies, 1 per cent.; working draw- 
ings and specifications, 2| per cent.; working 
drawings and details, 3 ])er cent. ; working draw- 
ings and superintending, 5 per cent. 



fOHN F. HOG AN was born near Killar- 
ney, Ireland, in 1829, and is a son of John 
and Mary (Flinn) Hogan. They had a 
family of twelve children, nine boys and three 
girls, all of whom lived to maturity. Tiie 
father died when the subject of this sketch was 
a small boy. At the age of nine years he made 
the voyage across the Atlantic, and landed in 
America. He was first an assistant gardener in 
the city of Philadelphia. Afterward he went 
into gardening for himself, and was very suc- 
cessful for a number of years in Rochester, New 
York, where, on Christmas day, 1857, he and 
Miss Mary Lowe, also a native of the Emerald 
Isle, were united in marriage. He subsequently 
moved to Sandusky, Ohio, where he lived for 
twenty-five years. At the breaking out of 
the war he was the first recruit in the 
One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Vol- 
unteers, and served his country bravely till 
he was honorably discharged in the city of 
Washington, in 1865. Soon after the war 
closed he sold out his interests at Sandusky and 
moved to Peoria, Illinois, where he established 
the Spring Hill Park, in the heart of the city. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Tliis park covers an area of twelve acres of 
land, and is one of the finest in the United 
States. It has a swimming park 150 feet 
sqnare and from two and a half to twelve feet 
deep. The sulphur and mineral water is ob- 
tained from a well 860 feet deep. There are 
forty-two bath rooms, and tiie whole was fitted 
up at a cost of §21,000. Mr. Hoj;Hn sold his 
interests there in 1880, and went to Quincy, 
Illinois, where he built another park, known as 
Hogan Park. This he soon sold, and came to 
California, locating at the city of Los Angeles. 
There he was very successful in the real-estate 
business. About one year ago he retired from 
active business and bought residence property 
in Santa Monica. This he has improved and 
has built a very comfortable residence at the 
corner of Second street and Nevada avenue, 
overlooking the sea, where he and the partner 
of his youth are spending the evening of life, 
retired from the excitements and requirements 
of a business life. They have only one child, 
Mary, now the wife of John Moran, of Los 
Angeles. Mr. Hogan has been eminently suc- 
cessful in his calling, and is the principal stock- 
holder in the Wharf Association, in Santa Monica. 
They are both members of the Catholic church, 
and Mr. Hogan is an intelligent and enthusiastic 
supporter of the principles of the Republican 
party. 

tATIlAN H. IIOSMER.— Among the pio- 
neers of the Sierra Madre Colony, mention 
must be made of the subject of this sketch. 
Mr. Hosmer came to Los Angeles County in 
1878, and located at Florence, where he engaged 
in general farming upon rented lands. He also 
purchased machinery and contracted for baling 
hay, etc. He continued his operations at that 
place until 1881, and after a visit East in No- 
vember of that year he took up Ids residence at 
Sierra Madre. He early saw the desirability of 
the Sierra Madre Colony tract for residence pur- 
poses, and its adaptability to fruit cultivation. 



He purchased twenty-six acres lying west of 
Baldwin avenue, between Central and Live Oak 
avenues. This land was then in its wild state, 
but Mr. Ilosiner, with the energy so character- 
istic of himself, began clearing, grading, and 
planting trees and vines. lie planted 1,600 
orange and lemon trees, 400 apricots, and a 
large variety of other deciduous fruits. In a 
year he had built up one of the finest orchard 
properties of the colony. He was one of the 
first to recognize the demand to be made upon 
the colony lands for villa lots, and in 1886 sub- 
divided his tract into sixty-six lots, retaining 
four acres for his home. His enterprise was a 
success, and there has been erected upon the 
lots sold fifteen residences and other buildings. 
Upon his home place of four acres he has a 
substantial cottage, commodious barn and out- 
buildings. He is devoting his attention to the 
cultivation of a fine variety of citrus and de- 
ciduous fruits, among which are 114 orange 
trees. Mr. Hosmer, after visiting and inspect- 
ing many localities, selected the Sierra Madre 
Colony as one of the most desirable locations 
for residence and horticultural pursuits in the 
San Gabriel Valley, and has never had cause to 
regret his decision. From the very start he has 
been one of the most progressive and public- 
spirited citizens of Sierra Madre, identifying 
himself with every enterprise that tended to 
build up and advance the interests of his chosen 
section. He was among the original incorpora- 
tors of the Sierra Madre Water Company, and 
has served many years as a director of the same. 
As one of the original trustees of the public 
library he was largely instrumental in estab- 
lishing that most desirable of public institu- 
tions. He is now a school trustee of his district, 
and the efficient road overseer of the colony tract. 
Mr. Hosmer is a native of New England, dating 
his birth at Concord, Massachusetts, in 1844. 
He is the son of Nathan S. and Ruth L. (Hay- 
ward) Hosmer, both natives of that State. His 
father was a builder and contractor by occupa- 
tion, located at Concord; and Mr. Hosmer was 
leared and schooled in that place until sixteen 



BISTORT OP LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



years ofage. He then entered into mercantile 
pursuits as a clerk, after wliicli he located at 
Lowell, Massachusetts, and engaged in the sew- 
ing-machine business for about two years. In 
1872 he established an agency for the Singer 
Sewing-Machine Company in Lawrence, which 
he conducted until 1874. He then returned to 
Concord and engaged in the grocery business 
until he came to California. Mr. Hosmer is 
endowed with energetic and industrious habits, 
and by his experience in various occupations in 
life has acquired the power to achieve success 
in wliatever he undertakes. He is well known 
throughout this section of the valley, and ranks 
as one of its desirable and esteemed citizens. 
Tolitically he is a E.epublican. In 1886 he 
served as a delegate in the county conventions. 
He is a member of Lowell Lodge, No. 44, K. of 
P. In addition to his Sierra Madre property 
he has real-estate interests in Monrovia and 
Olivewood, and is also the owner of a iive-acre 
tract of unimproved land at Cresente Canada. 
In 1872 Mr. Hosmer wedded Miss Clymena 
AV". Ilatliorn, a native of Maine. No children 
have blessed this union. Mr. Hosmer's mother 
died when he was eight months old. His father 
is still a resident of Concord. 



iISS FRANCES H. HAWKS.— There 
no resident of Sierra Madre more 
"^ worthy of mention in its early history 
and subsequent remarkable growth and develop- 
ment than the lady whose name heads this 
sketch. Miss Hawks was born in Delatield, 
"Wisconsin, and was there reared and educated. 
Her parents were Nelson P. and Hannah 
(Crocker) Hawks. The death of her father 
occurred in 1863, and she was left to the care 
of her loving mother. Early in life Miss Hawks 
displayed a talent and taste for music and was 
given the benefits of a thorough musical educa- 
tion. In 1879, accompanied by her mother, 
she came to California and located in San Fran- 
cisco, where she was successfully engaged in 



teaching music. The climate of that city not 
agreeing with her, she was compelled to seek 
a more genial one, and in 1881 she and he)- 
mother came to Los Angeles County and located 
at Stoneman's Ranch, at San Gabriel, until 
September of that year. She then purchased 
a twenty-acre tract of land in the Sierra Madre 
Colony, at that time just opened to settlement, 
and established her residence upon the same in 
October. Miss Hawks and her mother came to 
this wild and uncultivated laud on that October 
day and sought the shelter of an oak-tree while 
the carpenters erected the rough little 12 x 16- 
foot cabin they were to occupy for mouths after- 
ward. This was the second building ei'ected 
for residence purposes upon the colony tract. 
Miss Hawks at once entered upon the improve- 
ment of her land, and engaged in horticultural 
and viticultural pursuits. She bravely and 
cheerfully encountered the discomforts and even 
hardships of tiie situation. Success rewarded 
her eiibrts, and she soon made the -apparent 
desert blossom and bloom like the veritable 
garden of Eden. Miss Hawks's tract was located 
on the south side of Grand View avenue. The 
first avenue trees planted in the colony were 
pepper trees planted by Miss Hawks on that 
avenue early in 1882, and it is believed she also 
set out the first grape-vines there. She has 
been a liberal supporter of all enterprises that 
have built up and developed the resources of 
Sierra Madre. She is a stockholder in the 
Sierra Madre Water Company, and has been a 
liberal supporter of schools and churches. She 
is an earnest member of the Episcopal Church, 
and donated to that society the lot upon which 
the Church of the Ascension stands, besides 
contributing freely to the building fund. The 
floral productions in her Sierra Madre nursery 
on the corner of Grand View and Baldwin ave- 
nues are not exceeded in beauty and variety by 
any in that section of the San Gabriel Valley. 
The care and cultivation of this one-half acre of 
nursery ground is confided to no one, but is 
attended to by the lady herself. She is now 
the owner of about fifteen acres of her original 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tract, but she also owns valuable business prop- 
erty in Sierra Madre, among which is the fine 
two-storv building on the east of Baldwin ave- 
nue, just north of Central avenue. She is a 
thoroughly educated lady, possessed of sound 
business qualifications, and has gained a well- 
merited success in her real-estate and other en- 
terprises. Her long residence in the valley has 
made her well known and gained her a large 
circle of friends. 



|P^ENRY HANSEN, Los Angeles, painter 
ira\ and contractor, was born in JSJorway, Sep- 
-^(l tember 10, 1858, emigrated to America 
when eleven years of age, and grew up in Chi- 
cago, where he served an apprenticeship in 
learning the trade of painting. He remained 
in Chicago until 1887, when he came to Los 
Angeles and engaged in his present business. 
His practical knowledge and experience in the 
best class of work have enabled him to build up 
a good trade, giving employment to from twelve 
to fifteen men, and doing some of the most im- 
portant work here. He received the contract 
for doing all the painting for the new city hall. 
He resides on Austin street and Central avenue, 
and owns the property he occupies. Li 1880 he 
married Sophia Blatt, a native of Mecklenburg, 
Germany. They have two children: Theodore 
and Florence, and lost two children in Los An- 
geles. 

'^■^■^ 

fC. HAN N ON, ex-Supervisor for the First 
District of Los Angeles County, was born 
* in the city of London, England, Decem- 
ber 2, 1828, son of David and Martha Hannon. 
When five years of age his parents resolved 
upon emigration to the United States; and on 
arrival in this country they made their home in 
Eastern Ohio, nearly opposite Wheeling, West 
Virginia. There they lived, engaged in agri- 
culture, the rest of their lives. The subject of 



this sketch was feared to a farm life, and re- 
ceived his rudimentary education in the com- 
mon schools of Ohio. During the latter part of 
his residence in that State he was engaged in 
lumbering in the forests near his home. Li the 
early part of the year 1859 he resolved upon 
emigration to this golden sunny land, reaching 
the State late that year. He spent the follow- 
ing four years in the mining districts of Nevada, 
and became one of the foui ders of Unionville, 
the county seat of Humboldt County, in that 
State, and was one of the well-known enterpris- 
ing citizens of Humboldt County. Retirt-uing 
to San Francisco in 1863, he married there, 
June 1 of that year. Miss Elizabeth Carr, a 
native of Ireland. Soon afterward Mr. Hannon 
settled in Santa Clara County, two miles east of 
San Jose, on the Alum Eock road. This home 
was established early in 1864. In 1869, after 
considerable time had been given to the work of 
selection of a future home in Southern Califor- 
nia, Mr. Hannon and his few chosen compan- 
ions, now his neighbors, selected the site of his 
present home, in the beautiful San Gabriel 
Valley. No more productive soil can be found 
in California, — a deep alluvial deposit making 
an inexhaustible fund of wealth to draw upon, 
and no draft has ever been dishonored. The 
160 acres are devoted mainly to the production 
of wheat and barley. Stock sufficient for domes- 
tic use and farm operations is kept, and a mis- 
cellaneous variety of deciduous and citrus fruits 
are raised in abundance in the family orchards. 
The home, with its beautiful surroundings, is 
the abode of comfort and genuine hospitality, 
and is located less thantwo miles northwest of 
El Monte, in the Savannah school district, and 
convenient to Pasadena and Monrovia. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hannon have six children living, viz.: 
Frank, who is engaged in the Internal Revenue 
Office at Los Angeles; Edward, at home with his 
parents; Vincent and Mary are in school at San 
Jose, the former in the Santa Clara College and 
the latter in the College of Notre Dame; Charles 
and Frances are attending the home district 
school. Mr. Hannon is a Democrat in politic?. 



BISTORT OF LOS AJflQBLBS COUNTY. 



and prominent in tlie councils of the party; is 
deservedly popular as an official ; was elected 
supervisor in 1876, and served eight years; later 
he served four years as deputy assessor; and 
many years he has served his district as trustee. 
In all relations of life he has always been the 
true, upright man. His father was of Irish birth, 
but reared in London, where he married a lady 
of English birth. He was a devoted adherent 
of Daniel O'Connell, and identified with him to 
such an extent as to become obnoxious to the 
Government, and to make emigration to this 
land of the free desirable if not necessary. In 
conclusion, we will say that when Mr. Hannon 
selected the site of his present fine estate, then 
in its native wildness, he builded better than he 
knew. 

fOGENE GERMAIN.— The subject of this 
sketch, who is one of the leading men 
of Southern California and foremost in 
business affairs of the city of Los Angeles, 
is a native of Switzerland, born November 30, 
1847. He came to New York in 1868 and to 
California in 1870. At this time the Southern 
Pacific Railway was in course of construction 
through Arizona and New Mexico from Yuma 
to Sanderson, Texas, and for about five years, 
from 1879 to 1884, Mr. Germain engaged ex- 
tensively in operating numerous supply stores 
along the line of work. He established branch 
stores at Tucson, Benson, Deming and El Paso, 
from which he handled large quantities of mer- 
chandise and did presumably a very profitable 
business. Upon the completion of the Southern 
Pacific line through this country, Mr. Germain 
centered his attention and energies upon his 
Los Angeles business with results that are well 
known to the people of Southern California. 
He purchased, packed, shipped and otherwise 
handled large quantities of fruit, provisions, etc., 
and in 1S84 his business had grown to such pro- 
portions that its reorganization was necessitated 
and increased facilities required for properly 



handling the same, and the Germain Fruit Com- 
pany, organized by Mr. Germain, and now with- 
out exception the largest institution of the 
kind in Southern California, is the outgrowth 
of the business which he established in 1882. 
Mr. Germain has served the company as its 
president since its organization and personally 
directs its affairs from their main offices and 
spacious stores in the Baker Block. Mr. Ger- 
main is a man of remarkable energy, and pos- 
sesses great executive ability. He is foremost 
in various local business enterprises, and any 
movement tending to the growth of Los An- 
geles City and county and the development of 
their remarkable resources, he is ever ready to 
encourage with his influence and money. His 
opinions upon questions of public policy are re- 
garded as always sound. He has two terms 
presided over the deliberations of the Board of 
Trade of Los Angeles, and his administration 
of its affairs was a marked success. He has 
also served as president of the Stock and Prod- 
uce Exchange of Los Angeles. During the 
present year (1889) Mr. Germain, with his fam- 
ily, is in Europe, having been appointed by Gov- 
ernor Waterman Commissioner of California to 
the Paris Centennial Exposition. Mr. Germain 
is a scholarly man of culture and speaks fluently 
several languages. He was married, in 1872, to 
Miss Caroline Sievers, and they have an interest- 
ing family of five children, three sons and two 
daughters. 



fAMES L. HOWLAND.— The most exten- 
sive nursery in the San Jose Valley is that 
owned and conducted by the above-named 
gentleman. His nursery grounds of seventy 
acres in extent are located on Cucamungo ave- 
nue, within the town limits of Pomona, and 
about two and a half miles north of the busi- 
ness center of that city. Fully forty acres are 
devoted to nursery purposes. His productions 
range from the useful and ornamental trees and 
vines to the most delicate floral productions. 





ct::i>t^^(^^ 



HISTOHT OF LOS ANGELES C0U2fTY. 



Of citrus fruit trees he lias 20,000, budded 
mostly with Wiishingtoii Navels, and 75,000 of 
the most approved seedlings. Foreseeing the 
future demand for dlive trees, he has entered 
extensively into their production, and has nearly 
200,000 of tiiose trees, such as his researcli and 
study have convinced him are the best suited to 
the climate, soil, etc., of the San Jose Valley. 
Of deciduous fruits he has about 20,000 trees, 
comprising a large number of varieties. His 
shade and ornamental trees and floral produc- 
tions comprise almost innumerable varieties, 
covering in scope the floral world of Southern 
California. In addition to his nursery, Mr. 
Howland is engaged in fruit-growing, having 
twenty acres in olive trees, ten acres in orange 
and lemon trees, besides deciduous fruit trees 
in much smaller proportions. All these ini 
provements, including extensive hot houses, 
buildings, complete water system for irrigation, 
etc., have been made by him within the past 
four or five years. lie purchased his land from 
George B. Adams, in 1885. It was originally 
a portion of the Loop and Meserve tract, and 
until that year was in a wild and uncultivated 
state. Mr. Howland is a native of Massachu- 
setts, dating his birth in Barre, in 1862. He 
was reared and schooled in Springfield, at which 
place his father, James Howland, a native of 
Massachusetts and a descendant of an old Colo- 
nial family, was engaged in business as a drug- 
gist and chemist. Mr. Howland received the 
benefits of a good education, graduating at the 
excellent High School of that city. He also, at 
the age of fourteen years, commenced the study 
of his father's profession, and was employed in 
his store until 1879, when the death of his 
father left the business dependent upon himself. 
This he successfully conducted until 1882, when 
he came to California and located in the San 
Jose Valley. Upon his arrival lie determined 
to turn his attention to horticultural pursuits, 
and entered into the nursery business with S. 
Gates, near Pomona. This partnership existed 
until 1885, when he established his present 
enterprise. He has achieved a success in liis 



business that is well merited, for with his in- 
dustrious habits and sound business principles 
he combined a careful study and research in his 
calling that is commendable. Mr. Howland has 
other landed interests in San Jose Valley, among 
which are 600 acres of improved land lying 
north of his nursery farm and along the foot- 
hills. A large portion of this land is well 
aila])ted to olive culture. Mr. Howland is a lle- 
publiean in politics, and takes an earnest interest 
in the protection policy of that part}'. He is a 
member of the National Guard of California, 
being commissioned as First Lieutenant in Com- 
]iany D, Seventh Regiment. He is unmarried. 
His mother, Mrs. Mary E. (Thorpe) Howland, 
resides with him. He has one brother, Harry 
A. Plowland, who is a resident of Pomona. 

^' ' ^ •^"?*''^* '^^ '• "*" 

ILLIAM A. HOME, senior partner of 
the firm of Home & Abel, druggists, 
whose stores are situated at Nos. 508 
Downey avenue and 716 and 718 San Fernando 
street, was born in Connecticut in July, 18-10. 
During the early part of his active life he was 
engaged in the iron trade. He came to Cali- 
fornia in August, 1882, and the following month 
he started in the drug business in partnership 
with William H. Abel, on San Fernando street. 
About a year later they opened a branch store 
on Downey avenue in East Los Angeles, and 
have done a prosperous business in both stores. 
The second year after they started their store 
was destroyed by flre, in which the firm sus- 
tained a loss of $2,000. They own both the 
buildings in which their stores are situated. 
They erected the two-story brick in East Los 
Angeles at a cost of over $10,000, and moved 
into it in February, 1889. Formerly they did 
some wholesaling, but discontinued that feature 
a year or two ago. They manufactured several 
medical preparations, the principal one being 
their celebrated White Pine Balsam, which they 
put uj)on the market six years ago, and which 
has an extensive sale throughout California. 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



yix to eight men are employed in all depart- 
ments of their bnsiiiess. Mr. Home married 
Miss Antouia C. Price, a niece of General Ster- 
ling Price, in Carthage, Missouri. Mr. Abel is 
also a native of Connecticut, and came to Cali- 
fornia in 1882. He has been many years in the 
drug business. 

fOHN E. HOWAED.— One of the repre. 
sentative lesident properties of the San 
Gabriel Valky is "Howard Place," owned 
by the above-named gentleman. This live-acr« 
tract is localtd about two miles and a half north 
and east of Pasadena. In 1884 Mr. Howard 
]inicha&ed filteen acres of land at that point and 
t(]ol< up his residence there, and, althougli an 
invalid, commenced its imjirovenient. In 1887 
lie sub-divided ten acres of his land into villa 
lots and sold them, alter which he commenced 
a more extensive improvement of his remaining 
five acres. He erected a line two-story residence, 
complete in all its appointments and furnishings. 
This was destroyed by lire in May, 1888, and in 
the Siime year he built his present home, wliicli 
is a large two-story building, ot architectural 
beauty, in which he has combined all the con- 
veniences and luxuries ot a well-ordered mod- 
ern home. But it is the ornamental trees and 
Hoi-al productions of his grounds that attract 
the most attention. Mr. Howard is an enthusi- 
ast in his horticultural pursuits, and his beauti- 
iul grounds abound in the choicest collection of 
trees and flowers to be found in the county, and 
probably are not excelled by any of private 
ownership in the State. The diversilied arrange- 
ment or studied irregularity of his grounds adds 
greatly to their beauty. No two trees of the 
same kind or flowers of the same variety are 
placed side by side, nor has he followed geo- 
metrical lines in his planting. Space will not 
admit of giving the names of the variety of 
trees and flowers he has collected and success- 
fully cultivated. As an illustration it may be 
noted that the 400 rose-trees he has secured 



comprise over 100 varieties, and there are seven 
varieties in his seventy-flve palms. There can 
scarcely be mentioned a tree or flower that can 
be grown in the San Gabriel Yalley that he has 
not a specimen of under successful cultivation. 
About one-half of his Ave acres is occupied by 
his residence and grounds, and the remaining 
two and a half acres are planted with citrus and 
deciduous fruits. He has followed the same 
course in this as in floral products, and has col- 
lected a variety of all fiuits that can be suc- 
cessfully cultivated in this section. The hardy 
apple and quince of the North may here be 
found side by side with the tropical banana of 
the South. The subject of this sketch is a native 
of the Granite State, New England, born in 
Cheshire County, in 1840. His father, Jonathan 
Howard, was a native of New Hampshire, and 
a farmer by occupation. His mother, nee Gracia 
Alexander, was also of that State. Mr. How- 
ard was reared to agricultural pursuits until 
twenty years of age. He then started in life 
for himself by establishing a trade throughout 
his section which he supplied by a large general 
merchandise wagon, with which he made stated 
trips. He was successful in his business, and 
in 1868 moved to Greenfield, Massachusetts, 
where he established himself in mercantile life 
by opening a large merchandise store. He con- 
ducted various enterprises until 1882, when 
ill health compelled a retirement from active 
business pursuits, and in seeking a restoration 
to health, he came to California. For more 
than twenty years Mr. Howard led an active 
business life, and is a man of energetic, indus- 
trious characteristics, and as his health returned, 
in his California home, he sought active out- 
door employment, which he found in beautifying 
his grounds. Politically he is a Republican; 
has for over thirty years been a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, and for more than twenty 
years a Knight Templar in that order. He is 
affiliated with the Republican Lodge and Con- 
necticut Valley Cominandery of Greenfield, 
Massachusetts. He is a consistent member of 
the Congregational Church. In 1868 Mr. How- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ard married Miss Elizabeth Henry, the daughter 
i)f Nathan F. Henry, of Montague, Massachu- 
setts. From tiiis marriage there are two dauj^h- 
ters: Louisa and Bessie A. 

tW. IIEINSCH, manufacturer of liarness 
and dealer in saddlery, hardware and turf 
* goods, North Main street, Los Ange- 
les, was born in this city, October 16, 1862. 
His father. H. Heinscli, was an early settler 
here, and for more than twenty years was a well- 
known prominent merchant. The subject of 
this sketch attended school in his native city, 
and learned the mercantile business in his 
father's store. In 1882 he went to San Fran- 
cisco and was for four years connected with 
leading business jobbing houses on the Pacific 
Coast. Then he returned to Los Angeles, and 
since that time has been the leading merchant 



in his line. He manufactures the greater 



por 



tion of his stock, employing eight to ten men. 
His store is large and commodious, and he car- 
ries one of the largest and most complete retail 
stocks of goods west of the Mississippi River. 
He has a large established trade, which extends 
through Southern California and Arizona. He 
also imports a large amount of turf goods from 
England. 



A. HUNTER, manufacturer of boilers 
and oil-tanks, Los Angeles, was born 
" June 6, 1839, in Pennsylvania. Dur- 
ing his youth he served an apprenticeship in the 
Baltimore Locomotive Works. In 1857 he 
moved to Des Moines, Iowa. On the breaking 
out of the war he enlisted in the Twenty-third 
Iowa Volunteer Infantry; served under General 
Curtis, was wounded at Milliken's Bend, and 
was mustered out in 1864. For the next seven 
years he had charge of the Capital Iron Works, 
at Springfield, Illinois; then four years was in 
business in Jacksonville, sarae State; then four 



years in the same trade, at St. Joseph, Missouri; 
and finally, in 1884, came to Los Angeles and 
established his present business, on the corner 
of Castelar and Alpine streets. He has had a 
large practical experience as a manufacturing 
machinist, and is well calculated to build up an 
extensive trade. He was one of the original 
corporators of the Union Iron Works. He also 
owns a fine ranch in this county. Mr. Hunter 
married Miss Elder, a native of Kentucky, and 
they have two children: W. A., Jr., and Dora 
A., now Mrs. Gilbert. 



fEORGE S. HAVEN, of Los Angeles, has 
been a resident of California since 1859. 
He is native of Yarmouth, Maine, born 
September 2, 1836. From his native place 
he sailed southward, crossed the Isthmus of 
Panama, and from thence came by steamer to 
San Francisco. He followed mining in Placer 
County to some extent until 1862. He visited 
Los Angeles atid Southern California towns in 
the dry season of 1863. After visiting vari- 
ous localities he, in 1887, located at 231 Com- 
mercial street, Los Angeles, and opened the 
Boston Chop House, a restaurant which he still 
conducts. Mr. Haven has been an extensive 
traveler on the Western Slope. September 6, 
1866, he married Miss Mary M. Humphrey. 
They have four children: Frank B., Grace E., 
Charles A. and Fred H. 



fllABEN, of the firm of Hai)en & Phip, 
manufacturers of galvanized iron cor- 
nices, sky-lights and metal roofing, 116 
South Los Angeles street, Los Angeles, was 
born in Syracuse, New Vork, and learned his 
trade there. After reaching manhood he trav- 
eled through South America as well as North 
America, and came to Los Angeles in 1883, 
where he went to work for Harper & Reynolds, 
having charge of their tin shops and cornice 



750 



UISTORV OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



work three years. He then bought that depart- 
ment and he and Mr. Phip established their 
present business. Thej do a general jobbing 
trade, making a specialty of galvanized iron cor- 
nice, nntallic t^ky-light and. metal roofing. 
Their factory is 26 x 50 feet in ground area, and 
they employ ten to fifteen naen in the busy 
season. He had a practical experience in every 
detail of the trade, and the success of the firm is 
due to their close supervision of their work. 



fLDRIDGE EDWARDS HEWITT was 
born at Pulteney, Steuben County, New 
York, August 12, 1828. The first of his 
ancestors of whom he has any knowledge came 
to America from Cork, Ireland, soon after 1620. 
He is, however, not sure that he was a native of 
Ireland; probably not, as he soon went to Leeds, 
England, and there married an English lady of 
the same name, but no relation as far as known. 
Immediately after his marriage he returned to 
America and settled in Connecticut, on the shore 
of Long Island Sound. His grandfather, Ran- 
dall Hewitt, was an otticer under General Wash- 
ington throughout the Revolutionary war. His 
father, Richard Hewitt, was born in Seneca 
County, New York, and was a physician in act- 
ive practice in New York, Ohio and Missouri 
for over forty years. His mother, nee Hannah 
Heminway Parker, was of Welsli extraction, 
her ancestry coming to America from Wales 
during Colonial times. His parents were mar- 
ried in Steuben County, New York, in 1827, 
and moved from there to Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio, in 1831. Richard Hewitt represented the 
district composed of Tuscarawas and Stark 
counties two terms in the Ohio Legislature, in 
the years 1843-'44. In 1845 President Polk 
appointed him agent for the Wyandott Indians, 
who had just before been removed from Ohio 
to their reservation in Kansas Territory, at the 
junction of the Missouri and Kansas rivers; 
and in the same year he moved with his family 
to that point and assumed charge of affairs. The 



only sciiool that Edwards ever attended was the 
old-fashioned district sciiool in Ohio, between 
1831 and 1845, where the solid rudiments of an 
English education were literally pounded into 
what he calls his rebellious brain, chiefly by a 
barbarous old Scotch school-master by the name 
of Stone. From 1845 to 1847 he was a clerk 
in an Indian trading establishment, at what was 
then known as Westport Landing, but long since 
famous as Kansas City. In April, 1847, he 
enlisted in the Twelfth United States Infantry 
for " five years or during the war" with Mexico. 
Hon. J. W. Denven, once a meinber of Congress 
from this State, was his Captain. General 
Franklin Pierce was the Brigade Commander, 
whom they joined at Vera Cruz in June, where 
he was appointed Sergeant-Major of the regi- 
ment, and held the position till the close of the 
war. The orders were to join General Scott, 
wiio was then at Pueblo, awaiting reinforcements 
and supplies. Their command was weak and 
the march a forced one, but the advance was 
made interesting and lively by their friends the 
guerrillas, who amrsed themselves by blowing 
up bridges that spanned almost impassable 
rivers and chasms, and bj' rolling huge ricks 
from mountain sides upon them as they passed 
through defiles. The only battles of magnitude 
that Mr. Hewitt participated in were those of 
Contreras and Churubusco on August 19 and 
20, 1847. He was wounded at Contreras, but 
not seriously. At the close of the war he was 
tendered by the Government a Second Lieuten- 
ancy in the First Dragoons, regular army, but 
declined when he heard of the discovery of gold 
in California. He and two other young men 
from Kansas City crossed the plains with an ox 
team, via the Carson River route, and arrived 
in California in September, 1849. From 1849 
to 1863 Mr. Hewitt was almost exclusively en- 
gaged in miningand merchandising in Mariposa, 
Merced and Stanislaus counties. He arrived in 
Los Angeles, July 31, 1863, and passed the time 
from that date till October 28 in making a 
fruitless trip to the Weaver diggings in Arizona 
(during which he walked 500 miles), and in 



HISrORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



working for liis board for a gentleman by the 
name of Cohii, who kept a stationery and toy 
store on Main street, where the Grand Central 
Hotel now sta.ids. On the last-named date he 
entered the service of General Phineas Bann- 
ing at Wilmington, in whose employ he re- 
mained six years, or until the completion of the 
Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad, of wiiich 
he became superintendent in 1870. General 
Hewitt is now division superintendent of the 
Southern Pacilic Company, and has been since 
its purchase of the Los Angeles & Southern 
Pacific Road in 1873. He was married at Wil- 
mington, Los Angeles County, in October, 1866, 
to Miss Susan Garrett, a native of Arkansas. 
They have three children living, two daughters 
and a son, the former aged twenty-one and four- 
teen years respectively, and the latter sixteen 
years. The family moved from Wilmington to 
Los Angeles, in February, 1874. General Hew- 
itt was treasurer of the county from 1876 to 
1878. He has also held the position of General 
of Brigade of the National Guards of California- 
The subject of this sketch is a thorough busi- 
ness man, having filled with ability the position 
of railroad superintendent for nearly twenty 
years. His present duties as division superin- 
tendent of the Southern Pacific system require 
great executive ability. He not only possesses 
this in a marked degree, but he is withal per- 
sonally and officially popular in the comraunitj' 
in which he has lived so long. 



■^^^-f^ 



fM. HAVENS, carpenter and builder. No. 
10 Washington street, Los Angeles, was 
* born in the city of Albany, New York, 
October 1, 1860. His father, Morton H. Ha- 
vens, was a prominent contractor and builder. 
Serving as an officer in the Union army, the lat- 
ter was severely wounded in the battle of Cold 
Harbor and left for dead on the field. After 
the war he was connected with the Freedmen's 
Bureau. Returning to Albany, he engaged as 
a building contractor, and carried on an exten- 



sive business for many years. The subject of 
this sketch attended school during boyhood in 
his native city, and afterward learned of- his 
father the trade of carpenter and joiner. In this 
he was so proficient that before reaching man- 
hood he was charged with the supervision of 
forty to fifty men. In 1887 he came to Los 
Angeles, where he is enjoying a good patronage 
in his line. He also deals in real estate, taking 
jobs of repairing and renting, etc. He was 
married March 1, 1882, to Miss Sarah V. Rocke- 
feller, of Greenbush, New York, and they have 
one son, Ed M., Jr. 

'^^^m^^ 

fRED HAVER, contractor in I)rick aiul stone 
work, Los Angeles, is a native of Living- 
ston County, New York, and was born 
October 13, 1847. His parents, Fred and Mari- 
ette (Preston) Haver, were also natives of New 
York State. They went to Illinois and settled 
in Moline in 1853. Young Haver attended 
school until after the breaking out of the Re- 
bellion, when he enlisted, March 17, 1862, in 
the Thirty-ninth Regiment, Illinois Infantry, 
General Logan's old regiment. He served three 
years, seven months and twenty-three days, and 
participated in a number of battles and skir- 
mishes. While out scouting and in a skirmish, 
twenty of his regiment were captured and taken 
to Andersonville. However, Mr. Haver, being 
a good runner, escaped. After being mustered 
out of the service, he entered the regular army. 
Eighth Regulars, U. S. A., commanded by old 
Colonel Bumford, the Ranking Colonel of the 
army. He was Sergeant-Major two years, the 
highest non-commissioned rank. Was mustered 
out June 17, 1870. Mr. Haver learned his trade 
of his fatlier, who was a prominent contractor 
and engaged in building in Iowa. The subject 
of this sketch came to Los Angeles in 1883 and 
engaged in contracting, and since then has been 
prominently identified with the contracting and 
building interests here. Among the many large 
contracts he has taken are, the Barker IJlock, the 



insTonr of los angeles county. 



Gollmer Block, the Armeister, the Kiefev Block, 
Germain Block and many others. He had the 
contract for hnilding the Raymond Hotel and 
made the 2,000,000 bricks required for the 
foundations. He built many of the best build- 
ings in Pasadena: Ward Block, Exchange Block, 
Carlton Hotel, General Ward Block, First Na- 
tional Bank, Hopkins Block and many others. 
Mr. Haver has had a large, practical experience 
and enjoys the reputation of being one of the 
most competent and responsible contractors in 
this State. He was married July 11, 1872, to 
Miss Minerva Stiles, of the State of Iowa. Her 
father was a soldier who served in the Twenty- 
sixth Iowa Infantry and died of injuries received 
in the service of his country. Mr. and Mrs. 
Haver have five children : Herbert, Goldie, Earl 
Wayne, Pearl M., and Fred, Jr. 

-^-^-^ 

tC. HAIiPER, manufacturer of well and 
water pipe, tanks and all kinds of tin and 
® metal roofing, 344 Alameda street, Los 
Angeles, is a native of Columbus, Mississippi, 
born March 13, 1866, and is a son of C. F. 
Harper and Martha (Mullen) Harper. His par- 
ents came to California and settled in Los An- 
geles in 1868. His father, an old and honored 
citizen, established the well-known house of 
Harper, Reynolds & Co., and for the past twenty 
years this firm has been one of the largest and 
most prominent in the extent and magnitude of 
its business in Southern California. The sub- 
ject of this sketch attended school here, and 
after leaving sdiool entered his father's store, 
where he received a thorough training in the de- 
tails of the business and was connected with the 
house until the present year, when he purchased 
the manufacturing department and succeeded to 
this part of the extensive business, the oldest in 
this line in Southern California. He manu- 
factures all kinds of sheet iron and tin plate 
work for the trade, in a wholesale way, having 
a large trade with the land and water com- 
panies, supplying them with water and well 



pipe. For so young a man, Mr. Harper has had 
a large practical experience arid gives his per- 
sonal supervision to the details of the business. 
He will continue to increase the already large 
established trade of this old and well-known 
manufacturing house. Mr. Harper was united 
in marriage, October 25, 1887, to Miss Minnie 
Hamilton, a native of Dalton, Georgia, and 
daughter of Colonel Joseph Hamilton, formerly 
of Georgia, but who has been a resident of Los 
Angeles for many years. 



'>^^■■ 



fULIUS HAUSER, dealer in fresh and salted 
meats, corner of Main and First streets, is 
a native of Germany, and was born in 
Baden, January 7, 1847. He attended school 
during boyhood, and upon reaching manhood he 
emigrated to America, in 1867. He lived in 
Poughkeepsie, New York, three years, after 
which he came to the Pacific Coast, in 1870, 
and located at Sacramento, where he was engaged 
in business for thirteen years. He was also in- 
terested in the stock business, and traveled from 
Oregon through the Territories on horseback, 
for the benefit of his health, at the same time 
continuing his business in Sacramento, which 
place continued to be his home until 1888. He 
then came to Los Angeles and established his 
present business. He has one of the best loca- 
tions in the city, corner of Main and First streets, 
and is building up a large trade. In 1879 Mr. 
Hauser married Miss Caroline Hergett, a native 
of the city of Sacramento. They have four sons: 
Edward Charles, Herman Julius, Lewis August 
and Franklin Mitchell. 

-^^€®::Si^-^ — 

fF. HAWIv, an extensive and prosperous 
farmer, residing five miles west of Comp- 
® ton, has been a resident of the county 
since 1873. He is now farming 1,700 acres of 
land, the principal croj) being barley, of which 
he raises a superior quality. He also owns a 



UfiDir OF LOi ANGELES COUNTY. 



farm of forty acres near Downey. "Wlien first 
he catne to tlie county Mr. Hawk was employed 
for several years in Los Angeles City by the 
Southern Pajilic Railroal Company, a^ clerk, 
and he subsequeritl}' devoted his time and at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Hawk is 
a native of Indiana, was born in 1849, and is 
the son of James and Caroline (Newell) Hawk. 
His parents were natives of Ohio, and moved at 
an early day to La Salle County, Illinois, where 
the subject of this sketch was principally reared 
and educated. Besides a liberal common-school 
education, he pursued the higher branches of 
study at the Grand Prairie Seminary at Orange, 
Illinois. He afterward figured as a pedagogue, 
and taught three years in Iroquois and other 
counties in Illinois. In 1881 he selected as his 
partner through life Miss Mattie Willets, of 
Leesburgh. Indiana. She is tlie daughter of 
Enos and Elmira (.Wood) Willets, natives of 
Ohio, and pioneers of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hawk have an interesting family of three chil- 
dren: Leroy, Walter and Olga. Politically Mr. 
Hawk is a stanch supporter of the principles as 
taught by the Republican party. Being a scholar 
and a man of close observation, he is one whose 
opinion, on matters both public and private, is 
received with deference by all who ktiow him. 



J^ARMON HIGGINS, deceased, came to 
f^ California in 1844. He was born in lUi- 
"^l nois, February 19, 1812. His parents, 
Jusiah and Margaret Higgins, of Tennessee, 
moved to Piatt County, Missouri, wiien Harmon 
was one 3'ear old. There he was reared and 
educated, receiving both a common-school and 
a college education. He was married in Holt 
County, Missouri, December 25, 1842, to Miss 
Malinda Durbin, a native of Piatt County, Mis- 
souri, and a daughter of Daniel and Thurza 
(Fuget) Durbin. They were natives of Missouri 
and Kentucky respectively. The father traces 
his genealogy back to the Irish and Welsh, and 
the mother to tlie French and Welsh. Tliey 



reared a large family, seven girls and three 
boys. Two years after his marriage the subject 
of this sketch set out for California, coming 
overland in company with a train consisting of 
twenty-six families, with Niel Gillam as their 
Captain. They arrived in Portland, Oregon, 
about Christmas, where they remained until the 
spring of 1849, during which time Mr. Higgins 
was engaged in the management of a large sheep 
and cattle ranch. He then moved to San Fran- 
cisco, and for six months was engaged in min- 
ing. He subsequently moved to the Napa Val- 
ley where he farmed for three years, and then 
returned to his ranch in Oregon, remaining 
there six months. In 1861 he moved to El 
Monte, where he rented land four years. lu 
1865 he bought eighty acres of land where the 
city of Compton now stands, and was one of the 
original settlers of the place. He subsequently 
purchased 160 acres of land in San Diego 
County, residing on it one year, and then mov- 
ing back to his Compton ranch. Mr. and Mrs. 
Higgins have reared a large family, eleven chil- 
dren in all, ten of whom are yet living: James 
P., Dallas A., Josiah, Harmon, Buchanan, Will- 
iam R., Wallie, M-ary E., wife of Madison Sut- 
ton; Augusta, wife of Jefferson Mago; Cas- 
sanda, wife of John Hollman; and Frances M., 



who died at the age of eleven 



years. 



Mr. H 



gins, led a useful life and was a highly respected 
citizen. His death occurred March 2, 1887, at 
his home in Compton. Mrs. Higgins has re- 
cently built a large and elegant residence on 
the old farm just inside the city limits of Comp- 
ton, where, with her sons and two grandchildren, 
she is spending the evening of life in a manner 
which only those who have led a useful life can 
enjoy. 



f^^OODSON C. HOLMAN was born in 
|ft|sl|| Ivftitucky in 1824, and is a son of John 

l^-^S and Elizabeth (Duvall) Ilolman, the 
former of German and the latter of French 
origin, and both natives of Kentucky. John 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUJVTY 



}loliiian was born September 11, 1787, was a 
soldier in the war of 1812, in his younger days 
was a successful teacher for a number of years, 
went to Oregon in 184:3, and engaged in farm- 
ing there until his death, which occurred May 
14, 1864. lie and his wife reared a family of 
sixteen cliildren, fourteen of whom lived to 
maturity. When the subject of this sketch was 
only a boy he was entrusted with the care of his 
fatlier's family on their way from Missouri to 
Oregon. On this journey they experienced 
untold privations and hard"ships, and for sixteen 
days were lost, wandering they knew not where. 
This was in 1845. In 1848 the subject of this 
sketch came to California, and for ten years was 
engaged in the wholesale mercantile business in 
San Francisco. Mr. Ilolman is a man who has 
traveled much. Eight times he has been across 
the ocean from San Francisco to New York, 
and four times across the continent. He made 
twenty-live trips by sea from Portland, Oregon, 
to San Francisco, and twice overland, all these 
being business trips. He was at one time Cor- 
poral in the Indian war, to rescue prisoners 
taken at tlie massacre of Dr. Whitman, and in 
this capacity he rescued forty women and chil- 
dren. For the past eighteen years Mr. Ilolman 
has been a citizen of Los Angeles County. For 
six years after coming to the county he was a 
forwarding merchant in the city of Los Angeles, 
and twelve years ago he purchased 100 acres of 
land where he now resides. At present he is 
cultivating sixty acres, as a horticulturist. He 
received the nomination for justice of the peace 
in 1876, but was defeated. While in Oregon 
he was elected sheriff of Pacific County in 1852, 
l)ut resigned the office on account of business 
claiming his attention in San Francisco. Mr. 
Holman is somewhat of an author, though his 
educational advantages were very limited. He 
spent one winter in Philadelphia, one in New 
York City, and two in Washington, as cor- 
respondent for different newspapers. He pub- 
lished a work of his own, or rather a lecture, 
entitled "Twenty-four Years' Residence in Or- 
c'iion and California." He made a tour east to 



St. Louis and other points, where he delivered 
this lecture to appreciative audiences. Mr. 
Holman has been twice married. In 1858, 
at Bethel, Oregon, he wedded Olivia Burnett, 
daughter of Rev. G. O. Burnett, a minister in 
the Christian Church. This lady lived only six 
months after her marriage. In 1870 he chose 
for his second wife Mrs. Mary A. Elliott, of 
Clinton County, Missouri, who is a daughter of 
William Stoneman, of Plattsburg, Missouri. 
This lady, by her first husband, had two daugh- 
ters, Florence and India. Her union with Mr. 
Ilolman has been blessed with two sons, Frank 
and Claude Stoneman. 

'^■^^t^ 

fAMES HAY, a blacksmith near Artesia 
postoffice, has been one of the most success- 
ful men in this part of the county. He 
was born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1843. His 
parents, Donald and Jessie (Cameron) Hay, had 
six sons and one daughter; came to Canada in 
1857 and located in Frontenac, Ontario, where 
the father followed farming until his death, 
which occurred in 1875. The mother died three 
years previously. In 1864 James went to Roch- 
ester, New York, and thence to Oil City, Penn- 
sylvania, where he worked at the blacksmith's 
trade. Thence he went to Wyoming Territory, 
where for nine months he served in the Quarter- 
master's Department. Next he was at Salt 
Lake City, and then in Idaho Territory, wliere 
he followed his trade until 1875. Then he 
came to Los Angeles, purchased a farm south of 
Artesia, sold it and bought where he now lives. 
This he has improved, and here day after day 
the year around has the ring of his anvil been 
heard. Thus, having good health and rigidly 
practicing industrious and economical habits, 
he has accumulated an independent fortune. 
He is one of the first settlers of this beautiful 
Artesia country, and has witnessed the vast and 
rapid improvement that has been made within 
the last ten years. He is recognized as an emi- 
nently successful business man, enjoys the con- 




<^^^^ C^^^d^l.^^^^^^-^ 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



tideiice and esteem of his neighbors in a very 
hirge measure, is energetic, patriotic, public- 
S[)irited and intelligent, and no good public 
enterprise suffers from the lack of his support. 
Socially he is a Freemason and Odd- fellow, 
and politically he atiiliates with the Republican 
party. He is yet unmarried. 



V. JOHNSTON, contractor, 309 West 
Seventh street, Los Angeles, was born 
I'-^K^ ® in Tompkins County, New York, June 
18, 1830. He went to Chicago in 1848, and 
served an apprenticeship to his trade in that 
city. At length he succeeded to the business 
of Cooley & Briggs, who were prominent 
builders. Mr. Johnston engaged in contracting 
and building and carried on tlie business there 
thirty-seven years. Thus he is one of the oldest 
and best-known contractors and builders in the 
city of Chicago, and has done as much building 
there as any other man. He also ran a planing- 
mill in connection with his business for fifteen 
or twenty years. On account of his health he 
was obliged to seek a milder climate, and closed 
his active business interests there and came to 
Los Angeles in 1888. Here he engaged in 
contracting for building. Mr. Johnson married 
Miss Mary H. Cooley, a native of the city of 
Chicago. Her parents, W. H. and Rebecca 
(Warner) Cooley, settled in Chicago in 1833, 
and were among the earliest pioneer settlers. 
3Ir. and Mrs. Johnston have four children: Ada 
M., Edwin J., Arthur and Martha. 



-|->^- 



fROFESSOR S. HOLGATE, musician, near 
Norwalk, was born on the Atlantic Ocean, 
between Liverpool and New York, on the 
30th day of April, 1842. His father's name 
was William, and his mother's, Martha Holgate. 
They were natives of England. She was a pro- 
fessional singer, and on her way to fill an en- 
gagement in New York wlien the subject of 



this sketch was born. They made several trips 
between Liverpool and New York when he was 
but a small boy. He came over the last time 
with Professor Mackey, and was known as the 
" baby violinist." For seven years he was a 
pupil of Professor Mackey and traveled exten- 
sively with him, till 1864, when he went to White 
Pine, Nevada. There he worked in the quartz 
mines for two years. In 1868 he came to Los 
Angeles County, and rented land for some years, 
then bought a farm, which he soon sold. Then 
he purchased where he now resides, and has 
made a very pleasant home a mile and three- 
quarters southwest of Norwalk. Professor Hol- 
gate has distinguished himself as a musician, 
and his ability as a violinist is not exceeded, 
perhaps, by any in the State. He is the leader 
of the Norwalk Orchestra and Brass Band, and 
has played for the best entertainments in the 
State. Of late he has not given much attention 
to the science, but his ability as a musician and 
violinist is wonderful. He was married in 1865 
to Miss Julia Thompson, daughter of the well- 
known O. D. Thompson, of Los Angeles. The 
names of their children are: Julia, wife of Gar- 
rett Duncan; AVilliam, Stephen and James. 
Professor Holgate was the first member initi- 
ated into the Masonic lodge in Downey, and he 
has ever since been " on the square." Politi- 
cally he is a Republican. 

-^-^^-^ 

fOHN P.OWLAND, one of the early pio- 
neers of Los Angeles County, was a native 
of Maryland. He went to Taos, New Mex- 
ico, many years ago, where he married Dona 
Incarnacion Martinez, and where his older chil- 
dren were born, namely: John, Jr., Thomas, 
Robert, Nieves, who married John Reed, and 
Lucinda, who married James R. Barton; Will- 
iam R., his youngest son, was born in California. 
Mr. Rowland, with his life-long friend and part- 
ner, William Workman, was engaged in Taos 
in milling. The partners also owned a distil- 
lery. In 1841 they set out for California, in 



763 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNT F. 



company with John Tete, Santie^o Martinez, 
Thomas Belarde and others. The following ■ 
year they went back after their families. On 
their return hither, their company included B. 
D. Wilson, D. W. Alexander, John Heed, Will- 
iam Perdue, Samuel Carpenter, all of whom 
became residents of this county, and also Will- 
iam Charel, of Tehama County. Rowland & 
Workman obtained a grant of La Puente Rancho, 
of eleven leagues, or about 48,000 acres, twenty 
miles east of the city of Los Angeles, where 
they settled and lived the rest of their lives. 
Some year,5 after the death of his wife, Mr. 
Rowland married Mrs. Charlotte Gray, whose 
husband had been killed by Indians while cross- 
ing the plains. Her daughter by her first hus- 
band, Mary A. Gray, married Mr. Charles 
Forinan, and is a resident of this city. The 
only living issue of Mr. Rowland's second mar- 
riage are Albert and Yictoria, both residing 
on the ranch and both married, the latter being 
the wife of J. W. Hudson. In 1869 Messrs. 
Rowland & Workman divided their rancho, and 
Mr. Rowknd, in 1870 or 1871, settled up his 
estate and portioned oft" the ranch among his 
heirs, giving to each about 3,000 acres of land 
and about 1,000 head of cattle. Mr. Rowland 
was well atid favorably known for many years 
by the old settlers of Los Angeles County, both 
Spanish and Americans; and he was known as a 
good and enterprising citizen and an honest 
man — de huena fama — which certainly was a 
good heritage to leave to his posterity. The 
writer of these lines knew him well from 1855 
till his death. His residence in this city was 
the Bliss Vineyard, opposite the Wolfskill place, 
on Alameda street. 

fnOMAS ROWLAND, son of John Row- 
land, was born in New Mexico, December 
24, 1838. He was but four years of age 
when he was brought by his parents to the La 
Puente Ranch. All of his recollections are con- 
nected with life near his present home. He 



remained with his father until his marriage, and 
then, taking a portion of his father's magnifi- 
cent estate, he established his present home, 
which is situated about two miles above the 
present town of Puente, on the south bank of 
San Jose Creek. January 12, 1861, Mr. Row- 
land wedded Senorita Cenobia Yorba, a lady of 
Spanish parentage, born in California. Their 
fine estate consists of 1,412 acres of land, nearly 
1,000 acres lying in the Puente Valley, the rest 
being fine grazing and grain lands in the hills. 
All the land is devoted to general farming and 
stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland have 
eleven children living. The family circle is 
complete, the children all having their home 
under the parental roof. Their names in the 
order of their births are: Bernard F., Samuel 
P., Thomas L., Fidel, Arnet, David, Alexander, 
Alexandra, Aurelia, John and Albertena. Mr. 
Rowland is a thorough, practical man, a kind 
father, a good neighbor. He is respected as a 
citizen, and fully alive to the interests of his 
neighborhood and county. Deeply interested, 
on account of his children, in the common 
schools, he has served many years and is now 
serving as school trustee. In politics he is a 
conservative Democrat. 



ILLIAM RICHARD ROWLAND is a 
native son of the Golden West. He 
was born on La Puente Rancho, Los 
Angeles County, November 10, 1846. He is 
the son of John Rowland, the pioneer, and Dona 
Incarnacion (Martinez) de Rowland. He received 
his education in the public schools, at the private 
school of William Wolfskill and at the College 
of Santa Clara, where he remained three years, 
viz.: 1858, '59 and '60. In 1871 he was elected 
sheriff" of Los Angeles County, and acceptably 
tilled that oflSce about five years. July 12, 
1871, he married Dona Manuela, daughter of 
Colonel Isaac AVilliams, of El Rancho del Chino, 
and Doila Jesus Villanuevade Williams. To this 
union three children have been born. In 1884 



HISTORY OP LOS AN6BLES COUNTY. 



Mr. Rowland and Mr. Biirdette Chandler com- 
menced boring for oil in the hills on the south- 
east portion of the Puente Eancho. Several 
shallow wells were drilled, which yielded crude 
petroleum, thus demonstrating that it was an 
oil-bearing district. Later Mr. William Lacy 
bought out Mr. Chandler's interests, practical 
oil-borers were brought from the oil regions of 
Pennsylvania, the work of boring was systema- 
tized, and at the present time (1889) the com- 
pany has eleven wells bored, that yield 150 bar- 
rels of oil per day. This product finds ready 
sale in Los Angeles at $2.00 per barrel, and 
with a demand in Southern California alone 
for an indefinite number of barrels more. Other 
wells aie being drilled, and it is the desire of 
the owners to keep on boring until the yield 
reaches 1,000 barrels per day. They hojie to 
build a pipe-line to the city of Los Angeles, so 
that the product of their wells can be cheaply 
delivered at that railroad center, from whence it 
can be distributed throughout this whole dis- 
trict. The stimulus of an abundance of cheap 
fuel, in a country where fuel is scarce, to manu- 
facturing interests of various kinds, will be very 
great. Further accounts of this and other oil 
districts of the county can be found elsewhere 
in this work. Mr. Rowland is held in high esti- 
mation by all who know him intimately. His 
thorough honesty, his genial nature and his 
practical good sense make him deservedly popu- 
lar among all classes. Mr. Rowland has a home 
in Los Angeles where his family resides. He 
also owns the old John Reed homestead on 
the Puente Ranch, where he stays much of the 
time, looking after his extensive landed, §tock 
and oil interests. 



tLBERT ROWLAND, tlie youngest son of 
John Rowland, the well-known pioneer 
who settled on the Puente Ranch in 1841, 
was born at the home of his parents, October 
15, 1854. His life has been spent on the old 
ranch, where he has never lived apart from his 



mother. His primary education was received 
in Los Angeles County, and later he attended 
Santa Clara College in Santa Clara County. 
Mr. Rowland is thoroughly identified with the 
agricultural interests of Los Angeles County. 
His farming operations consist mainly of wheat 
cultivation and stock-raising. Mr. Rowland 
was married in 1879 to Miss Abbie Lewis, 
daughter of David Lewis, deceased, who came 
to Los Angeles County in 1851. He died at 
his home near El Monte, January 21, 1885. 
Mrs. Susan A. Lewis, the niother of Mrs. Row- 
land, resides at the old home. (A history of the 
Lewis family appears in this volume). Like 
her husband, Mrs. Rowland is a native of the 
Golden State. She is the mother of three chil- 
dren: Josej)hine, Frank and Charlie. 



fW. HUDSON.— The subject of this sketch 
was born in the city of Oswego, New 
® York, February 18, 1844, son of J. W. 
Hudson, Sr., and nee Sarah E. Wells. His 
parents were reared and married in the State of 
JSew York. Mr. Hudson was educated in the 
schools of his native city. In 1860, then six- 
teen years of age, he left the parental home and 
started in life for himself, thinking at that time 
that he would try his fortunes in the grand 
State of Iowa. He made a temporary iiome in 
Allamakee County, but the outbreak of the Re- 
bellion changed all his previously formed plans. 
With all the patriotic ardor of youth devoted 
loyally to the Union, he volunteered for service 
at the first call of President Lincoln, but before 
going to the field his enlistment for three months 
was changed to three years. He entered the 
service as a member of Company K, Fifth Iowa 
Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Worthington com- 
manding. After a few months' service in Mis- 
souri, he joined the Army of the Tennessee. The 
first general engagement in which the regiment 
participated was the battle of luka. Their loss 
was heavy, numbering in killed and wounded 
over one-half their force. He also was in the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



second battle of Corinth, and there, too, the 
command suffered severely. In McPherson's 
corps, Mr. Hudson participated in the glorious 
campaign and siege culminating in the capture 
of Yicksburg, and later in the capture of Jack 
son and the campaign for the relief of Chatta- 
nooga, when sickness, induced by continuous hard 
service, compelled him to be transferred to Com- 
pany C, of the Fourth Eegiment of Veteran 
Reserves. He was on duty at Rock Island, 
guarding prisoners and doing similar services 
until the end of enlistment, receiving an honor- 
able dischar^'e at Chicago, July 18, 1864. After 
a month spent at Peoria, Illinois, he returned 
to Iowa. Going back to Peoria in tlie spring 
of 1865, he joined a party for the overland trip 
to the Pacific Coast, and drove an ox team via 
Salt Lake to Virginia City. He then engaged 
in mining, with fair success; later making one 
of an adventurous party of prospectors to the 
Big Horn Mountains, returning via Salt Lake 
City. Mr. Hudson then engaged in a venture 
in Southern Utah. Money was made, and money 
was lost; but much valuable experience was 
gained. In January, 1867, he came to Los An- 
geles and spent tlie remainder of the winter. 
Several years following this were spent in mining 
operations on quite an extensive scale, in Mon 
tana, Idaho, Utah and Colorado. In fact, Mr. 
Hudson devoted most of his time until his 
marriage to that business, usually spending his 
winters in this county, but never in idleness. 
In company with A. J. Bowen, he put down one 
of the first artesian wells in this county. In 
November, 1879, Mr. Hudson wedded Victoria 
R. Rowland, the youngest daughter of the 
pioneer, John Rowland, and the only daughter 
born of his second marriage. On the Puente 
Ranch, they have ever since lived near the home 
where Mrs. Hudson was born. Mr. Hudson's 
estate comprises 1,200 acres of plain and hill 
lands, as choice as any that can be found in the 
beautiful Puente Valley. The ranch is devoted 
mainly to grazing. Mr. Hudson is still inter- 
ested in mining, having valnal)le interests in 
the Calico mining districH, in San Jjernardinu 



County. Energetic, public-spirited and enter- 
prising, he is never behind in the active promo- 
tion of any work tending to advance the interests 
of his neighborhood, county or State. He has 
ever been active in school interests. The new 
district organized in 1888 was named Hudson 
district, as a compliment to him. Mr. Hudson 
is a member of the Masonic mystic fraternity, 
and is affiliated with Pentalpha Lodge, No. 202, 
Los Angeles. In politics he is somewhat of a 
radical Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson have 
three children: Rowland, Lilian and Josiah W. 



fOHN JONES, Esq., was born in 1800. 
His early life was spent in London, where 
he acquired the thorough business habits 
which aided him so materially in his success in 
life. In 1847, sailing in his own ship, he left 
England for Australia; thence he came to Cali- 
fornia, arriving at Monterey in 1848. Three 
years after he visited Los Angeles, and seeing 
the possibilities of the country he decided to 
remain and settle in business. ]3espite numer- 
ous reverses, notably the Laura Be van, a ves- 
sel loaded with his goods, uninsured, which was 
wrecked near the Salt Works, and a total loss, 
he became one of California's merchant princes. 
Mr. Jones had an immense trade with great 
Salt Lake City, sending his goods there by 
"prairie schooners," so called because of their 
use in lieu of train or steamer transportation. 
For many years before the regular institution of 
banks in Los Angeles, he acted as banker to 
many great ranchers, storing their gold dust 
and moneys in his large fire and burglar proof 
safe. His place of business was in tlie Arcadia 
Block, on Los Angeles street, and for twenty 
years he was one of the most prominent mer- 
chants in Los Angeles, characterized by absolute 
and uncompromising integrity. Mr. Jones was 
for several terms a member and president of 
the city council. His careful, shrewd business 
hal)its made his services to the city very valu- 
able. In April, 1873, he was paralyzed and 





' ^^^^^-^-l,^ 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOEIA 



retired froin business. He died December 28, 
1876, in his seventy-seventh year. In March, 
1858, he married Miss Doria Dighton, a native 
of Edinburgh, Scotland, who is still a resident 
of this city, as are their children : Mark Gordon, 
wlio married a daughter of Hon. Donald Mc- 
Donald, a member of the Canadian Parliament; 
Caroline Adelaide, wife of James B. Lanker- 
shim, Esq.; and Constance Doria. Mrs. Jones 
is numbered among Los Angeles County'slargest 
property owners, and with her youngest daughter, 
whose education was completed in Europe, is 
one of society's most charming leaders, under 
the new as in the old regime. 



fUGENE LASSEKE, Western avenue. 
Park Station, was born in the south of 
France, near the Pyrenees Mountains, No- 
vember 11, 1852, and reared on a farm. Upon 
reaching early manhood, he emigrated to this 
country, and came to California in 1871, settling 
in Los Angeles. Here he engaged in dairying 
for seven years, and then planted a grape vine- 
yard of tifteen acres. He owns twenty acres of 
excellent land, under a high state of cultivation, 
and he is successfully engaged in the culture of 
grain, fruit and vegetables. 



KS. E. A. KOSTER.— To illustrate the 
■iliility with which a woman may suc- 
-"' cesofully carry on an enterprising and 
profitable business, it would, perhaps, be diffi- 
cult to select a more fitting example than the 
lad}' with whose name we introduce this article. 
When we see a woman ambitious, energetic and 
determined to succeed in any special undertak- 
ing she may have marked out for herself, yet at 
the same time retiring in disposition and never 
seeking publicity, she not only excites our ad- 
miration, but at once commands our respect. 
Among the enterprising and progressive citi- 
zens of Wilmington, Los Angeles County, there 



is to be found the name of such a woman — Mrs. 
E. A. Koster. This lady is the proprietor of a 
fancy store in which she keeps all kinds of 
ladies' furnishing goods. By her rare taste and 
judicious discrimination in the selection of 
goods, by the fitting up and making attractive 
her store, by her urbanity and desire to please, 
she has secured the best class of customers in 
both the town of Wilmington and the surround- 
ing country, and has a lucrative and constantly 
increasing business. Mrs. Koster is a native 
of England, and has been in Los Angeles County 
since 1882. She is a lady of culture, refinement 
and intelligence, whom every one honors and 
respects. Her husband, Methias Koster, is a 
well-known ship carpenter. 



fOHN KENNEDY, a hardware merchant in 
Wilmington, Los Angeles County, came to 
this part of the State in 1877. He first en- 
tered into business on a small scale, opening a 
tin shop. To this, in 1880, he added a stock of 
hardware, of which he now carries a full line. 
By his energy and pluck, and by careful and 
strict attention to the details of his business, he 
has succeeded in securing a fair share of patron- 
age, and is now recognized as one of the leading 
business men of the town with which he has be- 
come identified. He has also been employed as 
an insurance agent, working in the interest of 
the Liverpool and London and Globe Company, 
and also for the ^Etna, North British and Mer- 
cantile, and the Union Company of San Fran- 
cisco. And in this, as in his other undertakings, 
he has achieved success. Mr. Kennedy is a 
native of the Keystone State. He was born near 
Center Hill, in Bucks County, and is a son of 
William Kennedy, foreman in the granite quar- 
ries. Socially Mr. Kennedy is a member of the 
I. (). O. F. lodge, and is also a Mason, serving 
at present in the latter fraternity as secretary. 
He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, 
and, like all who have thoroughly identified 
themselves with the best interests of the Golden 



HISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



State, feels a pardonable pride in its wonderful 
climate, its varied productions, and. has great 
faith in its future development. 



)ARK GORDON JONES, of Los An- 
geles, was born in San Francisco, De. 
cember 28, 1859. His early life was 
chiefly spent in Los Angeles and San Francisco. 
While quite a lad he attended McClure's Mili- 
tary College, in Oakland, but on account of ill 
health, after a few years of hard study, he was 
obliged to return to Los Angeles, where he 
pluckily resumed his studies, passing through 
the High-School course of the public school. 
In 1875 he went to the Augustine College, at 
Benicia, and graduated with a good record in the 
class of 1879. Mr. Jones then undertook the 
management of his mother's, Mrs. Doria Jones, 
estate. In addition to this, during the excite- 
ment caused by the unprecedented rise of prop- 
erty in Los Angeles, he dealt very successfully 
in real estate, being one of those fortunate men 
of whom it may well be said, that " nothing 
succeeds like success." In 1884 Mr. Jones 
married Miss Blanche McDonald (of whose fam- 
ily mention has been made elsewhere, in the 
biography of his father, John Jones, Esq.), and 
has one son, Dighton McDonald, who is at their 
attractive place on West Pico street. He is 
already being trained in the principles of hon- 
esty, uprightness and probity, which has been 
the guiding spirit of the preceding generations. 



--^^ 



fM. JENIFER is an early pioneer of Cali- 
fornia, and one of the first settlers in San 
* Fernando Valley. He was born in Han- 
cock County, Illinois, in 1836, and is a son of 
John S. Jenifer, a native of Maryland. He was 
a farmer by occupation, and went to Illi lois 
when a young man. He married Jemima Mase, 
who Wiis born in Kentucky, but reared in 
Missouri. They, had a family of five sons and 



one daughter. Mr. Jenifer drove an ox team 
across the plains in the year 1855. For Ave 
years he followed mining, then, in 1860, bought 
a ranch in Sutter County, and was engaged in its 
cultivation until 1868. In that year he went to 
Ventura County and carried on farming until 
1876, when he came to the beautiful valley of 
San Fernando. He is now conducting the 
livery and general truck business, and has sev- 
eral lots in the town and also a neat residence 
on Johnson street. In February, 1864, he mar- 
ried Miss Brusilla McKee, a native of Ken- 
tucky, and the daughter of Thomas McKee, who 
crossed the plains in 1859. They have reaied 
a family of six children, whose names are: 
Mary J., wife of George T. Gower, a farmer 
in Los Angeles County; John, George, Frank, 
Jim and Nellie. Politically Mr. Jenifer affili- 
ates with the Democratic party. 



tENRY KING, proprietor of King's Shoe- 
ing Shop, No. 23 Aliso street, Los Ange- 
les, is a native of Ireland, and was born 
May 26, 1882. He was reared in St. Louis and 
served an apprenticeship to his trade there. He 
came to the Pacific Coast in 1854, and, together 
with the throng who were seeking their fortunes 
in the land of gold, he went to the mines in 
Amador County, where he spent one year, and 
the following year came to Los Angeles, being 
one of the early settlers here. He was employed 
as a journeyman for ten years, after which he 
engaged in business for himself, on the lot 
where the old court-house now stands. He re- 
mained there a year or two and then bought on 
Aliso street and removed there. After a few 
years he went to San Francisco, where he re- 
sided six years, and then returned to Los Ange- 
les and opened his present shop on Aliso street. 
For the past twenty years he has carried on the 
business in the same location and is well and 
favorably known throughout the city and county. 
He held the office of chief of police for four 
years. Mr. King was married September 12, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



1860, to Miss Helen Costiii, of JSew York State. 
They have eight children, three sons and iive 



3+... 



/^^ It. KIN(t. — If one man is more worthy 
THL of mention in a work of this kind than 
^''* another, it is certainly the man wlio, by 
honest toil with his own hands, has made for 
himself and loved ones a home, surrounded by 
all the comforts which the word implies. Such 
is he whose name stands at the head of this 
sketch. He is a native of the Prairie State, and 
was born in 1852. He is the youngest of the 
three sons of William and JS'ancy (Murphy) 
King, whose sketch appears in connection with 
James M. King, in this book. He is now the 
owner of a line farm near Santa Fe Springs, 
where he is bringing to bear all the improve- 
ments of modern husbandry. He was married 
on Christmas eve, in 1878, to Miss Annie Nich- 
olson, daughter of William Nichol&on, a pioneer 
of California. To them were born three daugh- 
ters: Maud, Myrtie and Dell. Mr. King is an 
intelligent supporter of the Democratic party, 
and his neighbors have entrusted to him the re- 
sponsibilities which devolve upon a district road 
overseer, in the Los Nietos road district, which 
ottice he has held for two years. 

fAMES LEGG, residing on a portion of the 
Temple and Gibson tract of the San Pedro 
Ranch, dates his advent to the Golden State 
in May, 1885. He is here engaged in general 
farming, his principal product being alfalfa. 
Mr. Legg is a native of Greene County, Hlinois, 
born in 1828, and is the son of John and Anna 
(Hardcastle) Legg, both natives of Maryland. 
The father was born in 1802 and the mother in 
1794, she being the senior of her husband by 
eight years. They were both English, and Mr. 
Legg was a soldier in the Black Hawk war. 
These worthy people were pioneers of Illinois, 



and died in 1878 and 1872 respectively. Mrs. 
Legg was the widow of Thomas Biscoe, by whom 
she had three children. She also had three 
children by Mr. Legg, tiie subject of this sketch 
being the oldest. He remained at home until 
he was thirty-two years of age, then went to 
Carlton, Illinois, and entered into the mercan- 
tile business which he followed for eight years. 
He subsequently went to Iowa, and while there 
found the partner of his life in the person of 
Miss Anna Smith, daughter of G. G. Smith, 
and a native of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Legg 
have reared a family of five children: Ada, 
Clara, Walter, Jessie, and Elda. Clara is now 
the accomplished wife of James Heath, of Los 
Angeles County, and Jessie is the wife of Ed- 
win Pobinson, also a Californian. The subject 
of this sketch is a Republican in politics. His 
wife is an active member of the Methodist 
Church. While in Kansas, where Mr. Legg 
farmed for a number of years, he served as town- 
ship trustee, three years in Anderson County, and 
two years in Johnson County. 



One of the self-made men 
; County is the gentleman 



fE. LOSSING. 
of Los Angel 
* whose name stands at the head of this 
sketch. He is a native of Canada, born near Ni- 
agara Falls, in 1855, his parents being Edward 
and Eliza (Beckett) Lossing, both natives of Can- 
ada, their parents having been born in the State 
of New York. At the age of fifteen years, Mr. 
Lossing left home and went to Minnesota, where 
for some years he was engaged in farming and 
also worked at his trade of blacksmithing. In 
1872 he located in the northeastern part of 
Iowa, where he was employed at the same occu- 
pation, lie subsequently went to Nebraska, 
later to Kansas, and from theFC to California. 
He is the owner of a tine farm two miles west 
of Compton, and carries on successfully the 
blacksmith and wagon business. His grounds 
are nicely improved and well cultivated, and he 
will in the future give his attention to the cul- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COD-NTT. 



tivation of oranges, a very fine variety of which 
can be produced in this section, together with 
strawberries, raspberries, etc. Mr. Lossing was 
married in Iowa, to Minnie Knoke, a native of 
Stratford, Ontario. Her father is one of the 
wealthiest farmers in Winnesheik County, Iowa. 
This union lias been blessed with two children: 
Julia and Susa. Socially Mr. Lossing is con- 
nected with the I. O. O. F. lodge at Compton; 
and politically he is a strong supporter of the 
Republican party. 

^-3--^ 

PYRON J. LYSTER.— Few countries offer 
more inducements to persevering and in- 
dustrious young men than does the de- 
lightful climate and productive soil of Southern 
California; and contented, indeed, should be the 
young man whose lot is cast in this fair land. 
Among the enterprising young farmers near 
Long Beach is the subject of this sketch, By- 
ron J. Lyster. He is the son of Henry Lyster, 
oTie of the pioneers of Los Angeles County. 
For a number of years Henry Lyster was a iiat- 
boatman on the Mississippi River. Later he was 
engaged in pork-packing at Oskaloosa, Iowa, 
and still later was interested in the manufacture 
of linseed-oil, and also in the cabinet business. 
Mr. Lyster was born in March, 1806, is now a 
very old man, and makes his home near Long 
Beach with his son, the gentleman whose name 
heads this sketch. 



fLOEW, President of the Capitol Milling 
Company, Los Angeles, was born in South- 
® ern Germany, June 2, 1847, and was 
reared and received his education there. Upon 
reaching manhood, in 1867, he emigrated to 
America, took a comujercial college course in 
New York City and lived there until the follow- 
ing year, when he came to the Pacific Coast. 
After spending a short time in San Francisco 
and also in San Diego, he came to Los Angeles 



and for a number of years was engaged in mer- 
cantile business until the organization of the 
Capitol Milling Company in 1882. Since then, 
as president ot the company, he has been the 
head of its affairs; and it is owing to his able 
management and his large practical commercial 
experience that the business of the company has 
been so successful, and its affairs in such pros- 
perous condition. Mr. Loew is always courte- 
ous, enjoys an enviable reputation in commercial 
and financial circles, and is actively identified 
with all the progressive interests of the city 
and county. In August, 1885, Mr. Loew was 
united in marriage with Miss Emily Newmark, a 
native of Los Angeles and daughter of H. New- 
mark, an old and honored resident of this city, 
and for many years one of the largest and most 
prominent wholesale n)erchants in this State. 
Mr. and Mrs. Loew have one daughter. Rose. 



tLICHTENBERGER, capitalist, 24 East 
Fourth street, Los Angeles, is a native of 
® Germany, born in Prussia, August 25, 
1835. He attended school there and when six- 
teen years of age emigrated to America and went 
to Chicago. He served an apprenticeship to 
the trade of carriage and wagon making there 
and remained in Chicago until 1860, when he 
came to the Pacific Coast. He worked at his 
trade in San Francisco, and in 1864 came to Los 
Angeles. After being employed at his trade 
there for a time, he engaged in business for him- 
self, at Nos. 3 to 13 North Main street, where 
his block is now located, and he was successfully 
engaged in the carriage and wagon making trade 
for over twenty years. He built up a very large 
trade, making a specialty of California spring- 
wagons. He acquired a high reputation for 
vehicles of his own manufacture and gave em- 
ployment to a large number of men, manufact- 
uring 300 spring-wagons and carriages in 
one year, and having a trade which extended 
throughout Southern California and Arizona. 
In 1886 he retired from active business, after 



nisTonr of los anqeles county. 



an honorable business record of over twenty-two 
years. He had little or no capital when he be- 
gan life and his success is owing to his own 
efforts. He erected a large business block on 
Main street, and is also the owner of other valu- 
able property. He did not invest in real estate 
as a specuhxtion, but always as an investment. 
When lie bought property he had a use for it, 
and in this way his investments have been per- 
manently made and have proved very fortunate. 
Mr. Lichtenberger was elected a member of the 
city council, and after serving one term was 
elected city treasurer, in 1878. Los Angeles 
has no more generous and worthy citizen, no 
one more actively identified with the progress 
and development of the city and county, than is 
Mr. Lichtenberger. He was married Novem- 
ber 2, 1863, to Miss Emily Basse, a native of 
Germany, who was born in the city of Bohn on 
the Rliine. They have four children: Herman, 
Amelia, Louis and George. 

'^■^-^ 

fHE LOS ANGELES PLANING-MILL 
COMPANY, corner of San Pedro and 
Seventh streets, Los Angeles, established 
their business here July 26, 1886, with S. C. 
Dodge, President, and Thomas Hughes, Vice- 
President. The company manufactures sash, 
blinds and doors, stairs, scroll work, molding 
ai.d all kinds of ornamental woodwork for finish- 
ing and decoration. Their factory is large and 
commodious, about 300 feet frontage, contain- 
ing the latest and most improved machinery, 
and during the busy season giving employment 
to from lifty to seventy-five hands. The com- 
pany are fully equipped to execute lai-ge con- 
tracts as promptly as any similar factory on the 
Pacific Coast, and for doing all kinds of fine 
work; and they have a large and well-established 
trade. Their stock is secured here and up North 
on the coast, wherever they can buy to the best 
advantage. They are ci>ntemplating building a 
mill in Washington Territory, to meet the de- 
mands of their increasing trade. S. C. Dodge, 

48 



the president of the company, is a native of 
Nova Scotia; came to the Pacific Coast in 1875, 
and to Los Angeles in 1886, to establish the 
present business. He has had a lar'ge practical 
experience in the manufacturing of lumber, and 
is familiar with every detail; and to the efficient 
management executed by himself and Mr. 
Hughes is attril)uted the success of the company. 



AV. LOWE, real-estate agent in Long 
Beach, who came to California in Oc- 
tober, 1888, is a native of the Buck- 
eye State. He was born in 1843, and is the 
youngest of a family of ten children, five sons 
and five daughters. His father, Jacob Lowe, 
was a native of Ulster County, New York. He 
subsequently moved to Ohio, where for several 
years he taught school, and died in that State 
in 1865. The subject of this sketch was edu- 
cated at the common schools in Pickaway 
County, Ohio. After leaving school he engaged 
in teaching a short time before his marriage, 
after which he retired from the school-room, 
eight years later resuming the jirofession of 
leaching and continuing it for a number of 
years. January 24, 1867, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Belle McKee, of Ohio, 
daughter of James and Elizabeth McKee, both 
natives of Maryland. For ten years Mr. Lowe 
was engaged in the grain and live-stock busi- 
ness. After coming to California he chose for 
his future home a beautiful site in Los Angeles 
County, which has since been named Long 
Beach, he being one of the first settlers in the 
jdace. Mr. Lowe erected the first store-room 
and kept the first store here. Fortune has 
smiled on him since he came to this beach, and 
he is one of the most successful business men 
in the village. He has practically retired from 
the mercantile business and is giving his atten- 
tion to the management of real estate and in- 
surance. He is also a notary public. Mr. Lowe 
is thoroughly identified with the best interests 
of the place, and enjoys the confidence and 



HISTORY OF L08 AJVOELES COUNTY. 



esteem of his fellow-townsmen. At present he 
holds the office of treasurer of the municipality. 
Politically he affiliates with the Prohibition 
party, and is an active worker for temperance, 
and may be depended upon to support, by his 
influence and his means, anything which has for 
its object the general good of the community. 
Mr. Lowe is a member of the Congregational 
church. Socially he is connected with the Ma- 
sonic order, and also with the Knights of Honor. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have been blessed with two 
lovely daughters, Ethel and Viunie. They live 
in a delightful location on Pine street, overlook- 
ing the beach and the grand old ocean beyond. 

• ^.^^^.^^.^^^^ 

ilCIlARD D. LEWIS, a retired capitalist 
in Santa Monica, was born near Merthyr 
Tydvil, Glamorgan County, Wales, in 1814, 
is a son of William and Ann (Jones) Lewis. 
Lewis was for several years engaged in the 
iron works in his native country, and in 1840 
came to America. He worked by the day in 
Pennsylvania for two years, and then took a 
contract for an iron furnace at Shamokin, Penn- 
sylvania. He next went to Kocliester, New 
York, where for several years lie had control of 
the Forsyth Scale Manufactory. In 1870 he 
received the first premium, from the Mechanics' 
Institute, at the Cincinnati Industrial Exposi- 
tion. After this he was interested in the air- 
brake business with James Y. Smith. Mr. Lewis 
has been a very successful business man. He 
owns several blocks in the best business part of 
Kansas City. He has recently purchased resi- 
dence property in Santa Monica, where he has 
retired from active business. Mr. Lewis has 
been twice married: First, in 1840, to Elizabeth 
Lewis, also a native of Wales. Of this union 
two children were born. The, older, Sarah A., 
married John Thompson, by whom she had four 
children. She died in Rochester, New York, in 
March, 1889. The other child, William, was 
his father's book-keeper in Rochester, New 
York; he also is deceased, having died at the age 



of forty-eight years. Mrs. Lewis departed this 
life about five years ago. In June, 1885, Mr. 
Lewis married Mrs. Mary Burr, the widow of 
Theodore Burr. Her maiden name was Mary 
Jones, and she is the daughter of David Jones, 
a Welshman. Her first husband was John 
Powell, by whom she had three children: Will- 
iam H., GeorgeO., and Mary J., wife of Thomas 
Edwards, hatter and furrier, of St. Joe, Missouri. 
Mr. Lewis has been a member of the I. O. O. F. 
for fifty years. Heresidesat the cornerof Seventh 
street and Arizona avenue, Santa Monica. 



ILLIAM LACY, Sr., of the Puente Oil 
Company, and one of the most favora- 
bly known business men in Southern 
California, is a native of England, who came to 
California in 1864, and first engaged in mercan- 
tile business in Marin County, and subsequently 
in San Diego, and finally in Los Angeles. Here 
he has been prominent in financial circles, being 
coimected with the old Commercial Bank, in 
company with E. F. Spence, and afterward with 
the First' National Bank in various relations; he 
is still a director in this institution. He has 
also been interested in many public enterprises. 
He was the first to develop the Puente oil wells, 
which have proved more remunerative than any 
other in the country. Mr. Lacy and William 
Rowland are the proprietors of these wells and 
constitute the company referred to. Their office 
is now in the magnificent Lanfranco Building in 
the city of Los Angeles. Mr. Lacy's business 
capacity and genial manner have won for him 
many favorable considerations for public po- 
sition, but he has declined them all except that 
of member of the Board of Education of the city 
of Los Angeles. His two sons, William, Jr., 
and Richard H., constitute the Lacy & Ward 
Company (Mr. Ward not now being a member 
of the firm), manufacturers of iron tanks of all 
classes and sheet-iron work, oil and water pipes, 
etc.; factory in East Los Angeles on Daly street, 
which was commenced some three or four years 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



a<jo, and where they emplo}' on an average 100 
men. This is one of the largest business enter- 
prises in Southern California. They also have 
a large factory in San Diego. Tiiey furnished 
all the pipe used in the great San Diego Hume, 
fifty miles in length, and also furnished and laid 
all the pipe in the immense Sweetwater dam. 
IJoth these young gentlemen, being natives of 
Marin County, California, are members of the 
N. S. G. W. Tiiey have traveled a great deal, 
have ciipauity for heavy business responsibilities, 
and by their faithfulness well deserve their pres- 
ent prominent position. 



fTEPHEN HATHAAVAY MOTT. — A 
name that is inseparably connected with 
the history of Los Angeles is that of S. H. 
Mott, and cannot, therefore, fail to be of interest. 
He was born in the State of New York, June 
21, 1828, near the historic spot of Burgoyne's 
surrender, not far from Bemis Heights. The 
Mott homestead is situated in the valley of the 
Hudson, twelve miles east of Saratoga Springs, 
at Schuylerville, and is still owned and held as 
family property. His parents were Quakers. 
His father, J. R. Mott, tilled many positions of 
honor and trust, being at various times deputy 
sheriff, justice of the peace and collector of canal 
tolls, the last-named office coming by appoint- 
ment from the State. He died in 1856, at the 
ripe old age of seventy-one years. His mother 
was Abby Hathaway Dillingham, who died in 
1877, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. 
The family consisted of live children, three boys 
and two girls, of whom three yet live — two of 
the sons (S. H. and Thomas D. Mott, of Los 
Angeles), and a daughter, who resides near the 
old homestead. Young Mott was reared on his 
father's farm, working hard in the summer time, 
and attending the common schools in the win- 
ter. His educational advantages were thus 
necessarily limited, but the boy derived all the 
benefits he could from the meager opportunities 
afforded him. At sixteen years of age he went 



to learn the tinner's trade, living the meanwhile 
with his grandfather. He worked at tiie trade 
for about two years, and when eighteen j'ears 
old he entered a large warehouse on the Cham- 
plain Canal. In a little over a year he was 
promoted to a place in the store and office, and 
later was given an interest in the business. Plis 
rapid progress with this firm demonstrated two 
facts more clearly than any other, namely, that 
he possessed business qualities of a superior 
order, and also that he was thoroughly appreci- 
ated by his em])loyers. He remained in this 
business till he had a capital of §800. In 1855 
he termiriated his business connection with the 
house and removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, then 
a to vvn of about 6,000 inhabitants. After a few 
months' experience in the wholesale and retail 
dry-goods business Mr. Mott moved from St. 
Paul to St. Peter in October, 1856, where he 
established a successful business and sold out, 
and returned to St. Paul in the summer of 1857, 
and engaged in the grocery business, remaining 
there till the fall of 1859, when he closed out 
and moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1860, 
where he entered the retail grocery business, 
and remained there till May, 1861, when, the 
\var having broken out, he sold his business and 
returned to Minnesota, and settled at Shakopee 
in June, 1861, and engaged in the mercantile 
business. In March, 1864, he closed out his 
business in Shakopee and came direct to Los 
Angeles, where his brother, Thomas D. Mott, 
had been for some time, which fact, together 
with what he had read about California, liad made 
him determined to try its climate, which experi- 
ment he has not yet finished. In 1864 Los An- 
geles had about 6,000 population, the Spanish- 
American element largely predominating. From 
the first Mr. Mott had great confidence in the 
future of this country; he could see nothino- to 
retard its progress, and he has lived to see his 
expectations fully realized and to enjoy the 
benefits of the growth of the city and county. 
He at once took the position of deputy county 
clerk under his brother, Thomas D. Mott, which 
he held until November, 1871, when he resigned 



IIISrORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and was liiniself appointed to the position for 
the term. He was ex-officio clerk of the county 
court, district and probate courts, clerk of the 
board of supervisors, and ex-njficio county audi- 
tor and recorder, his brother, Thomas D. Mott, 
having been elected to the Legislature in 1871. 
At the expiration of his term of office he took a 
deputyship under A. W. Potts, County Clerk, for 
two years. During the ten years Mr. Mott was 
deputy county clerk he had become interested 
in many financial schemes. Among others he 
had purchased the Mott tract of 130 acres, cor- 
nering on Temple and Fort streets, and running 
west on Temple street, which he sold out as 
soon as possible in order to accumulate a small 
working capital. In April, 1868, the question of 
giving a subsidy to the Los Angeles & San Pedro 
Railroad was voted upon by the people, the city 
giving $75,000 and the county $150,000. Mr. 
Mott put all his available cash into the stock of 
this enterprise, and gave his notes for a large 
amount. His natural abilities, official experi- 
ence and personal investments made him the 
leader of the private stockholders. The road 
was finished in 1869, having been built under 
contract by H. B. Tichenoi', of San Francisco. 
Afterward the Southern Pacific came with an 
offer to bring that road into Los Angeles pro- 
viding certain subsidies would be granted to 
them, and they could have the Los Angeles & 
San Pedro Railroad. In 1872 the matter was 
submitted to the electors of the city and county, 
and the sura of $377,000 was voted to them, and 
the city and county relinquished to them, its 
stock in the Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad. 
Mr. Mott's business career has been one of ex- 
treme activity. He became a stockholder in 
the Los Angeles City Water Company in 1868, 
a nieinber of the board of directors in 1869, 
its secretary in 1874, which position he still 
holds. He became a stockholder in the Los 
Angeles Gas Company in 1869, and soon there- 
after a director and its secretary, but sold all 
his stock in 1875. Li 1872 he took a one-third 
interest with AY. H. Peri'y and Wallace Wood- 
worth in the lumber business. Mr. Woodworth 



died in 1882, and the firm became Perry, Mott 
& Co., and in 1883 was incorporated as the W. 
n. Perry Lumber and Mill Company. Mr. Perry 
is president and Mr. Mott is vice-president; 
there has been no change in name or position. 
1l\\ 1875 he became a stockholder and director 
in the Commercial, now the First National, 
Bank. In 1876 the Bank of Anaheim was 
organized by E. F. Spence, 11. Mabury, J. E. 
Hollenbeck, A. II. Wilcox, M. S. Patrick and 
S. H. Mott. The ofiicers were: S. H. Mott, 
President, and B. F. Seibert, Cashier. This 
bank was very prosperous. Mr; Mott and Mr. 
Mabury finally became the sole owners of the 
bank stock. In 1883 Mr. Mott sold all his 
stock to P. James, who is now its president. 
During his administration he planned and 
erected the Imilding now occupied by that bank. 
Mr. Mott is a stockholder, and a director and 
secretary in the Crystal Springs Land and Water 
Company; capital stock, $1,240,000. The Los 
Angeles Water Company, capital, $l,2i0,000, 
has the same directors and officers controlling 
its affairs as the Crystal Springs Land and Water 
Company. Mr. Mott has been a stockholder in 
and the treasurer of the Los Angeles Oil Com- 
pany, formed in 1876, since it has been paying 
dividends. The Hesperia Land and Water Com- 
pany, formed in 1885, the property of which is 
located in San Bernardino County, including 
33,000 acres and good water rights, also has 
Mr. Mott for a stockholder and secretary. He 
is also a stockholder in the Sespe Land and Water 
Company, which has 3,300 acres in Ventura 
County. He is also a stockholder in and presi- 
dent of the Barnard & Benedict Fruit Crystal- 
lizing Company, with a capital stock of $200,000. 
In 1883 the originators of this enterprise began 
a series of experiments in the treatment of the 
fruits of Southern California under entirely new 
methods and processes, having in view a means 
of condensing and curing thoroughly ripe and 
mellow fruits, both whole and in the form of 
pulp and marmalades. These fruits, as they 
were afterward marketed, were erroneously called 
and known as crystallized fruits, thereby eon- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



founding tlie product obtained by this new 
method witli what is found in all the markets — 
made largely in France and sold under the name 
of glazed fruit orcrystallized fruit. The Pioneer 
Lumber and Mill Company, located at Colton, 
San Bernardino County, with a paid-up capital 
of $100,000, has for its officers: M. A. Murphy, 
President; J. M. Kiley, Vice-President; S. H. 
Mott, Secretary. It has a planing mill and 
branch yards at Riverside and Redlands. Mr. 
Mott and W. H. Perry also own two vessels 
together — the brig Tanner, and the schooner 
SerenaThayer. Mr. Mott joined the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows in 1853, and became a 
member of the Masonic fraternity in 1862. He 
is also a member of Orange Grove Encampment, 
I. O. O. F. Through his energy and persever- 
ance and integrity of character Mr. Mott has 
been peculiarly successful in Southern California 
since he tirst came here in 1864. While he has 
made money rapidly, he has expended much of 
it in the support of his relatives, having no de- 
sire to be considered wealthy while they were in 
need of anything. He is a typical pioneer of 
Southern California, and a shining example of 
what can be accomplished in a growing country 
by an industrious, honest and careful man. But 
his successful business career is not the most 
commendable quality of his nature. It is a fact 
well known among his most intimate and oldest 
acquaintances that his humane actions and gen- 
erous impulses toward his friends have been 
most commendable. 

•^■^■^ 

fAMES LONEY, horticulturist, near Po- 
mona, was born in Bangor, Maine, in 1847. 
His parents were Patrick and Catherine 
(Hurley) Loney. Early in life he commenced 
to earn his own living. At the age of eleven 
years he was employed in a butcher's shop, and 
then at such occupations as he was able to per- 
form until 1862, when he came to California 
and joined his father, who had come to the 
State in 1854. Upon his arrival he spent the 



next two years with his father at Grass Valley, 
where he attended school. He then went to the 
Warren Diggings, on Meadow Creek, in Idaho, 
and was engaged in mining until 1866. While 
thei'C he also attended the nigiit schools. Frotn 
that time until 1872 Mr. Loney was engaged in 
prospecting in Montana and other sections, and 
also followed other occupations. lie then entered 
the employ of the Central Pacitic Railroad, first 
as a laborer upon a construction train. Active 
and quick to learn, he soon secured a position 
as a brakeman upon freight trains, and from 
that was promoted as a freight conductor, and a 
conductor on passenger trains. During the first 
seven years of his railroad work he made his 
home in Rocklin, and then in 1874 came to Los 
Angeles County and resided in Anaheim, where 
in 1875 he married Miss Frances Dolchy, the 
daughter of John A. and Henrietta Dolchy, 
natives of Germany. Mrs. Loney was born in 
Brooklyn, New York. Soon after his marriage 
Mr. Loney purchased nineteen acres of land in 
the San Jose Valley, with the view of making 
a home for his family. He continued his work 
for the railroad company until 1880, his wife 
meanwhile living upon this land and directing 
its improvement and cultivation. Since the last- 
named year Mr. Loney has devoted himself tc 
agricultural pursuits. His well-known orchara 
is in one of the representative places of Po- 
mona, being located on Ellen street, south of 
Orange Grove avenue. He has six acres in 
oranges, and four or five acres in French prunes, 
and about three acres in Mission grapes. Two 
and a half acres of his French prunes are in full 
bearing, and he has made a specialty of the pro- 
duction and care of that fruit. The intelligent 
care he has taken has produced wonderful re- 
sults, and his fruit when dried and boxed has 
yielded him an average of about $500 per acre 
for the past three years. He is one of the pio- 
neers of the fruit industry in Pomona, and the 
condition and products of his orchard attest the 
success that may be achieved in horticultural 
occupations in his section. Much of his success 
is tine to his energetic wife, upon whom for the 



HISTORY OP LOS AN0BLE8 COUNTY. 



first five years — from 1875 to 1880 — the plant- 
ing- ai.d cultivation of his orchards depended. 
Mr. Loney is an enthusiastic supporter of any 
enterprise tending to develop the horticultural 
resources of the San Jose Valley. From 1883 
to 1886 he was a county and State fruit-pest in- 
spector, and also a member of the Pomona board 
of health. In political matters he is a Repub- 
lican and a strong advocate for the protection of 
our home industries. He is a member of Po- 
mona Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M. Mr. and 
Mrs. Loney have four children: Frances Theo- 
dora, Florence Catherine, James Arnold and 
Frank Walter. 



^-3^- 



PE. MILES, Secretary of the Southern Cali- 
fornia Lisuranee Company, is a native of 
" New York State, born at Yonkers, on 
the Hudson River, August 12, 1853, and is a 
son of N. S. and Kate (Kiiowles) Miles. He 
attended school during his early boyhood, and 
at the age of fourteen years went to Europe, 
where he pursued his studies for several years, 
and after his return attended school at Claverack, 
on the Hudson. In 1871 he came to the Pacific 
Coast and spent one year in traveling about the 
country. The facilities for travel by railroad 
being very limited, he went on horseback. He 
afterward located at Anaheim and engaged in 
the insurance business for a number of years. 
He then came to Los Angeles, and in January, 
1886, was elected Secretary of the Southern 
California Insurance Company, and since then 
he has held that position. He has been a resi- 
dent of Los Angeles County eigliteen years, is 
familiar with its interests and has had a large 
and successful experience as an insurance man. 
He is also interested in the California Ware- 
house Conipany. Mr. Miles is actively identi- 
fied with the progress and development of the 
city and county and has taken an active part in 
public affairs. He is a member of the Board of 
Trade and Chamber of Commerce and Produce 
Exchange. He was elected a member of the 



City Council, holding that office two years; was 
also elected president of the board. Mr. Miles 
was united in marriage to Miss Laura Yocum, of 
Pennsylvania, June 28, 1877. They have one 
daughter, Ethel. 



fULIUS MICHELSON, Superintendent of 
the pipe factory of Lacy, Ward & Com- 
pany, is a native of Denmark, born April 
8, 1856. He attended school during boyhood 
and served an apprenticeship to learn the tra.de 
of a sheet-iron worker. He -was employed at 
that trade in his native country, and also in 
Russia, Sweden, Finland and Germany. He 
emigrated to America in 1882, came to Los 
Angeles the same year, and entered the employ 
of Harper, Reynolds & Co., remaining with this 
firm three years. He was then foreman in Hol- 
brook's factory for a year and a half, and since 
then has been with Lacy, Ward & Co., and for 
the past year has held the position of superin- 
tendent. He is a thorough mechanic and under- 
stands every detail of the business. In 1886 
Mr. Michelson married Miss Mary Neilson, a iia- 
tiveof Denmark. They have one daughter, Edna. 



fRED MORSCH, painting contractor, Los 
Angeles, was born in Wiirtemberg, Ger- 
many, April 27, 1831. He served an 
apprenticeship to his trade in his native coun- 
try. In 1856 he emigrated to America, landed 
in New York, and the following year came to 
California, by way of the Isthmus. Upon reach- 
ing San Francisco he began working at his 
trade, and carried on the business there thirteen 
years. He came to Los Angeles in 1869 and 
established his present business, on the corner 
of Los Angeles and Commercial streets, after a 
year or two removed to Court street, still later 
to Main street, and for the past ten years has 
occupied his present location. He is the pio- 
neer in the business of house and sign painting 



HISTORY OF LOS .WOE LBS COUNTY. 



775 



and, being well and favorably known, has an 
old established trade, having carried on the 
business in Los Angeles for the past twenty 
years. In 1870 Mr. Morscli married Miss 
Bertha Frecliman, a native of the Southern 
States. They have three children: Bertha, Fred- 
rika and Lizzie. Tiiey have a nice home at 725 
South Hill street. 



H^ L. MARSDEN. — No name is more worthy 
|M\ of a place in this work than is that of H. 
^Ig* L. Marsden. This gentleman was born 
in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1828. His father, 
John Marsden, was an Englishman by birth and 
came over to America at an early day. Ills 
mother's maiden name was Isabella Langworthy. 
She was a native of Virginia. Soon after their 
marriage they emigrated to Washington County, 
Iowa. This was in 1838, and there they con- 
tinued to reside, engaged in farming, until 1852, 
in which year the father died, Mrs. Marsden 
surviving him until 1880. They reared a family 
of eight children, four sons and four daughters. 
In 1852 the subject of this sketch came to Cali- 
fornia, and after a sojourn of three years on the 
coast, during which time he worked at his trade, 
that of a carpenter, and was also engaged in 
mining, he returned to his home in the East. 
He remained in the East six years and within 
that time, in 1856, he married Armeta L. Carll, 
a native of the State of Maine. She is a reiined 
and educated lady, nine years of her life having 
been spent as a teacher in the public schools, 
mostly in Nevada. After his marriage Mr. 
Marsden came by steamer route to California 
in 1862, leaving his wife and their oldest child 
behind. Three years later he sent for them 
and the family have since been identiiied with 
Los Angeles County. Mr. Marsden purchased 
twenty acres of land on which he has made a 
comf(irtable home, and is at present giving his 
attention to the raising of poultry. He has a 
great and choice variety, and over 1,500 hens 
may be seen in his yards; and the industry prom- 



ises to be one of great profit. On his place 
are two fine artesian wells. The soil is fertile, 
and abundant crops of alfalfa are produced. 
There, in a pleasant home where many find a 
cordial welcome, Mr. and Mr-i. Marsden are 
well situated to enjoy life. They have two 
sons: Dr. Walter L. Marsden, a practicing phy- 
sician in Drewsey, Oregon ; and George A. 
Marsden, the popular and obliging postmaster 
of Compton. Mr. Marsden is one who enjoys 
life, is happy and contented, and wiiile not a 
church member, is a God-fearing man, upright 
in his dealings, and enjoys 'the confidence and 
respect of his fellow-men. 



ILLIAM M. MALOTT, one of the pio- 
' neersof 1875, was born in Clay County, 
Missouri, in 1830. He is a son of Will- 
iam and Christiana (Moor) Malott, natives of 
Kentucky, and of French and German origin 
respectively. The paternal grandfather of Mr. 
Malott was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, 
under the great La Fayette. William Malott, 
Sr., moved from Kentucky to Missouri at an 
early day. In his early life he was a mechanic, 
but later gave his attention to farming. He 
lived successively in Howard, Clay, and Piatt 
counties, Missouri, and in the last-named county 
be died in 1849. He had been born in 1796 in 
Kentucky. His companion was born in 1808, 
and is living to' this day at the old homestead in 
Piatt County, Missouri. They reared a family 
of eleven children. Tiie subject of this sketch 
is the fourth. He received a good common- 
school education, and at the age of twenty-seven 
left home to do for himself. Mr. Malott was 
married in 1857 to Mrs. Lucy Canter, a native 
of Virginia. By her he has four daughters, all 
living and married: Elizabeth, wife of Isaac 
Hazlock; Jessie, wife of the enterprising M. N. 
Newmark; Mary E., wife of Wiiiiam Carpenter, 
and Susan, wife of Perry Veiiable. Mr. Malott 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Compton. 
Politically he is true to tiie Democratic party, 



nJHTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



being a firm believer in, and an ardent advocate 
of, that party. lie has been a true pioneer of 
Los Angeles County, and to such men as he the 
county has yielded its wild, uncultivated prairies 
and swamps to be replaced by broad tields of 
alfalfa, and beautiful vineyards and orchards 
of tlie choicest truits. Pleasantly located, one 
mile east of the city of Compton, he is spending 
happily the evening of life with the partner and 
companion of his youth. 



tBNER G. McDANlEL is a native of Los 
Angeles County. He was born at the 
home of his parents near the old Mission 
south of El Monte, September 6, 1860. He was 
reared at the home of his mother near Savannali 
and educated in the neighborhood schools. He 
early bsgan to fight life's battles for himself. 
Full of energy, industrious and frugal, he has 
followed various occupations, never turning away 
from any honest labor. His earnings have 
largely been devoted to the maintenance of his 
mother's family. When twenty years of age 
Mr. McDaniel was engaged in coal mining on 
Twin Creek, sixty miles north of Evanston, 
Wyoming Territory. In that place he was thus 
employed for a year and a half, after which he 
engaged in quartz mining in San Diego County 



one year. 



Later, at Ballard, Santa Barbara 



County, Mr. McDaniell earned the blacksmith's 
trade and lived there about three years. While 
engaged at his trade he received so serious an 
injury as to necessitate a change of occupation. 
In January, 1887, he commenced to learn teleg- 
raphy. In March, 1887, he entered the employ 
of the Southern Pacific Kailroad Company in the 
office at Puente. February 1, 1888, he was placed 
in charge of the company's office at El Monte, 
where, at this writing, he still remains. He 
is in charge of the Wells, Fargo & Co.'s ex- 
press business, and the Western Union telegraph 
ofiice. Mr. McDaniel has shown himself worthy 
of the confidence and trust reposed in him. 
Genial, courteous and kindly by nature, he is 



deservedly popular among all witli whom he has 
business or social relations. Mr. McDaniel has 
suffered from so many accidents during his life 
that we are tempted to briefly relate them. 
While in his " first pants," with his father's 
hatchet, he cut off the end of one of his fingers. 
At four years of age he fell into the well, which 
caused a severe illness. JN^oc long afterward, as 
a matter of childish curiosity, he hung himself 
and was only resuscitated after hours of effort. 
Later, with a cousin, he ate two boxes of matches, 
causing weeks of sickness, his cousin dying 
from the eflect. When but «ix years of age he 
was thrown from a race horse, while riding in a 
race, his right leg broken and his sknll fractured ; 
and before complete recovery, his leg was again 
bn)ken. At sixteen years of age he was thrown 
from a wild horse and his right arm broken. 
About that time he shot himself in the hand 
and severely cut one of his feet. Several minor 
though serious accidents occurred, but one event 
came near finishing him, when, being mistaken 
for a Mexican horse-thief, he was shot at with a 
rifle, and only escaped by running like a thief. 
We will finish the story by saying that finally, 
while trying to shoe a wild horse, he was thrown 
and jumped upon and nearly killed. Abner B. 
McDaniel, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Tennessee in 1829, but from 
the age of ten years was reared in Texas. He 
came to California in 1853, and located at El 
Monte. The mother of our subject, formerly 
Miss Drusilla Bell, was born in Illinois. Her 
father, Abner Bell, was a native of Tennessee, 
and her mother, ?iee Nancy Garwood, was born 
in Kentucky, of Scotch parentage. She came 
with her parents to this State in 1853, settling 
in San Bernardino County. Miss Bell married 
Elijah Stowell, at El Monte in 1854. He died 
in 185(3, leaving his widow with one child, 
Elijah A. Stowell, who now resides in Kern 
County. In 1858 Mrs. Stowell became the wife 
of Abner B. McDaniel, from whom she was 
divorced in 1887, the custody of the children 
remaining with her. Their names are: Abner 
G., whose name heads this sketch; Jefferson D., 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



who died iu 1887, aged twenty-four years; Mary 
B., who married John Halliim, of Los Angeles; 
William Bragg, Drucilla Annette, Alice V>., 
John, James G. Mrs. McDaniel resides with 
her children at her cottage home in Savannah. 



THOMAS F.MITCHELL was born in 1827 
and is a son of John and Martha (Carter) 
Mitchell, natives of Virginia, and of Ger- 
man origin. The subject of this sketch was in 
the Mexican war, and in 1852 came to California 
and mined for about eight years. In 1860 he 
engaged in the cattle business, wdiich he followed 
very successfully for fifteen years, fie then 
laid claim to 160 acres of land in the beautiful 
caiion where he has since lived. He has added 
to this original claim several valuable farms, 
and now owns over 1,000 acres. He has given 
his attention to farming; till recently he has 
made quite a creditable record as an apiarist. He 
has over 400 stands in two apiaries, which yield 
an average of forty tons of honey per year. In 
1865 he was married to Miss Martha Taylor, a 
native of Arkansas, but principally reared in Cali- 
fornia, Her father was Ambrose Taylor, an 
early pioneer of this State. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mitchell have a family of four children, whose 
names are: Frank A., Fannie, John and Minnie. 
Mr. Mitchell is a warm friend of the common 
schools, and has taken a lively interest in educa- 
tional affairs. The beautiful school-house near 
his residence is due largely to his efforts, and he 
has been a sciiool officer for several years. He 
and Mrs. Mitchell are both members of tiie 
Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a true 
pioneer, and by his industry and economy has 
made a most beautiful home at the head of 
Soledad Canon, where, twenty-one years ago, 
the bears were so numerous that he found great 
difficulty in protecting his stock against them, 
and where the Indians were so dangerous that 
he had to leave his wife and children behind for 
nearly two years. Surely the country owes a 
debt of gratitude to those old pioneers, who have 




braved such dangers and hardships to develop 
its resources and to make such comfortable and 
beautiful homes for those they love most dear. 

'^■^^■^ 

M. MARLEAU, another one of the 
representative pioneers of Southern 
^#^® California, was born in Canada, Jan- 
uary 5, 1830, and is the son of Achan and Eliza- 
beth (Russell) Marleau, both Canadians and of 
French origin. Mr. Marleau left his native 
land in 1846 and westward pursued his way. 
Leaving St. Louis, April 2, 1852, he set out on 
the overland journey for the far-famed Califor- 
nia, arriving in the mining districts near Stock- 
ton in October, and having seventeen out of the 
250 head of cattle with which he left St. Louis. 
He came to this county March 3, 1868, and 
hence is one of the earliest settlers. He has 
witnessed the wonderful changes that have been 
wrought in this country, and looks forward to 
its still further development. .When first coming 
here he purchased 100 acres of land, but has 
since sold the greater part of it, and now retains 
only twenty-five acres. This is fine land and is 
nnder a high state of cultivation. Mr. Marleau 
was married in 1868 to Martha Faull. They 
have reared a family of four children: AVilliam, 
Elizabeth, Mary A., and Charley, all being mar- 
ried except the last named. Mr. Marleau is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. Politically he 
is an active and enthusiastic Republican. He is 
a public-spirited citizen and can be depended 
upon to aid and support any undertaking which 
has for its object the general good of the com- 
munity. 



-^« 



IMfl ^- -MASTERS, President of the Board 
'WWw °^ Trade, etc., Pasadena, was, before 

l^i^i^* his health failed, extensively engaged 
in the iron business in Cleveland, Ohio, his 
native place. After traveling for about three 
years in Europe and Africa, he came, in the winter 



BISTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



of 1874, to Pasadena, for his health, but most of 
the time for tlie first two years lie traveled in 
this State. In 1877 he was appointed postmaster 
at Pasadena, when the business of the office was 
comparatively large and the facilities for trans- 
acting iu very limited. From his own pocket 
he paid for additional improvements and more 
assistants, until he could properly handle the 
rapidly increasing mail. For this he has been 
but partially reimbursed; bat, more important 
than this to him, he feels that he successfully 
carried out his determination to give the people 
good service, and he asks no further reward. 
The writer has it from both Republican and 
Democratic sources that he did most excellent 
service. He is one of the organizers of the 
Pasadena Board of Trade, and is now its presi- 
dent; is also president of the Pickwick and 
Union Clubs, a stockholder in the First National 
and San Gabriel Yalley banks, and largely inter- 
ested in several other enterprises of a more pri- 
vate character. Probably no one in the city has 
done so much toward the entertainment of prom- 
inent Eastern tourists as Mr. Masters, and to him 
the place is largely indebted for its present 
advancement. 

'^'^■^'^■^ 

fO. MONROE may well be called the pio- 
neer of Monrovia, as he erected the first 
* residence in that place, in 1884. This was 
before thepresent city was laid out. In that year 
Mr. Monroe purchased thirty acres of wild and 
uncultivated land and commenced clearing the 
same, entered into horticultural pursuits and 
also developed and piped water on his lands. 
Later, when the city of Monrovia was projected 
and laid out, he entered heartily into building 
up the place, and was one of the most enter- 
prising of the projectors and builders of that 
phenomenal city. All of the municipal work, 
street grading, tree planting, developing and 
piping the water from San Pit Canon was done 
by Mr. Monroe, under contract from the town 
projectors and trustees, lie was also one of 



the stockholders of the Rapid Transit Railroad, 
and at this writing, 1889, is the superintendent 
of the same. He is now the owner of thirty 
acres of land in Monrovia, nearly all highly im- 
proved and cultivated. Fifteen acres are devoted 
to Washington Navel oranges and about ten 
acres to deciduous fruits, comprising a fine 
variety of peaches, plums, apricots, pears, etc. 
The subject of this sketch was born in Scott 
County, Indiana, in 1848. His father, Sanders 
A. Monroe, was a native of Virginia, and a 
descendant from an old Colonial family. From 
an early age he was reared in Kentucky, and in 
his young manhood located in Indiana, where he 
married Miss Catherine Monroe and settled down 
in life as a farmer. In 1851 he moved his fam- 
ily to Wapello County, L>wa. The members of 
the family were Sanders A. Monroe and wife, 
and the following named children: William 
N., Felix M., George W., Eliza L., now Mrs. 
Charles Hotchkiss; Mattie P., now the wife of 
Dr. D. D. Jay, and the subject of this sketch. 
Mr. C. O. Monroe was reared to the practical 
life of a farmer, receiving the benefits of a fair 
education. Upon reaching his majority in 1869, 
he started in life as a railroad contractor, and for 
twenty years was engaged in that work in the 
various States and Territories. In 1876 and 1877 
he was in the employ of the Southern Pacific Rail- 
road Company. In 1880 Mr. Monroe located 
in Iowa, and spent four years in coal mining. 
In 1884 he came to California and established 
his residence in Monrovia. He has thoroughly 
identified himself with the best interests of the 
place, and has the respect of a large circle of 
friends. He is a strong supporter of schools 
and churches, and is a member and trustee of 
the Baptist Church of Monrovia. He is a char- 
ter member of Monrovia Lodge, No. 330, I. O. 
O. F. In political matters he is a strong Repub- 
lican, taking a deep interest in the affairs ol tiie 
party and serving as a delegate in its county ^ 
conventions. He is one of the trustees of the 
city of Monrovia, elected in 1889. In 1872 Mr. 
Monroe married Miss Sarah E. Rogers, a native 
of Illinois, the daughter of William Rogers, a 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



native of Virginia. From this marriage there 
are four children: Birdie M., Minnie L., Edna 
C. and Ethel. The parents of Mr. Monroe are 
now members of his household. All of his 
brothers and sisters are residents of Monrovia, 
with the e.xceptiun of Mrs. -lay, who resides in 
Troy, Iowa. 



flT^ILLIAM N. MONROE, the founder of 
Monrovia, is well worthy of mention in 
the annals of Los Angeles County. He 
was born in Scott County, Indiana, in 1841. 
His parents are Sanders A. and Catherine Mon- 
roe, for a more extended notice of whom see 
sketch of C. O. Monroe, in this volume. The 
early life of William N. was spent upon a farm, 
after which he became a student in the Ashland 
University, Iowa. At the breaking out of the 
war of the Rebellion he left college and entered 
the ranks of the Union defenders, serving with 
gallantry and distinction until the close of the 
struggle, when he was mustered out of the 
service with the rank of Major. He then en- 
gaged in railroad construction, and obtained 
large contracts for the Union Pacific Railroad- 
In 1875 he came to California, and the follow- 
ing ten years was engaged by the Southern Pa- 
cific Company in railroad building in California, 
Arizona and New Mexico. In 1885 he came 
to Los Angeles County and purchased from E. 
J. Baldwin the tract upon which the city of 
Monrovia is located. In this he was associated 
with E. F. Spence, J. D. Bicknell and J. F. 
Crank. A large force of men were employed, 
and the planting of fruit trees and vines pro- 
gressed rapidly. But in the spring of 1886 it 
was decided to locate a town upon the tract, 
which Mr. Spence christened Monrovia, in 
honor of Mr. Monroe, who was the prime 
mover in the enterprise. The remarkable growth 
of the town, the influx of solid citizens, tlie 
opening of magnificent avenues, the erection of 
handsome residences, substantial business blocks, 
banks, churches, schools, the completion of a per- 



fect and abundant water supply, and the estab- 
lishment of the varied business enterprises, 
seemed almost magical; but all was well ordered 
and sprang from the energetic operations and 
trained business habits of Mr. Monroe. He was 
at the head of every enterprise that tended to 
advance the interests of the city of his choice. 
To him more than to any other man is Mon- 
rovia indebted for the San Gabriel Valley Rapid 
Transit Railway, that gives to her citizens a 
competing line with Los Angeles. His gener- 
osity seemed unbounded, and he was ever the 
friend of all honest and deserving men who 
were seeking to build up homes in the San 
Gabriel Valley. He was one of the original in- 
corporators and a director of the Granite Bank 
of Monrovia. During the war Major Monroe 
was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Hall. 
From this marriage there are the following 
named children: Milton S., who married Miss 
Mamie N. Thomas; George O., who married 
Miss Lizzie Miller; Myrtle M. and Mabel II. 



tOUIS MESMER, capitalist, 64 and 66 
North Main street, Los Angeles, was born 
in Alsace, France, February 20, 1830. In 
1847, at the age of seventeen, he emigrated to 
this country. Having a brother in Syracuse, 
New York, he. made him a visit, after which he 
went to Ohio, during the celebrated political 
campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too." He 
located at Dayton, that State, and started a 
bakery. In 1857 he determined to come to 
California, and accordingly sailed for San Fran- 
cisco, arriving in that place in September of the 
same year. He first went to Columbia, Calaveras 
County, then came to Los Angeles, and after a 
short time spent here went to the Eraser River 
mines, being very successful and making over 
$20,000 in eight months. He started a bakery 
and secured a contract from the Hudson I!ay 
Company to supply the troops. He sold out 
and went East for a visit, and in 1859 came to 
Los Angeles and located permanently. He 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



started a bakery, and by his ability and energy 
extended his business and built up a very large 
trade, at one time having seven bakeries ^in 
operation and having the entire control of the 
trade. He also furnished supplies for the troops. 
For the past thirty years he has been promi- 
nently identified with the business, and has 
done the leading trade. In 1864 he built the 
United States Hotel on Main street, and in 
1887 he erected the New United States Hotel, 
a large and handsome structure, one of the best 
in the city. Mr. Mesmer is one of the many 
men who hiivc started out in life with no capi- 
tal save energy and a determination to succeed, 
and it is to his own efforts alone that his 
marked success is due. Not only for himself 
has he been so successful, but as a beneficiary 
for others, and in aiding and assisting them he 
has paid out a fortune of $60,000 — the highest 
standard of commercial honor and integrity. 
Besides his extensive travels in the United 
States, Mr. Mesmer has visited his native coun- 
try several times. He went to France in 1869, 
again in 1875, and afterward to the Paris Ex- 
position. In 1854 Mr. Mesmer was married to 
Miss Catharine Forst, a native of Alsace, Grer- 
many. They have five children: Joseph, An- 
tone, Alphonse, Christina and Lucy. 



fOHN K. McMANIS, manager of the Pacific 
Wagon Company, 25 Aliso street, Los An- 
geles, is a native of Indiana, born in In- 
dianapolis, September 3, 1841. He attended 
school there during his boyhood, and upon 
reaching manhood he determined to seek the 
advantages of a new country, and following the 
star of enterprise, came West and spent some 
years in Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Utah. 
He remained in these Territories until 1869, 
when he came to the Pacific Coast and located 
at Los Angeles. He engaged in farming for 
some years, and in 1879 established his present 
business, the firm being Bonebrake & McManis. 
This firm continued for some four years, and 



then the Pacific AVagon Company was organized. 
This house was the first to introduce Eastern- 
made buggies and carriages here. They make 
a specialty of Columbus buggies, and have a 
large established trade. Mr. McManis is prob- 
ably more familiar with the demands of the 
trade than any other firm in his line. He is a 
generous, public-spirited citizen. ■ 



• '^i& 



m^^^^^- 



tON. JOSEPH E.McCOMAS— Among the 
representative men of Los Angeles County 
and prominent residents of Pomona is the 
subject of this sketch. A review of his life and 
association with the history of Los Angeles 
County is of interest. Mr. McComas was born 
in Cabell County, Virginia, May 15, 1834. His 
parents, Hiram and Rebecca (Hatfield) McCo- 
mas, were both natives of that county. In 1841 



Mr. McCoii 



pa 



rents emigrated to Missouri 



and located in Platte County near the present 
site of Platte City. Tlie county was new and 
unsettled, and the subject of this sketch had but 
few advantages in the way of schooling, but was 
reared to the labors and hardships attending pio- 
neer farming. The death of his father occurred 
in 1849, leaving the care of eight children to the 
mother, and Mr. McComas was called upjn for 
increased efforts in helping to support the family. 
The only schooling he was able to obtain was 
some three months in the year when he attended 
a subscription school. He was of an ambitions 
and energetic disposition, and his zeal and sturdy 
application enabled him to equal, if not excel, 
many of his more favored competitors. Heared 
under such circumstances, his manhood and self- 
reliant qualities were early developed, and at the 
age of nineteen years, in 1853, he decided to 
seek his fortune in the El Dorado of the West. 
AVith $10 in his pocket and an extra suit of 
brown jcan clothing, he felt rich in this world's 
goods. He joined an emigrant train destined 
for California and worked his passage across the 
plains, deserts and mountains, cheerfully endur- 
ing the labors and hardships attending the driv- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



781 



ing of a herd of cattle, and receiving tlie food 
he ate for his pay. After nearly live months of 
this toil and exposure he arrived in Sacramento 
Valley. Soon after his arrival he engaged in 
mining, and for the next live years was engaged 
in that precarious calling in various portions of 
the northern counties. In 1858 he found him- 
self with ahout §2,000 ahead. He then returned 
t(.>hisold home and engaged in the lumher husi- 
iiess, running a steam saw-mill in his operations. 
He conducted that business until the breaking 
out of the war of the Rebellion, when he 
promptly decided to enter the ranks of the Na- 
tion's defenders. He raised a portion of a com- 
pany and was commissioned a P'irst Lieutenant 
of Company G, Fifth Kansas Cavalry. He served 
with his regiment until November, 1862, when 
his failing healtli necessitated his leaving the 
military service. He therefore resigned his com- 
mission and returned home. In the spring of 
1863 he again crossed the plains to California, 
and located in Santa Clara County, where he 
spent about a year in farming. In 1864 he set- 
tled in the San Joaquin Valley, near Stockton, 
and engaged in wheat raising with good success 
until 1871. In that year he came to Los An- 
geles County and settled on a farm near Comp- 
ton. He remained there until 1875, when he 
established his residence in Pomona. From his 
first arrival in Pomona, Mr. McComas has taken 
an active part in the building up of the city. 
He has seen a city of 5,000 inhabitants spring 
up upon the almost uninhabited sheep range 
upon which he first settled. During his resi- 
dence he has been principally engaged as a real- 
estate dealer, but he has also been largely inter- 
ested in building up the business portion of the 
city. The McComas Block, on the corner of 
Main and Second streets, was erected by him in 
1885 and was the second brick building put up 
in the city. In 1887-'88 he built the large 
brick livery stable on First street. This build- 
ing is 165 X 100 feet. He has also a fine two- 
story residence at the head of Main street. The 
four and one-half acres of ground upon which 
his residence stands abounds in ornamental trees 



and ricli Horal productions. He is a stockholder 
and director of the First National Bank of Po- 
mona, and was one of the original incorporators 
and the first vice-president of the same. He 
has been a strong supporter of such enterprises 
as have tended to develop the resources of the 
San Jose Valley and increase the prosperity of 
his chosen city. He is a stanch Republican, 
jiining that party in 1856, and in 1860 was one 
of the only two men who voted for Abraham 
Lincoln in Platte County, Missouri. He has 
always taken a deep interest in the political 
questions of the day, and been an earnest worker 
in the ranks of his party. In 1888 he received 
the nomination for the office of State Senator 
for the Thirty-ninth Senatorial District, from 
the Republican Convention, and was elected by 
a majority of 1,430. He is the first Republican 
ever elected to that office from his district, and the 
majority he received is a splendid tribute to his 
popularity. He is a man of intelligence and 
sound sense, and at once took a leading part in 
the proceedings of the State Senate, serving upon 
some of the most important committees. His 
career was one of marked success, but he proba- 
bly was best known to his constituents from 
his successful management of the bill creating 
the county of Orange. Mr. McComas has held 
many positions of trust and honor in his various 
places of residence. At Compton he was twice 
elected justice of the peace, holding that position 
four years. In 1882 he was appointed notary 
public, which office he held for two years. He 
was again appointed in 1886 and held the office 
until he resigned to take his seat in the State 
Senate. He has for twenty-five years been a 
consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and a liberal supporter of the same. 
He is a member of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, 
I. O. O. F.; Pomona Lodge, No. 225, A. O. U. 
W., and Vicksburg Post, No. 61, G. A. R., of 
Pomona. In 1860 Mr. McComas wedded Miss 
Rebecca Yount, the daughter of Henry and 
Deborah (Doherty) Yount. They were natives 
of Pennsylvania. She died in 1865, leaving one 
child, J. Lane, who is at this writing (188'J) as- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



sociated with his father in the real-estate busi- 
ness in Pomona. In 1867, in San Joaquin Comity, 
Mr. McComas married Miss Lizzie Adams. She 
died in 1876, leaving no children. His third 
marriage was in 1878, when he wedded Miss 
Emma Loughery, the daughter of William and 
Eliza (Steele) Loughery, natives of Virginia. 
From this marriage there are three children, viz. : 
Rush, Maud and Ethel. 



fW. MIDDLETON, of the firm of Evans 
& Middleton, is a native of Aberdeen, 
® Scotland, and was born in 1858. Heat- 
tended school and served an apprenticeship to 
the trade of stone-cutter, in his native town. 
After reaching manhood he came to America, 
in 1882, and the following year came to Los 
Angeles. He followed the trade of stone-cut- 
ting for several years. In 1886 he engaged in 
his present business. Their quarries are located 
at Riverside, San Bernardino County, where 
most of their stone and granite is dressed before 
shipping, a portion of it being finished in Los 
Angeles. The granite for the Germain Block, 
on Los Angeles street, and the New Griffith 
Block, on Fort street, one of the largest and 
heaviest in the city, and many others, is fur- 
nished from the quarries of Evans & Middleton. 
Granite for buildings in Riverside and other 
places is also furnished from the same quarries. 
Li 1881 Mr. Middleton married Miss Annie 
Craighead, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland. They 
have four children: Mary, James, Henry and 
Liliie. 

tEV. W. S. MATTHEW, D. D., was born 
in Cotton Hill, Sangamon County, Illinois. 
He grew up on his father's farm, having 
the best advantages for education furnished by 
the public schools, which he attended for about 
six months in each year. At the age of sixteen 
he began teaching, his object being to earu 



money to carry him through college. After five 
years of struggle and self-denial he was permit- 
ted to go to Evanston, Illinois, to enter the 
Northwestern University. Here he studied hard, 
and toiled from time to time to earn funds to 
carry him through. He took high rank, as a 
student, carried off several prizes in oratory, and 
graduated in 1876 at the head of his class. 
When sixteen years of age he consecrated 
himself to the service of God and became a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He now entered the ministry, and was stationed 
at Auburn, Illinois. Success attended his labors 
from the first. He was much loved by the peo- 
ple, and was especially influential among the 
young people of both sexes. After one year he 
was removed to Taylorville, Illinois. Here he 
had a larger and more difficult field, but suc- 
ceeded in greatly increasing the membership of 
the church, and in giving it an advanced posi- 
tion among the churches of the city. During 
this time he was very active in his advocacy of 
the cause of temperance. Largely through the 
labors of his church the saloons were banished 
from the place, and Taylorville remains a tem- 
perance city to this day. The good results are 
patent. During Mr. Matthew's stay here another 
great event happened to him. This was his 
marriage to Miss Marion L. Fomeroy, of Evans- 
ton. This union has brought to him the most 
substantial joys of his life. His aquaintance 
with her began when they were both students 
in the university. Miss Fomeroy graduated in 
1877 with a fine record as a student, and honored 
as a genuine, gracious, queenly woman. As a 
wife she has brought to her husband that help 
and comfort which only a true Christian woman 
can give. Let her husband praise her in the 
gates: " She has done him good and not evil 
all the days of her life." Mr. Matthew remained 
two years at Taylorville, and was then settled 
over the Second Methodist Episcopal Church in 
Springfield, the capital of the State. Here he re- 
mained three years, the full term allowed by the 
law of the church, and was very successful. But 
over-work resulted in a low malarial fever, and 



HISTORY Oh LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



lie was compelled to try a more northern cli- 
mate. Removing to Minnesota, he was stationed 
at Red AVing one year; then at Clinton Avenue 
Church, St. Paul, for three years. From here he 
went to the First Church, Stillwater, where in 
the midst of a most successful year's work he 
received the news that he had been elected Dean 
of the College of Liberal Arts in the University 
of Southern California. This was to liim a com- 
paiatively untried Held; but from the first day 
his presence inspired confidence both among 
students and faculty. His work was especially 
helpi'ul to yonng men, many of whom were led 
to become earnest Christians through his influ- 
ence and labors. After two years at the head 
of the College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Matthew 
was elected vice-president of the University. 
AVhile this was considered a step in advance, 
and he was urged to accept, yet he declined, not 
considering it an opportune time for such en- 
largement of plans as contemplated by the board 
of directors. His plan at this writing (Septem- 
ber, 1889,) is to re-enter the pastorate. Mr. 
Matthew comes of Welsh stock, a parental an- 
cestor from Wales having been one of the 
earliest Territorial Governors of Virginia. He is 
five feet, nine and one-half inches in height, 
weighs 140 pounds, is wiry and athletic, and 
capable of great endurance. He has remained 
a student ever since his gradnation, and no doubt 
has many years of useful service yet before him. 
His Alma Mater, the Northwestern University, 
in June, 1889, conferred on him the honorary 
degree of Doctor of Divinity. 



tE. MEYER, manufacturing cooper and 
proprietor of winery. No. 32 South Ala- 
<* meda street, Los Angeles, was born in 
Alsace, Germany, October 8, 1851, and grew up 
and learned his trade there; emigrated to Amer- 
ica in 1879, and two years later came to Cali- 
fornia. Coming to Los Angeles the same year, 
he began working at his trade, continued three 
years, and in 1884 established his present busi- 



ness. He makes a specialty of large, tight work, 
heavy casks and tanks, his work being mostly 
on orders. He has built up an established trade. 
He is also engaged in wine-making for the 
wholesale trade; raises grapes and buys large 
amounts to make into wine, which finds market 
here and elsewhere. He had nothing when he 
began, and his success is the result of industry 
and economy. In 1886 he married Miss M. L. 
Ontleib, a native of Alsace; 



tMcNALLY, contractor. No. 716 Maple 
avenue, is a native of Prince Edward Isl- 
® and and was born May 3, 1854. He at- 
tended school during his early boyhood, and at 
the age of fourteen years went to Massachusetts 
where he served his apprenticeship to the trade 
of brick and stone mason. After reaching man- 
hood he came west to New Mexico, and had the 
supervision of all the mason work of the Santa 
Fe Railroad, having in charge the building of 
the round-houses. He held this position four 
years, came to Los Angeles in 1882, and the fol- 
lowing year engaged in contracting. Among 
the many prominent buildings erected by him 
are the new United States Hotel, the Los An- 
geles National Bank, the Wilson Block, corner 
of First and Spring streets; the Callahan Block, 
corner of Third and Spring streets; the West- 
minister Hotel, corner of Fourth and Main 
streets; Robarts Block, corner Seventh and Main 
streets; Burdick Block, corner Second and Spring 
streets; the Philadelphia Brewery, Aliso street, 
the largest brewery in Southern California; 
Weil Block, on Main street; the Capital Mills, 
Hollenbeck Hotel, Turnverein Hall, the new 
Griffith Block, on Fort street, containing 3,000,- 
000 brick, and many other buildings. Mr. Mc- 
Nally has had a large, practical experience as 
contractor in brick and stone work, and for the 
past six years has been prominently identified 
with the contracting interests of this city. He 
has, during this time, taken more heavy con- 
tracts than any one contractor in Southern Cali- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



foniia, and, as an evidence of his ability and re- 
sponsibility, in all the contracts taten by him lie 
has never been asked to give a bond for the faith- 
ful performance of any contract.- Mr. McNally 
has served as a member of the city council of 
Los Angeles during his residence here. He 
was married March 27, 1883, to Miss Sarah L. 
Cassidy, of Canada. They have one son, John 
Ambrose. 

f MATER, butcher and wholesale and retail 
dealer in fresh and salted meats, Los 
® Angeles, was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
September 16, 1853. After serving an appren- 
ticeship in his native land, he emigrated to 
America in 1871; went to Leavenworth, Kansas, 
and remained three years, and also lived in 
Cheyenne for a time. During the gold excite- 
ment he went to the Black Hills. He came to 
California in 1876, lived in San Francisco about 
a year, and then came to Los Angeles, and 
opened a butcher shop, and since then has suc- 
cessfully carried on the business here. He has 
built up a large wholesale and retail trade. 
Coming to America a poor boy, he has by his 
own unaided efforts, coupled with ability and 
energy, attained the degree of success he richly 
deserves. In 1886 Mr. Maier married Miss 
Louise Smith, a native of Wisconsin. They 
have three children: Willie, Josie and Mary 
Louise. 



fC. McMENOMY, engaged in plumbing, 
steam and gas-fitting, in Los Angeles, was 
* born in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, 
July 2, 1851. His parents were old residents 
of that city, and came to California in 1853, 
settling in San Francisco. The subject of this 
sketch, after attending school there during his 
boyhood, entered St. Ignatius College, where he 
took a three years' course; then served an 
apprenticeship in the establishment of P. li. 



O'Brien in his present business. While fol- 
lowing his trade he was engaged on the resi- 
dences of Senator Fair at Virginia City, J^olin 
Mackey, William Ralston, and many others 
equally as prominent. He came to Los Angeles 
in 1872, and entered the employ of Barrows, 
Furrey & Co., and continued with this firm four 
years; then established his present business, the 
firm being Manning & McMenon)y. They re- 
mained together three years, then dissolved, and 
since that time Mr. McMenomy has carried on 
the business by hijnself. He was on the corner 
of First and Spring streets three years, then 
removed to First and Maine, and was there until 
he bought the lot for his present location, and 
built his factory. His shop is 60x41 feet, and 
two stories high. He does all kinds of plumb- 
ing, and also steam-fitting, and has a large prac- 
tical experience and good trade. He was united 
in marriage December 19, 1875, with Miss Mary 
Jane Somerset, of Syracuse, New York. 



tENRY MERZ, capitalist. No. 504 East 
First street, Los Angeles, was born in 
Germany, February 14, 1829. He at- 
tended school and learned tlie trade of tailor in 
his native country. In 1847 he, in company 
with his sister, emigrated to this country, landed 
in Canada, and went from there to Buffalo, New 
York. After remaining there for a time, he 
went to Cincinnati, Ohio, leaving his sister in 
Buffalo. From Cincinnati he went to St. Louis, 
and from there to Ottawa, Illinois. From the 
latter place, in the spring of 1850, he set out 
for the Pacific Coast, with mule teams. The 
roads were so bad that it took them two months 
to reach St. Joe, Missouri. There were nine of 
them together, and, leaving St. Joe the first of 
May, they joined another company. Upon 
reaching Fort Kearney, they were induced to 
leave their wagons and continued their journey 
on foot, bringing their effects with pack saddles. 
Their company divided and they suffered severely 
for want of provisions. They reached Hang- 



UI8T0RT OF LOS ANGELES COUKTT. 



town, Placer County, August 1, 1850, and the 
subject of this sketch at once engaged in mining. 
The following year he went to Auburn, and 
wiiile assisting his friend was accidentally, and 
it was thought fatally, shot. In consequence of 
this he was laid up for a year and started on a 
visit to the Eastern States, with the iiope of re- 
covery. Upon reaching Sacramento he met an 
old friend and was persuaded to stay with him, 
which he did, until he was strong enough to go 
back to the mines. He remained there until 
1866 then went to San Francisco, and the fol- 
lowing year to Santa Cruz. Mr. Merz was in a 
bakery in the latter place one year, after which 
he returned to San Francisco and engaged in 
the grocery business with his brother four years. 
He then came to Los Angeles and associated 
himself in the grocery trade with his friend, Mr. 
Pelaske, now an old and honored pioneer of the 
Pacific Coast. They carried on the business for 
ten years, when Mr. Merz retired. In 1878 he 
married Miss Bertha Brohn, a native of Sa.xony, 
Germany. 



ilLLIAM MANN, of the firm of Mann 
& Johnson, machinists, 432 South Los 
Angeles street, Los Angeles, was born 
in Indiana, October 14, 1837. He attended 
school and served an apprenticeship to his trade 
in his native State. He worked at his trade in 
several States, and followed it nine years in 
Missouri and five years in Texas. He-came to 
Los Angeles in 1880, and went into the machine 
shop and iron works of Bath & Fosmer, and 
the following year was made foreman of the 
shops and held that position si.x years, until the 
fall of 1887, when he resigned to engage in 
business for himself at South Los Angeles 
street, the firm being Mann & Johnson. They 
do all kinds of machine work, and run princi- 
pally on special orders. They manufacture Mc- 
Coy's Water Lifter, patent hose coupling and 
other specialties, and do all kinds of machine 
repairing. He has a large practical experience 



as a machinist, and they are building up a very 
nice trade. In 1884 Mr. Mann married Miss 
Todd, a native of Virginia. He has two chil- 
dren, AVilliam A. and Ada Inez, by his former 
wife. Mr. Mann is a member of the A. O. U. 
W., Select Knights. 

fOHN McLaughlin, rancher, etc., near 
The Palms, was born in Indiana County, 
Pennsylvania, in 1889. His father was 
George McLaughlin, of Scotch origin, and a 
native of Maryland. He was a farmer and 
stock-raiser in Pennsylvania for many years. 
Our subject and a broiher went to Kansas when 
he -was nineteen years of age, and for sixteen 
years was in the stock business in Douglas 
County. He was married there in 1860, to 
Miss Mary Riggs, a native of Kentucky. In 
the fall of 1875 Mr. McLaughlin came to Los 
Angeles County and located two miles east of 
Cumpton. Then he bought 320 acres on the 
Gird Ranch, which is on Washington street, 
just south of Los Angeles. Here he engaged 
in the dairy business for several years, when he 
sold out and bought 100 acres where he now 
lives. This ranch he has improved, and has 
erected a beautiful residence and made bis yards 
and grounds most inviting. He also owns a 
dairy near Norwalk, and keeps a full line of 
Holstein and Jersey cattle. At present he is 
farming about 640 acres of land in addition to 
his other interests. Mr. McLaughlin is an in- 
dustrious, enterprising man, and a highly re- 
spected citizen, an intelligent supporter of the 
Prohibition party, and a conscientious Christian 
gentleman. 

N. NEWM ARK, grain dealer in Comp- 
ton and at Bunwell Station, also doing 

' a good livery business in Compton, is 
one of Los Angeles County's most enterprising 
and successful young men. In the grain busi- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES GOUNTT. 



ness he has a storage capacity of 200,000 sacks. 
Mr. Newmark is a native of Prussia, Germany. 
He came to San Francisco in 1868, was in at- 
tendance for ten months at the Cosmopolitan 
School, and subsequently came to Los Angeles, 
where for two years he was in the wholesale 
grocery business with Newmark & Co. He 
then came to Compton and became associated 
in business with S. Grant, under the iiriii name 
of S. Grant & Co. In 1878 this partnership 
was dissolved, the senior member going back to 
Europe, and Mr. Newmark continuing the en- 
terprise in his own name until 1886. Since 
then he has given almost his exclusive attention 
to the grain business, but is also interested to 
some extent in insurance. He has been suc- 
cessful in his real-estate transactions, and owns 
several lots in Compton, besides a whole busi- 
ness block and tiie livery barn and grounds- 
He also owns several houses and lots in Los 
Angeles, where it is his intention to reside in 
the future, but will have an oifice in Compton. 
Li 1880 he married Miss Jessie Malott, of 
Compton, and a daughter of William M. and 
Lucy Malott, a sketch of whose lives appears 
elsewhere in this work. Mr. Newmark has a 
high social standing in the Masonic fraternity, 
the L O. O. F., and the A. O. U. W., at Comp- 
ton. His residence will be on Louisiana avenue, 
Boyle Heights, in the city of Los Angeles. 

•^^^^^^ 

fAN JACINTO LIME & LUMBER COM- 
PANY, East First street, Los Angeles, 
was established here in August, 1888. 
The quarries of the company are located at San 
Jacinto, San Diego County, and the lime is all 
manufactured there. It is of a superior quality, 
and has an established reputation among the 
contractors and builders, and at certain seasons 
of the year the company have been unable to 
supply the demand. Mr. T. O'Shea, the agent 
and manager of the business of the company 
here, is an old contractor and builder of large 
experience and is thoroughly familiar with all 



kinds of building materials, his father being a 
contractor and builder. He is a native of Ireland 
and was born October 20, 1837. He came to 
America in 1856, and to the Pacific Coast in 
1859, following a seafaring life for five years, 
and going on whaling expeditions as far north 
as Point Barrow. After his return, he gave up 
following the sea. During the war he enlisted 
and served in the Ninety-fifth Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Infantry. Afterward he 
located in Chicago and remained there until 
1886, in which year he came to Los Angeles. 
His residence is 117 AValnut avenue. 



fAMES ORR. — Prominent among the stock- 
raisers of Los Angeles County is to be 
found the gentleman with whose name we 
begin this sketch. On his farm near Compton 
may be seen some of the finest thoroughbred 
horses west of the Rocky Mountains, and also 
cattle of a high grade. Mr. Orr came to this 
county March 17, 187-1, and his success and 
wealth prove the earnestness of his labors, and 
the wisdom and foresight with which he has 
conducted his business aifairs. He is a native 
of County Antrim, Ireland, born August 10, 
1844, and is the son of James and Mary Orr. 
His mother is stiH living in the Emerald Isle. 
August 14, 1884, Mr. Orr was united in marriage 
to Miss Nannie Davidson, a native of Missouri, 
and of German origin. Mr. Orr has a pleasant 
home, and together they rejoice over the advent 
of a beautiful child, Lola. 



..^.. 



WILLIAM OSBORN, manufacturer and 
dealer in harness and saddlery, Aliso 
street, Los Angeles, was born in New 
York State, October 30, 1835. His parents re- 
moved to Illinois during his early boyhood. 
Upon reaching manhood he came to California 
by way of the Isthmus of Panama, in 1855, 
began working in the mines, and continued for 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



three years, then came to Los Angeles and en- 


born in 1766, and had four wives. He first 


gaged in freighting to Owens River, Arizona, 


married Ann Polk, in 1788, and by her had 


and Utali. After continuing the business for 


three cliildren: Willia.^i Polk, born in 1790; 


some years, he sold out to tlie Cerro (xordo 


John White, in 1792; and Sarah, the mother 



Freighting Company. In March, 1877, he es- 
tablished his present business in an old adobe 
building where Baker's Block now stands. From 
Main street he removed to Spring street, be- 
tween Second and Third, and from there to his 
own property on the corner of Fifth and Hill 
streets. In 1883 he removed^ to his present loca- 
tion. He has a large acquaintance with freight- 
ing men, and manufactures most of tlie heavy 
truck harness for all the companies. He has a 
large and commodious shop, and employs eight 
to ten hands, and has a well-established trade. 
He has held the office of county road commis- 
sioner, supervisor and member of the board of 
council men. In 1868 Mr. Osborn married Miss 
Rosetta Baldwin, a native of San Bernardino. 
They have two cliildren: Rosetta and George 
Arlington. 



;ILLIAM VICKREY, President of the 
East Side Bank, of Los Angeles, one of 
the city's most substantial and highly 
respected business men, was born in what is now 
Franklin, then Dearborn, County, Indiana, in 
1834. He is one of a family of seven children, 
three sons and four daughters, of Solomon and 
Sarah (Goslen) Vickrey, both of whom were de- 
scended from English parentage. Mr. Vickrey 
traces his ancestry, on his mother's side, back to 
John Goslen and Ann, his wife, who came from 
Europe to America in an emigrant ship that 
landed at the old seaport town of Lewistown, 
near Cape Henlopen, earlj' in the seventeenth 
century. He took up lands on the peninsula of 
Delaware and Eastern Maryland, about central, 
and on the line of both States. Nothing is 
known of their heirs except that they had one 
son, Waitinan, born in 1726. He married Sarah 
White in 1747, and to them were born one son and 
eight daughters. The son, Waitman, Jr., was 



of the suliject of this sketch, in 1794. In 
1798 he married Margeret Causey, by whom 
he had one son, Robert, born in 1799. By hie 
third wife, nee Mary Shanks, he had one son, 
Henry, born in 1804; and by his fourth wife, 
nee Rebecca Collins, he had a daughter, Eme- 
line, born in 1811. Waitman Goslen, Jr., be- 
ing the only son, inherited by lawful entailment 
all the landed estate and negroes, lived like 
other colonial aristocrats and entertained in 
princely style. He served in the Revolutionary 
war; was also a Captain in the war of 1812. In 
1820, while enjoying life, and past middle age, 
he endorsed heavily for a friend, by which trans- 
action he lost his broad acres. This so saddened 
and maddened him that he converted his movable 
property into money, took a trusted servant and 
his eldest son, William P., and his wife, and went 
into the far South, where he lived and prospered 
for twenty years, and where, about 1843, he was 
robbed and murdered for his money by river 
thieves, at his steamboat landing, on the Mis- 
sissippi, near Memphis, Tennessee. His son 
William died there, leaving three children, 
William, John and Ann, of whom nothing is 
known. John W. Goslen, son of Waitman Gos- 
len, Jr., died near Bridgeville, Delaware, Janu- 
ary 6, 1845, leaving four daughters, all of whom, 
with their descendants, are representative peo- 
ple. Sarah Goslen, daughter of Waitman Gos- 
len, Jr., married Solomon Vickrey, and went - 
into the then far West, Indiana, and there, as 
already stated, the subject of this sketch was 
born. Mr. Vickrey's paternal ancestors also 
came from England and settled in what is now 
the State of Delaware, early in the seventeenth 
century. His grandfather, Waitman Vickrey, 
reared his family and spent the rest of his life 
there. Solomon Vickrey, on attaining his ma- 
jority, left the parental home, went West in 
1818, and engaged in flat-boating on the Ohio 
and Mississippi Rivers, between Cincinnati and 



UISTORl' OF LOS AtfOBLES COUNTY. 



New Orleans, transporting beef, pork and other 
products to the Southern metropolis, for con- 
sumption in the cotton-growing States. After 
pursuing that business two or three years, Mr. 
Vickrey went back to his native State and mar- 
ried Miss Goslen, about 1820. Returning West 
with his young bride, he resumed the boating 
business in company with his brother, Thomas 
Vickrey. During the prevalence of cholera, in 
1822, his brother Thomas was taken with it on 
their way down the Mississippi River, with a 
fleet of seven boats, in what was then known as 
the Arkansas Territory. The authorities forbade 
them to proceed further, and also prohibited 
them from landing, and the boat they were in 
was landed on a sand bar in the river and the 
rest uf the fleet burned by the authorities. 
After Thomas died, his brother Solomon was 
comijelled to bury his body on the bar, and 
abandon the boat and cargo. He walked back 
to Cincinnati, and thus lost about everything 
he had made in the business in the four or five 
years previous. After remaining a short time 
in Cincinnati, he moved to the then new State of 
Indiana, and settled near Brookville, one of the 
oldest towns in tliat State Soon after the birth 
of William, his parents removed to McLean 
County, Illinois, and settled near Bloomington. 
Young Vickrey was there reared on his father's 
farm, and, soon after reaching his majority, 
went down into Montgomery County, and there, 
in 1861, married Miss Sarah L. Caimon, daughter 
of William and Catherine Cannon, the former a 
native of Kentucky and the latter of South 
Carolina. Mr. Cannon was one of the pioneers 
of Illinois, and afterward one of the most prom- 
inent and favorably known citizens of the south- 
ern parti of that State. Mr. Vickrey carried on 
fanning while in Illinois. In 1872 he moved to 
Newton, Kansas, then the terminus of the Atch- 
ison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, and engaged 
in mercantile business. The following year, 
with others, he organized and opened the Harvey 
County Savings Bank, of which he was vice- 
president seven years, until he sold his interest 
in 1880, in order to seek a milder climate. 



That year he removed to Crawford County, 
Arkansas, and settled in thecounty seat. Van Bu- 
ren. He there established the Crawford County 
Bank. It did a very prosperous business from 
its opening, l)ut the prevalence of malarious dis- 
ease in that locality, with which Mr. Vickrey's 
family were attacked, caused him to sell out the 
bank about a year later, and decide to come to 
California. He and his family arrived in Los 
Angeles in March, 1881, and have resided in 
that city ever since. For several years he did 
not engage in any settled business, but was 
prominently connected with several enterprises 
of both private and public character, among 
them the organizing of the company and estab- 
lishing the Rosedale Cemetery, of which he was 
president a number of years, and took personal 
charge of the improvements. In the spring of 
1887 he organized and opened the East Side 
Bank, of which he is president, and which, under 
his judicious management, is enjoying a very 
prosperous business career. Mr. and Mrs. Vick- 
rey have a family of six children, five sons and 
one daughter, whose names in the order of 
their ages, are as follows: Otield A., steadily 
engaged in business; Brenton Lee, the oldest 
teller in the Los Angeles National Bank; Chaun- 
cey Waitman, actively employed in business; 
L'Dora Cecil, a graduate of the State Normal 
School; Berton Ellsworth and Neal B., attending 
the city schools. During the year 1888 Mr. 
Vickrey erected the handsome five-story brick 
block on North Main street, which bears his 
name. It is 60 x 100 feet in size, and one of the 
finest business buildings in the city. He also owns 
several other pieces of valuable city property. 



fEORGE OSBORNE, one of the young and 
enterprising tillers of the soil and substan- 
tial stock-raisers near Long Beach, is a 
pioneer of 1880, having located on his present 
farm in July of that year. When first coming 
to the Golden State he was employed by a fanner 
near Florence, working there as a day laborer. 



HISTORy OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



He soon after purchased a piece of land of his 
own in New River district. This he subse- 
quently sold, and went into the real-estate busi- 
ness in Los Angeles. Here he continued tor 
two years and then bought the sixty- three acres 
upon which he now resides. Mr. Osborne was 
born in New York City iu 1854, and is the son 
of John and Ellen Osborne, both natives of tiie 
Emerald Isle. His father was a chandler by 
trade. In 1859 he went to Portage County, 
Wisconsin, where he was killed by the caving 
in of a well. The subject of this sketch was 
married in June, 1888, to Miss Maggie Ferris, 
of Portland, Maine, and a daughter of John 
Ferris, who was drowned in 1882. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Osborne arc consistent members of the 
Presbyterian Church. 



fM. PERRY, Chairman of the Board of 
Supervisors of Los Angeles County, was 
® born at Franklin, Pennsylvania, May 12, 
1836. During his childhood his parents re- 
moved to Ohio, and in that State the subject of 
this sketch was reared and received hiseducation. 
After reaching manhood he came to tlie Pacific 
Coast, in 1859. Some years later he returned 
to the Eastern States and engaged in business, 
remaining there until 1874, when he again came 
to the Pacific Coast. This time he located per- 
manently in Los Angeles, and two years later he 
established his present business on Arcadia 
street. Mr. Perry removed to his present loca- 
tion on Main street in 1884, and has a large and 
commodious store. He has a large shop on East 
Fourth street, which is the manufacturing de- 
partment of his e.\tensive business, and where 
all the mechanical work is done. He has had 
a large experience in scientific sanitary plumb- 
ing in all the latest and most approved methods, 
and has a large established trade. Mr. Perry 
has been twice elected a member of the city 
council, and was chosen chairman of the board 
of public works, holding that position during 
one term. In the fall of 1888 he was elected a 



member of the bjard of supervisors. The 
nomination and election was entirely unsought 
on his part and he was electel by the large ma- 
jority of ()00 over the Democratic and Prohi- 
bition candidates, and upon the organization of 
the board he was elected president. He enjoys 
an enviable reputation for his ability and integ- 
rity as a public officer. In Decembjr, 1868, 
Mr. Perry was united in marriage to Miss Htttie 
S. Sargent, a native of Ohio. They have six 
children, three sons and three daughters. 



PENJAMIN FRANKLIN ORR was bjrn 
at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1836, his 
parents being William and Mary (Adams) 
Orr. His father was an undertaker, and to that 
business young Orr was reared and assisted his 
father until 1858, when, coming to California, 
he engaged in raining in the gold region of So- 
noma and Tuolumne counties until 1861. After 
making a prospecting tour through Southern 
California, he located at San Francisjo, and was 
there employed as an upholsterer until 1865. 
He then came to Los Angeles, where, in 1867, 
he became associated with V. Ponet in under- 
taking, as Ponet & Orr. In 1885 the firm was 
changed to Orr & Sutch, Mr. Ponet being suc- 
ceeded by W. H. Sutch. Mr. Orr was married 
in 1868, at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Miss 
Rebecca Piatt, daughter of James B. Piatt, of 
that place. She is a native of Pittsburg, Penn- 
sylvania. To them have been born two children, 
Virginia, a student of Los Angeles College, in 
the class of 1889, and Elsie. Mr. Orr is a mem- 
ber of Pentalpha Lodge, No. 202, F. & A. M., 
and of Tricolor Lodge, No. 96, K. of P., both of 
Los Angeles. 



^ B. PHILP, of the firm of liaben & Phiip, 
^m\ nianufacturers of galvanized iron cornices 
^M^ and metal roofing, sky-lights, etc.. No. 
116 South Los Angeles street, was born in Can- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



ada, January 29, 1849. He attended school and 
learned his trade there, and upon reaching man- 
hood went to Rochester, New York, in 1869, 
and worked at his trade there, in New York City 
and in Utica. Then he went to Iowa, Nebraska 
and Colorado, and returned to Ontario, Canada, 
and lived in Hamilton three years, and after 
spending two years in Texas returned to Canada 
and remained live years. He then went to 
British Columbia and to Manitoba and spent a 
year or two in each place, after which he came 
here and worked at his trade until 1887, when 
he associated with his present partner and 
established the business they now conduct. By 
close attention tc the details of their business 
and the honorable methods they employ, they 
are building up a line trade. Mr. Philp was 
married November 1, 1888, to Miss Emma Wil- 
son, a native of Canada. 

^-^--^^ 

fOHN H. PURKINS.— The subject of this 
sketch was born in Licking County, Ohio, 
May 27, 1820. His father, John Furkins, 
was a native of Virginia, and a descendant of 
one of the old Colonial families, and was a soldier 
of the Revolution. He was one of the ])ioneers 
of Ohio, and served in the war of 1812, under 
General Jackson. He died in 1829. Mr. Pur- 
kins's mother was nee Sarah Hatfield, a native of 
Kentucky. Mr. Purkins was reared on his 
father's farm until the death of his father, and 
when but ten years old was placed on board the 
school-ship Gold Hunter, in New York Har- 
bor, to receive an education fitting hitn for the 
merchant sea service. At the age of sixteen 
years he passed his examination, and took em- 
ployment as a trader on a voyage to the South 
Sea Islands. This voyage lasted until 1843. 
In that year he returned to Ohio, where he re- 
mained until 1844, and then shipped upon a 
whaling voyage for three years. After complet- 
ing that voyage he was engaged at his calling 
upon the Lakes until 1852. He then engaged 
in farming and other pursuits, locating in Ohio, 



Illinois, Missouri and Nebraska until the break- 
ing out of the Rebellion. Early in 1861 he 
enlisted in the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer 
Infantry, serving with that regiment until after 
the battle of Athens, Missouri. Ho was then 
transferred to the Ninth Iowa Volunteer Cav- 
alry, and was commissioned as First Lieutenant 
of Company G. He served throughout the 
campaign in the field until he was severely 
wounded at the battle of Pea Ridge, in 1862. 
In the fall of that year he received his discharge 
from the service by reason of disability, M-ent 
to Idaho and was there engaged in prospecting, 
and later in packing and freighting, and also 
established a trading station at Buena Vista 
Bar. He was successful in his enterprises and 
became interested in mining enterprises and in 
erecting mills, etc. Many of tiiese investments 
resulted in failures, and Mr. Purkins sought 
other fields of adventure and fortune. In 1865 
he went to Alaska and tried his fortunes in the 
Stikeen mines. After a trial of five months, 
his health failing him, he abandoned his pros- 
pects and returned to Oregon. There he pur- 
chased a band of horses and drove them to 
Sonoma County, California. After selling off 
his stock he engaged in the lumber business in 
Russian River Valley until 1869, and then 
transferred his business to Mendocino County. 
He conducted business in that county imtil 1872. 
In that year he located in Butte County and, in 
addition to his lumber business there, was the 
proprietor and landlord of the well-known '-Ten- 
Mile House," located on the Bidwell and Hum- 
boldt road, ten miles from Chico. In 1876 he 
sold out his interests in that county and, after a 
short stay in Sonoma County, came to Los 
Angeles County, locating at San Dimas, and in 
the spring of 1877 engaged in the wood busi- 
ness in the Dalton Canon. In 1878 Mr. Pur- 
kins purchased a claim of forty-seven acres of 
land located about three miles south of Glen- 
dora. Like many of the early settlers of that 
place, he spent years in contesting the claims of 
the Azusa grant-holders, and the Southern Pa- 
cific Railroad Company, and finally secured his 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



->^ 



patent for twenty-three acres. In 1888 he sold 
ten and a half acres of his land to William S. 
Ruddock, and then commenced a more complete 
improvement of tlie remaining portion, upon 
which he erected a well-ordered residence, etc. 
He has four acres of citrus and deciduous fruits, 
embracing a large variety' of such as are success- 
fully cultivated in his section. He also has 
seven acres in strawberries. Mr. Parkins has 
had an experience in life that few men pass 
through, covering a period of nearly fifty years, 
with many thrilling adventures on land and sea, 
and he is now content to pass his remaining 
years under his own vine and fig tree, in the 
beautiful section he has chosen for iiis residence. 
He is a liberal and progressive citizen, taking 
an interest in all that pertains to the welfare 
and building up of the San Gabriel Valley. In 
politics he is Democratic and is conservative in 
his views. In 1868 Mr. Parkins married Miss 
Hannah E. Shuler, a native of Iowa. She is 
the daughter of John and Margery (Weed) 
Shuler, well-known residents of Sonoma County. 
The names of the six children from this mar- 
riage are: Marjory E., John Henry, Clara Ernil}', 
Georgia A., Guy Leroy and Homer L. 



JLLIAM E. PARKER was born in 
lirazos, Texas, in 1847. His father, 
.— PTj William II. Parker, was born in 1807, 
iu Xorth Carolina, and when about ten years of 
age accompanied his parents to Soutli Carolina, 
where he was reared and educated. He tliere 
married Miss Elizabeth J. Siske, and about 1832 
moved to Missouri, where he remained until 
1845, and then located in Brazos, Texas. The 
mother of the subject of this sketch died in 
Texas in 1847. In 1850 his father came to 
California and was in the United States Govern- 
ment employ for two years. He then returned 
to Texas, and in 1854 brought liis family over- 
laud to California and located in San Diego 
County. The following are the names of the 
children comprising that family: Andrew Jack- 



son, now (1889) a resident of Tulare County; 
Martha, now Mrs. William Ross, of Kern County; 
Jeanetta, now Mrs. Moses Hale, also of Keru 
County; Narcissa, wife of John Key, of Los 
Angeles, and William E., the subject of this 
sketch. In 1855 Mr. Parker, Sr., moved his 
family to Los Angeles County, and located about 
one mile south of El Monte, and there engaged 
in farming until 1875, when he took up his 
residence in the Green Meadow District, about 
six miles from Los Angeles, and remained tliere 
until his deatii, whicii occurred in March, 1889. 
Tiie subject of this sketch was reared to farm 
life, receiving his education in the public schools 
at El Monte. He remained upon his father's 
farm until 1870, and then located in Tulare 
County, where he engaged in stock-growing and 
general farming. In 1876 he returned to Los 
Angeles County, and took up his residence at 
Green Meadows, remaining there until 1880, 
when he located at Downey, where he resided 
until 1888. In that year he came to the Azusa 
and purchased a twenty-acre tract, on Citrus 
avenue, and entered into horticultural pursuits. 
After spending four years in improving that 
place he sold the same in 1887, and purchased 
fifteen acres about two miles south of Azusa, 
upon which he is now residing. With the ex- 
ception of a fiimily orchard of citrus and decidu- 
ous fruits, Mr. Parker is devoting his land to 
berry cultivation and general farming. It is his 
intention in the near future to plant the whole 
tract with citrus fruits. In addition to his home 
place, Mr. Parker is devoting considerable at- 
tention to farming and grain-raising upon rented 
lands. Mr. Parker is a farmer by profession, 
and is thoroughly schooled in his calling. Of 
energetic and industrious habits, lie has achieved 
a fair success in his enterprises. In 1887 and 
1888 he acted as the water overseer of his dis- 
trict. In politics he is Democratic. In 1870 
Mr. Parker married Miss Frances S. Bohannan, 
the daughter of John P. and Ella (Ramsay) 
Bohannan. Her parents were natives of Illi- 
nois, who located iti Texas, and in 1869 came to 
Los Angeles County. From the marriage of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUHITT. 



Mr. and Mrs. Parker there are seven children, 
whose names are as follows: Laura F., William 
P., James, Harry, Walter, Edmond and Ueorge 
v., all of whom are members of their father's 
household. 

• — •'^^^'^W^^'^ — 

fOTHAM BIXBY is a native of Norridge- 
wock, Maine, where he was born January 
20, 1831. His ancestors emigrated from 
Massachusetts to Maine, but originally came 
from England. His father, Amasa Bixby, 
had ten children, eight sons and two daughters, 
all of whom, except two sons (deceased), now 
reside in California. The subject of this sketch 
came to California via Cape Horn in 1852. He 
worked awhile in the mines in the central part 
of the State. Afterward, in 1857, he went into 
the wool and sheep business, first in Monte- 
rey County, and then in San Luis Obispo 
County, where he remained till 1866, when he 
came to Los Angeles, having in 1865 bought of 
John Temple the rancho of Los Cerritos of 27,- 
000 acres. This rancho, which lies east of the 
San Gabriel River and fronts on the ocean, in- 
cludes the present towns of Long Beach and 
Clearwater. Mr. Bixby has been engaged in 
the stock business on this ranch ever since its 
purchase. The company with which he is con- 
nected has also bought 17,000 acres of the Palos 
Verdes Rancho, and a one-third interest in Los 
Alamitos of 26,000 acres, and 6,000 acres in the 
ranciio of Santiago de Santa Ana. Some years 
his company used to have on the Cerritos as 
many as 30,000 head of sheep, producing 200,- 
000 pounds of wool annually. At present the 
company raise more cattle and horses than 
sheep. Tliey have now about 30,000 head of 
cattle. The names of Mr. Bixby's brothers are: 
Amos (editor Long Beach Journal), Marcel! us, 
Lewellyn, Henry H. and George F. His sisters 
are Miss Francina A. Bixby and Mrs. Nancy 
D. Lovett, widow of Hon. William E. Lovett, 
deceased. In 1863 Jothani Bixby married Mar- 
garet Winslow Hathaway, daughter of Rev. 



George W. Hathaway, a resident of this county. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bixby have live children, three 
boys and two girls. The eldest son, George H., 
graduated from Yale College in 1886; he is 
married and lives at Long Beach, and is already 
an active assistant in the management of his 
father's extensive business. The next son, Harry, 
is in New Haven, preparing to enter Yale Col- 
lege. The Bixbys are good representatives of 
the better class of New England families. They 
have much force of character; they are firm 
in their moral convictions; they believe in 
honesty and integrity in their dealings with 
their neighlsors; they believe there is sncli a 
thing as a moral government in the universe, 
and they seek to become good citizens under that 
government. Believing in such a creed, it goes 
without saying, that they are respected in the 
community in which they live. 

fOSEPH S. PHILLIPS.— The subject of this 
sketch is the founder of Covina, Azusa 
Township, and is one of the representative 
and well-known citizens of that section. Mr. 
Piiillips was born near Cleveland, Ohio, in 1840. 
His parents, Samuel S. and Anna (Foubs) Phil- 
lips, were natives of Pennsylvania. In 1850 his 
father commenced his movement westward, first 
locating in Illinois, then in Wisconsin, and going 
to Iowa in 1854 and engaging in farming in 
Howard and Clayton counties. Mr. Phillips 
was reared to agricultural pursuits upon tiie 
great prairies of the West, until 1860. In that 
3'ear he came via the Isthmus route to Cali- 
fornia, and shortly after his arrival located in 
San Joaquin County, where he was engaged in 
farming and stock-growing until 1864. Hetlien 
established his residence in Stockton and for the 
next three years was engaged in general broker- 
age and real-estate business. In 1867 he located 
in Stanislaus County and for many years was 
largely engaged in grain-raising. He owned 
1,000 acres in that county, but he also rented 
adjoining lands and often sowed and iiarvested 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



5,000 acres of grain in a season. As an illus- 
tration of his practical method of fanning it may 
be stated that in 1S76 he plowed, sowed and 
harvested 4,400 acres, which yielded a large 
crop of grain, this work all being done with a 
force of only four men besides himself. Mr. 
Phillips continued his farming operations in 
Stanislaus County until 1880, when he came to 
Los Angeles County and established his resi- 
dence in Los Angeles. There he entered into 
manufacturing, and, in connection with A. L. 
Bath, established the well-known plow manu- 
factory of Bath & Phillips, the lirst gang plows 
made in Los Angeles County being manufactured 
by this firm. In 1882 Mr. Phillips severed his 
connection with the firm, and purchased 2,000 
acres of land, the northern portion of the old 
Puente grant, and again turned his attention to 
agricultural pursuits, taking up his residence 
upon his purchase and engaging in hay and 
grain raising, farming his own and about 1,500 
acres of rented lands. In 1885 he laid out the 
town of Covina, and was one of the most active 
men of his section in inducing the settlement 
of that fine section of the county. He was one 
of the prime movers in incorporating the Azusa 
AVater Development and Irrigation Company, 
and was a large stockholder in the company. 
From 1883 to 1889 he was the superintendent 
of the company, and had the direction of putting 
in the magnificent system of ditches that have 
made the lands of the old Aznsa and Covina 
section available for fruit and vine cultivation. 
Over twenty miles of cement ditches were con- 
structed under his direction. Eigjit miles of the 
main ditch are capable of conveying a supply of 
5,000 inches, while fourteen miles of the ditch 
have a capacity of from 300 to 800 inches. Mr. 
Phillips is now the owner of 500 acres of some 
of the choicest land in his section. Forty acres 
are devoted to a fine variety of Muscat and 
White Malaga raisin grapes, thirty acres to cit- 
rus fruits, mostly Washington Navel oranges, 
five acres to apricots, and he also has a fine 
family orchard, producing a large variety of 
fruits of the most approved order. He has also 



on his lands a large nursery stock consisting of 
about 500,000 citrus fruits. 250,000 olive trees, 
and a large stock of peaches, nectarines, apricots, 
etc. The rest of his land is devoted to general 
fanning. Mr. Phillips is an energetic and pro- 
gressive citizen, aiding and taking the lead in 
any enterprise that has so wonderfully developed 
his section. It is to such men that the remark- 
able development in the last few years of the 
San Gabriel Valley is due. Although not a 
politician, he has always taken an intelligent in- 
terest in the political questions of the day, and 
has cast his influence with the Republican party. 
In 1865 Mr. Phillips was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary Madden, a native of Virginia. 
She died in 1878, leaving the following named 
children: Annie, George and Gracie. In 1880 
he married Miss Cornelia Hunt, the daughter 
of David Hunt, a veteran of the Mexican war, 
and well-known pioneer of California. From 
1851 to 1853 Mr. Hunt was sheriif of Sacra- 
mento County, and later was the well-known 
proprietor of the International Hotel in San 
Francisco. Her mother was nee Cornelia 
Beazely, and both her parents were natives of 
Tennessee. From this marriage there are five 
children: Laura H., Gladys I., Joseph Dexter, 
Francis N. and Elizabeth H. H. In 1870 Mr. 
Phillips's father came to California and estab- 
lished his residence in Stanislaus County, re- 
maining there until his death, which occurred 
in 1885. 

^, • i > »&..!.. A. $ : j^ 

fENERAL WILLIAM A. PILE, deceased, 
was one of the prominent citizens of Mon- 
rovia, with which city he was identified 
from its foundation until his death, and he ever 
took a deep interest in its growth and prosperity. 
General Pile was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, 
in 1829, son of Jacob and Comfort (Williams) 
Pile. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, 
and his mother of Tennessee. In 1831 his 
father moved to Illinois and located at Quincy, 
Adajns County, and was one of the pioneers of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



that place. His occupation was that of a farmer, 
to which calling the subject of this sketch was 
reared. In his youth General Pile received but 
a limited education, but his energetic tempera- 
ment and ambitions nature led him to overcome 
these defects, educate himself and become a 
teacher. Early in life he became a member of 
the Methodist Church, and, by a course of theo- 
logical study, prepared himself for the ministry 
in that church. In 1854 he moved to Iowa, 
and soon thereafter was ordained as a minister 
of his chosen church. In 1860 he established 
his residence in St. Louis, where he was installed 
as pastor of a congregation, and settled down to 
what he supposed would be his life's work. At 
the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion, on the 
day when the first rebel shot hurled from 
Charleston fired every loyal heart, he closed his 
church and immediately entered the army of 
the United States as a Chaplain. He did not 
officiate in that capacity, but obtained a position 
upon the staff of General Lyon and participated 
in the battles of Booneville and Wilson's Creek. 
In these battles, by his gallantry and soldierly 
bearing, he acquired the title of the " fighting 
parson," and gave indisputable proof that his 
position in the army was not to be that of Chap- 
lain. He was appointed and commissioned as 
Captain in the First Missouri Artillery, and en- 
tered into active service as a Battery Commander. 
His fighting qualities and conspicuous gallantry 
soon gained him recognition, and promotion 
rapidly followed. He served with distinction 
throughout the war, and his military record is 
worthy of mention. The following are the suc- 
cessive commissions he M'on during that strug- 
gle: Was commissioned Captain of First Mis- 
souri Artillery, in September, 1861; Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry, 
September 6, 1862; Colonel of the Thirty-third 
Missouri Infantry, December 23, 1862; Briga- 
dier-General of the United States Volunteers, 
December 26, 1863; and finally, brevetted 
Major-General of the United States Volunteers 
for " conspicuous gallantry " at the battle of 
Fort Blakely, April 9, 1865. The General 



earned every step of his promotion upon the field 
of battle. Among the most important engage- 
ments in which he took an active part during 
the war, are the following battles: Booneville, 
Wilson's Creek, Island No. 10, siege of Corinth; 
he commanded a division in the advance on 
Mobile in the spring of 1865, during which he 
was engaged in the battles of Pollard, Mitchell's 
Fork, and the siege and capture of P'ort Blakely. 
August 24, 1865, General Pile was mustered 
out of the service. He returned to St. Louis 
and was nominated for Congress by the Repub- 
licans of the First Congressional District of 
Missouri, and was elected after one of the most 
bitter and exciting campaigns that ever occurred 
in the State, carrying a district in which no 
Republican has been elected before or since. In 
Congress he did good service as a legislator and 
distinguished himself by intelligence, industry 
and faithful devotion to duty. In December, 
1869, he was appointed by President Grant 
Governor of New Mexico. He served two years 
in that capacity and was then sent to South 
America as Minister Resident of the United 
States, to the Republic of Venezuela. In Octo- 
ber, 1873, he resigned that position, and in con- 
nection with Governor Cornell, of New York, 
and other prominent gentlemen of that State, 
estal)lished an enterprise for the navigation of 
the Orinoco River and other Venezuelan waters. 
Subsequently he accepted from the Government 
of Venezuela the position of Counsel of the 
Government and General Agent of the State 
and War Departments, the office of Minister 
Plenipotentiary having been oflPered him and 
declined because, as a citizen of the United 
States he could not hold that office from a for- 
eign power, and he would not become a citizen 
of Venezuela. For' several years he managed, 
in that capacity, with perfect success the diplo- 
matic relations of that country with the United 
States and with the Netherlands. In 1878 he 
successfully argued the matter of the awards of 
the mixed commission between the United 
States and Venezuela, before the Committee on 
Foreign Affairs of the United States House of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Itepresentatives. While in Venezuela the Gen- 
eral inaugurated and successfully completed the 
building of the La Guaira & Caracas Rail- 
road. This road, running through the Andes, 
is one of the wonders of railroad construction. 
For twenty-one miles it has an average grade of 
147 feet to the mile. In 1884 General Pile re- 
turned to the United States and entered into 
manufacturing enterprises in New York; but 
his long years of active life and arduous labors 
had wrought their effect upon his naturally vig- 
orous constitution, and he was compelled to re- 
"tire from active business pursuits and seek a 
genial climate. In 1886 he came to California 
and established his residence at Monrovia. He 
purchased a ten-acre tract on the southwest 
corner of Mayflower and Banana avenues, upon 
which he erected one of the most beautiful resi- 
dences in Monrovia. It was impossible for a 
man of the General's energetic and active dis- 
position to remain idle. He therefore devoted 
himself to horticultural pursuits. His land was 
rapidly improved and planted with a choice va- 
riety of citrus and deciauous fruits, and his 
grounds beautified by ornamental trees, rich 
floral productions, etc. He also had a fifty-acre 
tract, two miles south of Monrovia, which he 
devoted to wine grapes of the Bleauelbe variety. 
And he also had property interests in the busi- 
ness portion of the city. He was a director of 
the Granite Bank of Monrovia. At the time of 
his death he was at the head of the city govern- 
ment, being president of the board of city 
trustees. He was a supporter of schools and 
churches, and was a trustee of the Methodist 
Church of Monrovia. The General always took 
a deep interest in the growth and prosperity of 
his chosen city and was a strong supporter of 
any enterprise that tended to advance its inter- 
ests. In political matters he was a stanch Re- 
publican, and took a prominent part in the 
councils of the party. He was an able orator 
and a statesman, and could not always decline 
to use his influence as a speaker during the po- 
litical campaigns, and upon the few occasions 
on which he appeared as a political speaker in 



Southern California he gained high encomiums 
from his adherents and the respect of his politi- 
cal opponents. General File was married in 
1850 to Miss Hannah Cain, a native of Ohio. 
There are three children living from this mar- 
riage: Lulu, now (1889) Mrs. E. W. Little, of 
Monrovia; Alice E., now Mrs. Henry Ludlam, 
of Los Angeles; and William E., also a resident 
of Los Angeles. General Pile was a member of 
the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and 
also of the Grand Army of the Republic. His 
death occurred at Monrovia, July 7, 1889, after 
a brief illness. As a soldier, orator, statesman 
and citizen he had an enviable reputation. He 
was well known in Los Angeles County and 
throughout Southern California as well. His 
sterling qualities and consistent course of life 
gained him a large circle of friends, by whom 
his death was sincerelv mourned. 



fA. PREUSS, Postmaster of Los Angeles, 
was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 
* 1850, and was but a child when his par- 
ents removed with him to Louisville, Kentucky, 
where he grew up to the years of manhood. In 
1861 he was apprenticed to learn the drug trade, 
which he thoroughly learned and followed until 
about four years ago. In 1868 he came, to Cal- 
ifornia, arriving first at San Francisco. Shortly 
afterward he came to Los Angeles, where he en- 
tered into business for himself and with others. 
In 1875 he formed a partnership with John Schu- 
macher, and afterward with C. B. Prioni, under 
the firm name of Preuss & Prioni. He sold out 
his interest in the drug trade in September, 1885. 
In June, 1887, he was appointed postmaster, and 
took charge of the office August 1, following. 
The postoffice was then on North Main street, 
nearly opposite the Baker Block, in a room which 
is now occupied by F. W. Braun & Co. as a drug 
store. The postoffice was moved to its present 
place on Fort street, near Si.\th, October 1, 1888. 
Mr. Preuss is a Democrat in his political views; 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of 



HISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



several other societies. Was one of the charter 
members of the Turn Verein, which was or- 
ganized in 1870; is also one of the charter 
meinbers of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and 
was president of that institution for about six 
years. In 1877 Mr. Prenss married a daughter 
of John Schumacher, his former partner in busi- 
ness, and now has one son, eleven years of age. 



fDWARD T. PIERCE, of Pasadena, was 
born at Meredith Square, March 19, 1851. 
He was the eldest of eleven children, ten 
boys and otie girl. When he was eight years 
old his father, J. W. Pierce, purchased in Ham- 
den, the same county, a farm, most of which was 
primeval forest. The summers were spent clear- 
ing land and farming, and the winters in attend- 
ing the district school until he was seventeen 
years old. Among his companions he was noted 
for iiis studious habits, and Elder Post, a Baptist 
clergyman of the place, who gave him access to 
his library, said, "That boy just devoured my 
books!" After one term at an academy, 1868, 
he commenced teaching; and for two years 
worked on the farm summers, teaching winters. 
This thirst for more knowledge caused him to 
save the pennies until he could enter the Albany 
State Normal School, where he graduated with 
honor in 1872. Immediately after graduating 
he was appointed principal of the school in 
Orangeville, New York, which position he held 
for nearly two years, resigning to take a more 
important one at Linden, New Jersey. He re- 
mained for two years and a half at Linden, and 
then took a special course in the Albany Law 
School, receiving, in 1877, the degree of LL. B. 
The same year he was married to Isabelle Woodin, 
of Dutchess County, New York, also a grad- 
uate of the Albany Normal School. Teaching 
was the profession of both members of the new 
firm, and Prof. Pierce became principal of the 
graded school at Belleville, New Jersey, where 
he was ably assisted by his wife. The aid in 
the school and wise counsels of this true woman 



have done much to help Prof. Pierce to his 
present prominent position as an educator. For 
four years these co-laborers were ranked first 
among the educators of Essex County, New Jer- 
sey; but the cold winters of the Atlantic Coast 
were trying, and in 1881 they came to California, 
Prof. Pierce purchasing a ranch at Sierra Madro, 
California. But the spirit of teaching could not 
be suppressed, and in 1883 Mr. Pierce accepted 
the position of principal of the Wilson School, 
then the only school of Pasadena. The next 
year new schools were established and the ofKce 
of superintendent was added to that of principal.' 
In this rapidly increasing population of cultivated 
people from all parts of the world. Prof. Pierce 
in six years succeeded in building up the finest 
school system in Southern California. He was 
several years a member of the Los Angeles 
County Board of Education and for his energy 
and devotion to his profession is considered one 
of the best educators south of San Francisco. 
March, 1889, he was unanimously elected by the 
board of trustees as principal of the new State 
Normal School at Chico, Butte County, California. 
By virtue of this office he is one of the five mem- 
bers forming the State Board of Education, and 
has a voice in all the great educational problems 
of the State. 



■^^% 



^^- 



R. PHELPS, contractor, 418 South 
Main Street, Los Angeles, was born in 
* the city of Mil waukee, Wisconsin, March 
17, 1859. His parents, George D. and Jennie 
(Holling) Phelps, were natives of New York 
State, and are both living in Chicago. They re- 
moved there from Milwaukee in 1863, and the 
subject of this sketch learned his trade there; 
was engaged in building for saveral years. He 
came to Southern California in 1882. Locating 
in Los Angeles, he engaged in building, and 
since then has carried on the business here. 
Among the edifices he has erected here are the 
Ellis College, Miller's Block, Jones's Block, Em- 
body Warehouse and many others. During the 



UI8T0BT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



boom ill real estate, lie was fortunate in securing 
some good property and realized a good advance. 
Mr. Phelps married Miss Laura Graeter. Her 
parents, Europe and Elizabeth (Asbell) Graeter, 
were among the earliest settlers in Oregon. Her 
father served in the Mexican war, holding a Cap- 
tain's commission. He died in 1872. Her mother 
is living in Santa Rosa. She has five daughters 
and one son living. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have 
one daughter, Grace Lillian. 



fN. PEGG, proprietor of the Evergreen 
Nursery, Boyle Heights, was born in 
<» Columbus, Ohio, March 28, 1840. He 
received a good common-school education, and 
after the breaking out of the Rebellion he en- 
listed in the Fifty eighth Regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and served until the close of 
the war. Returning to Ohio, he remained there 
until 1875, then spent three years in Colorado, 
and in 1878 came to California and spent two 
years in San Francisco and one year in Arizona, 
and finally came to Los Angeles, where he has 
been connected with the nursery business. He 
was manager of the Boyle Heights Nursery from 
1884 until 1888, then started the Evergreen 
Nursery, giving special attention to the growth 
of Monterey cypress, hedge plants, Grevilla 
])lants, eucalyptus, palms and other ornamental 
varieties of shade trees, and propagating them 
from the seed. His success in cultivating them 
is owing to his practical methods. The demand 
for his stock is greater than he can supply. Be- 
sides his nursery lands, he owns other property. 
Mr. Pegg belongs to the Grand Army, Frank 
Bartlett Post. 

• ="'^ •?*''-f-*^* • '"^ 

fOHN R. PROSISE, residing on farm lot 
104 of the American Colony tract of the 
Cerritus Ranch, has been connected with 
the aftairs of this county since the year 1882. 
He is a native of the Prairie State, born in 1836, 



and is the son of William and Vienna (Oamron) 
Prosise, natives respectively of Kentucky and 
Illinois. They bad a family of iive children, 
two of whom are living. The father died in 
1844, and the widow married Henry Lyster. a 
native of Shelby County, Kentucky. From this 
union two children were born. Mr. Lyster had 
been twice married before this, having live chil- 
dren by the first and two by the second wife. 
Mr. Prosise came to California in 1852, and for 
several years was engaged in ranching in Solano 
County. In 1872 he went into the butchering 
business and continued at it for three years. 
He subsequently purchased and improved the 
farm on which he lives. On the 24th day of 
November, 1878, he was united in marriage to 
Miss Mary Coolidge, of Oskaloosa, Iowa. This 
lady is the daughter of Dr. F. W. Coolidge and 
Jane (Lilli bridge) Coolidge. The father of Mrs. 
Coolidge, Thomas Lillibridge, was at one time 
the owner of the land where now stands the 
reat city of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Prosiseg 
have been blessed with three children, viz.: Vi- 
enna, Etta and Grace. Politically Mr. Prosise 
is a Republican. He is a progressive man, one 
who stands high in the community in which he 
resides, and is respected and esteemed by all 
who know him. 




ILLIAM H. PENDLETON was born 
in King William County, Virginia, Oc- 
tober 15, 1819, and is the second of ten 
children of George M. and Catharine (Lipscom) 
Pendleton, natives of Virginia. His maternal 
grandfather. Major Yancey Lipscom, was of 
English origin, and a Captain in the Revolu- 
tionary war. George M. Pendleton was born 
in 1792, was a carrier, and carried dispatches 
from Williamsburg to Tappahannock. He be- 
lieved in educating his children, and he and his 
brother, Philip B. Pendleton, hired a teacher 
from Boston for their children. The subject of 
this sketch, however,- received his education at 
Ruinford Academy, a kind of military school, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



and after finishing his course of study there he 
engaged in teaching for a short time. In 1840 
he was married to Henrietta Rainey, of Clinton, 
Greene County, Alabama, and soon after his 
marriage he leased land and engaged in farm- 
ing. Two years later he removed to Union 
County, Arkansas, bought land and farmed from 
1845 to 1870. Here all their children were 
born. Their names are as follows: Mary C, 
who died at the age of sixteen; Cora A., now 
the wife of H. A. Sledge, of San Diego County; 
William H., who married Cornelia Reynolds; 
Ella, wife of William Anderson; Ada, who mar- 
ried Dr. Cochran (deceased), and now the wife 
of Carroll Smith; A. T., who married Miss 
Sadie McFader; George W., who married Elma 
Dawson; Eugene, who died at the age of eight 
years; Edwin, who married Emma Bell; Jessie, 
wife of Milton Sherley; Robinett, and Matthew 
R., a teacher in the public schools of Los An- 
geles County. Mr. Pendleton was a soldier in 
the Confederate army, and was a general agent 
at Shreveport, Louisiana, in the ordnance de- 
partment. For a time he was stationed at Mar- 
shall, Texas. Politically he was a Whig, and 
voted for William H. Harrison as President. 
He now affiliates with the Democratic party. 
Mr. Pendleton came to California in 1870, and 
has since been engaged in general farming on the 
sixty acres which he purchased near Downey. 

— '^^®:^W^ — 

fUDGE SHERMAN PAGE.— Among the 
citizens who have recently identified them- 
selves with Los Angeles County is the 
gentleman whose name stands at the head of 
this brief biographical sketch. He is a native 
of Vermont, and was educated . for the law at 
Union College, Schenectady, New York, where 
he graduated in 1859. He practiced first in 
Iowa, but when the war came on he entered the 
army, and served his country for three years, in 
Company D, Sixth Iowa Cavalry. At the close 
of the war he went to Austin, Minnesota, where 
his legal life proper began. While here he was 



elected to the State Senate and served as a mem- 
ber of that body in 1871-'72.. He was after- 
ward elected Judge of the Tenth District and 
served in that capacity for a term of seven years. 
In 1872, being somewhat broken in health, the 
Judge came to California, and after testing sev- 
eral localities in and around Los Angeles, he 
chose the site where he now lives, for its beauty 
and for the healthfulness of its location. Here 
he has erected a handsome residence on the cor- 
ner of Patrick and Hansen streets. East Los 
Angeles, and his home is supplied with all 
the modern comforts and conveniences. Since 
identifying himself with this county and city, 
the Judge has been very successful as a business 
man. He purchased the Tuhunga Ranch of 
7,000 acres, and supplied it with a complete 
system of water-works, and on it laid out the 
town of Monte Vista. He also owns a valuable 
ranch of 400 acres near Fulton Wells, where he 
is raising some valuable stock. He is a member 
of the Board of Trade, and though a Republican, 
he has taken no part in politics since coming to 
this city. Judge Page is a man of strong ability, 
and there is probably not a man in the city to 
whose judgment more deference would be given 
than to that of Judge Sherman Page. 



tNDREW ROSE, proprietor of the Rose 
Dairy, located four miles east of Santa 
Monica, owns there a ranch of 1,200 acres 
of as fine land as there is to be found in Los 
Angeles County. His first purchase here was 
400 acres in 1869. To this he has added 800 
acres, and near Compton owns a ranch of eighty 
acres. In the city of Los Angeles he owns three 
houses and lots on York street, and also the 
" New Natick," on Los Angeles street. On his 
ranch may be seen some of the finest Nor- 
man horses and colts, also some thoroughbred 
cattle. Mr. Rose has devoted more or less 
attention to cattle-raising for a number of years. 
His dairy business is second to none in the 
county. Mr.-Rose is a native of Macon County, 



UISTORT OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



Missouri. He came to California in 1852 and 
engaged in mining for five years. In 1870 he 
married Miss E. L. Siiirley, a native of Missis- 
sippi, and daughter of B. T. Shirley. Mr. Rose 
has been eminently successful since coming to 
California, and is to-day the leading ftirmer in 
his part of the county. Like most Missourians, 
he is true to the Democratic party; and as a 
neighbor and citizen his word is as good as his 
bond. 

tLFRED RAYNAL, carriage and wagon- 
maker, Aliso street, Los Angeles, was 
born in France, in 1846; was reared and 
learned his trade there. After reaching man- 
hood he emigrated to America, and in 1872 
came to Los Angeles and established his present 
business on Alameda street, where he continued 
thirteen years and then removed to his present 
location, having bought the premises he now 
occupies. His shop is 40x60 feet in dimen- 
sions, and he employs froui live to ten men. He 
manufactures all kinds of wagon work and has 
a good local trade in the city and throughout 
the county. He is the oldest wagon-maker in 
Los Angeles. 

— ^^^-^w^ — 

tM. RAWSON, proprietor of the Cable 
Grocery, commenced business in Los An- 
' geles in July, 1885, by purchasing the 
small stock of groceries in the building on the 
northeast corner of Spring and Second streets, 
from B. E. De Hart. The location was at that 
time quite out of the business portion of the city, 
and the Second street cable line being then in 
process of construction, Mr. Rawson named his 
modest store the Cable Grocery, a title which 
it still retains, and by which it is one of the best 
known houses in the city. Mr. Rawson invested 
§2,800 in the business, including team, deliv- 
ery wagon, etc., only §1,650 of it being in 
goods, and he has never put a dollar of outside 



capital into it since. Under his experienced 
and efficient management the business prospered 
and grew rapidly from the start. In September, 
1888, he moved into liis present larger and more 
commodious store at No. 42 South Spring street, 
which is crowded to its utmost capacity with 
everything in the way of staple and fancy gi'o- 
ceries, comprising the comforts and luxuries of 
the table. He carries a stock averaging over 
$20,000 in value, from which a thousand fami- 
lies in Los Angeles — regular customers — are 
supplied, besides a large number of the leading 
hotels and restaurants. Mr. Rawson makes a 
specialty of the best grades of goods, which he 
buys almost exclusively for cash, thus enabling 
him to sell at the lowest prices. From eleven 
to thirteen men are employed to transact the 
business of the establishment. Mr. Rawson's 
business career in Los Angeles has been one of 
phenqmenal success. Starting out with an 
investment of a few hundred dollars he has 
made the business defray all the expenses of 
conducting it together with those of his family 
living, and now has $30,000 invested in it, all 
made from the profits of less than four years. 
Mr. Rawson's experience in the grocery trade 
extends through more than twenty-two years, 
eighteen of which were with the largest whole- 
sale grocery firms in the city of Chicago. With 
such a thorough practical business training it is 
not surprising that he is a master in his calling. 
He was born in New York State, and was forty- 
seven years old his last birthday. He came to 
California and to Los Angeles County seven 
years ago, and first engaged in ranching for 
several years, but did not succeed to his satisfac- 
tion. Mr. Rawson married Miss Lucy Rosier, 
in Chicago. She is a native of Michigan. Their 
family consists of four children. 



RS. R. E. ROSS, nee Elizabeth Banon, 
is one of the most enterprising and pub- 
lic-spirited residents of Sierra Madre. 
She is the owner of a fiue tract of land of some 



HWTORT OF LOS ANOELES COUNTT. 



twenty-eight acres in extent, located on the south 
of Central avenue and west of Markham avenue. 
It is under a fine state oi' cr.ltivation, and con- 
tains 1,200 apricot, 150 peach, 100 orange and 
about 100 other trees, such as prunes, apples, 
figs, pears, lemons, limes, etc. Among her 
improvements- is a neat and substantial cottage 
residence, suitable and well ordered out-build- 
ings, etc. Mrs. Ross established her residence 
in Sierra Madre in 1884, and has since that time 
been an earnest supporter of every enterprise 
that would advance the interests of the commu- 
nity. One of the most notable instances of her 
liberality was the building of the Ross Memo- 
rial, or the Sierra Madre Library. This building 
is located on Central avenue, and is one of the 
largest, handsomest and best equipped public 
library buildings in the county, outside of the 
city of l,os Angeles. Mrs. Ross donated three- 
fourths of an acre of land upon which the build- 
ing stands, and also contributed nearly $2,500 
toward the building fund. The building was 
erected in the winter of 1885-'86, and ever since 
that date she has been a liberal contributor and 
supporter of the institution. Mrs. Ross is a 
native of Nova Scotia, but in early life her parents 
moved to the United States and located in Boston, 
Massachusetts, where she was reared and edu- 
cated. In 1862 she was united in marriage 
with Mr. Robert E. Ross, who was a native of 
Clarke County, Ohio, born August 15, 1830. 
He caine to California in 1850, located in Ne- 
vada County, and was largely engaged in mining 
enterprises until 1858. He then returned East, 
and the next spring came the second time to 
California, crossing the plains with large droves 
of cattle and horses. He then located in Long 
Valley, Lassen County, and for many years was 
one of the most prominent men and leading 
agriculturists of that county. He was a pioneer 
in the strictest sense, and an intelligent and 
energetic man. His strict integrity gained him 
hosts of warm friends. He died in Lassen 
County, March 31, 1884. His widow brought 
his reujains South and had them interred in 
Evergreen Cemetery, at Los Angeles; and as a 



further tribute to his memory, erected the Ross 
Memorial Library. Mr. and Mrs. Ross were 
never blessed with children. Their adopted 
daughter, Margaret, is now the wife of Eugene 
Steinburger, of Sierra Madre. 

'^■(^^-^ 

)ALMER T. REED.—Among the beautiful 
residences and valuable properties of the 
San Gabriel Valley is the Altamont Farm, 
the home of the subject of this sketcli. Mr. 
Reed is one of the first settlers in his section of 
the valley. In 1882 he purchased 200 acres of 
land lying north and west of Sierra Madre, upon 
one of the highest mesas, and extending to the 
base of the Sierra Madre Mountains. In the 
same year he built his beautiful and commo- 
dious residence, the view from which cannot be 
surpassed for beauty and grandeur by any in the 
county, embracing, as it does, miles of the San 
Gabriel Valley, Pasadena, San Pedro Harbor 
and the Pacific Ocean. Mr. Reed, with his 
characteristic energy, immediately commenced 
the clearing and cultivation of his lands, plant- 
ing vineyards and orchards, and surrounding 
his home with ornamental trees and floral pro- 
ductions. He has also devoted considerable 
attention to developing water, and ran a tunnel 
for 300 feet into the base of the mountains 
north of his house, from which he obtains an 
abundant supply of water, which for purity is 
unexcelled by any in his section. His lands are 
abundantly supplied with water, as he is the 
owner of the supply from Reed's Canon, which 
yields about six inches during the dryest season. 
In the winter of 1885-'86 Mr. Reed opened the 
Altamont House, for the reception of visitors 
and tourists, and has since that date had one of 
the most pleasant resorts in the valley. He also 
established a burro train for the conveyance of 
his guests to the summit of Wilson's Peak. 
Mr. Reed is a genial host, and is a man of trained 
business habits and energetic disposition. He 
is a strong believer in the future prosperity of 
the San Gabriel Valley, and is ready at all times 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELMS COUNTY. 



to aid in an}' enterprise tluit will develop its 
resources and induce its settlement. Mr. Reed 
is a native of New York City, horn in 1850. 
His parents, Lewis ]). and Louise (Townsend) 
Reed, are both natives of New York. He was 
reared and schooled in the city of his birth, 
finishing his education in the Brooklyn Collegi- 
ate Polyteclinic School. Upon the completion 
of his studies he entered into mercantile lite, 
and was employed by New York firms as a 
book-keeper, cashier, etc., holding many positions 
of responsibility and trust. After a few years 
of this life he became so broken down in health 
that he was compelled to cease work in the 
counting-house, and he sought relief by travel 
in Europe. He spent twt) or three years in 
travel, then returned home and shortly afterward, 
in 1878, came to California. Upon his arrival 
in the State he located for some months in the 
Sierra Madre Villa, and then went to Riverside, 
where he purchased a forty-acre tract of land and 
entered into horticultural pursuits. Unable to 
pursue that occupation, he returned to the Villa 
and occupied the position of cashier and foreman 
of the ranch. He held those positions until 
1882, when he established his present residence. 
He was one of the original trustees of the Sierra 
Madre Public Library, and has always taken a 
deep interest in its growth and prosperity. In 
political matters he is a Republican, and a 
worker in the ranks of his party, serving as 
inspector of elections, etc. In 1882 Mr. Reed 
returned to his old home and while there was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Hani- 
inttt, a native of Brooklyn. The two children 
from this marriage are, Lewis F. and Ernest H. 



fAMES M. ROGERS.— The subject of this 
sketch is one of the well-knowa residents 
of the Duarte. He first came to this place 
in 1868, and took up his residence on Mountain 
avenue, occupying rented lands, upon which he 
engaged in general farming. In 1873 he pur- 
chased eigliteen and three-fourths acres of the 



land he had previously rented. This tract is 
located on Mountain avenue, about two miles 
southeast of Duarte, and the same distance 
southwest of Monrovia, in the Duarte school 
district. He continued his farming operations 
in the Duarte district until 1875, and then 
moved to Ventura County, where he engaged in 
stock-raising. Mr. Rogers spent two years in 
that county, and then came south with his stock 
and located on the Cliino Ranch, in San Ber- 
nardino County. In 1878 he returned to his 
hcune place, where he has since resided. His 
land is rich and productive, and well adapted to 
fruit cultivation, as is well attested by the choice 
varieties of citrus and deciduous fruit trees that 
comprise his family orchard of 125 trees. The 
most of iiis land is devoted to general farming, 
giving a large yield of grain, corn, potatoes, etc., 
and also with his system of irrigation from the 
Beardslee Water Ditch Company, large yields 
of alfalfa. In addition to conducting his home 
farm, Mr. Rogers is each year cultivating con- 
siderable acreage of rented lands and contracting 
in cutting hay, grain, etc. Mr. Rogers is a na- 
tive of Conway County, Arkansas, dating his 
birth in 1846. His father, Andrew Rogers, was 
a native of North Carolina, who settled in Ar- 
kansas, and there married Miss Harriet Holla- 
field, a native of Alabama. The death of his 
father occurred in 1848, and his mother after- 
ward married John (luess, a well-known resident 
and pioneer of Los Angeles County (a sketch of 
whom appears in this volume). In 1852 Mr. 
Rogers came with his step-father to Los Angeles 
County, locating near El Monte. He was reared 
as a farmer and stock-grower, receiving his edu- 
cation in the public schools at El Monte. He 
remained with his step-father until 1868, when 
lie took up his residence at Duarte. Nearly his 
whole life has been spent in Los Angeles County, 
and he is well and favorably known throughout 
El Monte Township. Hisconsistent and straight- 
forward course of life has secured him hosts of 
friends. He and his family are members of the 
Baptist Church. In political matters he is 
Democratic. In 1868 Mr. Rogers wedded Miss 



HISrOBY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



Jane Beardslee, the daxighter of Dr. Nehemiah 
and Elvira (Anderson) Beard slee. Her father 
was a well-known pioneer of the Duarte, and the 
owner of the Beardslee tract. She died in 1873, 
leaving three children: Juhn, Mary and Alice. 
In 1875 Mr. Rogers married Miss Mary Mc- 
Crary, daughter of Ale.xander and Martha (Sta- 
ter) McCrary. Her father is a native of Ohio, 
in which State Mrs. Rogers was born. Her 
mother was born in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. 
McCrary are residents of Riverside, San Bernar- 
dino County. From the second marriage of Mr. 
Rogers there are live children, whose names are 
as follows: William H., James, Louie C, Mat- 
tie and Grover. 

:ILLIAMH. ROBINSON is the pioneer 
merchant of Sierre Madre, and has been 
closely identified with the remarkable 
growth and prosperity of the colony for many 
years. A sketch of his life will be found of 
interest. Mr. Robinson is a native of Lowell, 
Massachusetts, and dates his birth December 1, 
1856. His parents were William and Ann 
(Spencer) Robinson, both of whom were born in 
England. His father was a machinist by occu- 
pation, and came in early manhood to the 
United States, and settled in Lowell, where he 
established himself in business and married. 
The subject of this sketch was reared in the city 
of Lowell, having the advantages of a good 
schooling .until fourteen years of age, when he 
went into his father's machine shops to learn 
the trade of a machinist. He worked at that 
trade until about 1881, when ill health com- 
pelled him to seek some other occupation, 
and he engaged in the milk business and con- 
ducted the same until 1883, when he came to 
Los Angeles County. He spent about a month 
in the city of Los Angeles, and in the fall of 
that year came to Sierra Madre. The winter 
was passed as a member of the family of Mr. N. 
C. Carter, and he was engaged in carrying the 
mail from San Gabriel to Sierra Madre. In the 



spring of 1884 the family of Mr. Robinson 
joined him, and he took up his residence upon 
a lot of about two acres in extent, on the west 
side of Baldwin avenue, noi-tli of Central avenue. 
In the fall of 1884 he opened the first store ever 
established in the Sierra Madre Colony. His 
stock of goods, which at first was limited, was 
placed in his dwelling-house. His close atten- 
tion to his business and obliging disposition, 
coupled with a straightforward manner of deal- 
ing, secured him a fair trade, and as the colony 
increased in population, the need of larger store 
accommodations became manifest. In June, 1887, 
he took possession of his fine store on the corner 
of Baldwin and Central avenues. This store is 
in the Town Hall building. Mr. Robinson was 
one of the promoters and original incorporators 
of the Town Hall Company that erected this fine 
block, and is at this writing one of the largest 
shareholders and a director in the company. 
Upon his occupying his present quarters, Mr. 
Robinson fitted up his store with a complete 
stock of groceries, crockery, drugs and medicines, 
and also dealt in hay, grain, etc., gaining an in- 
creased patronage that was well merited. He 
has been an active promoter aud supporter of 
the many enterprises and projects that have 
tended to build up the Sierra Madre Colony, and 
his straightforward and consistent course of life 
has gained him a large circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances. In politics he has ever been a 
stanch Republican. Mr. Robinson was married in 
1875, to Miss Sarah A. Boyd, a native of Lowell, 
Massachusetts. Her parents, Joseph and Ann 
(Hawthorne) Boyd, were natives of Canada. The 
two children from this marriage are Mabel Eva 
and Albion L. 

•^■^■^ 

fM. STRATTON, contractor, 366 North 
Pearl street, Los Angeles, is a native of 
* the State of Kentucky, born February 
23, 1862. His parents, John Stratton and Sarah 
(Lansdowne) Stratton, were both natives of 
Kentucky. They removed to Iowa in 1865, re- 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



rnained there six years, and in 1871 located in 
Kansas. The subject of tliis sketch was edu- 
cated and began learning his trade in the latter 
State. Upon reaching manhood, he came to the 
Pai'itic Coast in 1881 and remained two years. 
He then returned to Lawrence, Kansas, and was 
engaged in building several years. In 1886 he 
decided to come to Los Angeles and locate per- 
manently. Since then he has been success- 
fully engaged in contracting and building here. 
Among other buildings erected by him is the 
Beaudry Block on Buena Vista street. Mr. 
StrattOM is a brother of W. A. Stratton, tlie well- 
known contractor, and now president of tlie 
Union Lumber and Supply Company. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was married September 7, 
1885, to Miss T. Wooton, a native of Lawrence, 
Kansas. They have two children, Maud Edith 
and Myrtle Ivy. 

-^€ii"i)l-^¥ — 

tOUIS J. STEXGEL, East Los Angeles, pro- 
prietor of Stengel's Nurseries and Exotic 
Gardens, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, 
April 13, 1843; attended school until fourteen 
years of age and then emigrated to the United 
States, in 1857, coming alone; worked on a 
farm at $4 per month, two years of which time 
was in Dedhara, Massachusetts. He learned the 
nursery and gardening business of Taylor Broth- 
ers, who were prominent nurserymen of Dor- 
chester, that State, and remained with them five 
yearj. In 1865 he came to the Pacific Coast, 
worki.ig first in a seed store. He went all over 
the State to secure a good location, and selected 
San Diego, where he engaged in the nursery 
business for three years, then came to Los An- 
geles and established his present business on 
Los Angeles street, between First and Third 
streets, where the cathedral now stands. It was 
out of town then, an uncultivated field. He re- 
mained there eight years. Then, to meet the 
demands of his trade, he was obliged to have 
more ground, and came over to East Los Angeles 
bought ten acres and removed his nursery. He 



grows ornamental sliade trees and all kinds of 
fruit trees, and, making a specialty of culti- 
vating palms, he is the largest grower of and 
dealer in palms in Southern California. He has 
a leading business in fruit and ornamental stock. 
His large practical experience combined with 
strict attention to business has gained him a well- 
deserved success. In 1873 Mr. Stengel married 
Miss Mary Reidy, of Placerville, who died in 
1880, leaving one son, Louis. In 1885 he mar- 
ried Miss Mary Braudes, of this city, and they 
have one daughter. Mr. Stengel is a member 
of the Masonic order, the Union League, and 
Temperance Society. 

fHOMAS J. STEPHENS, pluinber and gas- 
fitter, corner of Boyd and Pine streets, Los 
Angeles, was born in Portland, Oregon, 
March 8, 1867. His father, Peter Stephens, 
was one of the pioneers of the Pacific Coast, en- 
gaged in mining, and died in the mines at 
White Pine. His mother, Elizabeth Stephens, 
is living at Ontario in this county. Thomas J. 
attended school in his native town and in Cali- 
fornia, and lived in Oregon and Northern Cali- 
fornia until he came to Los Angeles, in 1882. 
He learned his trade as an apprentice to the 
Lac}' Verick Hardware Company. After work- 
ing at his trade two years, he engaged in busi- 
ness for himself. He does all kinds of plumbing 
and gas-fitting, giving special attention to sani- 
tary plumbing; and by industry and application 
to the interests of his business, and being a 
practical workman, he is building up a good 
trade. He employs five to ten men, and owns 
the property he occupies. 

■ •^■^^■^ 

tLEXANDEIi O. SPENCER is a native 
of New York State and was born March 
9, 1827. His father was also a native of 
New York; he died in 1859. His mother, Mary 
(Norton) Spencer, was a descendant of the old 



y04 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



Knickerbocker family, and died at the residence 
of her son in Milwaukee, iti 1887, at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-six years. The subject of 
this sketch was reared and received his educa- 
tion in liis native State. After reaching man- 
hood he came to California, via the Isthmus, 
and arrived in San Francisco in January, 1852. 
lie was engaged in steamboating on the Sacra- 
mento River for some years; tiien i-an on the 
coast between San Francisco and San Diego for 
five years; and was connected with tiie Oregon 
Com}>any ten years, running up north on the 
coast to Victoria, Alaska and other ports. Since 
1887 he has been connected witli the California 
Central Railroad, at Los Angeles, Mr. Spencer 
is a brother of .1. C. Spencer, of the Milwaukee 
iV Noitiiern Railroad, one of the most promi- 
nent railroad majjnates of this countrv. 



•HOMAS A. STOMHS, manufacturer of 
cans and galvanized iron tanks, Los An- 
geles, was born in Salem County, New 
Jersey, September 20, 1S26. His parents re- 
moved to Ohio during his early childhood, and 
he learned his trade in Cincinnati. Early in 
1S50, during the height of the California gold 
excitement, he determined to emigrate to the 
new EI Dorado. On the 1st of May, in a train 
of ninety-si.\ persons, he left the Missouri River. 
They had a regular military organization, for 
protection while passing through a hostile coun- 
try. They were not molested until they were 
passing through the Washoe country, when 
they were attacked by Indians, who, after a pro- 
longed skirmish, were driven oft". The train 
arrived at (xeorgetowu, El Dorado County, 
September 3, 1850, bnly six days before the 
State was admitted into the Union. Mr. Stombs 
went to the mines for a short time, then went 
to Sacramento and began working at his trade, 
for §16 a day. Afterward, as a member of the 
firm of Shepherd, Stombs & Co., he engaged in 
the tin and hardware trade and in miners' sup- 
piio.< at ^[arysville. He established the first 



foundry north of Sacramento. From 1856 to 
1860 he was in business in San Francisco, then 
likewise in Stockton, where he was elected a 
member of the city council. This position he 
resigned to enlist in the service of his country, 
being elected Captain of the First California 
Cavalry. Served on the Rio Grande; was com- 
mander of the post twenty miles below Franklin; 
afterward served in the Department of the Mis- 
souri; was at Fort Summer when the war closed; 
was promoted to the rank of Major; and finally 
brought the remainder of his regiment to San 
Francisco, where it was mustered out. Mr. 
Stombs was for the ensuing twelve years super- 
intendent of the manufacturing department of 
Montague & Co., and since 1884 he has been in 
his present business here, and has built up a 
good trade. May 3, 1846, Major Stombs mar- 
ried Miss Esther E. Taylor, who came from 
Pennsylvania to California in 1862. They have 
two sons living: Tiiomas A. and William H. 
They lost one son, Richard T. by name. 

A. STRATTON, President of the 
Union Lumber and Supply Company, 
• was born in Kentucky, July 23, 1851. 
is a son of .lohti and Sarah (^^Lansdowne) 
Strattoii, both natives of Kentucky. In 1S65, 
when he was eleven years of age, they removed 
to Iowa and located in Muscatine County, where 
he attended school and began learning his trade. 
In 1871 they went to Lawrence, Kansas, and re- 
mained there ten years. Mr. Stratton came to 
the Pacilic Coast in 1881 and spent one year in 
San Diego, in the employ of the Southern Rail- 
road Company. The following year he came to 
Los Angeles and engaged in contracting, and 
since that time he has been prominently identi- 
tied with the contracting, building and lumber 
interests here. Among the prominent buildings 
erected by him are the following: Tiie Crystal 
Palace, the Orphans' Home, Dorr Jones Building, 
Bryson Hall, the Lan-l"'ranco Block, Crocker 
Building and many others. For ability, in- 




HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tegrity and responsibility as a contractor and 
business man, Mr. Stratton is taking a leading 
position, and no less enjoys an enviable repu- 
tation as a citizen. In February, 1888, the 
Union Lumber and Supply Company was or- 
ganized for the purpose of doing a general 
lumber business, and furnishing bills of lumber 
and all kinds of material for outside and inside 
work, and finishing complete and ready for oc- 
cupancy, thereby securing a better grade of 
material at a more reasonable e.xpcnse, and also 
saving the trouble of running around to different 
points to secure the materials required. W. A. 
Stratton, as before stated, is the President of the 
company, and H. F. Gordon, Secretary, the offiee 
of the company being at 107 West Second street, 
in the Bryson and Bonebrake Block. Mr. Strat- 
ton was married December 5, 1882, to Miss Min- 
nie Tollman, of San Francisco, daughter of 
liufus Tollman, one of the early pioneers of the 
Pacific Coast. For the past seventeen years Mr. 
Tollman has been in the oSice of Wells, Fargo 
& Co., in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Stratton have 
three children: Frankie, Charlie and Gracie. 



fllOMAS STOVELL.— To illustrate what 
may be accomplished in California with- 
out capital, and with only that pluck and 
energy, united withjudicious discrimination in 
business transactions, which characterize so 
many of the successful men, not only of this 
time but also of the past, few better examples 
could be given than tlie name with which we 
introduce this sketch. Mr. Stovell came from 
London, England, to San Francisco, the direct 
object of his coming being the improvement of 
Mrs. Stovell's health. From that city he came 
to Los Angeles, and here enterel into the plan- 
ing-mill business, at the outset having in his 
pocket only $84. He leased the Spring street 
mill, and with his characteristic energy suc- 
cessfully conducted the enterprise until he was 
enabled to purchase the establishment and build 
anew. In the meantime he also l)ecaine inter- 



ested in land speculation, his investments being 
carefully made and yielding him handsome re- 
turns. Now, having accumulated an independ- 
ent fortune, he has practically retired from an 
active business life, and has erected a most mag- 
nificent residence in the north part of Long 
Beach, where, surrounded by his family, he is 
living a quiet and happy life, free from the dis- 
appointments and strain of business. 

- « ■ : ? -^->|-~^ € : •■»- 



fEORGE SCHNEIDER, proprietor of the 
Western Vinegar and Pickle Factory, 30 
South Los Angeles street, Los Angeles, was 
born on the Rhine, in Germany, February 20, 
1851. His father was an extensive wine-maker, 
and the son George became skilled in the making 
of wine and vinegar. The subject of this sketch 
served in the army, and after the Franco-Prus- 
sian war came to America, in 1872. He came 
to New Orleans, and then to Mobile, where he 
had an uncle who was elected mayor of that city 
in 1871. Mr. Schneider remained there four 
years, and then came to Los Angeles, arriving 
February 26, 1876. He established his present 
business in 1887. He has had a large practical 
experience, and the goods prepared and manu- 
factured by him have an excellent reputation, 
and he has a good trade which is constantly in- 
creasing and extending throughout Southern Cal- 
ifornia and Arizona. In 1878 Mr. Schneider 
married Miss Louise Wetterhouer, a native of 
Baden, Germany. They have one son, George, 
and their nephew, Andrew, is living with them. 

tNDREW A. LEWIS, a farmer and stock, 
raiser on farm lot 95 of the American Col- 
ony tract of the Cerritus Ranch, is a 
pioneer of 1878. His first stop in this State 
was at Wilmington, and, after buying and im- 
proving and selling several pieces of land, he 
purchased and has greatly enhanced the value 
j of the property where he now lives, one of the 



II I STORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



most beautiful sites in Southern California. He 
is a native of Missouri, born in Saline County, 
August 1, 1842, and is the son of William H. 
and Elizabeth Lewis, natives of the Old Domin- 
ion, and of Scotch origin. His father departed 
this life in 1857. The subject of this sketch is 
the ninth and one of thirteen children, five of 
whom are yet living. Mr. Lewis, with his 
brothers and sisters, received the advantages of 
a common-school education, and just as he was 
beginning to be interested in a higher course of 
studies, the war came on and his plans were 
changed. In 1869 he married Miss Belle Gar- 
rison, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of 
John G. and Polly (McDowel) Garrison, also 
natives of Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis 
have been born five children: Thomas H., Eliza- 
beth, John, Andrew and George. Both he and 
his wife are earnest workers in and members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



fW. STOWELL, proprietor of the Stowell 
Cement Pipe Company, Los Angeles, is 
* a native of Claremont, New Hampshire, 
and was born December 15, 1851. He received 
his education in New England. After reaching 
manhood he came to California in 1874, and 
located in Los Angeles a few years later. In 

1878 the business of the Stowell Cement Pipe 
Company was established, and is now one of the 
oldest in its line in Southern California. In 

1879 the company laid about four miles of pipe 
in San Diego and San Dimas, and in 1881 the 
Orange, Pasadena and Verdugo lines followed. 
In 1882-'83 the extensive systems of Hermosa, 
Etiwanda and Ontario were laid, and are now 
probably the most approved irrigating systems 
in existence. The company have ample facili- 
ties for manufacturing their pipe, giving em- 
ployment during the busy season to from forty 
to fifty hands. They also have branch factories 
in this and San Bernardino counties. Their 
extended business of the last few years includes 
a line four miles long in San Beriuirdino County 



ten miles at Cucamonga, Ontario twenty-six 
miles. South Riverside nine miles of thirty-inch 
pipe, Rialto ten miles; and in addition to this 
smaller lines have been laid at Gardena, Ver- 
dugo, Sycamore Canon, and over ten miles in 
this city. Mr. Stowell has had a large experi- 
ence in the business. He is actively identified 
with all the progressive interests of the city and 
is esteemed in business circles as a gentleman 
of the highest integrity and commercial standing. 

fC. STOLL, of the Los Angeles Soda-water 
Works, No. 107 Sansevain street, was 
® born in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 
November 10, 1853. He attended school dur- 
ing his boyhood until sixteen years of age, then 
came to California, his brother having preceded 
him several years. Upon arriving here he went 
into the factoi-y in the employ of his brother 
and continued with him until 1880, when he 
became a partner in the business. The firm of 
Stoll Brothers has the most extensive works and 
tiie best equipped factory on the Pacific Coast. 
The machinery is of the latest improved style, 
being furnished by Messrs. Tuft, of Boston. 
They have capacity for turning out 5,000 dozen 
daily. The factory is the oldest and leading one 
in the State. They also have a large factory at 
Pasadena, and liave established an excellent 
trade, doing an extensive shipping business 
throughout Southern California. 

"i^-^-^ • 

fllOMAS SIKES, contractor, 22 Clay street, 
Los Angeles, is a native of Portsmouth, 
Ohio, born March 11, 1836. He attended 
school and served an apprenticeship to his trade 
in his native State. Upon the breaking out of 
the Rebellion he enlisted, April 14, 1861, in 
the First Ohio Regiment for three months' serv- 
ice. His company was said to be the first to 
go into the service from the State of Ohio. At 
the expiration of the three months he enlisted 



niSTURT OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



in the Thirty-third Ohio Regiment, this time 
for tliree years. He was in the first battle of 
Bull Run, and in the battles of Perryville, Stone 
River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and 
many others; was wounded near Huntsville, 
Alabama, by a shell. He served four years and 
three months. After the war Mr. Sikes re- 
turned to Ohio and engaged in building for 
many years. In 1887 he came to Los Angeles 
and engaged in contracting. He built the Niles 
Block, corner of Main and Upper Main streets; 
the Woohead Block, corner of Main and College 
streets; University of Southern California, In- 
glewood ; Newhall Block, East First street, and 
others. In 1886 Mr. Sikes married Miss Mi- 
nerva Williams, a native of Portsmouth, Ohio. 
They have seven children, four sons and three 
daughters. 



fOSEPH HENRY STEWART was born in 
Kennebec County, Maine, in 1825. He is 
a son of William and Mary (Stoddard) Stew- 
art, natives of Maine and England respectively. 
His father's ancestors were originally from Scot- 
land. William Stewart was a lumberman by 
occupation, and was killed by a falling limb of 
a tree in 1841. He had four children, of which 
the subject of this sketch was the eldest. He 
received the ordinary common-school education, 
and in 1850 was married to Miss Rhoda P. 
Trask, who was reared in the same State. She 
is the daughter of Moses and Caroline (Austin) 
Trask. The Trasks were pioneers of Ohio, and 
very wealthy people. Her father was pressed 
into the British army in 1776. After his mar- 
riage Mr. Stewart engageS in the lumber busi- 
ness in Maine for four years, and later followed 
the trade of blacksmith. In 1850 he moved to 
. Clinton County, Iowa, where he was in the 
mercantile business for four years. In 18,59 
Mr. Stewart started on the journey across the 
plains, bringing livery stock, and being four 
months in making the trip. After his arrival 
in the Golden State lie started a blacksmith 



shop at Alvarado; then went to Mud Springs, 
where he followed his trade for a year and a 
half; ne.xt moved to Santa Clara County, lived 
there three years, working at his trade in Gil- 
roy; from there went to Oregon, and after re- 
maining in Lane County a year and a half, he 
came, in 1859, to Los Angeles Coutity, where 
lie established the first blacksmith shop between 
San Gabriel and New Rivers. Here he pur- 
chased thirty-two and a half acres of land and 
improved it, and here he lives at the present 
time. In addition to this he also owns other 
valuable property, and has 216 shares of stock 
in the Odd-fellows Building Association at 
Downey. Mr. Stewart has been eminently suc- 
cessful, and is progressive, prosperous and en- 
terprising. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been 
blessed with four children: James Allen, Lucy, 
wife of C. C. Cheney; Katie May and Mary 
Etta. Mrs. Stewart and her daughters are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. Mr. Stewart is 
affiliated with Los Nietos Lodge, No. 197, I. O. 
O. F. 



ARGUS G. SETTLE, a farmer, residing 
two miles west of Norwalk, came to 
California in October, 1871. He was 
born in Tennessee, in 1845, and is a son of Rev. 
Marcus G. Settle, Sr., and Irena (Moore) Settle, 
the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter 
of Georgia. They were married in Texas, but 
subsequently moved to Tennessee, where four of 
their children were born. He taught school in 
Texas, and also farmed several years. The sub- 
ject of this notice was about a year and a half 
old when his father moved back to Texas. In 
April, 1870, they started for California, bring- 
ing with them a large herd of cattle. Upon 
their arrival in San Diego County their stock 
was so poor they were compelled to stop and let 
them graze, and nine months later sold the cat- 
tle and came to Los Angeles County. He pur- 
chased forty acres of land between Downey and 
Norwalk, which he afterward sold and bongiit 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



tlie forty acres where the sod now lives. Tlie 
subject of this sketch was married in 1875 to 
Miss Josephine Sackett, a native of the Golden 
State, and daughter of T. D. and Matilda (Evans) 
Sackett, of Texas. Mr. Sackett was a pioneer 
ot 1857. Mr. Settle and his wife have five inter- 
esting children: Susan, George, Lottie, Eobert 
and Koss. Both Mr. and Mrs. Settle are active 
workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
South, at Koiwalk, and the duties of recording 
steward liave devolved upon him for the past 
four years. 



fHOMAS STROHM, Chief Engineer of the 
Fire Department, was born in Germany, 
November 5, 1846. His parents emigrated 
to America in 1852, and settled in Cincinnati, 
and during his boyhood he attended tlie common 
schools and grew up there. Upon reaching 
manhood he came to California and located in 
Los Angeles, where he entered the grocery trade, 
and continued in the business seven years. In 
1885 he engaged in the manufacture of soda- 
water, mineral waters and all kinds of carbonated 
drinks and fruit syrups, and has built up an 
established trade. In 1887 he was appointed 
chief engineer of the tire department and served 
witii great satisfaction during the term. After 
the recent election he was again appointed, 
March 22, 1889, to the same position, by Mayor 
Hazard, and he enjoys the reputation of being 
a prompt, vigilant officer. Mr. Strohm was 
married December 24, 1876, to Miss Emily 
Schubneli, of Los Angeles. They have four 
children: Lewis R., Anna B., Clarence B. and 
Walter. 

fAMES SMITH, of the firm of Smith & 
Gi-ant, contractors, Los Angeles, was born 
in Murrayshire, Scotland, February 6,1856, 
served an apprenticeship to his trade tiiere, and 
after reaching manhood came to America, in 



1881. Going to Chicago, he followed his trade 
for a time and then engaged in building. In 
1885 he came to the Pacific Coast. Alter remain- 
ing a short time in San Francisco, he came to 
Los Angeles and formed a partnership with 
John Grant, a fellow countryman, and engaged 
in contracting for building. They have erected 
some of the best structures in Los Angeles; are 
now completing their contract on the Burdick 
Block, corner of Spring and Secoiid streets, one 
of the best and most substantial business blocks 
in tiie city. They have also had the contracts for 
some of the best blocks in Pasadena. The lirm 
of Sniitii & Grant are both working partners, 
and are taking a prominent position as building 
contractors. 



ILEY F. SWAIN was born in McNairy 
County, Tennessee, 100 miles east of 
Memphis, April 17, 1830. He is a son 
of William and Rachel (Anderson) Swain. The 
father was born in North Carolina in 1800, and 
died in 1857, and the mother was born in 1802, 
and died in 1876. They had a family of thir- 
teen children, AViley being the sixth. So far as 
known, eight of the family are still living. Mr. 
Swain received a good common-school education 
in his native State, and was married there in 
1853 to Miss Mary Lyles, of the same county. 
She was a daughter of Mansa and Bethsheba 
(Anderson) Lyles. Subsequent to his marriage 
Mr. Swain moved to Texas, where he farmed 
till 1869. In 1862, however, he entered the 
army, in the Seventeenth Consolidated Regi- 
ment, Company E, under Captain Duckworth, 
and was in the service until the close of the war. 
He was at the battles of Pleasant Hill, Louisi- 
ana and Mansfield, and also had charge of a 
ward in the hospital at different points. After 
the close of the war he returned to his farm 
duties in Texas, where he continued till 1869. 
In 1866 his wife died, leaving him with three 
children: Maletha, Emmeline and Joe. A few 
years later he started with the children across 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



tlie plains for California, by the popular route 
and with ox teams. On tliis journey Joe was 
accidentally shot and died two days later, aged 
fourteen years. Maletha is now the wife of 
Frank Davis, and Emmeline is the wife of Jack 
Patton. In 1874 Mr. Swain was married to 
Miss Louisa Taylor, a native of the Golden 
State, and daughter of James and Margaret 
(Davis) Taylor, natives of Tennessee and Arkan- 
sas respectively, and pioneers of California in 
1856. Ijy this marriage he has one daughter, 
Lola. When first coming to the coast Mr. 
Swain purchased thirty-one acres of land near 
Downey, and to this original purchase he has 
added twenty-eight acres. He now manages a 
ranch of thirty acres, and his principal crops are 
alfalfa and barley. For several years he was en- 
gaged in raising hogs, but is now giving more 
attention to general farming. His political af- 
filiations are with the Union Labor Party. He 
is a straightforward and worthy citizen, and is 
respected and esteemed by all who know him. 



fENERAL E. M. SANFORD was born in 
Milledgeville, Georgia, in 1833. He is a 
son of Major-General John W. A. and 
Mary R. (Blunt) Sanford. Mr. and Mrs. San- 
ford had three sons: John W., the oldest, served 
as Attorney-General of Alabama several terms; 
the siibject of this sketch being the second, and 
Theodore G. the youngest. General Sanford 
graduated at Union College, New York, in 1853; 
and for several years was a large cotton planter 
in Texas. December 13, 1864, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Cammilla M. Gordon, 
youngest daughter of General John W.Gordon, 
of Georgia. In 1867 he came, by steamer route, 
to California, and landed in San Francisco, where 
he lived for a short time, after which he came 
to Los Angeles County and purchased 500 acres 
of the ex-Governor Downey tract, where he has 
made vast improvements and where he has one 
of the most beautiful locations for a home that 
can be found witliin the bounds of tiie county. 



This is known as the " Sunny Side Rancho," 
and from the residence, among the evergreens, 
one has a magnificent view over fertile valleys 
and fruitful fields. General Sanford is one of 
the most successful farmers in this county. At 
this time there are about 400 acres of his farm 
in small grain, and the fine horses, cattle, etc., 
that he raises all go to show that he is a leader 
in.tiiis industry. In 1876 General Sanford was 
made the recipient of an honor which all heartily 
accord to him. This was the commission which 
he received under William Irvin, Governor of 
California. By this commission he was made 
Brigadier-General of the First Brigade, National 
Guards, as successor to GcTieral Phineas Ban- 
ning. Another evidence of his ability and pop- 
ularity was his nomination to the Senate by 
the Democratic party in 1879. 



fOHNSTEER E.— Among the successful 
men of Los Angeles County is the subject 
of this sketch, a brief resume of whose life 
is as follows: Mr. Steere was born and reared 
in Providence, Rhode Island, about the same 
distance from the Atlantic Ocean that his pres- 
ent residence in Santa Monica is from the great 
Pacific. The year 1823 is the year of his birth, 
and he is a son of Hosea and Hannah (Tinck- 
com) Steere, both natives of Rhode Island, and 
of Scotch origin. The subject of this sketch is 
the fifth bearing the same family name, and be- 
longs to the fifth generation born in Providence, 
Phode Island. His father was in the war of 
1812. He had a family of twelve children, of 
which John was the youngest boy. He learned 
the trade of millwright, which he followed 
about seven years, when he engaged in the mer- 
cantile trade in Providence. There, at 28 Ex- 
change Place, he continued as a successful mer- 
chant till 1865, when he retired from business 
at that place, and traded with the West Indies, 
in sugar and molasses, and made several trips 
to Cuba. Then he came to California, not to 
enijage in business, but to select a home in this 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



genial climate by the sea, where he might spend 
the residue of his days retired from the exciting 
and pressing demands of business. He entered 
his name on " The Great Register " as John 
Steere, hunter. Tliat event is worthy of men- 
tion in tliese pages, for he has gathered the 
largest and choicest collection of birds in Los 
Angeles County. As a taxidermist, he has made 
a record which will identify him with the his- 
tory of this county for all time. In his collec- 
tion in the Opera House in Santa Monica may 
be seen 350 specimens of birds, which contains 
at least 200 varieties, all arranged iu perfect 
life-like order in the glass cases around the hall. 
Mr. Steere has also been eminently successful 
in business since he has been identified with 
this county. He has dealt in real estate and 
money, and is one of the stockholders and a 
director of the First National Bank at Santa 
Monica. The city by the sea will ever be grate- 
ful to him for the first brick liouse built there. 
It is known as the Opera Block Building, is 
50x80 feet in dimensions and is two stories 
high. The erection of this building advanced 
the price of lots in Santa Monica from $500 to 
$10,000 in one year. The upper story of the 
building consists of oflices and a very fine opera 
hall. Mr. Steere was a member of the first 
board of trustees in Santa Monica, and was the 
first vice-president of the bank. His residence 
is beautifully located on Fourth street, in the 
city overlooking the sea. The citizens of this 
place recognize in Mr. Steere a wise financier, 
a shrewd business man, and an energetic, enter- 
prising citizen, who favors every enterprise hav- 
ing for its object the public good. 



f SAENZ, merchant, near The Palms, was 
born in Mexico in 1845, and is the only 
* son of D. Saenz, who was one of the early 
Spanish settlers in this country, and for several 
years a miner. He died April 10, 1887, and his 
aged widow is still living. The subject of this 
sketch has been one of the leading: citizens in 



this part of the county for the past fifteen years. 
He attended the first sale of lots in Santa Mon- 
ica, and since 1875 he has been engaged in the 
saloon and general merchandise business a mile 
and a half southeast of where The Palms is 
located. The place where he has been in busi- 
ness was formerly known as Machado, and here 
he served as postmaster for a period of ten years. 
A nice little ranch of fourteen acres is included 
in his property. He was married to Miss Amada 
Garcia, also a Spaniard, but a native of Califor- 
nia. By his diligent attention to business Mr. 
Saenz has made himself quite comfortable for 
this life, and by his integrity he has won the 
confidence and esteem of a wide circle of friends. 

<, . • ' k.-^ , .i..r^. c • .«■ 

^ • *•'§-' J"^^^ • 

ILL I AM SLACK was born in York- 
shire, England, December 27, 1823. 
His parents were Richard and Ann 
(Britt) Slack, both natives of England. At the 
age of fourteen years Mr. Slack was apprenticed 
to the trade of a molder, and after serving an 
apprenticeship of seven years, he followed that 
occupation as a journeyman until 1848. In that 
year he came to the United States, landing in 
New Orleans. From there he went to Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, and was employed as foreman iu the 
foundry of Baker & Morton. He held that im- 
portant position until 1850. He then started 
overland for Utah. Locating at Salt Lake City, 
he turned his attention to the mineral resources 
of thit Territory, and in partnership with his 
brother-in-law, Richard Yarley, opened iron and 
coal mines and built the first blast furnace 
established near Salt Lake. Not suited with 
the Mormon community, he abandoned his en- 
terprises there, and in 1852 came by the South- 
ern route to California, and located at El Monte, 
Los Angeles County. There he rented land and 
established a dairy, and engaged in general 
farming, etc., until 1855. He then went to 
Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, where he 
was occupied in stock-raising until 1859. in 
that year he move 1 to Texas and located at San 



HISTORY Oh LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Antonio. While there he was in the emploj' of 
the gas company, laying pipes, etc. He manu- 
factured the tirst gas used in that city. The 
breaking out of the war in 1861 rendered busi- 
ness enterprises so unsettled iu that State that 
Mr. Slack returned to California and again took 
up his residence at El Monte. He was em- 
ployed for several months as a superintendent 
in a distillery, after which he engaged in stock- 
growing and farming upon disputed lands in 
the Temple tract, south of town. In 1870 he 
went to the San Jose Valley, and for the next 
four years was engaged in the stock business, 
after which he returned to El Monte and pur- 
chased eighty acres of land just south of the 
village, and entered into general farming. He 
was also for several years engaged in the butch- 
er's business, and conducted a meat market in 
El Monte. Since 1874= Mr. Slack has resided 
at El Monte. His lands are now under a fine 
state of cultivation and very productive. He 
has also a residence and business property in El 
Monte, being the owner of the store occupied 
by J. T. Huddox. The subject of this sketch 
is a liberal supporter of public enterprises. For 
a number of years he has served as a trustee of 
his district. He is a Democrat, and is conserva- 
tive in his political actions. Mr. Slack has been 
twice married. February 13, 1845, he wedded 
Miss Eliza Varley, a native of Yorkshire, Eng- 
land. She died at El Monte, December 29, 
1879, leaving the following named children: 
Elizabeth, born iu England, January 13, 1847; 
William Thomas, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 27, 1850; Elizar, in Salt Lake, April 28, 
1853; Sarah Ann, in Ventura County, August 
24, 1855; Jonathan, iu Santa Barbara, Janu- 
ary 31, 1858; Mary, in San Antonio, Texas, 
August 7, 1860; George, in El Monte, April 
10, 1864; Richard Jame.s, in El Monte, July 8, 
1866; Albert, in El Monte, July 14, 1868, and 
Arthur Varley, in El Monte, January 11, 1871. 
Elizabeth is the wife" of Richard Quinn; Will- 
iam married Miss Sarah Ann Guess; Jonathan 
married Miss Matilda Wiggins; Sarah Ann 
married Robert Hewitt (since deceased). All 



of the children, except Richard, who lives in 
San Luis Obispo County, are residents of Los 
Angeles County. In 1881 Mr. Slack married 
Mrs. Ann Montgomery, a native of England. 
Mr. and Mrs. Slack returned to England in 
1885, and spent a year in visiting the homes of 
their childhood and youth. 



fRANK SABICHI was born iu the city of 
Los Angeles, on the 4th day of October, 
1842. His father, Matthew Sabichi, a 
native of the Austrian Empire, wandered a third 
of the way around the globe, and settled in Los 
Angeles during the earlier years of the present 
century. He became a merchant, and accumu- 
lated a handsome property. He married rather 
late in life. In the year 1850 Mr. Sabichi, the 
elder, taking with iiim Frank, then a child but 
eight years of age, and another son, left Los An- 
geles for England, with the intention of having 
his children educated in that country. The fond 
father did not live to accomplish his wishes, for 
he died before reaching England; but Frank 
was put to school at the Royal Naval Academy 
at Gosport, a town situated near Portsmouth, 
one of the busiest ports of England. At this 
establishment the boy remained for several 
years, and received there a thorougii education. 
Afterward he traveled extensively in Great 
Britain and on the continent of Europe, and 
acquired with proficiency the languages of sev- 
eral of the nations of Europe. After some years 
of pleasant wandering he turned his steps west- 
ward, and arrived at his native place in the lat- 
ter part of May, 1860. In the autumn of that 
year Mr. Sabichi eiitered upon the study of law, 
and in due course of time was admitted to prac- 
tice in all California courts, and for several 
years practiced his profession. Of late years 
the care of his landed interests in and around 
the city of Los Angeles has made greater de- 
mands upon his attention, and he has reluctantly 
abandoned the calling of his choice. Since his 
return from Europe he has continued to reside 



UI8T0RY OF LOS AJS0ELE8 COUNTY. 



in the city of his birth, and is now identified 
with many of the most important enterprises of 
Los Angeles. He is largely interested in the 
Ballona & Santa Monica Railway, and at one 
time held the position of vice-president of that 
corporation. Mr. Sabichi is also a director of 
the San Jose Land Company. The subject of 
this sketch resides with his family in the city of 
Los Angeles, in an elegant home, which, at the 
cost of several thousand dollars, he has built on 
a site comprising more than two acres in extent, 
and situated on Figueroa street, between Ellis 
and Adams streets. In 1865 Mr. Sabichi mar- 
ried Miss Magdalena Wolfskill, a daughter of 
the late William Wolfskill, one of the earliest 
and most prominent of the American pioneers 
vvho settled in Los Angeles. Mr. Sabichi is a 
consistent Democrat in politics. He has never 
sought office, having repeatedly refused to ac- 
cept it; but offices have sought him frequently. 
He was elected to the city council of Los An- 
geles in 1871, and was re-elected in 1873 -'74, 
presiding over its deliberations, to the lasting 
benefit of the municipality. He was also a 
member of the same body in 1884, when he was 
foremost in a movement which secured to the 
city of Los Angeles its bountiful supply of 
water for irrigation purposes. He is an aggress- 
ive, enterprising business man, who in matters 
public and private has the confidence of the 
comrnunitv at large and a wide circle of friends. 



fAVlD S. SHRODE.-^ Among the best- 
known and respected citizens of the Duarte 
is the above-named gentleman, a sketch of 
whose life is of interest. Mr. Shrode is a na- 
tive of Warrick County, Indiana, and dates his 
birth in 1825. His father, Francis Shrode, was 
a native of Pennsylvania, and was one of the 
pioneers of Indiana. His mother, nee Rebecca 
Hudson, was born in North Carolina. Mr. 
Shrode was reared upon a farm, receiving only 
such an education as was afforded by the pioneer 
schools, until nineteen years of age. He then 



entered a four years' apprenticeship at wagon- 
making, blacksmithing and manufacturing edge 
tools. He served his term, after which he worked 
as a journeyman in Indiana until 1851. In that 
year he emigrated to Texas, and located in Hop- 
kins County, where he established blacksmith 
and wagon shops, and also engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits. He continued these pursuits until 
the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. 
A strong Union man in principles, he was sub- 
jected to many persecutions, and, finally, in 
order to preserve his life and property, was com- 
pelled to enter the Confederate service. In April, 
1862, he entered the Texas Cavalry and served 
for about fifteen months, or nntil he was taken 
prisoner by the Union forces at the battle of 
Franklin. He was sent north as a prisoner of 
war, but was soon paroled, and returned to his 
home in Texas. He was not called upon to en- 
ter the service again, and soon resumed his oc- 
cupations. In May, 1870, he started with his 
family overland for California. This journey 
wa§ made by ox teams, arriving in San Diego 
County in December of that year. He remained 
in that county until February of the next year, 
and then established his residence at Savannah, 
Los Angeles County, resuming his former occu- 
pation of blacksmithing. In March, 1874, he 
purchased twenty-three acres of the Beardslee 
tract of land at the Duarte, and entered into 
horticultural pursuits, planting orchard and vine- 
yard and also erecting a dwelling-house and 
blacksmith shop. Mr. Shrode remained upon 
that place until June, 1887, when he sold out 
and established his residence in Duarte, on Buena 
Yista avenue, between Central and Falling Leaf 
aveniies. He there purchased two acres of land 
and erected a substantial and attractive cottage 
residence, also a blacksmith and wagon-repair 
shop. He conducted his business at that place 
until 1889, when he sold out his shop to his son, 
Francis M. Shrode, and William R. Beardslee. 
Mr. Shrode is now enjoying a modest competency, 
gained by honest toil and straightforward deal- 
ing. During his residence at the Duarte he lias 
been an active supporter of all enterprises that 



HISTORY OF LOS .iNQBLES COUNTY. 



liave built up and improved that section. He 
was one of the original incorporators of the 
Beardslec Water Ditch Company, and was presi- 
dent of tliat company from its incorporation 
until 1887. He has ever been a strong sup- 
porter of .schools and churches. At the age ot 
fifteen years he joined the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and has ever lived a consistent Christian 
life. In 1860 he was licensed to preach, and in 
1867 was ordained as a minister of that church, 
and is now the superintendent of the Sunday- 
school in his church at Duarte. For over four- 
teen years lie has been a school trustee of his 
district. Politically he is a Prohibitionist, but 
has for years been a conservative Democrat. For 
the seven years preceding the war he was a jus- 
tice of the peace in Texas, but was removed be- 
cause he would not take the oafh under the 
Confederate Government. At the close of the 
war he served in the same capacity under the 
Provisional Government. In 1847 Mr. Shrode 
married Miss Elizabeth Chapman, the daughter 
of William Chapman, a native of South Caro- 
lina and a pioneer of Indiana. She died in 1858, 
leaving iive children, three of whom are now 
living, viz.: Jacob H., who married Miss Mary S. 
Patterson ; Francis M. and Charles A., all residents 
of Duarte. In 1859 Mr. Shrode married Mrs. 
Maria C. Moore, 7iee Ilargrave. From the lattter 
marriage four children are living: Helen, now 
Mrs. Seth Daniels, of Fullertun; Viola, now 
Mrs. Emmet Norman, of Duarte; Jennie and 
D. Lee, residing with their parents. 



fDE EARTH SHORB, President and gen- 
eral manager of the San Gabriel Wine 
* Company, was born April 4, 1842, in 
Frederick County, Maryland, a son of Dr. James 
A. Shorb, who also was a native of that State; 
and the grandfather of De Earth, also a native 
of that State, died in Pennsylvania, at the age 
of 104 years! Mr. Shorb's great-grandfather 
came from Alsace, France, to this country, and 
became a large land owner in Maryland, North 



Carolina, Delaware and Pennsylvania, settling 
in the latter State, near Hanover. Mr. Shorb's 
mother, also aMarylander, was of a Scotch-Irish 
family, being the daughter of Captain Feli.K 
McMeai, whose name ap])ears in the first direc- 
tory published in Baltimore City. He was one 
of the very tirst officers in the merchant marine 
service, which antedates the American navy; he 
died during the '60s. Dr. Shorb, our subject's 
father, was also the owner of a large amount of 
real estate, a part of which was the well-known 
San Marino plantation. Mr. Shorb graduated 
in 1859, at the old classical college of Mount 
St. Mary's, at Emmettsburg, Maryland, where 
also Cardinals McClosky and Gibbons and Arch- 
bishops Hughes and Bailey, of New York, and 
Kendrick and Carroll, and others, most of whom 
areerainent divines in the Catholic Church grad- 
uated. After graduation Mr. Shorb commenced 
the study of law in the office of W. W. Dallas, 
nephew of George M. Dallas, Vice-President of 
the United States, 1845~'49. Upon the break- 
ing out of the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Shorb 
came to California as assistant superintendent 
of the Philadelphia and California Oil Company, 
of which the late Thomas A. Scott, of Pennsyl- 
vania railroad fame, was president. In 1867 he 
purchased the tenure of the Temescal grant and 
began mining operations; and the same year he 
married the daughter of Don Benito Wilson, 
one of the best known men in Southern Califor- 
nia, and at his request he entered the wine and 
grape business, as a member of the San Gabriel 
Wiue Company, who now own 10,000 acres, 
and cultivate 1,300 acres of the best varieties of 
grapes; indeed the vineyard, both in respect to 
quality of vines and equipment, is said to be the 
best in the world, by such judges as Henry 
Grosjean, who was here as the French Commis- 
sioner of Agriculture, and who is a member of 
the Institute Agronomique. The product of 
this vineyard bears the highest reputation in 
the Eastern markets. The winery comprises a 
ferment room 120.x 260 feet in dimensions, and 
two stories high, with a capacity of 900,000 
i gallons; actual fermenting capacity of upper 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



and lower floors, 2,640,000 gallons. The storing 
cellars are in a two-story brick structure 147 x 217 
feet. The distillery, 43x46 feet, attached to 
the building, has a large Sherry room with a 
capacity of 200,000 gallons annually, with a 
portion partitioned off for bonded warehouse. 
The buildings are so situated, arranged and 
equipped with the most approved and complete 
machinery that the work is all done at the low- 
est minimum of expense from the moment the 
grapes are received in the fermenting room until 
the wine is ready for shipment. A track half a 
mile in length connects the building with the 
Southern Pacitic Eailroad at Shorb's Station, 
thus placing the wines immediately upon one 
ot the greatest thoroughfares in the Union, and 
at a point also that is only twenty-two miles 
from a seaport. Shipments are made to all 
parts of the woi'ld. The company have also 
within their enclosure 1,100 orange trees of the 
Wasiiington Navel variety, and they have apple 
and pear orchards, on a large scale, all furnished 
with the finest water system to be found in 
California. These great enterprises — many in 
one — were brought to their present state of per- 
fection by Mr. Shorb, the president and general 
manager. He has given to these matters twenty 
years of study; is identified with all the leading 
agricultural enterprises in the State. He is 
commissioner for the State at large of the State 
Viticultural Commission. He was the first 
president of the San Grabriel Valley Railroad, 
of the Pasadena & Alharabra Kailroad, and 
former president of the Chamber of Commerce 
and several other corporate enterprises. He is 
one of the best-known and most public-spirited 
citizens on the Pacific Coast. Mr. and Mrs. 
Shorb have nine children, five sons and four 
daughters. 

~^€^:®W^ — 

ATTHEW W. TALBOT, a pioneer of 
1 S52, owns a fine farm of fifty acres near 
'^H^ii^' Conipton. He has traveled extensively 
over this State, having done business for several 



years in San Francisco, Stockton, San Jose, and 
in Tulare County. He also farmed for a period 
of five years in San Luis Obispo County. Mr. 
Talbot is a native of Baton Rouge Parish, 
Louisiana, born in 1836, and is the son of John 
Inals and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Talbot, natives, 
respectively, of Tennessee and Alabama. His 
father was a wealthy farmer in the Palmetto 
State. In 1873 Mr. Talbot was united in 
marriage to L-ene "Wells. This lady is a native 
of Illinois, but was reared principally in Mis- 
souri. She is the daughter of Chester A. and 
Susan A. (Bell) Wells, the former a native of 
New York and the latter of Ohio. Her grand- 
mother was a Hollenbeck, a cousin to the Hollen- 
becks of Los Angeles. In the town of Comp- 
ton Mr. Talbot has recently erected a very 
comfortable residence, where, with his excellent 
wife and two children, Edward A. and Letitia 
R., he is enjoying the comforts of home, com- 
paratively free from the anxieties of active busi- 
ness life. Both he and liis wife are highly 
honored members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Politically he afiiliates with the 
Democratic party, and is an active worker for 
temperance, and favors, by his influence and 
means, all enterprises which have for their object 
the upbuilding of the community. 



-^ ^ 'l"l' 7^ 

fEAN LOUIS SAINSEVAIN was born at 
Begney^ Department of the Gironde, France, 
in the year 1816. He came to Los Angeles 
in 1855, where his uncle, Jean Louis Vignes, 
the earliest of the French pioneers, and his 
brother, Pedro Sainsevain, had been living 
many years. After living here some time, the 
two brothers bought out the extensive property 
of their uncle, and carried on the wine business 
on a large scale till 1867 or 1868. The broth- 
ers Sainsevain were the first manufacturers of 
champagne in California. They were involved 
in litigation at one time with the Internal Rev- 
enue Department, and also witii M. Racoulllat, 
husband of one of the lieirs of their uncle, Don 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Louis Vignes. ObtaiiiiTig a franchise to supply 
the city of Los Angeles with water for domestic 
use, Don Louis Sainsevain and D. Marchessault, 
at one time mayor of the city, laid wooden 
pipes for that purpose, iron pipes being thought 
at that period too expensive. Li 1868 they sold 
out to the City Water Company, which secured 
a lease from the city for thirty years, Mr. Sain- 
sevain remaining one of the members of the 
new company, whose lease expires in 1898. The 
vineyard was sold to Alexander Wiel and others, 
and was eventually divided up into lots and sold, 
and it is now occupied by homes and business 
houses. The iuimense old "Aliso" (sycamore) 
tree, around which Don Louis Vignes built his 
adobe wine cellars, is now surrounded by the 
modern brick-built plant of the Thiladelphia 
Brewery, and a street railroad runs along where 
the dwelling of both Vignes and Sainsevain once 
stood. Li after years Sainsevain planted a vine- 
yard at Cucamonga, where he lived some time. 
Latterly, however, and until his death, which 
happened in the early part of this year (Febru- 
ary 16, 1889), he resided in Los Angeles, where 
he was well and favorably known as good- 
hearted, genial " Don Louis " Sainsevain. The 
street in this city bearing his name was so 
called in his honor. He had two sons, Michel 
and Paul. The former died in this city before 
his father, leaving a widow and several children. 
Paul and family live in San Diego. Vital Fer- 
nando and Jean M. Vignes, for many years 
residents of Los Angeles, are cousins of the 
Sainsevains. Pedro Sainsevain, now an old 
man, who came here when a boy, still lives in 
San Josd. 

■ '^'^■^B-^ 

ILLIAM H. SPEAK, of the firm of 
Norris & Spear, general merchants of 
Sierra Madre, is one of the young and 
enterprising business men of that town. The 
business conducted by Messrs. Norris & Spear 
comprises one of the best equipped stores in 
Sierra Madre Colonv. The store was first estab 



lished in September, 1886, by Andrews Broth- 
ei's, and conducted by them until January, 1888, 
when Mr. Norris entered the business under the 
name of Hart & Norris, and in July of the same 
year the subject of this sketch purchased the 
interest of Mr. Hart. Mr. Spear is a native of 
Cleveland, Ohio, dating his birth in that city 
in 1859. His parents were William and Sarah 
(Austin) Spear, natives of England. Mr. Spear 
was reared and schooled in the city of his birth, 
but early in life, when only twelve years old, he 
began to serve an apprenticeship to the printer's 
trade, and spent the next twelve years in that 
calling. In 1884 he engaged in paper hanging, 
which business he conducted until coming to 
California in May, 1888. Upon his arrival in 
the State he located in San Bernardino County, 
where he remained until July of tiiat year when 
he took up his residence in Sierra Madre and 
engaged in his present business. Mr. Spear is 
self-educated and possessed of an energetic, 
industrious nature and acquii-ed business habits 
that command the esteem of his associates and 
insures his success. He isafirui believer in the 
future growth and prosperity of his chosen sec- 
tion, and takes an interest in any enterprise 
that tends to develop its resources. In political 
matters he is an earnest Republican. In 1888 
Mr. Spear married Miss Minnie A. Sufert, a 
native of Cleveland, Ohio. Her father, William 
Sufert, is of German descent and a resident of 
that city. They have one child, W. Howard. 



fICIIOLAS SMITH.— Among the Califor- 
nia pioneers of 1849, and the early settlers 
of Los Angeles County and well-known 
residents of El Monte Township, is the subject 
of this sketch. Mr. Smith is a native of Prus- 
sia, and dates his birth October 18, 1818. His 
parents were Lawrence and Mary (Maxminer) 
Smith, both natives of the place of his birth. 
His father was a farmer, to which occupation 
the son was reared. At the age of twenty years 
he entered the Prussian military service, and 



HISTORT OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



served four years in the Ninth Regiment of 
Prussian Hnssars. After his discharge from the 
service he was employed in agricultural pur- 
suits until 184-7. In that year lie emigrated to 
the United States, and, upon his arrival, went to 
the Western country and was engaged at farm 
labor in Wisconsin and Michigan. 1ti 1849 the 
California gold fever prompted him to seek his 
fortune in the El Dorado of the Pacific Coast, and 
in the spring of that year he joined a party of 
emigrants and started across the plains for 
California. This jouri;ey was made by ox teams, 
the route taken being through Utah, and thence 
by the Southern route to California. Late in 
the year Mr. Smith arrived in San Bernardino 
County, where he remained until the following 
spring, and then came to Los Angeles County 
and located in Los Angeles, where he established 
a boarding-house, which he conducted until 
1851. Li that year he came to El Monte and 
took up a Government claim for 160 acres of 
land, located about one mile east of El Monte. 
Here he established his residence and devoted 
himself to agricultural pursuits. For nearly 
forty years Mr. Smith has resided upon his 
farm, giving years of steady toil to its improve- 
ment and cultivation. With the exception of 
planting a small family orchard his operations 
have been confined to hay, grain and stock- 
raising. His long residence here has made him 
well known throughout the San Gabriel Valley, 
and his straightforward dealings with his fellow- 
men and his consistent course of life have gained 
him the respect and esteem of liis associates. 
In political matters he is a sound Republican, 
and has supported that party since its organiza- 
tion in 1856. Duiing the late war he was a 
strong Union man and a firm supporter of the 
National Government. In 1850 Mr. Smith was 
united in marriage with Miss Elinira Pierce, 
a native of New Hampshire, and a cousin of 
President Franklin Pierce. She died in July, 
1887. From this marriage there were two chil- 
dren born. The first child, Mary, died August 
27, 1864, aged twelve years. The second child, 
Nicholas, is now (1889) living upon the old 



homestead and engagetl in conducting the farm 
operations. He married Miss Julia Newman 
in 1888. She is the daughter of John and Ade- 
lina Newman, residents of El Monte. Of this 
union one child has been born, Nicholas Erwin. 



ILLIAM H. SOUTHER is one of the 
pioneers of California, and, during the 
forty years he has resided in the State, 
has been engaged in some of the most extensive 
mining and irrigation enterprises that have been 
projected. He is a native of Oldham County, 
Kentucky, dating his birth in 1823. His par- 
ents, Abraham and Catherine (Harding) Souther, 
were both natives of that State. In 1887 his 
father moved to Moultrie County, Illinois, where 
he was extensively engaged in farming, milling 
and other enterprises. He was a prominent and 
leading man in that section. The subject of this 
sketch was reared and educated in that county, 
and in hisyoung manhood engaged with his father 
in his various enterprises. In 1848 ho conducted 
a drove of cattle to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, 
in which he was successful. In the spring 
of 1849 he entered into partnership with John 
Phillips and started across the plains for Cali- 
fornia. At Salt Lake Mr. Souther left the train 
and entered this State via the Truckee route- 
Mr. Phillipsendeavored to enter the Stwte through 
Death's Valley, but met with disaster and lost, 
the whole outfit. Upon his arrival Mr. Souther 
located at Auburn, Placer County, and soon be- 
came engaged in extensive mining operations. 
He was a man of broad views and courage to 
enter into large enterprises. In connection with 
Messrs. Bowen and Butterfield, he cut the first 
tunnel turning the middle fork of the American 
River, at Horseshoe Bend. The bed of the 
river thus exposed afterward yielded millions of 
dollars' worth of gold. In 1850 he sold out and 
located at Michigan Bluffs and opened mines at 
that point, many of which in later years proved 
immensely rich, among which was the noted 
Grey Eagle Mine, which in 100 days produced 



uisTonr OF ws anobles county. 



$100,000. In 1852 Mr. Siriither returned East, 
and after a short stay caine the second time to 
California, by the overland route, and located at 
San Leandro, Alameda County, where he en- 
gaged in general farming, and also in stock- 
raising in the San Joaquin Valley. In 1867 he 
moved to Gilroy, Santa Clara County, and for 
the next seven years was farming and stock- 
growing on the well-known Pacheco Ranch. In 
1874 he located at Bakei-sfield, Kern Connty, 
and for several years was engaged in large farm- 
ing operations in that section. While there he 
became interested in the large irrigation schemes 
of that period and was superintendent of the 
Kern Island Canal and the Buena Yista Canal. 
These enterprises required over a million dollars 
of capital, and necessitated the constructing of 
hundrediof miles of ditches. The duties and 
responsibilities of Mr. Souther's position soon 
broke him down and he was compelled to sus- 
pend his labor and seek a restoration of health. 
In 1878, after a partial recovery, he came to Los 
Angeles County and located at Newhall. There 
he engaged in extensive farming and stock grow- 
ing, occupying about 1.3,000 acres of land in his 
operations. Not meeting with the desired suc- 
cess in these enterprises, in 1881 he sold out anc' 
went to the Mojave and Calico Mines in San 
Bernardino County and spent the next two years 
in mining enterprises. In 1883 he returned 
East, remaining until the next year, when he 
again came to California. This time he located 
near Covina and entered into horticultural pur- 
suits upon a twenty-acre tract of land located 
in Covina school district, about one-fourth of a 
mile south of the San Bernardino road, and a 
half mile east of Covina. He has also under 
his care seventeen acres in orange grove belong- 
ing to his son. Mr. Souther is making a success 
in his fruit culture and is devoting his attention 
to deciduous as well as citrus fruits. He has 
ten acres in budded orange trees and about 
eight acres in apricots and French prunes. From 
three acres of apricot trees, in 1888, he gatiiered 
lifteen tons of tine fruit, the trees being but four 
\ \ years old. Mr. Souther is well known through- 



out a large section of California, and in whatever 
section he has resided he has gained tnany strong 
friends. He is a consistent Republican in poli- 
tics and has been prominent in the councils of 
that party. In Alameda County he was elected 
justice of the peace, holding the office ten years, 
and for four years was one of the associate judges 
of the county. He has been a member of the 
Christian Church since he was sixteen years old. 
In 1844 Mr. Souther married Miss Catherine 
Bigelow, of New York. She died in 1856, 
leaving live children, viz.: Angeline, now Mrs. 
A.E. Sawyer; Meream, now Mrs. Charles Wood; 
Elizabeth, now Mrs. C. Lathrop, all residents of 
San Bernadino County; Catherine, now Mrs. C. 
L. Connor, of Kern County; and William H., 
who is residing in San Francisco, and at this 
writing is cashier of the Home Mutual Insurance 
Company. In 1859 Mr. Souther married Miss 
Maria Huff, a native of Michigan. She died in 
1879, leaving the following named children: 
Sarah, Lucien and Cally. Sarah is residing with 
her father and the others are residents of Kern 
County. 

fEORGE W. SELLS.— The subject of this 
sketch was born in Wyandotte County, 
Ohio, in 1846, and is the son of John 
Sells, also a native of Ohio, and nee Mary 
McKisson, who was born in Pennsylvania. She 
was related to the famous McCook family of 
Ohio. Mr. Sells was reared to farm labor, re- 
ceiving a fair common school education in his 
youth. Early in life he engaged in railroading, 
commencing as a brakeman, and rapidly rising 
to important positions. At eighteen years of 
age he was an engineer, and afterward was in 
charge of construction work, still later beinu- 
conductor of passenger trains. In 1868, his 
health failing, he came to California and lirst 
located at Los Angeles, where he was employed 
by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as a 
freight clerk. He also purchased the Sweet 
Water Ranch in the Colorado Canon, and for 



HISTORY OF LOB ANGELES COVNTY. 



some time devoted himself to stock-growing. 
Not suited with that, he sold out and went to 
Sacramento, and in 1870 entered the employ of 
the Southern Pacific Eailroad as a conductor 
from Stockton to the Kern Itiver. In 1874 he 
located at Santa Barbara and conducted a black- 
smith shop until the following year, when he 
returned to Los Angeles County and rented a 
farm near Anaheim. Mr. Sells engaged, in 
general farming and stock-growing upon the 
farm land he purchased near Anaheim Land- 
ing, until 1878. In that year he returned to 
railroading and was engaged with the same 
company in various positions until 1882. Lie 
then took up his residence upon 160 acres of 
land at Vineland, and commenced its improve- 
ment. This land was then entirely wild and 
uncultivated, but well adapted to vine-growing. 
With his characteristic energy he applied him- 
self to viticulture and planted twenty acres of 
vines, also clearing his land for general farming. 
As his success became known other settlers 
came, and the town of Vineland was laid out, 
Mr. Sells devoting twenty acres of his land for 
the town site. In 1887 he erected a winery of 
30,000 gallons capacity, and also a distillery. In 
these enterprises he was associated with Mr. 
John R. Opitz, since deceased. In addition to 
his home farm he also om'us twenty acres in the 
San Gabriel Canon, which he is devoting to 
fruit cultivation, mostly cherries, and eighty 
acres of general farming land on the coast near 
Anaheim Landing. Mr. Sells is one of the most 
enterprising and progressive men of Yineland, 
and has done much toward the building up and 
establishment of that place. He takes a lead in 
any enterprise that will develop the resources of 
his chosen section. He is a man of practical 
ideas which he puts into operation in all his 
enterprises. In the present year (1889) he was 
elected water commissioner of his district, and 
is largely interested in the Vineland Irrigation 
System. He is also a school trustee of the dis- 
trict. In political matters Mr. Sells is an inde- 
pendent Democrat. In 1888 he was a delegate 
to the Democratic County Convention. In 1881 



Mr. Sells married Mrss Jessie Benton Wills, the 
daughter of William and Martha C. (Mardsdon) 
Wills. Mrs. Sells was born in Prescott, Min- 
nesota, in 1861. Her mother, now Mrs. Martha 
C. Davis, is a resident of Vineland. From this 
marriage there are two children: George Will- 
iam and Cora Edith. 



V^DWIN B. SMITH, of the firm of E. B. 
■Mil '^'"'*''' ^ Go., is at the head of one of the 
^' leading business establishments of Po- 
mona. This firm, consisting of himself and 
brother, W. D. Smith, was established in 1887, 
and afterward a partnership was formed with 
Messrs. Montgomery, Grant & Co., of Los An- 
geles, which continued until 1889. Their ware- 
house — devoted to agricultural implements, 
wagons, carriages, etc., — is located on the corner 
of Second and Ellen streets. Mr. Smith is a 
native of Richburg, Allegany County, New 
York, dating his birth January 6, 1843, his 
parents being William B. and Sarah (Tinkhain) 
Smith, both natives of that State. Mr. Smith 
was reared and educated in his native place and 
learned the trade of a wagon-maker. At the 
breaking out of the civil war in 1861, although 
less than eighteen years of age, he responded to 
the call of his country and entered the army as 
a private in Company C, Eighty-fifth Regiment 
of New York Volunteers. He served in that 
regiment for the full term of his enlistment of 
three years, and was a. participator in some of 
the hardest campaigns and severest battles of 
the war. His regiment was assigned to the 
Army of the Potomac, and was a part of Palmer's 
Brigade of Casey's Division at the siege of 
Yorktown, the battles of Williamsburg, Fair 
Oaks, and the memorable seven days' battle of 
the Peninsular campaign. After that he was 
in the Sixth Army Corps, and took part in the 
battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Get- 
tysburg, and Grant's overland campaign through 
the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Cold Harbor 
to the siege of Petersburg. At the expiration 



IIISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



of liis term of service lie was lioiiorably dis- 
cliarged and returned to his lioine in New York, 
after wliich he engaojed in work at his trade in 
the shops of liis fatlier until 1866. Pie then 
accompanied his father's family to Wisconsin 
and located at Eau Claire, where he engaged in 
farming until 1871. In that year he removed 
to Lyon County, Kansas, and established him- 
self in business in Hartford as a wagon-maker. 
There he remained until 1875 and then returned 
to his old hi)me in New York. Not suited with 
the prospects there, he engaged as a traveling 
agent for a manufacturing company until the 
next year, when he entered the employ of the 
Daniel Shaw Lumbering Company at Eau 
Claire, Wisconsin, and was their superintendent 
of supply camps, on the Chippewa River, until 
the mining excitement in the Black Hills, in 
1878, induced him to try his fortune* in that 
direction. That not proving a remunerative 
occupation, he returned in the fall of that year 
to Eau Claire, and for the next five years worked 
at his trade. In 1883 Mr. Smith came to Los 
Angeles County and located in Pomona. He 
was first employed in the shops of his brother, 
W. D. Smith, but soon after established works of 
his own, and took the agency of well-known man- 
ufacturers of agricultural implements, wagons, 
etc. He was also interested in other business 
enterprises, the most important of which was 
that of well boring, with his brother. In June, 
1887, he established his present business. Mr. 
Smith is also interested in horticultural pursuits, 
iuid is the owner of ten acres located about a 
mile and a quarter northwest of Pomona, which 
he has fully improved, planting a large variety 
of deciduous and citrus fruits. He and his 
brother, W. D. Smith, are also the owners of 
160 acres at Cucamonga, which they are devot- 
ing to citrus fruits; Mr. Smith is one ol" the 
go ahead business men to whon) tlie city of Po- 
mona is indebted for the rapid growth it has 
made in the past five years. He is a strong 
Kepublican and takes a deep interest in the suc- 
cess of his party. He is a member of Vicksburg 
Post, No. 61, G. A. R., of Pomona, and also of 



Pomona Lodge, No. 225, A. O. U. W. He re- 
tains his membership in the Hartford (Kansas) 
Lodge, No. 61, I. O. O. F. In the Knights of 
Pythias he is a member of Etna Lodge, No. 
107, and Uniform Rank, No. 4, of Pomona, and 
is First Lieutenant in the last-named order. He 
is a consistent member of the Baptist Churcli. 
September 1, 1862, Mr. Smith was united in 
marriage with Miss Garphelia A. Maxson, the 
daughter of David and Amanda (Coon) Max- 
son, of New Yoi-k. From this marriage there 
are eight children: Mary E., Alice E., Cassius 
M., Arthur S., Austin H., Jessie, William B., 
and Loy. Mary E. married Charles Woodruff, 
and is now (1889) residing in Gibbons, Ne- 
braska. The other children are members of 
their parents' household. 



^ARRY E. SMITH dates his birth in Ricli- 
|B\ burg, Allegany County, New York, July 
Wi 12, 1849. His father, William B. Smith, 
was a native of that State, and was a blacksmith 
and wagon-maker by occupation. His mother, 
Cyntha (Tinkham) Smith, was also a native of 
New York. ' Mr. Smith was reared in his native 
place until 1866, when his father moved to Wis- 
consin and located at Eau Claire, where he en- 
gaged in farming. To that occupation the sub- 
ject of this sketch was reared, and later eucra"-ed 
in lumbering, and in the mills at Eau Claire. 
In 1871 he accompanied his father to Lyon 
County, Kansas, and there engaged in farming 
and stock-raising. In 1874 Mr. Smith married 
Miss Ida Tubbs, the daughter of Martin and 
Emma (Fuchfield) Tubbs, the former a native of 
New England, and the latter of England. After 
his marriage he continued his residence and 
farming occupations in Kansas until 1883. In 
that year he returned to Wisconsin and located 
in Dunn County, where he engaged in farming, 
and in the winters followed lumbering in the 
pineries. Afterward he went to railroading and 
was in the employ of the Minneapolis & Omaha 
Railroad, as foreman over buildings and repair 



Hisronr of los anoeles county. 



work, until 1887. lie then came to Los Angeles 
County, located in Pomona, and was employed 
as a clerk by his brothers in the firm of E. B. 
Smith & Co., until the next year, lie then en- 
tered into partnership with John Gould, estab- 
lished his present business under the firm name 
of Smith & Gould, dealers in coal, wood, hay 
etc., and opened his store on Second street be- 
tween Main and Thomas streets. Mr. Smith is 
an energetic and industrious citizen and is secur- 
ing a success in his business. In 1888 he was 
elected constable of San Jos^ Township, which 
responsible office he holds at the present writ- 
ing (1889). In politics he is a straightforward 
Republican, and a worker in the ranks of that 
party. He is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: 
Emma E., Pearl and Myrtle. 

— '^m^w^^ — 

A. TEMPLETON. — This gentleman, 
though not an early settler of Soutli- 
* ern California, has thoroughly identi- 
himself with its best interests, and is rec- 
ognized as one of the rising young men of Los 
Angeles County. He came to this county in 
1886 and purchased sixty acres of land a mile 
and three-quarters west of Compton, on which 
he has a fine vineyard of six acres, and a beau- 
tiful orchard containing seventy bearing orange 
trees, besides apples, apricots, peaches, etc. In . 
passing by his farm one is struck with the neat- 
ness and order of the surroundings. Mr. Tem- 
pleton is a native of Cole County, Missouri, 
born in Jefferson City, and is the son of Absa- 
lom and Louisa (Johnson) Templeton. His 
father is still living and is a wealthy farmer in 
Missouri. He had in all thirteen children, five 
by his first wife and eight by his second, the 
subject of this sketch being the third of the 
second family. Mr. Templeton came to the 
Golden State in 1882, and for a few years success- 
fully carried on farming operations in Santa P>ar- 
bara County. II ere he was married in November, 
1885, the lady of his choice being Miss Lovilla 



Sheffield, a native of Dallas County, Iowa. They 
have two children: Olive Clare and Jessie Noelie. 
Mr. Templeton is a member of the I. O. O. F. 
fraternity at Compton, Centennial Lodge, No. 
247, and his excellent wife is a communicant of 
the Seventh Day Adventist Church. 



fM. TIBBETTS, contractor, 150 North 
Workman street, East Los Angeles, is a 
* native of Indiana, and was born Decem- 
ber 15 1840. He attended school there until 
twelve years of age, when his parents removed 
to Iowa, in 1852, and settled in Des Moines 
County. There he was reared and educated. 
He learned the trade of carpenter and joiner of 
his father, who was a builder in the strictest 
sense of the word, and a prominent contractor. 
Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion, the 
subject of this sketch enlisted in the First Iowa 
Regiment at the first call for troops, in the 
three months' service, and was in the battle of 
Wilson Creek. He enlisted in the Twenty-fifth 
Iowa Regiment for three years; was with General 
Sherman in hisattackonVicksburg,in November, 
1862; at the battle of Arkansas Post, January 
11, 1863; and at Raymond, where the Captain 
of his company was taken prisoner. Mr. Tib- 
betts was promoted to the Second Lieutenancy; 
was at Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, 
and through the siege of Vicksburg, where he 
was promoted to First Lieutenant. He was in 
numerous battles and raids, and was taken sick 
in crossing the country, and sent to the hospital 
at Paducah for a short time, this being his only 
sickness during his service. He joined his regi- 
ment at Chattanooga, and in crossing the river, 
owing to a break in the pontoon bridge, his 
regiment was thrown with Hooker, and he 
served under liim at the battle of Lookout 
Mountain; was in a number of battles and in 
the siege and capture of Atlanta. After the 
siege he was one of the lucky ones to draw a 
furlough; was with Sherman on his memorable 
march to the sea, at the capture of Savannah, in 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



the marcli across South Carolina, and being on 
the skirmish line, his regiment was the first to 
enter Columbia. After the surrender of that 
city, Lieutenant Tibbetts was placed in command 
of the arsenal. He was at the battle of Benton- 
ville, the last battle of the war; then to Raleigh, 
Eichniond, and Washington, receiving his pre 
liminary discharge at the latter place, June 6, 
1865. After the war he returned to Iowa, and 
engaged in farming until 1871. He then became 
interested in building. In 1873 he came to 
California, reaching Marysville, October 1. He 
engaged in building there and in Butte County. 
In 1881 he came to Los Angeles, and since then 
has been identified with the contracting and 
building interests here. Mr. Tibbetts was united 
in marriage, September 19, 1862, to Miss Jo- 
anna McNeal, a native of Adams County, Ohio. 
They have had three children, only one of whom 
survives, Nannie L., now Mrs. Frank J. Cooper, 
residing on Downey avenue, East Los Angeles. 

•^•^'^ 



fTEPHEN TOWNSEND, one of the chief 
business men of Pasadena, moved from 
Hamilton County, Indiana, his birthplace, 
to Iowa, when very young, and lived on a farm 
near Iowa City until he arrived at the age of 
legal majority. On coming to California, in 
1867, he entered the fruit business; but about 
seven years ago he began taking contracts for 
street and railroad work, and has had some of 
the largest contracts in Los Angeles and San 
Bernardino counties, handling over $250,000 
cash. He secured the first franchise for a street 
railway in Pasadena, organized the Pasadena 
Street Railway Company, and built the road; 
also built nearly all the street railroads in the 
city, as also the Alhambra and Altadena Street 
Railroad. He is now president of the company 
named, and is sole proprietor of the mills of the 
Pasadena Milling Company, which do a pros- 
perous business. At present he has some large 
contracts for street grading in the city of Los 
Angeles. He is a member of the city council. 



In short, Mr. Townsend is one of the most 
active business men in the county. In 1869 he 
married Annie Carroll, and his family consists 
of two daughters and a son. 

— ^€®»Jil>-^- 

fTIBBET, farmer, near Santa Monica, was 
born in Medina County, Ohio, December 
" 18, 1822, and is a son of Jonathan and 
Huldah (Root) Tibbet. His father was born in 
New York State, and his mother in Vermont, 
and they trace their ancestry back to the Ger- 
mans. They had a very large family, fourteen 
children in all, of whom the subject of this 
sketch is the sixth. He spent his early life like 
most other boys, and at the age of twenty-two 
years was married. He chose for the partner of 
his life Miss Pluebe Paint, of Akron, Ohio, but 
formerly from New York State. Her parents' 
names were Stephen and Eleanor (Scofield) 
Paint. Her father was a pioneer of Ohio and 
a well-to-do farmer. In 1840 Mr. Tibbet with 
his family started for California, across the 
plains. Leaving the Missouri River, July 4, 

1849, he arrived in Los Angeles, February 17, 

1850. He at once went to the mines in El Do- 
rado County, where he was very successful. On 
one particular day he took out $8,580 worth. 
After this he went back to Ohio and remained 
until 1853, when he again set his face toward 
the setting sun, bringing with him a drove of 
cattle and sheep. He came by the old Spanish 
trail, or Southern route, and was among the first 
to venture on its perilous way. After arriving 
at El Monte he farmed successfully for several 
years, when he moved to Compton, and subse- 
quently bought 100 acres of land where he now 
lives, four miles northeast of Santa Monica. 
This farm he has improved, and to-day he is 
running a dairy of nearly a hundred cows, being 
one of the leading dairymen in the county. Mr. 
and Mrs. Tibbet have reared three children, all 
now married and doing well. They are: Sa- 
mantha, wife of William M. Snody, of El 
Monte; Jonathan F., of San Luis Obispo 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



County, and ThcEbe J., wife of P. N. Arnold, 
of San Diego Connty. Mr. and Mrs. Tihbet 
liave been among the very first to enter the wild 
wastes of what has since become, as it were, the 
garden of the world. They have bravely met 
and faced the hardships and privations of pio- 
neer lifJB, and have toiled together, liand in hand, 
to make a home, in which tliey have been suc- 
cessful; and they are now living at ease and 
comfort, having contributed their share to the 
material advancement of the interests of the 
county they love so welL 



fOIlN M. THOMAS.— Among the well- 
known men of Los Angeles County is the 
above named gentleman. Mr. Thomas was 
born in Kandolph Connty, Indiana, February 
14, 1836. His parents were Benjamin and 
Eliza (Morris) Thomas, the former a native of 
South Carolina, and tlie latter of North Caro- 
lina. They both came to Indiana when chil- 
dren, and were reared in that State. The 
subject of this sketch was reared on his father's 
farm, and when but fourteen years of age the 
death of his father threw upon him the care 
and responsibility of the farm and family; and 
he was thus early in life not only inured to hard 
labor, but was taught to bear the burden and 
responsibilities of manliood. He continued 
upo 



n the old homestead in Indiana until 1856, 
wlien he moved to Nebraska and commenced 
pioneer farming in that new country. In 1859 
he continued his westward march and came 
across the plains to California, arriving in Plu- 
mas Connty in August, 1859. There he en- 
gaged in mining and logging until the next 
January, when he moved to Nevada and located 
in Thomas's Canon, near Washoe Valley. There 
he engaged in the lumber business, owning 
mills and carrying on an extensive business for 
years. During that time he was also engaged 
more or less in mining enterprises. In 1868 
Mr. Thomas closed out his business in Nevada 
and returned to California, locating in Los An- 



geles Connty, at El Monte, where lie engaged 
in farming until the fall of 1871: He then 
turned his attention to sheep-raising, and spent 
the next two years in San Bernardino County. 
In 1873 he retnrned to Los Angeles Connty, 
and had his herds in various locations until 
1877. In that year he rented the Town Kanch 
and other lands wliere the town of Wliittier 
now stands. From nearly his first occupation 
of those lands he commenced their purchase. 
In his sheep-raising and general farming he was 
successful, and was soon the owner of a large 
tract of land. In 1886 he sold out his inter- 
ests at Whittier to Birch & Bold, and established 
his residence in Los Angeles. In January, 1887, 
Mr. Thomas became interested in Monrovia, 
purchasing 160 acres, known as the Beal Ranch, 
located on the north side of Banana avenue. 
Upon this he has made many improvements in 
tree-planting, and he has also developed three 
inches of water in the Clam-Shell Canon. At 
this writing Mr. Thomas is the owner of ninety 
acres of his original purchase, mostly hill and 
canon land. He has nine acres planted with 
fruit trees, three acres in oranges, and the bal- 
ance in deciduous fruits, comprising apples, 
apricots, plums, peaches, etc. He is an ener- 
getic and enterprising man, and is destined to 
have one of the finest places in Monrovia. He 
is a believer in the future possibilities of Mon- 
rovia, and is a strong supporter of any enter- 
prise that tends to build up that city and Los 
Angeles County. He is one of the incorpora- 
tors and a director of the Granite Bank of Mon- 
rovia. In political matters Mr. Thomas is a 
stanch Republican, and is well known as a 
worker in the ranks of his party. He has sev- 
eral times been a member of county and State 
conventions, and is also a member of the State 
Central Committee. For over twenty- five years 
he has been a member of the Odd-fellows order, 
and is now aflSliated with Los Angeles Lodge, 
No. 35. Mr. Thomas is a successful man in 
life's pursuits, and may well be styled a self- 
made man. His sterling qualities and con- 
sistent mode of life have a:ained him hosts of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANOBLES COUNTY. 



friends in whatever coinnmnity he has resided. 
Although he has many interests in Monrovia, 
he still retains his residence in East Los Ange- 
les. In 1866 Mr. Thomas married Miss Jane 
Champion, the daughter of James Champion, 
of New York. There is but one child from 
this marriage, Mary Nevada, now the wife of 
Milton S. Monroe, of Monrovia. 



tLBERT T. TAYLOR is one of the well- 
known residents and horticulturists of the 
old Duarte section. In January, 1881, he 
purchased twenty-five acres of partially im- 
proved land on what is now California avenue, 
in the Monrovia school district, about one mile 
south of the city of Monrovia. He cleared this 
land and entered into horticnltnral pursuits and 
now, 1889, has one of the representative places 
of his section. His improvements are first-class, 
comprising a cheap cottage residence. He has 
seventeen acres in fruit trees, nearly all in good 
bearing, a'lnong which are 250 seedling and 
budded orange trees and seventy English walnut 
trees. The rest comprises a large variety of 
deciduous fruits such as apricots, peaches, apples, 
pears, French prunes, plums, nectarines, quinces, 
tigs, etc. All of the present improvements have 
been made by him. Mr. Taylor is a pioneer of 
California, and a review of his life will be found 
of interest. He is the son of James and Mary 
(Pickard) Taylor, and dates his birth in Penob- 
scot County, Maine, September 18, 1822. His 
parents were both natives of that State and de- 
scendants of old colonial families. Mr. Taylor 
was reared to the life of a New England farmer, 
receiving such an education as could be obtained 
in the common schools. Of these advantages 
he availed himself so well that at the age of nine- 
teen years he became a teacher of otliers, and 
continued in the occupation of teaching and 
clerking until 1844. lie then moved to Boston, 
Massachusetts, and engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits as a clerk until the gold fever of 1849 
swc])t over the country and di'tcnnincd him to 



try his fortunes in the new El Dorado. In the 
spring of 1849 he joined a company of forty- 
nine persons, called the Sagamore and Sacramento 
Manufactnringand Mining Company. Tliis party 
left Boston in March of that year, proceeding to 
Booneville, Missouri, where they fitted out for 
a trip across the plains. Many dissensions arose 
in the company, and upon their arrival at 
the Platte River, they disbanded and formed 
themselves into five companies, each company 
making their own way toward California. The 
company of which Mr. Taylor was a member 
took the South Pass route, and came into the 
State via Sublett's Cut-off. They were subjected 
to many hardships from loss of animals, etc., 
and Mr. Taylor made over 300 miles of the 
journey on foot. His first location was on the 
Sacramento River, about thirteen miles from 
what is now the town of Colusa. There lie re- 
mained until June, 1850, when he located at 
Placerville. He engaged in mining enterprises 
with varying success, and was one of the pio- 
neers in sluice mining in the El Dorado County. 
He also engaged in mercantile pursuits, estab- 
lishing and conducting two general merchandise 
stores. Mr. Taylor followed his various enter- 
prises until the discovery of silver mines in Ne- 
vada, in 1859, when he went to that State and 
located at Carson City. He was one of the pio- 
neers of that place. After selling dry-goods and 
clothing for two years he entered upon market 
gardening, suppl^nng Carson City and the sur- 
rounding country. In this he continued until 
1867. In 1868 he returned to California and 
established his residence at Santa Cruz, where 
he continued his gardening operations atid also 
engaged in general farming. In January, 1875, 
Mr. Taylor came to Los Angeles County and 
located at Westminister and engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits until he came to his present 
residence. During his forty years of residence 
upon tlie Pacific Coast, Mr. Taylor has devoted 
most, of his attention to agricultural and horti- 
cultural pursuits. He raised the first peaches 
over grown in El Dorado County, in 1856. He 
states that lie sol<l sixty iieaelies for ^45. iM r. 



UI8T0RT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



Taylor has taken a great interest in the improve- 
ment and development ofDuarte. He was one 
of the original incorporators and directors of the 
Beardslee Water Ditch Gonjpany, and was the 
first secretary of the company. He lias ever 
been an earnest advocate and supporter of ichools 
and churches. He is a member and deacon of 
the Congregational Church at Monrovia, and has 
been a consistent jneniber of churches of differ- 
ent denominations for more than fifty j'ears. He 
is a member of San Lorenzo Lodge, No. 147, 
L O. O. F., of Santa Cruz, and in 1859 was 
admitted to the Grand Lodge and Grand En- 
campment of Calilornia, and was Deputy Grand 
Master of the El Dorado district from May, 
1859, to May, 1860. In political matters Mr. 
Taylor is a supporter of the Prohibition party, 
but was a Republican from the formation of that 
party until 1884. Mr. Taylor has by his straight- 
forward dealing and consistent mode of life 
gained the respect and esteem of whatever com- 
munity he has resided in. March 2, 1853, he 
married Miss Mary L. Towle, the daughter of 
Josiah and Lucinda (Morrison) Towle, of Maine. 
There are seven children living from this mar- 
riage, viz.: Albert L., who married Miss Eliza 
Decker, residing at Pomona; Edward Frank, 
who married Miss Sarah J. Ball, now of San 
Jose; Marion T., a resident of Eureka, Plum- 
boldt County; Charles E., a school-teacher at La 
Verne, Los Angeles County, and PVederick W., 
residing in San Francisco (the two last men- 
tioned are graduates of the Normal School at 
Los Angeles); William A., a resident of Po- 
mona; and Harriet E., who is a member of her 
father's household. 

^€(i:®»'7^^ 

fOHN VILLI NGER is the owner of one of 
the most complete nurseries to be found in 
the San Gabriel Valley. His ten-acre tract 
of land is located about four miles south of 
Azusa, in the Azusa school distr.ict. Mr. Vil- 
linger purchased this land and started his nurs- 
ery in May, 1887, and his success is best shown 



by stating that at this writing (April, 1889), he 
has 40,000 Washington Navel orange trees and 
80,000 seedlings which are ready for budding. 
The most of his attention has been devoted to 
citrus fruits, but he is now entering into the 
production of ornamental trees and fioral prod- 
ucts, lie gives a personal attention to his 
nurser}', and is constantly studying to gain the 
best results to be obtained. His improvements 
consist of a substantial cottage residence and 
well-ordered out-buildings, etc., besides two cot- 
tages for his employes. Mr. Villinger is a na- 
tive of California, dating his birth at Stockton, 
May 16, 1852, the son of Leo and Mary Villin- 
ger. His father was a native of Germany, who 
in early manhood emigrated to the United States, 
and followed the occupation of a jeweler in 
various cities in the East until 1849, when he 
came to California and located in Stockton, where 
he established hitnself in business. After some 
five years there he took up his residence ten 
miles from Stockton and engaged in farming, 
which he continued until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1874. The subject of this sketch was 
reared as a farmer, upon his father's farm, until 
he reached his majority. Pie then went to Butte 
County and located at Briggs Station, where he 
engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1878. In 
that year he returned to San Joaquin County, 
and took up his residence at Lodi, engaging in 
trading, i-eal-estate business, etc. In 1883 Mr. 
Villinger located at San Jacinto, San Diego 
County, and opened a real-estate business which 
he conducted until March, 1887, when he came 
to Los Angeles County and located about two 
miles south of Azusa. The next two months 
were spent in seeking a desirable place in which 
to establish his nursery, and finally selecting his 
present location, he entered heartily into carry- 
ing out his design of establishing a really rep- 
resentative nursery of Southern California. It 
is not a large amount of trees that he is seek- 
ing to produce but an approved variety of a 
thrifty and hardy growth that shall be free from 
disease or scale. Mr. Villinger is a strong be- 
liever in his section as one of the finest and 



HISTOBT OF LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



most productive fruit-growing sections in Los 
Angeles County, and is ready to aid any enter- 
prise that will develop its resources and invite a 
desirable class of settlers. lie is a stockholder 
in the Azusa Water Development and Irrigation 
Company, which company supplies his land 
with water. In political matters he is an ardent 
Republican. lie is a member of Lodi Lodge, 
No. 259, I. O. 0. F. In 1879 Mr. Villinger 
married Miss Belle Lewis, a native of Wash- 
ington Territory. Her parents, Gabriel and 
Louise (Carroll) Lewis, were from Indiana, but 
were among the pioneers of Washington Terri- 
tory. There is but one ciiild born from this 
marriage, Arthur Delay. Mr. Villinger's mother 
is now residing in Santa Ana. His sister, Mrs. 
Catherine Goodwin, and his brother Leo are 
also residents of that place. His brother Asa 
is in his employ and living upon the nursery 
farm. His other brother, Lucien, is a resident 
of Hollister, California. 

fUDGE J. W. VENABLE.— By virtue of 
his long residence here and the useful life 
he has led, few are more deserving of hon- 
orable mention in the history of this great and 
famous county than is Judge J. W. Venable, 
who, having come to the Golden State in the 
days of 1849, has passed through the varied ex- 
periences incident to pioneer life, and is now 
enjoying a well-deserved prosperity. He was 
born in Shelby County, Kentucky, in 1831, and 
is a son of Samuel and Louisa (Allen) Venable. 
His ancestors were originally from Prince Ed- 
ward County, Virginia. The paternal grand- 
father was a pioneer in Kentucky with Daniel 
Boone, and was of Scotch origin. At the age 
of si.xteen years the subject of this sketch en- 
tereil tlie Mexican war, where he served three 
months. When he was seventeen he came to 
California and at once engaged in mining in 
Placer County. He was also interested in farm- 
ing and stock-raising, and has followed the latter 
two occupations for thirty years. In 1852 he 



was married in Placer County, the lady of his 
choice being Miss Angelina Garrett. This 
union was blessed with one child, Elizabeth 
Louisa, now the wife of Joseph Albright. Mrs. 
Venable died in 1860, and in 1861 Mr. Venable 
again married, choosing for his second wife 
Miss Ann Elizabeth Tate, of Contra Costa 
County. From this marriage there are thirteen 
children: Samuel Pierce, Caroline, Nellie, Mat- 
tie, John A., Villa Marsh, Joseph W., Charlie 
Bush, Mary H., Lulu Enbanks, Aggie, Andrew 
and George. In 1869 the subject of this sketch 
moved to Los Angeles County, and purchased 
fifty acres of land one mile south of Downey. 
At present he is the owner of 200 acres of fine 
land, all under a high state of cultivation. Judge 
Venable has served the public in numerous and 
responsible positions. He was elected on the 
Democratic ticket and served in the Assembly 
one year, 1873-'74; for three years he was 
assessor of Los Angeles County, 1881 to 1883; 
was supervisor two and a half years, 1886 to 
1888; and while in Contra Costa County he 
served as justice of the peace and associate jus- 
tice. Socially he is a Mason, and member of 
the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. 

fHE UNION IRON WORKS, Nos. 806, 
808, 810 and 312 East First street, Los An- 
geles. This business, which holds a lead- 
ing position among the manufacturing concerns 
of this city engaged in making boilers, steam 
derricks and machinery, was established in 1884. 
The works occupy a frontage of 250x150 feet, and 
are fitted up with improved machinery adapted 
for the business, giving employment to from 
forty to fifty hands when running to their full 
capacity. The lines of manufacture include 
electric dynamos, boilers, oil and water-tanks, 
steam-pumps, beams, girders and plates, steam 
derricks, agricultural iron works, iron and brass 
castings and finishings, etc. They have a 
foundry in connection with thoir machine and 
iron works, and do all kinds of foundry and nia- 



HISTORY OP LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



chine work. The business of the Union Iron 
"Works is very large, with a heavy patronage in 
the city and all parts of California. Albert 
Thomas, the proprietor of the Union Iron Works, 
is a native of Swansea, South Wales. After 
reaching manhood he went to Australia, engaged 
in mining, and remained there nine years. 
Thence he went to New Zealand, and from there 
came to America. After reaching San Fran- 
cisco, he went through the different miniiig 
camps to Salt Lake City, and through tiie Little 
Cottonwood district, and was at Alta City during 
the Emma Mine excitement. He came to this 
city in 1886, and since then has been at the head 
of the Union Iron Works, one of the most ex- 
tensive manufacturing industries in Los Angeles. 
Isaac Thomas, brother of the preceding, has 
charge of the office and tinancial department of 
the business just described, and he is also a 
native of South Wales, England. He came to 
the United States in 1867, engaged in mining 
interests, and went through the mining camps of 
the West — Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. 
He was in Salt Lake City from 1871 to 1874; 
came from Denver, Colorado, in 1886, and since 
then has held his present position in the man- 
agement of the Union Iron Works. 



fAMES YELSIR, capitalist, 422 Buena Vista 
street, was born in New York City, October 
4, 1836. His parents removed to Stock- 
port during his early boyhood, where he attended 
school. In 1855 he went to Norwalk, Ohio, 
and served an apprenticeship to the trade of a 
machinist. He next went to Chicago and worked 
at his trade there and at Galesburg in the shops 
of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, 
and also in the railroad shops at Milwaukee and 
Janesville. In April, 1871, he came to the 
Pacific Coast and was connected with the rail- 
road shops at Sacramento. Mr. Velsir was ap- 
pointed master mechanic of the Truckee Division 
of the Central Pacific at Wadsworth, Nevada, 
and held that position six years. In April, 



1877, he came to Los Angeles as master me- 
chanic of the shops of the Southern Pacific 
Railroad, and held that position ten years. He 
was elected a member of the city council and 
served acceptably in that capacity two years. 

^-3--^ 

ILL 1 AM H. WORKMAN was born at 
Booneville, Missouri, in 1839. His 
father's name was David Workman, and 
his mother's maiden name was Nancy llonk. 
The family moved to California in 1854, where 
the father had a brother, William Workman, 
who had come here years before, and was then 
living on the rancho of La Puente, in this 
county. David Workman, who died in 1854, 
had three sons: Tliomas H., who married Mary 
Alice Woodworth, and was killed by the ex- 
plosion of the Ada Hancock steamer in the 
Wilmington Harbor, April 27, 1863; Elijah H. 
still living on Boyle Heights; and William H., 
the subject of this sketch. The latter learned 
the printer's trade before he left Booneville, and 
he followed that business after his arrival in 
Los Angeles, working on the Southern Califor- 
nia. Afterward, and for about twenty years, 
he was connected with his brother in the sad- 
dlery and harness business. In 1867 he mar- 
ried Miss Maria E. Boyle, daughter of Mr. A. A. 
Boyle, from whom the bluffs on the other side 
of the river (where the latter, an early pioneer, 
lived) was named. Mr. Boyle had planted an 
orchard and vineyard on the bottoms between 
the river and the bluffs, and had built a wine 
cellar and was engaged, in a modest way, in the 
wine business. Mr. Workman, the son-in-law, 
has greatly enlarged the business by planting 
on the uplands, east of the old Boyle homestead, 
over 100,000 vines, mostly of the best foreign 
varieties. He has shown much enlightened 
public spirit in improving that beautiful suburb, 
Boyle Heights, by actively aiding in the intro- 
duction of water, street car lines, etc. Mr. 
Workman has served the city as a councilman 
many terms; also as a member of the board of 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



education. lie filled the office of mayor for 
the years 1887-'88. Being thoroughly ac- 
quainted with tlie afl'airs of the municipality, 
and bein^ a man of high probity, his public 
services have been very valuable. No one has 
ever charged him with being connected with 
jobbery of any kind. The better class of citi- 
zens, without distinction of party, especially ap- 
preciate his effijrts as mayor to secure clean, 
honest and effcient siovernment for the city. 
During the war of tiie Eebellion Mr. Workman 
was a stanch Union man; before and since he 
has been a Democrat, nevertheless he has not 
hesitated to antagonize the lower and corrupt 
wing of that party. It may be said with per- 
fect truth that he has made a record as a citizen 
and an official that he and his children may 
always be proud of. He has six children, two 
sons and four daughters. 



aLLIAM II. WINSTON, deceased, was 
one of the prominent and representa- 
tive agriculturists of the San Gabriel 
Valley, and was for twenty years identified with 
its interests. lie was a native of Huntsville, 
Alabama, born in IS 13, and was a descendant 
of one of the most prominent families of that 
State. He was reared as a farmer and cotton- 
planter, and while in that State devoted the 
most of his attention to agricultural pursuits. 
In 1868 he came to California and located at 
San Gabriel, where he purchased 180 acres of 
land from B. D. Wilson. This land was then 
in an uncultivated state, but of deep, rich soil, 
varied in its character. Mr. Winston at once 
commenced its cultivation and improvement, 
|ilanting orchards and vineyards, erecting a 
comfortable cottage home and suitable out-build- 
ings. He was successful in his enterprise, and 
soon built up one of the most productive farms 
in the valley. At the present writing (1889) 
this tine farm comprises 160 acres, forty of 
which are in oranges. Tiiere is also a large 
variety of deciduous fruits for family use. Con- 



siderable land is devoted to vegetable cultiva- 
tion, for market purposes. The larger portion, 
however, is used for hay, grain and stock pur- 
poses. Plenty of water is obtained for irri- 
gation purposes, from never-failing springs, 
supplying a large reservoir, from which the 
water is conveyed in ditches to the land as re- 
quired. Mr. Winston died in 1886, leaving a 
large circle of friends and acquaintances by 
whom he was universally respected and esteemed, 
and who joined his bereaved family in sincerely 
mourning his death. He was a man of broad 
mind and progressive views. In political mat- 
ters he was Democratic, and was a man whose 
influence was always exerted for what he con- 
sidered the best interests of his party. He was 
a Mason and affiliated with El Monte Lodge, 
No. 104, F. & A. M. Mr. Winston was thrice 
married : First, to Miss Mary Jones, of Alabama; 
second, to Miss Mary Winston, also of Alabama; 
and his third marriage was with Miss Mary 
Watts, who was born in Alabama, and is the 
daughter of Edwin Watts, a native of Virginia. 
From the first and second marriages there are 
three children living: William, who is a resi- 
dent of Texas; Langston, a resident of Pasa- 
dena, and Mary, now Mrs. Dillard, residing in 
Alabama. From the third marriage there are 
five children living: Charles, who married Miss 
Kate Manning, of Downey; Lyddar, Pettus, 
Edwin and Alice, all of whom at this writing 
(1889) are living with the widow, upon the old 
homestead. 



tORENZ VAN DEIl LECK, capitalist, 82 
South Main street, Los Angeles, was born 
in Schleswig-llolstein, February 25, 1811. 
He attended school and served an apprcntioe- 
siiip to the trade of carpenter and joiner in his 
native country. In 1832 he went to Hamburg 
and remained five years. From there he went to 
Strasburg, Switzerland, then to Paris, and from 
there shipped to South America. After visiting 
ditferent parts of South America he came to Call- 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



foriiia, reaching San Pedro, November 4, 1849. 
During his long voyage he secured material at 
the ditl'erent ports, and made a house, all ready 
to put together. After his arrival in Los Ange- 
les he put it up on the corner of Main and First 
streets, using it as a dwelling house, and re- 
maining here two years. However, the times 
becoming dull, he went to San Francisco, where 
he was employed at his trade for three years, 
after which he returned to Los Angeles. He 
was successfully engaged in building for over 
thirty years, and when he retired from active 
business was the oldest contractor and builder 
in Southern California. He erected the block 
where he now lives on Main street, in 1854, it 
being the first brick building in Los Angeles. 
The lot he purchased in 1850, and his property 
lias become very valuable. In October, 1854, 
he married Miss Caroline Geiger, a native of 
Wirtemberg, Germany. She died in 1861, 
leaving two children. Caroline, the older, was 
married May 11, 1878, to Edmund Lewz, a 
native of Prussia, Germany. They have five 
children: Emma, Walter, Edmund, Carrie and 
Paul. Henry, the son, is residing in this city, 
and was married October 1, 1888, to Miss Cece- 
lia Mott, a native of Los Angeles, and daughter 
of T. D. Mott, Esq., an old and honored resi- 
dent of this city. 



KVING A. WHITE is one to be classed 
among the pioneers of the Sierra Madre Col- 
ony, having entered the fourth or fifth resi- 
dence tract in the colony. He took up Jiis 
residence on a twenty-acre tract, located on the 
north side of Central avenue, east of Sierra 
Madre avenue, in November, 1881. His tract 
was wild and uncultivated, but with character- 
istic energy he commenced its cultivation and 
improvement, building a modest cottage resi- 
dence and planting citrus and deciduous fruits. 
He resided upon that tract, engaging in horti- 
cultural pursuits until 1887 when he sold out 
and purchased three acres of land on the north- 



east corner of Central and Auburn avenues, 
where he has since resided. This place he is 
making one of the representative homes of the 
colony, planting a large variety of citrus and 
deciduous fruits and table grapes. His original 
tract was sold to Mr. Frank Irwin, who subdi- 
vided and sold it in villa lots. Mr. White has 
taken an active part in building up Sierra Madre. 
He was one of the original incorporators of the 
Sierra Madre Water Company, and has served 
fo-r years as one of its directors. He has spent 
more than twenty-five years of his life upon the 
Pacific Coast. He is a native of Cayuga County, 
and dates his birth in 1841. His father, Till- 
inghast White, was a native of Massachusetts, 
who, in his early manhood, settled in New York 
and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He mar- 
ried Miss Sarah Nutt, a native of that State. 
Mr. White was reared upon his father's farm 
and became well versed in the practical opera- 
tions of farm life. Of an adventurous and am- 
bitious disposition, he was not content with the 
staid life of a New York farmer, and at the age 
of twenty years, in 1861, came via the Isthmus 
route to California. His first year was spent in 
the Willamette Valley, Oregon, in farm labor, 
after which he located in Placer and El Dorado 
counties, where he was employed in the copper 
mines. In 1863 he started out on a prospecting 
tour in Nevada. After devoting several months 
to that precarious occupation he located at Pio- 
che, Nevada, and for several years was engaged 
in the mines and quartz mills in that section. 
In 1872 he again engaged in prospecting and 
locating mines, and spent about two years in 
Arizona, principally in the Wallapi district, after 
which he returned to California and was for 
several years in the northern portion of the 
State and in Nevada. In 1878 he returned to 
New York, and in that year married Miss Jo- 
sephine Wright, a native of that State, and the 
daughter of Ulysses A. and Eliza (Lawton) 
Wright, both of whom were natives of New 
York. In 1880 Mr. White returned to California 
and located in Los Angeles County, and after 
an extended trip through Arizona and Me.\ico, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTT. 



finally took np his residence in the Sierra Madre 
Colony, where he commenced the life of a horti- 
culturist. He is an enterprising and progressive 
citizen, and during his residence here has been 
identified with the building up of the county, 
having real estate interests in Pasadena and 
Monrovia. He is also the owner of a tine five- 
acre tract on the corner of Central and Mark- 
ham avenues in Sierra Madre. Tliis property 
is well improved, being planted with a fine va- 
riety of citrus and deciduous fruits and Muscat 
grapes. Mr. White is a member and a trustee 
of the First Congregational Church of Sierra 
Madre. Politically he is a Republican. 



PS. WESTON.— To the casual observer, and 
much more so to one who makes it a study, 
" is there something at once interesting and 
fascinating about the life, character, and history 
of tlie California pioneers. They were, as a 
class, exceptional men, strong in most of the 
qualities that make up the typical American 
character. They were energetic, courageous, 
and far-seeing. Coming, as they did, from all 
parts of the world, and braving many dangers 
and perils, the careers of many were full of in- 
cidents, and their life histories read like romance. 
In 1856 the subject of this sketch drifted here 
on the ocean as a sailor. He was born in Salem, 
Massachusetts, in 1832. His father was a sea 
captain, had traveled over the whole world, and 
was buried on the west coast of Africa in 1835. 
With his brother, B. S. Weston, he also followed 
the sea, launching out when he was but fifteen 
years of age. His first voyages were to the 
east and west of South America. Then he made 
several trips between San Francisco and China. 
This was in the days of sail vessels, and on one 
of these voyages he drifted to S«nta Catalina 
Islands, where, in partnership with N. A. Nar- 
bonne,nowdeceased,lieengaged in sheep-raising. 
In 1868 they removed from the island to the 
main-land, a distance of twenty-six miles, and 
kept sheep on the ranch of which he is still 



owner, though now giving his attention more 
particularly to farming. This place consists of 
3,700 acres and is a part of the Palos Verdes 
Ilanch. Mr. Weston has seen much of the 
world, and is a man well informed, having by 
extensive travel and observation obtained a vast 
store of useful and practical information. So- 
cially he is a member, in good standing, in the 
Masonic Fraternity Lodge, No. 198,Wilmiiigton. 



fOHN T. WILSON, Superintendent of the 
Rancho ex-Mission De San Fernando, is a 
native of Pennsylvania, born in Crawford 
County. He came to California when a very 
young man; has been engaged in mining and 
has traveled extensively over this State and 
Colorado. Eight years ago he was appointed 
to his present position, where he employs thirty- 
five men and 100 horses on the ranch which con- 
sists of 16,700 acres of land. Of this, 7,000 
acres are in wheat, 500 in barley, and 170 in 
orange trees. The land embraced in this ranch 
is the most beautiful and fertile valley in the 
State, and the climate is unsurpassed. Pure 
mountain water is abundant, and the whole valley 
is teeming with life and luxuriance. When he 
first came to California Mr. Wilson learned the 
trade of printer in the office of the Express, in 
Los Angeles; but, his health failing in a meas- 
ure, he sought employment that would give 
more out door exercise, and it would be hard to 
find a climate more conducive to health than 
that at the Mission Ranch. 

'^■^■^ 

!^EORGE M. WALKER.— Scattered all 
Hw °^'*^'' California, and especially in Los Ange- 
V^ les County, can be found men, who, having 
passed an active and useful life in some of the 
States east of the Rocky Mountains, and who, 
having accumulated enough of this world's goods 
to be able to spend the remainder of their days 
in retirement, have sought this balmy climate, 



UI8T0RY OP LOS ANOELBS COUNTY. 



and liere, in homes of luxury, surrounded by 
tropical plants and ever-blooming flowers, and 
fanned by the cool breezes from tlie ocean, they 
expect to enjoy that peace and quiet that comes, 
or that should come, after an active business life. 
Along with tliis class of people we mention, in 
brief, the name of George M. Walker, a retired 
manufacturer from Jioston, Massachusetts, who 
came to Long Beach in 1888. This gentleman 
might be said to have been born and reared at 
tlie "hub." He is the son of Joseph Walker, 
who was also a manufacturer. Mr. Walker was 
married in 1876 to Miss Evans, a native of New 
York. In the beautiful and picturesque seaside 
resort of Long Beach they have an elegant resi- 
dence, fronting on the ocean, and overlooking 
the beach, the town of San Pedro and the Cata- 
liiia Islands. 



|T^fT"()T)S()N WILKINSON, a farmer and 
I \ \j\, iVuit grower, residing three miles sonth- 
-"^j?^j west of Downey, was born in St. Charles 
County, Missouri, in 1824. His father, James 
Wilkinson, was of English descent and a native 
of Virginia, and his mother, a native of Ten- 
nessee, was, before her marriage. Temperance 
Knight. His grandfather, William Wilkinson, 
was a soldier in the war of 1812. James Wilkin- 
son moved to St. Charles, Missouri, in 1821, 
and in 1825 lie located in Lincoln County, 
Missouri, where he died November 13, 1855, 
and his wife died there May 1(5, 1881. They 
had nine cliildrcn. The subject of this sketch 
has been twice married. His first wife was 
Margaret Stubblefield, a native of Lincoln 
County, Missouri, and daughter of Thomas 
and Mary (Cannon) Stubblefield. This union 
was blessed with one daughter, Mary T., now 
the wife of Charles Norton. Mrs. Wilkinson 
died November 14, 1855; and Mr. Wilkinson, 
February 17, 1857, was married to Miss Salina 
Thomas, who was born in Pike County, Illinois. 
She was the daughter of Samuel V. and Ik'tscy 
E.Thomas. Of this second union tivechildren 



were born, three boys and two girls: John, 
Charles, William, Elizabeth, wife of Harry Van 
Bunkeliew, and Alice, wife of Reuben Wixom. 
Mrs. Wilkinson died January 30. 1888, after a 
useful and well-spent life, she having been a 
consistent Christian and a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. 



^€@::lil 



fll. WATTS is a gentleman well known in 
both Pasadena and Los Angeles, where 
* for a number of years he was engaged in 
the real-estate and insurance business. He also 
carried on very successfully the livery business 
in Los Angeles. At present he has practically 
retired from the more active vocations in which 
he was previously engaged, and now his time 
and attention are devoted to the management of 
his ranch, three miles northeast of Compton, 
where he has 125 -acres of land and has recently 
erected thereon a new and commodious residence. 
Mr. Watts is a native of Ohio. A number of 
years of his life were spent in Chicago where he 
was engaged in business. His marriage to Miss 
Millie Locke, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was 
celebrated in Pasadena, in 1875, this being the 
first mnrriage in the place; and their eldest 
child, Harvey, was the first child born there. 
The first religious service conducted in Pasa- 
dena was held at the residence of Mr. Watts. 
(However, he was not at home at the time.) 
Mr. and Mrs. Watts are the parents of three 
sons: Harvey, Seymor and Dan. The subject 
of this sketch is a man who has seen a great 
deal of the world and is well informed on all 
current topics. He is an enterprising citizen 
and an enthusiastic Democrat. 



>-^.4 



fB. WALTER, a retired farmer residing 
near Downey, was born in Highland 
* County, Ohio, in 1812. He is a son of 
John and Mary (Bentloy) Walter, natives of Vir- 
ginia, and early pioneers in tiie Buckeye State. 



niSTORT OF LOS ANGELES OOUNTT. 



In 1837 tliey moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, 
where tlie father died about the close of the' 
war. IiilS45 Mr. Walter located in Washington 
County, Iowa; after a short time moved to Van 
IJuren County and still later went to Lee County. 
In 1852 he came overland, with ox teams, to the 
(Toldeii State, leaving his home April 12, and 
landing in San Jose, November 12. Here he 
engaged in farming and was very successful in 
raising wheat for twenty-five years. In 1878 
he moved to Los Angeles County. Since com- 
ing here he has purchased real estate in differ- 
ent parts of the count}', at Long Beach, San 
Diego, and has several farms, all within a mile 
and a half of Downey. Mr. Walter has been 
twice married, first in Iowa, in 1843, to Miss 
Tabitha Shepard, of Ohio, born near Bridgeport. 
They had three children, all of whom, with the 
mother, died in Iowa in 1848. In 1849 Mr. 
Walter was united in marriage with Miss Ann 
Gruewell, of Quincy, Illinois. This union was 
blessed with two daughters: Georgiana, now 
Mrs. liev. II. R. Pratt, of San Diego; and Mary 
M., now Mrs. Henry Stephens, living near 
Downey. The mother of these two daughters 
died in Santa Clara County in 1856. 

— ^€@::»->¥ — 

fF. WOODWARD.— No other business 
institution of a city or town exerts such 
® an influence in creating a reputation, 
good or bad, for the place as its hotels; for 
there is a deal of truth in the i^dage that the way 
to a man's heart is through his stomach. Feed 
and sleep one well during his sojourn with you 
and he will bear away pleasant memories of you. 
Among the many attractions of Los Angeles not 
the least are its hotels, prominent among which 
is the Hoffman House, with its cozy office, its 
broad, easy stairways, bright airy halls, large, 
sunny guest rooms, richly furnished, and its 
spacious dining-room with its well-spread tables. 
The Hoftnian is situated on North Main street, 
and occupies the block bounded by Main and 
New High streets and PostofHce court ami So- 



nora street, thus having the advantage of four 
fronts and four independent stairways, furnish- 
ing ample egress in case of fire, and also sup- 
plying abundance of sunligiit and pure air to all 
parts of the hotel. The first floor is occupied by 
the office, dining-room, kitchen, laundry and 
bar. The second and third stories are devoted 
to guest rooms, of which there are seventy. 
Thirty of these — front rooms — have their own 
private bath-rooms and closets, and each contains 
an open fireplace and mantel. The beds are all 
hair mattresses, manufactured to order expressly 
for the Iloft'man House, and are of excellent 
.quality. Among other modern conveniences of 
a first-class hotel, the IIoff"man is furnished 
throughout with electric call bells. The furni- 
ture of the house is mahogany, antique oak and 
cherry; and the carpets in the front rooms are 
moquet and velvet, and in the other rooms body 
brussels. The Hoftnian has the largest and 
most sunny rooms, the purest air, and is replete 
everywhere with the elements of home comfort. 
The proprietor of the Hoffman House, J. F. 
Woodward, may be said to be a " born" hotel 
man, for he was born and reared in his father's 
hotel in Bath, Steuben County, New York, and 
has spent nearly all his life in a hotel either as 
employe or proprietor. He stood behind the 
counters as clerk of leading hotels in Chicago, 
Indianapolis, and other Eastern cities twelve 
years, and served two years at the carving-table 
under one of the principal caterers in the city 
first named. P'or a number of years before 
coming to the Pacific Coast he successfully con- 
ducted a hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1880 
he took charge of the Mojave House, a railroad 
hotel, in the town of the same name, which 
became very popular under his management, 
feeding several hundred a day at times. Since 
coming to Los Angeles Mr. Woodward was 
lessee and proprietor of the new United States 
Hotel, in whicii he made the handsome sum of 
$20,000 in seven months, during the late real- 
estate boom. He has won a wide and enviable 
reputation as a gentlemanly host and a liberal 
caterer. In May, 188'J, he leased the Vance 



BISTORT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



House, the leading hotel in Eureka, Hninboldt 
County, California, of which he is also proprie- 
tor, and which is conducted under his direction. 
Mr. Woodward was forty years of age in June 
last. He was married about fourteen years ago. 

^' • =• •^"♦"''-t'"^ ■ "^ 

l^OMAYNE WILLIAMS, one of the most 
1l^ prominent business men of Pasadena, was 
^^ born in Greene County, New York, No- 
vember 25, 1847. He followed agricultural 
pursuits until seventeen years of age; went to 
Coxsackie, that State, where he was engaged two 
years in the employ of E. V. Beatty, dry-goods 
merchant; then, in 1867, to Troy, same State, 
where he was employed two years in the 
large dry goods establishment of Haverly & 
Frear; next, for four years, he was engaged 
in wholesale millinery for C. H. Eising; then 
live years for (t. V. S. Quackenbush & Co., 
dry-goods merchants; and finally, in 1877, he 
emigrated to the Golden State, arriving in Pasa- 
dena with but a few dollars in purse. Here his 
first task was to take charge of the property of 
Hodgktns & Wood for a year, at |20 a month. 
During this time he bought of A. M. Boughton 
five acres of land on Fair Oaks avenue, paying 
therefor $200 down, and giving mortgage for 
the balance due. At the close of his engage- 
ment with Hodgkins it Wood, he was enabled, 
with the assistance of his wife, to pay the whole 
debt. Next, for a year, he was a salesman in 
the grocery of Sherman Washburn, whom he 
then bought out, and coi tinned the business 
under the firm name of R. Williams & Co. This 
stand he sold out July 1, 1885, to W. O. Swan, 
Jr. In the meantime he had erected a building 
on the northeast corner of Fair Oaks avenue and 
Colorado street. Since that time he has specu- 
lated considerably in real estate, and has by eco- 
nomical management amassed a fortune. He 
built the first substantial business block in 
Pasadena, which no doubt determined the pres- 
ent location of the business portion of the city. 
He has worked hard for the interests of the 



place, and thinks it has a brilliant future. He 
is a director in the San Gabriel Valley Bank; 
vice-president and director of the Fair Oaks 
Street Railway; stockholder in the Pasadena 
Manufacturing Company, one of the largest 
bnsiness firms in the city; was one of the cor- 
porators of the Pasadena Gas and Electric Light 
Company, and is now its treasurer; and was one of 
the promoters of the cable railroad to Wilson's 
Peak, the objective point for the new observa- 
tory now in contemplation. In company with 
C. S. Martin, he owns the site of Wilson's Peak, 
and they have tendered to the University of 
Southern California a tract of land for the obser- 
vatory. Mr. Williams married Miss Ella Mor- 
rison, of Troy, New York. They have one son. 



fB. WEIMER, carpenter and builder, 49 
West Fifth street, Los Angeles, was born 
** in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, April 
20, 1855, and is the third son of six children of 
Jeremiah and Elizabeth Weinier. He attended 
school in his native State and learned the trade 
of carpenter and joiner. In 1875 he went to 
Nebraska and lived there several years; then 
went to Kansas, where he spent two years; came 
to Los Angeles in 1882, and began working at 
his trade for a time, and afterward engaged in 
building. By his industry and close attention 
to the interests of his bnsiness he has secured a 
good custom trade. 

'^■^■^ 

f HERMAN WASHBURN, Pasadena, is a 
native of New York, having been born in 
Steuben County. His early life was spent 
on a farm. At the age of twenty one years he 
moved to Rockford, Illinois, where, for five 
years, he was connected with the J. H. Manney 
Manufacturing Company. From Rockford he 
went to Marshalltown, Iowa, and was there en- 
gaged in the grocery business for about ten 
years. In 1860 he moved to Carson, Nevada, 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELBS COUNTY. 



and, after remaining there two years, came to 
California in the fall of 1873, locating in Pasa- 
dena. He piirciiased fifteen acres in the Berry 
and Elliott tract, where he built a home and en- 
gaged in the grocery business for a time. He 
next entered into the real-estate business in 
companj' with Charles Watts, and later he was 
interested in building the San Gabriel Railroad, 
i)f which he was treasurer. At the present 
writing he is director of the San Gabriel Valley 
Bank. Mr. Washburn is one of those energetic 
and enterprising men whose influence is always 
directed in the channel Avhich tends to develop 
the resources of the country in which he resides, 
not only for his own benefit, but for the general 
good of the community. 

fACOB WEIL, 116 Pico street, Los Angeles, 
was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 24, 
1828. He emigrated to the United States 
in 1846, landed at Xew Orleans and went direct 
to Louisville, Kentucky. After remaining there 
some time, he went over into Indiana and spent 
several years in New Alban}' and Salem. He 
next went to Louisiana, and from there came to 
California by way of the Isthmus, reaching San 
Francisco in 1853. The following year he came 
to Los Angeles on the old steamer Sea Bird, 
and started a small store at El Monte, a few 
miles east of Los Angeles. He soon extended 
ills trade and successfully carried on the business 
there over twenty years, until 1877, when he 
went to Kern County and engaged in mercan- 
tile business at Bakerstield for several years. 
He then returned, his family residing here; and 
since that time has not been engaged in active 
business, but gives his attentioTi to improving 
his property. In 1888 lie built his large block 
on Main street. He purchased the lot in 1867 
for S2.500 and refused 890,000 for it before the 
building was erected. He also owns other prop- 
erty. Mr. Weil is the architect of his own 
fortune, for when he began life he iiad no capi- 
tal, and his success is due to his own efforts. In 



April, 1859, Mr. Weil married Miss Gette Hell- 
man, a native of Bavaria, and a sister of I. M. 
and Samuel Hellman, of this city. Mr. and 
Mrs. Weil have seven children: Amelia, Na- 
than (who is engaged in mercantile business on 
Main street, under the firm name of Rodriguez. 
& Weil, 407-409 North Main street, Los An- 
geles, Calitbrniaj, Alice, Morris, Clara, Adelle 
and Arme. 



^ENRY WEBER, of the firm of Winter <fe 
^S\ Weber, proprietors of the Los Angeles 
'^l Cracker Factory, at the corner of Aliso 
street and Aliso road, is a native of Germany, 
and was born July 12, 1855. He grew up, at- 
tended school and served an apprenticeship at 
his trade in his native country. In 1871 he 
emigrated to the United States, and after three 
years' work at his trade in New York, he came 
to California; was employed at his trade in San 
Francisco, remaining there nine years, in the 
leading bakeries of the city. In 1883 he came 
to Los Angeles and became associated with L. 
Winter, his present partner, establishing the 
Los Angeles Cracker Company. 'They have 
had a large practical experience, understand 
every detail of the business, and give their per- 
sonal attention in directing and maintaining the 
highest standard of excellence in the preparation 
and manufacture of their goods. In 1877 Mr. 
Weber married Miss Fredrika Boeliringer, a 
native of Germany. They have three children: 
Harry, Lulu and Flora. 



fAMES AV. WARREN, Superintendent of 
the Electric ].,ight Works, Los Angeles, was 
born in Sacramento, this State, July 30, 
1850. His father, who had come to California 
in 1849, raised a company of volunteers on the 
breaking out of the great Rebellion, was com- 
missioned Captain and killed during the action 
in Shenandoah N'aJlov. Tlie son attended the 



HISTORY OF LOS ANQELES COUNTY. 



public schools of San Francisco, also the Lincoln 
Grammar School, and pursued his college course 
^t McClure Academy, taking a practical course 
.in civil engineering. For two years he was 
then connected with the engineering depart- 
ment of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company; 
next he was the chief engineer of the Brush 
Electric Light Company, of San Francisco, and 
imeanwhile made a special study of electricity. 
His next position was that of constructing en- 
-gineer for the company, in which capacity he 
constructed the plants at Portland, Oregon, and 
•Oakland, California. Li 1882 lie came to this 
■<'ity to build the works for the Los Angeles 
Electric Light Company, in which he was sig- 
nally successful, and since that time he has held 
liis present position, as noted. In 1884 he was 
united in marriage with Miss Laura Bennett, of 
New York, and they have one son, Edward 
Garfield. 

fG. WESTON.- -Of all whose names ap- 
pear in this work, none are more worthy 
" a place than is the name of II. G. Wes- 
ton. He is what might be termed one of the 
old settlers, having been a resident of the State 
for thirty-five years, and of the county twelve 
years. He is a native of the '-far East," was 
l)orn in Kennebec County, Maine, in 1832, and 
is a son of Cyrus and Lefie (Wing) Weston, 
liotli were born in Maine, and in their native 
8tate they lived and died, having reared a fam- 
ily of eight children. The subject of this sketch 
left his father's home in 1855, and came by 
steamer route to California. In 1859 Mr. AVe.-- 
lon returned to his home in the East, and while 
there was married to Miss Octavia Austin, who 
is also a native of Maine. In three months 
after their marriage they set out via steamer 
route for California, February 2, 1860, and 
twenty-three days later they landed in San Fran- 
cisco. Mr. Weston was interested in mining 
for some years in the northern part of the State 
f.ir twenty-two yuars he 



carried on the butcher business in Sierra County. 
When he came to Los Angeles County he pur- 
chased 100 acres of fine land near the city of 
Compton, and eight miles from Los Angeles. 
Here he lias established a comfortable home, 
and here he expects to spend the evening of 
life, as he has practically retired froih active 
business. He owns valuable city property both 
in Los Angeles and in Compton. He served 
the people of this county as deputy assessor for 
two years. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Weston 
is made pleasant and happy by the presence of 
their two amiable and accomplished daughters, 
Misses Lizzie and IS' el lie. 



fK. WOODWARD, a farmer and stock- 
raiser residing five miles west of Comp- 
® ton, is a pioneer of 1868. He first 
located near Downey, where for ten years he 
farmed and worked at the carpenter's trade. In 
1888 he purchased forty-six acres wjiere he now 
lives, on the Mesa. On this tract he has erected 
a very neat and comfortable residence, and his 
land is all under a high state of cultivation. 
Mr. Woodward is a native of Franklin County. 
Tennessee, was born in 1837, and is the son of 
J. I), and Nancy (Kitchens) Woodward, the for- 
mer a native of Tennessee, .and the latter of 
North Carolina, and they were of English and 
Scotch origin respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Wood- 
ward removed to Texas in 1856, where the old 



gentleman is yet engage 



in farmina;, at the ad- 



and 



Nevad 



vanced age of eighty years. His wife died in 
1886. They had reared a family of eight chil- 
dren, S. K. Woodward being the next to the 
youngest. The subject of this sketch was mar- 
ried in 1871, to Miss Eliza Dunn, who was born 
in Georgia, and is the daughter of J. A. ami 
Mary B. Dunn. They have six children living: 
Eobert, William, Carrie, Henry, Samuel and 
Thomas. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Church, South, being con- 
nected with the church at Downey, in which 
Mr. Dunn has held various offices. Socially he 



HTSTORY OF LOS ANOELES COUNTY. 



is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is 
an A. O. U. W. At ditterent times lie has held 
district and school offices. Politically Mr. Dunn 
is affiliated with the Democratic party. 



fYRUS WIJ.LARD. brick and stone con- 
tractor, 37 West Pico street. Los Angeles, 
was born in New Sharon, Maine, June 17, 
1830. He attended school there and served an 
appreivticeship to his trade in Boston. At that 
timethegoldexcitement of California wasspread- 
iiig^over tlie country, and he decided to come to 
the Pacific Coast; came by water, and landed in 
San Francisco June 17, 1850. He engaged in 
minmg for a time, and then went to Humboldt 
l>ay and was interested in the lumber business 
there. In 1861 he returned to San Francisco 
and engaged in building, being employed on 
Government work. He was foreman in the 



liglit-house department, and also in the en- 
gineer's and quartermaster's departments, for 
twelve or fifteen years. In 1876 he came to 
Los Angeles and engaged in contracting and 
building, and since then, for the past thirteen 
years, has been actively identified with building 
interests in this city. He and Mr. Collins are 
the oldest contractors in Los Angeles. One of 
the first heavy buildings erected by him was 
the old Odd Fellows' Hall. He also built the 
"Nadeau" for the San Francisco estate, the 
Central Block and two blocks on Court street, 
Los Angeles Gas Works, the Low Gas Com- 
pany's Works, Childs' Safe Deposit Building, 
the Lechtenberger Block, Shoemaker Block, and 
many others. He was elected and served as a 
meml)er of the city council of Los Angeles. 
Mr. Willard is a commissioned officer in the 
State National Guards, being signal officer with 
the rank of Major, and a member of the brigade 
staff. Major Willard is unmarried. His home 



IS p 



esided over bv his sister. 




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